They may seem like toys, but drones may be the answer to keeping young people on the farm, said a university drone researcher at the Canadian Agricultural Drone Association conference in Camrose, Alta.

“The drones, especially these agriculture drones, provide a very rare opportunity for young folks,” said Steve Li, a professor and drone researcher with Auburn University in Alabama.

“I see that happening all over the place. It gives young folks a chance to be entrepreneurial and fight back against this social trend of leaving the farm. This is something that is very rare and valuable,” said Li at the conference, where most of the 190 registrants were young.

While rules around spraying chemicals from drones differ between Canada and the United States, Li said that when Canadian regulations change to allow drone herbicide spraying, it will give young people a way to start an agricultural business without a large cash outlay.

“Some kids even finishing high school can start their own business with less than $150,000, be legal and have a quick ROI. Most young operators I know were able to pay off the debt and the equipment and start to make money after one season.”

Brothers Todd, 22, and Brayden, 26, Fraser of Churchbridge, Sask., came to the first annual conference to learn about quickly changing drone technology and how they can use it on their farm and for a business venture.