Case Wiarda is a third-generation farmer and business owner out of Castlewood, South Dakota. While farming corn and soybeans is already a full-time gig, he also owns Dakota Stonescapes, in addition to offering a unique service to other farmers in the area – drone spraying.

Wiarda learned about the technology and saw an opportunity that would benefit not only his farm, but other operations in the community. Using his DJIT40 model drone, and finding clients by word of mouth, he's sprayed for about 20 different growers covering about 5,000 acres of land. The drone weighs about 110 pounds on its own and has a spread tank volume of 70 liters. It has eight propellers and can fold down to 70% of its size for ease of transportation, which is just the beginning what makes the option attractive to farmers.

While juggling three businesses seems overwhelming, Wiarda has a solid crew behind his various operations. “It can be a little challenging to balance the different businesses. It helps having my drone spraying partners, Costner Ching and Carson Borer, as well as having a good crew helping with landscaping. They help leave time for me to be able to farm.”

Garret Reed, Business Banker in Watertown, enjoys the chance to get to know each client’s operation. “My favorite part of my job is seeing what makes every client’s farm different,” Reed remarks. “Getting to see technology like the drone and be able to assist in funding business ideas and seeing the payoff is so rewarding.”

To learn more about what Plains Commerce Bank can do for your operation, contact one of our ag lenders today.