The Future of Farming in New York
We're a family-owned business of local experts and neighbors who understand your needs and we're here to help you succeed.
Precision drone technology delivers higher yields and lower costs, while preserving the land you've worked for generations.
Contact Us
Services
Flexible scheduling & fast drone mobilization for Modern, Responsible Farming
Agricultural
Spraying
- Precise pesticide management
- Targeted treatment capabilities
- Invasive species detection & prevention
Field
Seeding
- Even distribution
- Access to difficult terrain
- Frost & cover crop seeding
Scouting &
Surveying
- Early problem detection
- Detailed field assessment
- 3D terrain mapping & volumetric analysis
Thermal
Imaging
COMING SOON
- Advanced crop health monitoring
- Early issue detection
- Irrigation optimization
Meet the Team
A Canandaigua Family Focused on Your Success
We're your neighbors in Canandaigua, bringing modern drone technology to our fellow farmers in a way that makes sense for your operation. As a family-run business, we understand the importance of trust and reliability in our community.
We are dedicated to introducing new technologies that will assist farmers, crop specialists, and even local governments with the data they need to increase their yields while also keeping their crops, communities, and lakes healthy.
Christian Smith
Owner & Operator
Christian is a Mechanical Engineer who was born and raised in Trumansburg, NY. With 15 years' experience in the manufacturing sector, he has spent the last 5 years helping to design and build dairy processing systems. Christian's experience with automation and his passion for the outdoors led him to pursue his dream of bringing this technology to our region. He holds his Category 11 license from the DEC as well as both his Part 107 and Part 137 licenses from the FAA.
Don Burkard
Co-Owner
Don's career in agriculture spans more than 50 years.
After graduating from Alfred in 1977, he worked
as a herdsman before owning and managing his own dairy for a number of years. This experience led him to
start his own ruminant nutrition & consulting business in 1994, Vine Valley Nutrition.
Today, Don
feeds many cows on some of the most progressive dairies in Western NY. Because of his extensive experience
in the industry, he is an active participant in many facets of running a successful dairy. Of particular
importance to him is that he is actively involved in all aspects in the production of high quality
forages.
In addition to his nutrition & consulting business, Don also owns Black Forge Angus. He
owns/manages a herd of 70 grass fed beef cows for which he farms 200 acres of high quality
forages.
Much of Don's success is based on his efforts to stay at the cutting edge in a rapidly
changing agricultural environment. It has become clear to him that drone technology has the capacity to
change the face of farming moving forward.
Hana Smith
Owner & Operator
Hana was born and raised in Canandaigua, NY. Following a short career as a Habilitation Specialist with the NYS DDSO, Hana has spent the last 10 years raising her family as well as volunteering, and sitting on multiple boards within the community. Christian and Hana currently reside in Canandaigua with their five children.
Jay Franklin
Pesticide Application Specialist
Jay Franklin is a NYS DEC certified pesticide applicator with 12 years of experience in his field. Jay is the owner and operator of Sublime Pest Pros which was voted Best of the Finger Lakes, and FLX Finest in 2024. Jay assists Christian during aerial drone application of pesticides.
Why Drones?
Smart Farming for Better Results
Precision and Control
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Targeted application exactly where needed
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Reduce overall pesticide use through precise control
Using drones enables precise control over treatment application, significantly reducing pesticide use while improving effectiveness. This targeted approach means better results for your crops and less impact on the environment. By applying exactly what's needed where it's needed, we're helping farmers transition to more sustainable agricultural practices through improved pesticide management.
Superior Coverage
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Complete coverage through drone application
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Reach areas traditional equipment can't access
Our agricultural drones provide thorough coverage by creating downward airflow that moves the plant canopy, ensuring treatment reaches both upper and lower leaf surfaces.
This precise application means better results with less waste, supporting both your bottom line and environmental stewardship.
Flexible Operations
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Quick mobilization for time-sensitive applications
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Spray even in challenging conditions
When your crops need attention, timing is everything. Our drone systems allow for rapid deployment and application even when fields are too wet for traditional equipment.
This flexibility means you can maintain optimal treatment timing without compromising soil health through compaction.
Cost Effective
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Competitive pricing with superior results
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Reduced chemical waste through precise control
Our services are priced competitively with traditional methods, but the real value comes from what you're getting: zero crop damage, better coverage, and the ability to treat exactly when and where needed. Our precise drone application reduces chemical waste while improving effectiveness.
Environmental Stewardship
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Reduced pesticide use through precise application
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Zero soil compaction
Our drone approach supports sustainable farming practices through reduced pesticide use, zero soil compaction, and precise control over application.
By minimizing environmental impact while maximizing effectiveness, we're helping move regional agriculture toward a more sustainable future.
Process
We Handle Everything.
Fully Licensed & Compliant Operations
Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
All permits and certifications maintained by our team
You focus on what you do best - farming. We'll handle the drone operations with precision and care.
