According to Matt Vanandel, Sales Manager at Windward Drones, the company initially focused on addressing the need for shade paint application on greenhouse roofs. Today, the company offers a wider range of drone services, including data collection with other up-and-coming technologies for the horticulture industry, and a view to the future with beneficial control applications. This can cover the unique requirements of both small nurseries and large-scale agricultural operations. "We specialize in greenhouse work in general, using drones not just for coatings but also to monitor crop health, inspect structures, and facilitate cover cropping," explains Matt. The company's expansion into thermal imaging, nursery inventory management, and construction site monitoring shows its adaptability to meeting various market gaps with drone technology as the horticultural sector evolves.
One of the more specialized applications mentioned is greenhouse thermal inspection. "We use thermal drones to inspect greenhouses for air leakages, which can significantly impact temperature control and heating costs," says Matt. "By identifying these leaks early on, growers can save both energy and money." This capability, he notes, has attracted great interest, especially among growers looking to optimize their operational efficiency in colder climates.
From greenhouse coatings to horticultural solutions
Windward's journey began with greenhouse coatings applying various shade products as required for the different light levels pending the product being grown. This helps to regulate light and temperature for optimal growing conditions. "Every greenhouse operator has specific requirements for light diffusion and heat, and these shading products allow us to meet those needs," shares Matt. "For instance, some operators prefer coatings early in the year, while others apply them in July to match the peak of the summer heat." The process is highly tailored, and Windward has collaborated with numerous different facilities to deliver solutions that best suit their unique environments.
Since its early days focusing on greenhouses, Windward has expanded its operations to cover various agricultural and horticultural applications. "We're now also actively involved in data collection for nurseries and managing cover cropping," says Matt. The company can collect valuable data from above, enabling nursery operators to monitor their plant inventories more efficiently. "Inventory management with drones is a relatively new concept, but it's incredibly useful for large-scale nurseries," he adds.
Data collection with advanced payload systems
Windward is also developed in advanced payload systems for data collection. This is useful for various agricultural and commercial applications such as ground elevations, photogrammetry, and working with various third-party vendors to use AI to create useful data for the client. An example is using these sensors to complete inventory for horticultural wholesale nurseries to create efficiencies with accuracy for these clients.
Furthermore, Windward's drones are equipped with cameras and sensors that gather high-resolution images and thermal data. This helps agricultural managers identify plant health issues, monitor crop growth, and make informed decisions based on real-time data. "It's a knowledge gap we're bridging," Matt notes. "Farmers are learning how drones can not only fly but also save time and money by providing them with actionable insights they might otherwise miss."
Catering to a growing market
With the increasing demand for autonomous agricultural solutions, Windward has expanded into drone sales and training. "We've noticed that many agricultural clients want to purchase and operate their own drones, so we now sell and offer training on various drone models," says Matt. The company primarily uses DJI drones and larger agricultural drones tailored for specific applications, such as greenhouse coatings or crop monitoring.
Beyond initial training, Windward provides post-sale support and maintenance services. "Our goal is to ensure clients are confident in using their drones, and if issues arise, we have an authorized service center ready to assist," Matt explains. Clients can choose training packages that vary depending on their familiarity with drones, as well as specific regulations around operating drones in Canada.
Biological control with drones
Windward Drones is also looking into using drones to distribute beneficial control agents. "We can spread up to 40 acres per hour using our specialized drones for beneficial control," Matt shares. This method is efficient and sustainable, meeting the needs of farmers and nursery operators who are looking for alternatives to chemical pesticides. "It's particularly helpful for large farms that need biological agents dispersed over vast areas quickly." This is up and coming in Canada as the regulation has adapted to using drones for increased efficiency.
Inventory management is another unique application where Windwards Drones are making a difference. Instead of manual counts, nursery operators can now use drones to record and track plant stock. "This is an ideal solution for large nurseries, where tracking individual plants is time-consuming," says Matt. The drones fly over nursery fields, capturing detailed images that allow operators to analyze stock numbers and make informed purchasing and planting decisions.
Expanding geographic reach in Ontario
Windward Drones has concentrated its operations around Southern Ontario, primarily serving the Greater Toronto Area and the agricultural hub between Niagara and Hamilton. "We've found a strong market here and continue to expand locally to serve more clients," says Matt. They are willing to travel around the country and into the US as the opportunities present themselves.
As Windward grows, the company is exploring other markets and applications to meet demand during the off-season. The company is actively developing its construction site monitoring capabilities, which will provide aerial progress reports and ensure efficiency on large projects. This diversification is part of Windward's mission to keep its team active and engaged year-round.
Matt concluded, "The drone industry is still relatively young, and our goal is to help clients understand the data these drones can provide, bridging the knowledge gap that exists around their application."
For more information:
Windward Drones
Matt Vanandel, Sales Manager
[email protected]
www.windwarddrones.ca