With harvest fast approaching, we’re in one of our most significant periods of developments yet. From groundbreaking field data to a landmark regulatory demonstration, the UK agri-drone sector is accelerating. Whether you are looking to diversify your farming income, expand your contracting services, or invest in the future of your land, here is your essential update from AutoSpray Systems.
Live Technical Webinar: Pod-Stik by Drone
12pm, Monday 1st June
Timing is critical in the final weeks of any season. In collaboration with the National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) and De Sangosse, we are hosting an exclusive technical webinar exploring drone application of Pod-Stik.
Traditional ground sprayers can cause up to 5% crop loss simply by driving through dense, mature fields. This briefing will explore how precision drone technology can eliminate tramline crop damage and ground compaction while reaching the undersides of pods that traditional machinery misses.
Jill Hewitt (NAAC Chief Executive) will join AutoSpray CEO Rob Pearson to explore practical compliance, safety, and operational questions from a contractor’s perspective. Stuart Sutherland (De Sangosse Technical Business Manager) will also be on hand to give the technical background on the product itself and its clear benefits.
See it in Action: Following the talk, some ASPN members are going to be applying Pod-Stik on a farm in Great Yarmouth next Thursday (4th June) as a live project for De Sangosse. The De Sangosse technical team will all be on-site with us for this project. If you want to join us on the day, see Pod-Stik in action, and talk shop with the teams in person, get in touch and see our XAG drones in action!
Thinking of Entering the Agri-Drone Sector?
As drone operations transition from early adoption into standard agricultural practice, professional standards and clear market entry points are essential.
If you are considering establishing your own drone operation or pivoting your career, watch the recording of last month’s Agri-Tech Frontiers Webinar hosted alongside ARPAS-UK. This session focuses on the essential skills, training pathways, and standards required to succeed in the market.
Expanding the Woodland Toolbox: New White Paper
If woodland creation is going to scale across the UK, the industry needs to adapt to difficult terrain and protect vulnerable soils.
Our latest white paper, Expanding the Woodland Toolbox: The Case for Drone Seeding, offers a measured, science-led look at how aerial direct seeding can be responsibly integrated into public procurement schemes without compromising UK Forestry Standard safeguards.
Regulatory Milestone: CAA BVLOS Demonstration
We recently hosted the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for a live Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) demonstration. The day showcased real-world, heavy-lift BVLOS operations across practical land management settings. Following the demo, AutoSpray has agreed to share extended data sets with the regulator to help shape future aviation policy and atypical air environment concepts. The CAA highlighted AutoSpray as industry pathfinders, and we are proud to continue building the framework that will allow the wider UK industry to scale operations safely.
In tandem with this regulatory momentum, we are delighted to share that AutoSpray’s Andy Sproson has been appointed as a Director of ARPAS-UK – a well-deserved recognition of his leadership in aviation legislation.
Habitat Restoration at the Great Fen
Technology and conservation worked hand-in-hand last year at New Decoy. Using the XAG P100 Pro, members of the AutoSpray Pilot Network broadcast a bespoke Emorsgate Seeds mix across a new wetland habitat – delivering precise coverage without the ground compaction of traditional machinery. The Great Fen team has recently shared a full update on the project, allowing you to see exactly how this vital landscape has transformed in the time since.
Read the Full Story from the Great Fen Team
Watch the Wetland Transformation on YouTube
See Us at Cereals 2026!
Dates: 10th–11th June
Location: Diddly Squat Farm (Stand 920, Spray Arena)
Want to see XAG drones up close? We will be running live drone demonstrations at the show and have plenty of kit to see in action. Come meet our team, chat with pilots from our network, and discover how drone technology can streamline your farm’s workflow.
settings. Following the demo, AutoSpray has agreed to share extended data sets with the regulator to help shape future aviation policy and atypical air environment concepts. The CAA highlighted AutoSpray as industry pathfinders, and we are proud to continue building the framework that will allow the wider UK industry to scale operations safely.
Ready to Fly?
Are you ready to join the agri-drone revolution? Our CAA-approved and Lantra-accredited training gets you licensed and operating in just five days.
Upcoming course dates at our national training hub in Cheshire:
- 15th–18th June
- 13th-16th July
- 7th-10th September