How Drone Technology is Revolutionizing Chestnut Orchards
March 17, 2026
I’ll be the first to admit that when I see a drone, my mind usually goes to photography or high-tech toys, not drone technology in chestnut orchards. But after spending time with Caleb Canter from AeroAg, I’ve realized that for the modern chestnut grower, these machines are becoming as essential as a good pair of pruning shears—just much, much faster.
In this episode, Caleb and I pull back the curtain on how aerial technology is moving from “experimental” to “essential.” We talk about the sheer physical relief of not having to haul heavy equipment over steep, uneven terrain and how a drone can “fog” a tree canopy with a precision that ground equipment just can’t match.
Whether you’re curious about the ROI of owning your own unit or you’re looking to hire a service to help manage your seasonal workload, Caleb’s insights into the autonomous future of farming are incredibly grounding.
In this episode, we explore:
● The Shift to Industrial Power: How advancements in lithium-ion technology turned drones into true heavy-lift workhorses for the farm.
● Precision and Protection: Why the “downwash” from drone rotors creates a superior spray pattern for dense tree canopies.
● Safety on the Slopes: Using LIDAR and terrain-following sensors to navigate steep chestnut orchards without the risks of traditional machinery.
● The Multi-Tool of the Sky: From spreading cover crops and fertilizer to the future of “flying baskets” for harvest transport.
● Getting Started: A practical look at FAA licensing, the cost of entry, and when it makes sense to hire a professional service like AeroAg.
Notable Moments
[00:15:20] – Caleb explains the difference between “spraying” and “fogging” and why it matters for leaf coverage.
[00:24:45] – A look at the LIDAR technology that allows drones to “see” and avoid obstacles in real-time.
[00:34:20] – “We have sold one drone to a chestnut grower, up over in eastern Kentucky, actually.” — Caleb on the growing adoption of tech in our community.
Grow With Us
Technology can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an invitation to grow more efficiently and sustainably. If you enjoyed this dive into the future of farming, we would love for you to subscribe to the podcast and join our community of growers.