Spotters Aerial Ag Supports Farmers and Ranchers With Drone Technology

Spotters Aerial Ag is one of the most unique businesses in North Dakota. The Killdeer-based company uses drones and other technology to spray for weeds and spread seeds, maximizing crop potential. The company recently finished its sixth season in business and continues to invest in new tools and create better products for customers.

“I like supporting our ranchers,” says Josh Dipippo, founder of Spotters Aerial Ag. “My job is to figure out how they can produce more tons of alfalfa and treat their pasture like a crop. Land is becoming more expensive, and I want to help them grow more on the same amount of ground.”

The past five years have brought countless business lessons for this local entrepreneur. As he grows more confident in his tools and explores new ways to meet North Dakotans' needs, Dipippo and Spotters Aerial Ag are poised to be invaluable resources for the community. 

Spotters Started as a Two-Gallon Drone Operation

Dipippo moved to Killdeer for work after graduating from North Dakota State University in 2018. He accepted a position spraying noxious weeds and began brainstorming ways to cover larger areas in less time. Other than manual spraying, the next best option was to use a helicopter, which isn’t easy or affordable to procure.

After a bit of research, Dipippo bought a drone. “It was junk, but I had spent all my money on it,” he says.

The drone Dipippo purchased could hold two gallons of weed treatment and spray five to six acres per day. Over the past few years, drone technology has improved, and Dipippo has been able to upgrade to larger models. The biggest drones he currently uses have 20-gallon tanks and can cover 40-60 acres.

Dipippo Worked With the Dunn County JDA to Get a USDA Loan

One of the biggest challenges in growing Spotters Aerial Ag was purchasing modern drones large enough to be effective. In 2022, Dipippo met with Carie Boster, Economic Development Director of the Dunn County Job Development Authority (JDA), for help applying for a USDA-funded revolving loan.

“The loan application was pretty seamless, and Boster helped with most of it,” says Dipippo. “I was the first person in North Dakota using spray drones, so it was hard to estimate how much a reasonable loan would be. I appreciate the JDA letting me be a test dummy in applying for funding based on what I needed.”

He would eventually work with the JDA again in 2025 for a development fund loan to purchase additional drones.

Unfortunately, drones don’t last. They tend to wear out at the same rate as a normal smartphone, which means Dipippo needs to build equipment replacement into his business plan. It's an expense he has learned to account for throughout the years. 

The Company is Developing New Products to Grow

Today, Spotters Aerial Ag offers more than just noxious and invasive weed spraying. The company assists with seed spreading and sells products directly to farmers and ranchers. It is working toward becoming a full-service agricultural retailer.  

One of its most interesting products they sell is a RoadRunner, a tender that slides into a full-size pickup truck so farmers and ranchers can spray on their own. Spotters has sold about 200 across the country, and is expected to sell around 150 more through the winter.

“Weeds in the form of noxious and invasive plants take over when your grass is stressed or overgrazed,” says Dipippo. “We want farmers to grow healthy grass while also preventing weeds that are harmful to cattle from spreading through their fields.” 

Dipippo Still Has a Lot to Learn in Business

While Spotters Aerial Ag has come a long way since 2021, Dipippo is the first to admit he has a long way to go in business and people management. He’s happiest when helping local ranchers and appreciates how the community has welcomed him in. As he develops more products and works to combat invasive plants such as Canadian thistle and wormwood, his business model will evolve and become more profitable.

We all start somewhere as entrepreneurs. Launching a business isn’t about being perfect right away, but rather being willing to learn and grow like healthy grass across a well-maintained field. 

Learn More About Funding Through the JDA

Business assistance is a core part of the Dunn County JDA. There are several programs that offer grants, forgivable loans, and other forms of funding to local companies. The JDA works with entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners alike. Whether your goal is expansion or succession, our team is here for you.

Contact the JDA to discuss your needs. We’re happy to review your business goals and identify any hurdles we can help you overcome.