The paper created EXCLUSIVELY for farm families and rural residents of east central Alberta 8 PAGES | JULY 14, 2026
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INSIDE
A variety of merchandise, auctions, services and more! Win a colour photo of your farm! See page 8
NEWS
Road closures continue in County . . . . 3 County Council update . . . . . . . . . . . 4 County Council supports revised plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
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A new era of farming is taking flight as spraying drones give farmers another tool for protecting the crops. On June 30, Health Canada approved the use of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), commonly known Dylan Martin, from LandView Drones, as drones, to apply pesticides already approved operated the DJI Agras T100 spraying drone, for conventional aerial spraying. a game-changer that can cover up to 75 acres per hour. The technology allows farmers to make more targeted applications by flying lower and slower than traditional aircraft, while helping reduce fuel use and any operational challenges. Traditional aerial spraying can often be affected by weather conditions, including wind that may lead to spray drift and uneven coverage. Drones offer a more flexible option, allowing operators to reach areas that may be difficult to access with conventional equipment. Health Canada said drone pesticide applications do not present additional health or environmental risks compared with traditional aerial spraying when used under approved requirements. The policy change follows collaboration between Health Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and brings Canada in line with countries such as Australia and Japan where drone spraying is already being used. Operators must still follow federal and provincial regulations, including getting the required drone certification and training. As technology continues to advance, spraying drones could become another valuable tool helping farmers work more efficiently and protect their crops.
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CROP CARE
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