Drone Powered Farming
The PACE Alliance Dutch Greeters recently discovered that a new age of farming has dawned as we proudly welcomed Terraplex Ag to town with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the beginning of an exciting journey for this innovative company as a Silver Level Investor PACE Member and new business. Led by local representatives Ben and Katherine De Boef, Terraplex Ag is not just a business; it’s a testament to the spirit of innovation and community that defines the heartland.
The story of Terraplex Ag is one of passion, ingenuity, and a deep connection to the land. For Ben and Katherine, the journey began during their time at Iowa State University. Ben, inspired by an entrepreneurship class, discovered the potential of spray drones in farming. It was a revelation that would shape their future. “The journey for us started when we were at Iowa State. Ben was taking an entrepreneur class. Learned about spray drones. Did a project and figured out that this would work with his farm,” Katherine recalled.
Driven by their shared vision and entrepreneurial spirit, Ben and Katherine embarked on a mission to bring drone technology to their community. Both hailing from the Pella area and graduates of Pella Christian High School, their roots run deep in the fertile soil of Iowa. “We love that we can open up a business here. We are excited to give back to the community that raised us,” Katherine expressed.
Ben and Katherine De Boef embarked on a coinciding and exciting journey when they seized the chance to acquire Ben’s family farm, a cherished heritage spanning generations. Nestled just outside of Pella, in New Sharon, Iowa, this farm holds profound sentimental value for Ben. With the support of Terraplex Ag, they found the financial means to reinvest in their beloved farm. This injection of capital empowers them to expand and nurture their agricultural venture, fostering growth and sustainability for generations.
Terraplex Ag isn’t just another business venture; it’s a testament to the power of innovation to transform traditional industries. Specializing in drone-powered farming, Terraplex Ag offers a one-stop shop for self and custom-applied drone applications. From expert advice to state-of-the-art technology, they are dedicated to revolutionizing the agricultural industry. “Our mission is simple — to revolutionize the agricultural industry by harnessing cutting-edge drone technology to enhance farming processes and maximize crop yields,” Ben explained.
Taking Ag to New Heights
But what sets Terraplex Ag apart is not just their technology, but their commitment to their roots. As Katherine proudly stated, “We love that we are part of a company that was created by farmers, for farmers.” Terraplex Ag isn’t just about innovation; it’s about serving the community and preserving the traditions that have sustained generations of farmers.
So how does drone-powered farming work? According to Ben, it’s like a modern-day crop duster, but with a high-tech twist. “First a farmer will call and say they want a field sprayed. We haul out the trailer, mix chemicals for the field, and carefully map out the field on the drone. Then, we send the drone out to spray. Imagine a crop duster. It’s like that, but a drone. A really big drone,” he explained. With one drone capable of covering about 6.5 acres per tank, Terraplex Ag can spray up to 500 acres in a single day, with minimal downtime for battery changes and refills.
And the response from the farming community has been overwhelmingly positive. Despite being a new technology, both younger and older farmers alike are embracing drone-powered farming for its efficiency and effectiveness.
“Drones are more cost effective than using planes for spraying. From fuel and overhead, they are less expensive to maintain and operate. And, surprisingly we have both younger and older farmers that are open to this new technology. We’ve learned that older farmers really appreciate the efficiency,” Ben noted.
Terraplex Ag is not just a business; it’s a symbol of progress and possibility. With their pioneering spirit and dedication to their community, Ben and Katherine De Boef are leading the way towards a brighter future for farming in Iowa. As they continue to innovate and expand, Terraplex Ag will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the agricultural landscape for generations to come.
