We’re your local aerial application specialists. We help increase agricultural productivity by applying curative and preventative products to fields and pastures.
When rugged terrain or wet conditions inhibit ground rigs from spraying, aerial application is the best option and has additional benefits that include:
Desert Air Ag offers variable-rate application for both row crops and pastures with the following products:
Speed, timing and efficiency are the primary benefits to using an aircraft. The ability to take advantage of optimal weather windows allows us to make an aerial application on wet terrain when it would be difficult to get a ground rig into the field or pasture. Additional benefits include minimizing damage to the crop and soil as well as preventing disease and weed transfer since we’re treating the field from above instead of from within.
One distinct advantage to aerial spraying liquid products is the downwash and turbulence from the wing pushes the product directly onto the crop and can target different parts of the canopy such as under the leaves.
Effective weed management is essential to keeping a healthy pasture. Aerial spraying is one of the best ways to quickly attack noxious weeds so you can:
Our aerial spraying services offer growers optimized production, plant health and profits. We treat several types of crops including potatoes, alfalfa, wheat, corn, soybeans and more.
Our high-capacity turbine aircraft can complete thousands of acres each day, depending on weather. Our large fleet allows us to maneuver our resources to meet peak demands in the growing season.
The cost of an aerial application on average is competitive. The benefits of aerial application eliminate yield loss from trampling crops and soil compaction which can cause up to a 5% loss in yield by ground application.
The term ‘crop dusting’ comes from agricultural aviation’s history. In 1921, the first aerial application was made spreading lead arsenate dust over catalpa trees in Ohio to kill sphinx moth larvae. Dust and powders haven’t been dropped from aircraft for decades, but the term crop dusting is still common. The industry has been completely transformed with innovation in aircraft and technological advancements for precision applications of wet and dry products.
Over the last few decades the industry has focused on increased training, professionalism and safety. The old image of a barnstorming “crop dusters and crop dusting” has gone away and most pilots in the industry prefer to call themselves ag pilots or aerial applicators.
Desert Air Ag was established in 1986. The family-owned business started out providing aerial application services all over Eastern Idaho and expanded its capabilities to include helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft maintenance services. In 2019, Desert Air Ag became part of the Heinen Brothers Agra Services network to offer additional resources and services to our customers.
Heinen Brothers is committed to professional applications and safety. The agricultural aviation industry has strong regulation by several different state and national government agencies. We only use licensed and approved chemicals and our pilots are qualified to handle them. The aircraft themselves are designed with both pilot safety in mind and loaded with the state-of-the-art technologies to optimize applications. When it comes to making an application, each job is meticulously planned to manage any risks and we keep comprehensive records of each application.
Our pilots are licensed, qualified, accountable personnel who participate in ongoing professional development.
Professional Affiliations: Our pilots are members of several state agricultural aviation associations as well as the National Agricultural Aviation Association.
Recurring Training: Each year, our pilots attend the NAAREF PAASS Program, a program that educates pilots on key safety and drift minimization issues important to flying, modern agriculture and crop protection.
Pattern Testing Aircraft – We participate in or host NAAREF Operation S.A.F.E. fly-ins to measure and evaluate our aircrafts’ performance to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of our applications.
Our aircraft, similar to those used by the U.S. Forest Service, are perfectly suited for an aerial attack to prevent the spread of fires or provide ongoing support to ground crews when the situation arises.
Fill out the form or give us a call, and we will get everything arranged. We look forward to serving you.
