The shepherd’s modern companions

Something is in the works in New Zealand, the realm of sheep and shepherds. The shepherd’s loyal helper for thousands of years, the sheep or herding dog, is at least in some cases being replaced by a barking drone, meaning they may suffer the same fate as the hand weaver or the telephone operator.

No perfect dog replacement

As yet, drones can’t do everything better than a dog. The battery capacity limits the operating time to currently about 30 minutes. And in inclement weathers, the border collie, which was specifically bred and highly trained for centuries, still has the edge.

But the drone is ahead by a nose (or propeller?) in other respects. It can take pictures of pregnant and lambing ewes from a high vantage point and with a zoom function, without disturbing them. It bears no resemblance to any natural predators of the herd animals and therefore does not trigger any stress reaction. And if the need arises, it is equipped with a loudspeaker and a recording of the barking of the resident dog.

Taking advantage of the relative benefits

So drones make it possible to protect herds better and more gently. Nevertheless, drones and dogs are likely to work side by side for the foreseeable future. And that’s what smart farming is all about. Using the technology where it actually improves or increases efficiency. Drone technology in particular can achieve a lot in farming—it is perfect for the challenges of large, sparsely populated areas.

Risks of investing in financial markets

Investing in financial markets involves risks. The price, value, and return of an investment depend, among other things, on the economic development and the price of the underlying securities.