New Data: Beck's 2025 PFR Trials show Drone Fungicide ROI Leads the Pack
Beck’s “Pleasantly surprised” at drone performance
The results are in for the third consecutive year of Beck's Hybrids' rigorous ground vs airplane vs drone trials comparing fungicide application methods on corn. This year's moderate to high disease pressure provided the ultimate test for efficacy in corn fungicide application.
Once again, the agriculture spray drone "pleasantly surprised" Beck’s researchers by proving to be the top performer in yield and return on investment.
The 3-Year ROI Speaks for Itself
The definitive 3-year multi-location fungicide application ROI (Return on Investment) reveals the drone leads the pack with a $13.17 ROI, outperforming the ground rig's $8.44 ROI and the airplane's $3.13 ROI.
The drone consistently achieved these results using a carrier rate of 2 GPA (gallons per acre), the same low rate as the plane, and significantly less than the ground rig's 15-20 GPA.
Photo credit: Beck’s 2025 PFR Book
Focusing on the specifics of just the 2025 Corn Fungicide Trial, the drone was the top performer again this year, delivering a $27.26 ROI and a +12 bushel per acre yield difference over the control (no fungicide).
Photo credit: Beck’s 2025 PFR Book
One factor in the drone application that may help overcome the low use rate is canopy disturbance, which helps move droplets into the canopy. The bottom line for farmers looking to apply corn fungicide is that there are multiple ways to do so effectively. This information is taken directly from Beck’s 2025 PFR book. For full trial results, download your own high-resolution copy of Beck’s 2025 PFR book here. It’s free.
Venture Ag Drones' Take:
When seeking reliable data on emerging agricultural technologies like drone application, we always turn to trusted sources like Beck’s. We appreciate their commitment to unbiased data and transparent results, regardless of the outcome. As you can imagine, we’ve had a vested interest in watching these PFR trials closely for the past few years.
As drone operators with extensive chemical application experience, we've had the advantage of seeing and showing our neighbors the efficacy of our own application results first-hand. But having this numerical data from Beck's is undeniably compelling and welcome. With three full years of trials now reported, the outcome is clearer than ever: drone applications continue to show they are here for the long run. When it comes to corn fungicide, they have consistently offered a slight advantage over traditional methods (ground rigs and planes).
The True Cost: Addressing Ground Damage
One critical element that continues to be a question for us when reviewing the reported ROI is whether or not the yield loss from crop rundown caused by ground sprayer tracks is factored into the final figures. This is a detrimental cost completely avoided by drone or plane application. While difficult to factor precisely into the ROI, this inherent advantage further strengthens the drone's true cost-effectiveness on acres where ground passes would otherwise cause measurable yield loss.
The Application Research
Curious how this trial research is done? This video, filmed in the summer of 2025, takes you behind the scenes with a PFR agronomist to reveal how Beck's tests fungicide application methods—on the ground, by drone, and from the air. It’s an extensive and thrilling breakdown, check it out!
Then, check out this video, filmed in 2024, which discusses the effectiveness of different fungicide application methods, including ground, plane, and drone applications. While traditional methods have been used for years, the video highlights their data findings (including yield results) and potential benefits of drone technology in achieving more precise and efficient fungicide coverage.
Who is Beck’s?
Beck's Hybrids Practical Farm Research (PFR) is a long-standing program dedicated to providing farmers with unbiased, practical agronomic research. This research helps farmers make informed decisions about their crops and farming practices. The program focuses on testing new products and techniques, and the results are shared publicly, regardless of outcome. By doing so, PFR aims to provide farmers with the most reliable information to improve their operations.
About Venture Ag Drones
Venture Ag Drones provides custom aerial application in Central Wisconsin including drone spraying and spreading. From row crop to specialty applications, our experience is wide ranging from corn fungicide, potato desiccation, Christmas tree insecticide, greenhouse shade painting, alfalfa new seeding and so much more. Based in Antigo, Wisconsin, we’re here to become your trusted partner in this new age of agriculture technology. Connect with us today using our contact page.