Airborne solutions: Kiwi know-how elevates drone spraying

Born on the land and raised in the skies, Bayden Neustroski and Scotty Horgan are bringing a fresh perspective to New Zealand’s aerial application. With more than 14 years of helicopter spraying experience behind them, the pair recognised a new chapter was unfolding in the sector.

The Airborne Solutions team at Fieldays - Monique, Bayden, Jamie & Scotty.

In 2020, they saw what they’d been waiting for - a truly commercial-grade agricultural drone that could perform to the standard New Zealand farmers demand.

“We were watching the drone space for a while,” says Scotty. “There was a lot of hype, but it never quite delivered. Then we saw what XAG was doing and we thought: right, now it’s ready”.

The first drone they imported - the XAG P100 PRO – has proven itself a solid performer across the country’s vineyards, orchards and rolling paddocks. But the recent arrival of the new XAG P150 takes things up a gear.

With a 70kg lift capacity, 115L spreading tank and up to 30L/min spraying rate the P150 is built for serious work. Coverage of up to 20 hectares per hour and an RTK - guided app - based interface, means it’s capable, precise and surprisingly simple to operate.

“It’s the closest thing we’ve seen to a true contractor’s drone,” says Bayden. “The speed and spread rate make it competitive with ground rigs, but without the compaction and with way better access.”

Still, for all its capabilities, the pair are quick to remind customers that the drone itself is just part of the puzzle.

“We’ll give you the gear that suits your setup,” says Scotty. “But more importantly, we’ll show you how to get the best out of it.”

Airborne Solutions is now one of the few operators in the country both selling and using spray drones in the field. This hands - on approach sets them apart - Bayden and Scotty understand the challenges their customers face because they’ve faced them themselves.

That real - world knowledge underpins every sale, service and job they deliver and is winning over clients across the country. Viticulturist Daniel from Hawke’s Bay says the communication and flexibility from Airborne Solutions has been first - class.

“Highly recommend Scotty and the team to anyone looking at drones as an avenue for fert or pesticide applications,” he says.

Mitch Neal of Aerofarm echoes the sentiment, praising their product knowledge and after - sales support.

“They were there to answer every question and offer guidance the whole way through.”

With bases in Hawke’s Bay and Wanaka, Airborne Solutions services clients across the country, many of them contractors themselves often looking to add an aerial application to their offering.

“We’ve got a few customers now who started off with a single drone and are running a proper business with it,” says Bayden. “It’s cool to be part of that. We don’t just hand them a box and walk away. We help them get set up, get their Part 102 [certification] if needed and stay in touch.”

Drones aren’t a silver bullet and neither Scotty nor Bayden would pretend otherwise. But they are a tool, a bloody good one and when they’re backed by practical advice, local knowledge and genuine support, they start to make a real dent in how we farm.

As Bayden puts it: “We’re not here to sell you a dream. We’re here to help you do the job better.”