Dalton Dilldine looks at each crop as an opportunity to try something new and different and learn ways to be more efficient across his 6,000-acre multi-crop operation in northeast Arkansas.
In 2022, that meant taking on a shuttered commercial grain facility and outfitting it with grain monitoring and automation technologies.
This year, Dilldine, 31, is taking a good hard look at spray drones and how that technology can fit across his acres.
Whatever the next big innovation to hit agriculture turns out to be, you can bet he will be taking a look at that, too. It’s all part of what makes farming so fulfilling for the young producer: every day is different, and you never know what tomorrow is going to bring.
Q: What are your passions/niches on the farm?
A: As a job on the farm, I like to spray. I like to be in the crop and see it. I feel like if I wasn’t driving a sprayer, I’d miss things, such as the corner that flooded out. I enjoy that it gets you off the turn row and out in the field. What I like about farming in general is the many hats you get to wear. There’s always something new every day, and I feel grateful to not be stuck in the rut of shift work.
Q: How important is technology to your farm?
A: On our farm, technology is very important. I try to do something each year to be more efficient than the previous year. Right now, I’m researching spray drones. From a cost perspective, we’re looking at $3.50 to $4 an acre for owning the drone versus $8+ to hire an ag pilot per acre. The ability to spray when needed or when I want is a huge advantage. I don’t see drones as a full replacement, but I do see them being supplemental for fungicide or finishing up other spraying after a rain or in a hard-to-reach area.
We also have implemented GSI GrainVue digital monitoring cables in our grain bin facility. I wouldn’t want to store any grain without them. They provide cheap insurance to know how the grain is doing in real time and to prevent spoilage or any issue.
Q: As a farmer, where do you go for advice?
A: For any crop related questions, I’ve got a crop scout who gives me a weekly report. He gives advice about seed varieties or timing of insecticide or herbicide applications. He’s my go-to for assistance with critical decisions, in that respect. I also have good relationships with my seed/chemical salesmen. They provide cost-saving options and advice that might be beneficial. On the grain marketing side, I spend a lot of time watching the stock market. I do my own marketing with help from merchandisers at sell points. They do a good job keeping up with the world markets. I went to college with a guy who is an economist, and I reach out to him from time to time. I also call my friends and farming neighbors who are a good source of advice.
Q: What advice would you give to young farmers?
A: You know, I’ve had it rough in farming at times. My dad died when I was 18. My mother and I had hard decisions to make. The bankers advised us the best decision would be to sell everything, keep the land and enjoy life. But I couldn’t imagine doing anything but farming. We thankfully have great hired hands who also wanted to see this farm succeed. We are very close to becoming a century farm, and I am very proud of where we are. You might have bad days, but tomorrow you restart and try to make better decisions or fix the problems of the day before. There is always a positive, you just have to see the glass as half full. It’s never the end of the world from one mistake or problem. Take a breath and learn from it. Call on your friends and neighbors. Being a young farmer, they want to see you succeed and they will help you. Farming isn’t easy, but it is a rewarding career.
