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The Quechan Tribal Council went on a site visit Monday, May 22, 2023, to meet with representatives of JV Farms for a drone demonstration and to learn their drone’s operation and procedures.

JV Farms began using drones to fertilize their crops in November of 2022. The ability to use drones to fertilize is a lengthy one.  They must be certified by the FAA and the Department of Pesticide Regulations (California).

They are currently the only farmer to utilize drones for farming.  They currently use 6 drones (2 smaller size and 4 newer bigger sizes).  JV Farms says it is more economical than using a helicopter or crop duster.  The drones can more accurately fertilize the fields as they can spray directly onto the crop with less drift. 

During the meeting, the Tribal Council addressed JV Farms with concerns regarding the flight pattern of the drones.

Trevor Adams, drone pilot for JV Farms said, “We don’t operate within people’s properties.  We only operate within the boundaries of our fields.  We map it out that way and the drone won’t ever do anything it’s not told.”

Councilman Donald Medart asked how the areas are all mapped out if they use GPS for programming the flight of the drones.   Mr. Adams said, “We use GPS mapping.  There is a GPS system on the controller.  It runs off of satellite imagery. So, we pick out our maps, we set our points, we check our field, and the drone goes off of that, which is also called RTK, which is an antennae service, and it is within centimeters of accuracy.”

JV Farms mostly work at night.  JV Farms flight records are kept for two years.  The use of drones for fertilizing may become the new process in the very near future.

All JV Farm drones have a label on the side with a unique equipment number.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the drones flying too close to your home, you may contact Pesticide Enforcement Officer Camilo Perez at (760) 572-0771.