Flying Drones on a Farm or Ranch

Drones can be a valuable tool on farms and ranches, supporting activities like monitoring crops, fences, livestock, and land conditions. Because agricultural operations are considered businesses, most drone flights fall under FAA Part 107 rules, requiring proper certification, registration, and compliance with safety requirements. Learn more using resources from the Farm and Ranch Drone Risk Management Program.

Before you fly

Agricultural operations are considered businesses, meaning most drone flights fall under FAA Part 107 rules, requiring proper certification, registration, and compliance with safety requirements. It is the responsibility of the person flying the drone to understand and stay up to date with FAA regulations, which can change over time and apply differently depending on how and where a drone is used.

Read our resources on steps to take before buying a drone and the required certifications and trainings to complete before flying.

Flying on a farm or ranch

Drones can be useful tools on farms and ranches. Below are a few common questions about uses and if they are allowed under current FAA regulations.

  • Flying on Arizona state or federal permitted lands with a grazing or agricultural permit: Check with the administrator of your lease or agreement to ensure you are allowed to fly over your permitted areas.
  • Flying over tribal lands: Tribal lands have different requirements so check with each location to determine if drone flights are allowed and if aerial photography is allowed.
  • Checking cows, fences or crops: You will need to be certified as a Commercial Pilot to meet the FAA Part 107 requirements since farms and ranches are considered businesses.  
  • Chasing predators away from livestock: Chasing wildlife with a drone is not allowed.  According to Arizona Admin. Code § R12-4-320 - Harassment of Wildlife, drones may not be used to “harass, molest, chase, rally, concentrate, herd, intercept, torment, or drive wildlife with or from any aircraft, including drones, as defined under R12-4-301, or with or from any motorized terrestrial or aquatic vehicle.”
  • Someone else wants to fly a drone over my property: Make sure they have your written permission to fly the drone over your property.  If they are flying over your property for a project or to assist you in your agriculture operations (such as chemical applications, soil surveys or land evaluations) ensure they have the correct Commercial Pilot Certifications with appropriate waivers, they are registered with the FAA, the drone(s) in use are registered, and they have insurance to cover any accidents or crashes that may happen on your property.
  • Insurance for protecting property from damage: There are insurance policies that can cover property damage, liability and damage to the drone itself.  When shopping for drone insurance, be sure to do research and find a policy that meets all your needs.
  • Requirements if you crash a drone: Law enforcement should be notified if private property or injury is impacted. The FAA requires notifications within 10 days (at an FAA Office) if the crash causes loss of consciousness, serious injury, or over $500 in property damage (not including the drone).