Local Farms Using

In Amish country, drone dream takes flight

RiehlWay Ag, founded by Amish brothers and their soon-to-be brother-in-law, offers custom spraying services using drones, transforming agriculture in their community.

By Chris Torres, American Agriculturist

SKY-HIGH EXPECTATIONS: David Stoltzfus (left) and Matthew Riehl man their drones doing an interseeding job at a farm in Jarrettsville, Md. They, along with Matthew’s brother, Ephraim, started RiehlWay Ag last year in New Holland, Pa. They have high expectations for their drone business. Chris Torres

Matthew Riehl stares at the sky as his DJI T50 drone descends from a cornfield that was interseeded with a cover crop.

As the drone gets closer to him, he notices a problem. One of its propellors has stopped working. Ever handy, he grabs a screwdriver from his drone trailer and does a quick inspection. He realizes this won’t be an easy fix. The motor operating the propellor is broken.

“This will take a while,” he says with a smile.

That’s life as a new drone operator. This is Matthew’s second year, and he’s still learning what these machines can do. He and his brother, Ephraim, and their soon-to-be brother-in-law David Stoltzfus started their drone business, RiehlWay Ag, last year.

They worked 3,000 acres in 2024. This year FINISH READING HERE

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