Limoneira Company

Steve Calvo

Turning Field Data into Better Decisions

Drones and precision tools are giving farm managers better information to make decisions. Instead of only relying on what we see from the ground, we can use aerial imagery and other data to understand what is happening across an entire ranch or field.

For example, aerial mapping can give you a bird’s-eye view of the operation and show differences in tree health, canopy size and other conditions. This allows you to identify areas that may need more attention and go directly to those areas instead of spending time searching the entire ranch.

I think the biggest change is that technology can help us become more proactive instead of being reactive. With better information, we can identify potential problems earlier, focus our attention on where it is needed and sometimes get one or two steps ahead instead of waiting for a problem to become obvious. Technology does not replace the experience of the grower or farm manager. It gives us better information so we can use that experience to make better decisions.

Using Precision Technology to Improve Resource Efficiency

The greatest value I see is in helping us use limited resources with more precision and better timing. In farming, every decision must account for water, labor, time, equipment availability and input costs. Precision technology gives us a better way to understand where resources are needed most and where they may not be needed at all.

Spray drones are a good example of that value. If we have the equipment available when conditions are right, we can respond faster instead of waiting on a third-party aircraft or working around someone else’s schedule. That flexibility can make applications more-timely, improve coverage in certain situations and help reduce the cost of some treatments.

That can also change the economics of certain practices. A treatment that may not have made financial sense at a higher application cost may become more practical when the cost is lower and the timing is more flexible. In avocado production, for example, sun protection applications could become a more realistic option when we have another tool available to apply them efficiently.

To me, the goal is not to use technology just because it is available. The value comes when it helps us make better decisions, reduce waste, improve timing and put our resources where they will have the greatest impact. Ultimately, the success of a technology should be measured by the result it delivers in the field, not simply by what the technology is capable of doing. To me, that is an important part of evaluating any new technology in agriculture.

Making Drones Work Within Established Farm Operations

One of the biggest challenges is understanding that buying a drone is only one part of the process. You also need trained people, proper procedures, maintenance, batteries, charging equipment, regulatory compliance and a good plan for how the technology will fit into the existing operation.

There is also a learning curve. What works on paper does not always work the same way in the field. Farm managers need to be willing to test, measure the results and adjust.

Another important consideration is that drones should complement existing farming practices rather than simply replace them. Before introducing the technology, I think it is important to clearly define the problem you are trying to solve and then determine if a drone is the right tool.

Connecting Technology with the Future of Agriculture

I believe precision agriculture will become much more practical and common across different sizes of farming operations. As technology becomes easier to use and more affordable, more growers will have access to tools that were previously limited to larger operations.

I also expect different technologies to become more connected. Mapping, drones, farm equipment, weather information and other data can work together to give growers a more complete picture of what is happening in their fields.

We are also starting to see opportunities beyond traditional crop protection. The use of drones to release beneficial insects is one area with a lot of potential to reduce labor and improve efficiency.

I also think technology can play an important role in attracting the next generation to agriculture. Farming is facing a generational transition and we need to find ways to make agriculture more attractive and competitive for younger professionals. Technology can bring a different perspective to farming and create opportunities for people interested in data, automation, aviation, engineering and other fields to see themselves as part of agriculture.

At the same time, I don’t think technology will replace the knowledge and experience of growers. Agriculture is still a very hands-on business and every field and crop is different. The future will be about combining the experience that has been passed down through generations with better information and better tools.

Building Careers at the Intersection of Agriculture and Technology

My biggest advice is to learn the technology, but don’t forget to learn about agriculture first. Understanding how crops grow, how farm operations work and what growers deal with every day is extremely important.

I would also encourage people to spend time in the field. Technology changes very quickly, so being willing to learn and adapt is important. You don’t need to know everything on day one. Start with a problem, learn how technology can help solve it, test it and learn from the results.

Most importantly, stay curious. Some of the best opportunities in agriculture are going to come from people who understand both the technology and the farming operation. Being able to connect those two worlds can make a real difference.