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❓ FAQ

Got questions? Barley has answers.

Everything you need to know about our drone services, how we work, and what to expect. If you can't find your answer here, just ask.

Barley the Hawk "I'm here to help. Click any question below!"
Our Services
Barley What services does HarvestHawk offer? +
We offer four core services: drone spraying (fertilisers, biostimulants and other permitted products), aerial seeding, crop mapping with NDVI and multispectral imaging, and orchard spraying. You can see full details on our Services page.
Barley What areas do you cover? +
We have bases in Cornwall and Hertfordshire, serving farms right across the corridor between them, covering the South West, South East and East of England. For specialist or larger jobs, we're happy to travel further afield across the UK. Just get in touch and we'll let you know.
Barley How quickly can you get to my farm? +
We understand that spray windows are tight and timing matters. Once we've agreed a job, we aim to be as responsive as possible. For urgent work, we'll do our best to get to you within days, not weeks. Give us a call and we'll work it out together.
Barley Can you spray pesticides from the drone? +
Not yet. Under current UK regulations, the aerial application of Plant Protection Products (pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides) from drones is not permitted. We can apply fertilisers, biostimulants, seeds, and water-based products. We're actively working with HSE and engaging with MPs and farming ministers to push for sensible regulation in this area. You can read more on our Compliance page.
Barley What can you actually spray? +
We can apply liquid fertilisers, granular fertilisers (spreading), biostimulants, slug pellets (non-PPP classified), and water-based products. For seeding, we handle cover crops, grass reseeding, and wildflower mixes. See our full list on the Compliance page.
Barley Can you fly in wet conditions? +
Yes, that's one of the biggest advantages. Because the drone flies above the field, ground conditions don't matter. No ruts, no compaction, no waiting for the ground to dry. Our DJI Agras T70P is IP67 rated and fully sealed, so it handles wet weather well too.
Barley Is drone agricultural spraying legal in the UK? +
Yes, drone spraying is legal in the UK for approved products. You need a GVC qualification and CAA operational authorisation (SORA) to spray commercially. We're completing both our GVC and that SORA authorisation, so our spraying service isn't live yet. Crop mapping is available now. The key restriction is around Plant Protection Products (pesticides, herbicides, fungicides), which are not yet permitted from drones. Fertilisers, biostimulants, and seeding are all fully allowed. See our Compliance page for full details.
Barley How do you control spray drift in windy conditions? +
We take drift control seriously. The DJI Agras T70P uses rotary atomisation nozzles that produce a consistent, controlled droplet size, reducing drift significantly compared to conventional booms. We also fly at low altitude, which keeps the spray close to the crop canopy. If wind conditions exceed safe operating limits, we won't fly. Every job has weather parameters built into the plan, and we'll always be straight with you about whether conditions are right.
Barley How do you ensure even coverage across the whole field? +
Every flight path is pre-planned using GPS mapping software, with RTK positioning giving us centimetre-level accuracy. The drone follows the planned route precisely, with consistent speed, height, and application rate throughout. There are no gaps and no overlaps. After every job, we can show you the coverage map so you can see exactly where product was applied.
Barley Will I get a spray record after the job? +
Yes. Once a spraying, spreading or seeding job is complete, we produce a statutory spray record covering the product used, application rates, area treated, conditions and timings. It's published straight to your Farmers Portal, where you can view and download it any time for your own records and for inspections.
Equipment & Technology
Barley What drones do you use? +
We fly the DJI Agras T70P for spraying, seeding, and spreading (70-litre payload, RTK GPS), and the DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral for crop mapping and NDVI surveys. You can see full specs on our Equipment page.
Barley How accurate is the spraying? +
Very. We use RTK GPS which gives us centimetre-level accuracy on every pass. That means no gaps, no overlaps, and no wasted product. The T70P has 8 rotary atomisation nozzles for even coverage, and flight paths are pre-planned using DJI's agricultural software.
Barley How much ground can you cover in a day? +
It depends on the job. For spreading, the T70P can cover up to 28 hectares per hour. For liquid spraying, it depends on application rates and field layout. For crop mapping, the Mavic 3M can cover up to 200 hectares in a single flight. We'll give you a realistic estimate when you get in touch.
Barley What happens if a drone breaks down during a job? +
We carry spare batteries and have contingency plans for every job. DJI equipment is industry-leading in reliability, and we maintain our fleet to the highest standard. If something does go wrong, we'll communicate with you immediately and arrange to complete the work as quickly as possible.
Working With Us
Barley How do I get a quote? +
Just click "Get a Quote" anywhere on the site, or give us a call. We'll ask about your acreage, what you need done, and any timing requirements. Quotes are always free and there's no obligation.
Barley Do I need to be on the farm when you're working? +
It's helpful to meet us on arrival so we can walk through the job, but you don't need to stand with us the whole time. We'll keep you updated throughout and you'll get a full report once the job is done.
Barley What data do I get after a job? +
Every job comes with a report including coverage maps, application rates, and flight data. For crop mapping, you'll receive NDVI maps, orthomosaic imagery, and analysis you can act on. All data is yours to keep, delivered through your secure Farmers Portal, with maps, reports, invoices and messages all in one place.
Barley Are you insured? +
Yes, fully. We carry public liability insurance and compliant drone insurance covering all commercial operations. We're HSE compliant and fully insured, with our GVC and CAA operational authorisation (SORA) in progress. Full details on our Compliance page.
Barley What is Hawk Greener Growing? +
It's our voluntary evidence and benchmarking programme. With your consent, anonymised data from your jobs is used to build real-world evidence comparing drone application with conventional ground methods. You own your data, participation is optional, and it doesn't change how your job is delivered. Learn more here.
Pricing & Booking
Barley How much does it cost? +
We use transparent, set pricing per acre so you always know exactly what you're paying. No hidden fees, no surprises, and no different prices for different people. The rate depends on the service (spraying, seeding, mapping, etc.) but it's consistent and fair. Get in touch for a free quote and we'll give you a clear price straight away.
Barley Do you offer ongoing contracts? +
Yes. Many farmers benefit from regular drone services throughout the season, whether that's scheduled spraying, seasonal mapping, or a combination. We're happy to discuss ongoing arrangements that work for your farm's calendar.
Barley Are there grants available to help with costs? +
There are several grant schemes that may help fund precision agriculture services. We've put together a guide to the most relevant ones. Visit our Grants page for details.
Barley with drone controller

Still got questions?

Barley couldn't cover everything here, but we're always happy to chat. Drop us a message or give us a call and we'll get back to you, usually the same day.