North Dakota is celebrating a historic achievement in the 2024 growing season, with aerial applicators treating a record-breaking 5.5 million acres of cropland. This breaks the previous record of 5.2 million acres set in 2015, representing a significant milestone for both the aviation and agricultural industries.
The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission requires all licensed aerial applicators to report their acreage annually, and the state’s 20-year average is 4 million acres per year.
Aerial applicators are an essential part of the aviation community, providing critical services that protect crops, increase production, and support the global food supply.
Their efforts ensure the viability of North Dakota’s agricultural sector, which is critical to feeding the nation and the world. Aerial applicators not only help farmers, but they also contribute significantly to the state’s economy by increasing crop yields and reducing pest, weed, and disease losses.
“Reaching 5.5 million acres treated in 2024 demonstrates the dedication and innovation of North Dakota’s aerial applicators,” stated Kyle Wanner, Executive Director of the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission.
“Their efforts are essential to protecting our crops, supporting our farmers, and strengthening our state’s economy.”
Currently, North Dakota has 78 licensed manned aerial applicators operating 183 aircraft and employing 156 skilled pilots. These professionals use cutting-edge technology and expertise to provide efficient and effective crop protection.
“Our work is all about timing and precision,” stated Steve Iglehart, a local aerial applicator and current president of the North Dakota Agricultural Aviation Association (NDAAA). “When crops are under threat from pests or disease, aerial application ensures farmers get the protection they need quickly and effectively.”
In 2022, the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission began issuing licenses to unmanned aerial applicators, ushering in a new era of agricultural aviation. This emerging sector has expanded dramatically, with 21 licensed unmanned aerial applicators now providing precision services on nearly 70,000 acres of farmland.
“The expansion of unmanned aerial applicator services highlights the innovative spirit of our agricultural aviation community,” says Wanner. “This technology enhances efficiency and precision, paving the way for continued growth and sustainability in our agricultural practices.”
All aerial applicators, manned or unmanned, must be licensed by the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission to ensure high levels of safety and professionalism.
With this record-breaking season, North Dakota reaffirms its position as a leader in agricultural aviation, combining tradition and innovation to meet the evolving needs of modern farming.
