Hankinson Farmer Launches Agri Spray Drone Solutions
Joe Mauch plans to offer drone sales, training, and custom agricultural applications starting in 2027.
Hankinson farmer Joe Mauch is preparing to launch Agri Spray Drone Solutions in 2027. The venture will provide agricultural drone sales, training, service, and custom applications.
Mauch, who farms around 6,000 acres with his brother, Andrew Mauch, and son, Carter Mauch, between Hankinson and Mooreton, was motivated by a farming challenge to explore drone technology. The family grows edible beans, soybeans, sugar beets, and corn and faced difficulties while spraying beans with tractors.
They saw potential in using drones for tasks like applying fungicide to corn and spreading cover crops before harvesting beans. Initially, Mauch intended to buy a drone for their farm operation but, as he delved into the technology and discussed with dealers, he recognized a chance to serve other farmers as well.
“They really don’t have any dealers up in our area,” Mauch noted.
This led to the creation of Agri Spray Drone Solutions, which will:
- Sell drones
- Provide custom spraying services
- Assist farmers in learning to use the technology
The family has already purchased two DJI Agras T100 drones but had to delay commercial spraying due to licensing and approval delays. They expect to begin operations in 2027. Each drone can carry up to 25 gallons and cover approximately 50 to 60 acres per hour, depending on various factors. The business is developing a trailer-based setup to streamline refilling and battery changes between flights.