This week, the Marshall County Drainage Board members received a presentation from Jake Wetzel, the veteran owner of Heritage Drone Service in Porter County.
Wetzel told members that his company started in 2022, and he has sprayed more than 50,000 acres of primarily agricultural land. They have also sprayed miles and miles of private ditches, with 30 to 35% of his business with government agencies.
Wetzel said drones are more efficient than other systems, but the company does have off-road equipment and can also backpack spray when needed. He said the regulations and compliance process take about a year to receive and that he gets annual updates from the federal government.
County Surveyor Craig Cultice told board members he hired Heritage Drone Service late last year for a couple of projects and said the cost was reasonable, and they completed the work promptly. Cultice said he hoped to be able to use the drone service again this year.
Wentzel said they could more precisely spray liquid and small pellets cost-efficiently.
Board member Adam Faulstich asked if they advertise when working in an area because of all the concerns people have with flying drones.
Wentzel said that in LaPorte County, they send letters to property owners in the 75-foot maintenance easement to let them know drones will be working on the ditches.
Wentzel said his competitors charge about $3,000 a mile, while on a recent project, his bid came in almost at the cost.
The County Drainage Board thanked him for the presentation and wanted to see how drone spraying could save the county money and do an efficient job.
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