Our team maintains all necessary certifications, insurance requirements, and licenses. We stay up-to-date with changing regulations and requirements so you don't have to worry about compliance or liability issues.
Sample Runs
Curious about how drones could help your farm?
Let's start small - we'll show you exactly how it works right on your land.
How it Works
Simple 3-Step Process
Contact us
Tell us about your agricultural needs
We Plan
We create a custom application plan
We Deliver
Experience precision agricultural services
Benefits
How drones can help your farm thrive
No crop damage from driving over fields
Not limited by field conditions due to air deployment
Superior coverage with pinpoint precision
Reduced pesticide usage with targeted application
Cost Comparison
Fungicide Application during R1 growth stage
| Cost Categories |
Drone
|
Farmer Sprays | Conventional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Cost | $15/Acre | N/A | $14/Acre |
| Labor Hours * | N/A | 8 hours | N/A |
| Labor Cost * | N/A | $.76/Acre | N/A |
| Fuel Cost ** | N/A | $.46/Acre | N/A |
| Corn Loss (3%) *** | $0/Acre | $28.26/Acre | $28.26/Acre |
| Total Cost | $15/Acre | $29.48/Acre | $42.26/Acre |
| Savings Summary | Savings of $2,896 if farmer does or $5,452 if paying a conventional spraying service per application | -$14.48/Acre | -$27.26/Acre |
Assumptions: Estimates based on 200 Acre Farm, 200 Bushels/Acre, Corn cost of $4.71/Bushel
*Farm Labor Cost based on Boom Sprayer capable of 50 acres/hour, with multiple setups and breaks a 200 Acre Farm will be done in 8 hours, Spraying done by $19/hour Farm Hand
**Boom Sprayer fuel consumption of 7 Acres/gallon, $3.25/Gallon of Diesel
***Corn Loss of ~3% expected for drive over applications, number can range higher for smaller fields
Fungicide Application during R3 growth stage
| Cost Categories |
Drone
|
Farmer Sprays | Conventional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Cost | $15/Acre | N/A | $14/Acre |
| Labor Hours * | N/A | 8 hours | N/A |
| Labor Cost * | N/A | $.76/Acre | N/A |
| Fuel Cost ** | N/A | $.46/Acre | N/A |
| Soybean Loss (3%) *** | $0/Acre | $19.35/Acre | $19.35/Acre |
| Total Cost | $15/Acre | $20.57/Acre | $33.35/Acre |
| Savings Summary | Savings of $1,114 if farmer does or $3,670 if paying a conventional spraying service per application | -$5.57/Acre | -$18.35/Acre |
Assumptions: Estimates based on 200 Acre Farm, 60 Bushels/Acre, Soybean cost of $10.75/Bushel
*Farm Labor Cost based on Boom Sprayer capable of 50 acres/hour, with multiple setups and breaks a 200 Acre Farm will be done in 8 hours, Spraying done by $19/hour Farm Hand
**Boom Sprayer fuel consumption of 7 Acres/gallon, $3.25/Gallon of Diesel
***Soybean Loss of ~3% expected for drive over applications, number can range higher for smaller fields
Fungicide Application during Flowering
| Cost Categories |
Drone
|
Farmer Sprays | Conventional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Cost | $15/Acre | N/A | $14/Acre |
| Labor Hours * | N/A | 8 hours | N/A |
| Labor Cost * | N/A | $.76/Acre | N/A |
| Fuel Cost ** | N/A | $.46/Acre | N/A |
| Wheat Loss (3%) *** | $0/Acre | $13.77/Acre | $13.77/Acre |
| Total Cost | $15/Acre | $15/Acre | $27.77/Acre |
| Savings Summary | Savings of $2,554 over conventional spraying service per application | Break Even | -$12.77/Acre |
Assumptions: Estimates based on 200 Acre Farm, 70 Bushels/Acre, Wheat cost of $6.56/Bushel
*Farm Labor Cost based on Boom Sprayer capable of 50 acres/hour, with multiple setups and breaks a 200 Acre Farm will be done in 8 hours, Spraying done by $19/hour Farm Hand
**Boom Sprayer fuel consumption of 7 Acres/gallon, $3.25/Gallon of Diesel
***Wheat Loss of ~3% expected for drive over applications, number can range higher for smaller fields
Service Area
We proudly serve all of New York State, with the exception of the NYC metro area. As a family-based operation in Canandaigua, we're committed to helping farms across the state succeed. Contact us to learn more about what we can do for your farm.
Not sure if we cover your area?
Contact us to check availability in your specific location.
Contact
Have questions? Let's chat! We're always happy to talk farming and share how we might be able to help.
Call us
(585) 727-6885Send mail
info@flythefarmdrones.comSend a message
Drop us a note, and we'll get back to you right away.