Drone maker Guardian Ag targets crop-spraying sector

Guardian Agriculture, a Massachusetts-based drone manufacturer, is seeking to disrupt the aerial crop-spraying market with autonomous aircraft designed to carry out tasks traditionally performed by human pilots flying low and fast over US farmland. The company has developed a heavy-lift drone capable of delivering 200-pound payloads of pesticides and fertilizers, a method it says improves safety, labor efficiency, and application precision.

Founded by robotics entrepreneurs Adam Bercu and Charles Guan, Guardian Ag is currently operating eight aircraft in commercial trials on farms in California and ramping up production at its 60,000-square-foot facility. The start-up reports a backlog valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Its drones, made with aerospace-grade materials and equipped with 80-inch rotors, are designed to recharge while being refilled—streamlining field operations for large-scale growers.

The US agricultural aviation sector, though essential for crop treatment across corn, cotton, and soy fields, remains one of the most hazardous jobs in the industry. Guardian’s drones aim to reduce fatalities and pilot shortages while enhancing coverage accuracy. According to the company, its equipment can deliver 1.5 to 2 tons of payload per hour and spray within a defined radius of 18 feet.

While Guardian sees potential applications in sectors such as mining and offshore logistics, its near-term focus remains on agriculture. “Grower demand has been exceptional,” said Mr. Bercu. “We’re not replacing hand pumps—we’re replacing helicopters and aircraft.”