By Luann Dart

An experimental drone sprayer took to the air at the annual North Dakota State University Dickinson Research and Extension Center’s Field Day in July.

John Nowatzki, NDSU agriculture machines specialist, envisions a day when you might use an unmanned aerial system like the one he is experimenting with manage weeds. A drone carrying herbicide could be programmed to fly over a field to identify weed escapes, hover over the weeds and spray them.

Click through the slideshow for a look at the system in action.

Dart writes from Elgin, N.D., where she grew up on a grain and cattle ranch.