Drones help farmers understand stand establishment

COLFAX, N.D. — Drone technology offers a fast, reliable way to assess crop stands — one of the most important factors influencing yield potential, according to Pioneer District Sales Manager Jesse Moch.

“Knowing your final stand numbers can help guide in-season decisions, such as how many bushels to market or whether to apply more fertilizer,” Moch said. “These decisions are much more accurate when you understand your stand establishment.”

Corteva Agriscience and Pioneer operate one of the largest drone fleets in agriculture.

Pioneer uses DroneDeploy stand count software, a tool to generate accurate stand counts in corn.

For soybeans, the technology can identify stand gaps across the field, helping assess planter performance, guide in-season decisions and determine whether replanting is needed.

Early detection can guide decision-making when it comes to insecticide or fungicide usage.

Seed corn maggot, wireworm, white grub and black cutworm are common early-season corn pests. In soybeans, bean leaf beetle may be a concern.

If corn plants appear stunted or wilted, it may be from root pruning caused by insect feeding.

These symptoms often appear in patches, with affected plants located just inches from healthy ones. This “hot spot” distribution can help differentiate insect damage from other issues such as herbicide injury, phosphorus deficiency or soil compaction.

To confirm insect injury, farmers should dig up symptomatic plants and examine the roots and surrounding soil for signs of damage and insect presence.

In addition to pest scouting, Pioneer Field Agronomist Jonathan Rotz recommends evaluating crops for emergence uniformity and spacing.

Using a flat-bottom spade, gently dig four to six inches from a plant and pry back the soil to inspect the seed furrow. This technique works best in slightly damp to wet soils.

Even in dry conditions, careful hand digging can help expose the seed zone. This practice is valuable for both corn and soybeans and provides insight into planter performance and early stand development.

“You can check seed depth, root development, skips and any emergence issues,” Rotz said.