Officials of the multi-site John Deere dealer said they are very excited to be partnering with Precision Drone, which is based in Noblesville, Ind. Together, they will be offering the helicopter-style drones (hexacopters) to agriculture customers through their Wisconsin retail locations.

These hexacopters are small, unmanned craft that can fly up to 400 feet high while taking aerial images of crops and fields. The data collected by agricultural drones is a part of the total precision agriculture approach that can assist with observing, measuring and responding to crop variability. The images and data collected will be used to help diagnose problems and determine how to improve yields.

"Technology is out there," said Waldo Riesterer, general manager of Riesterer & Schnell. "There is a lot of technology that is being sold. We are focusing on how we can assist our customers to make sure the investment they make in technology has a positive impact on their operation."

Technology in agriculture has grown tremendously in the past three to five years. In order to serve its markets, Riesterer & Schnell has added a dedicated Integrated Solutions department staffed by fully trained team members. They stand ready to assist customers as they become familiar with the new technologies that are available.

Aaron Sheller and Matt Mines, founders of Precision Drone, along with Riesterer & Schnell said they are excited to unveil the new technology at the upcoming Partners in Progress event. It will be held on Wednesday, March 12 in Hangar C of the EAA grounds in Oshkosh. Partners in Progress will allow customers to see all the latest and greatest in equipment and technology for one day under one roof, including the unveiling of Precision Drone. For more information please visit www.rands.com or call (920) 757-6101.