# Tamsin Valley Growers Cooperative — shared drone spraying service: working notes

## Member survey (September)
- Sent to all 410 member farms. 58 responded.
- 42 of the 58 respondents said they were "interested" or "very interested" (72%).
- Top reasons given: labour shortage at spraying time, wet fields that ground rigs can't enter, wanting less soil compaction.

## Proposed service
- The co-op buys 3 spraying drones and employs 2 certified pilots. Members book a slot through the co-op office.
- Proposed price to members: $14 per acre.

## Cost per acre (finance committee estimate)
- Drone purchase spread over 5 years: $4.10
- Pilot time: $5.20
- Chemical handling and cleaning: $2.70
- Total: $10.20 per acre, giving a 27% margin at $14.

## Regulation
- Drone spraying is not permitted within 50 m of a waterway.
- Our agronomist estimates about 35% of member acreage lies within 50 m of the Tamsin River or its creeks.
- Drone spraying needs an operator certificate. The regulator's published processing time is 9 to 12 months from application. We have not applied yet.

## Board's wish
- Launch for the spring 2027 spraying season (April).
- The board would like the press release to say members can "book a drone for any field, any day".