Monitoring livestock efficiently has evolved beyond traditional herding techniques. Today, the best drone to keep up with livestock offers farmers cutting-edge tools to oversee large herds, survey pastures, and improve animal safety. These drones save time, reduce labor, and offer high-definition insights from the sky.
Modern livestock management demands precision and quick action. Drones for livestock farming are equipped with GPS mapping, thermal imaging, and obstacle avoidance systems to track animals across vast terrains. With livestock drones, farmers can now detect health issues early, monitor grazing areas, and enhance overall productivity.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the 20 best drones to keep up with livestock, their unique strengths, and practical uses. Each drone includes pros and cons to help you select the ideal tool for your ranch or farm. Let’s discover how aerial technology is transforming livestock care.
20 Best Drone To Keep Up With Livestock
1. DJI Mavic 3
– Best for Large Livestock Monitoring
The DJI Mavic 3 stands out as one of the most advanced drones for livestock management. It features a 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera capable of 5.1K video recording, ensuring sharp visuals for tracking and documentation. Its long 46-minute flight time allows you to monitor multiple herds without interruption.
Farmers love the smart return-to-home and obstacle sensing features, making it ideal for large open fields. With a transmission range of up to 15 km, it’s perfect for large ranches or mountainous grazing areas. The Mavic 3 also includes advanced GPS positioning, providing pinpoint accuracy when monitoring livestock movement.
Its omnidirectional obstacle detection and stable hovering improve user safety and image clarity. The combination of intelligent flight modes and durability makes it one of the best drones to keep up with livestock for professionals.
Pros:
• Long flight time
• Superior camera quality
• Long-range control
• Obstacle detection
• GPS precision
• Durable build
• Excellent stability
Cons:
• Expensive
• Complex setup
• Heavy for beginners
2. Autel EVO II Pro – Best for High-Resolution Livestock Surveys
The Autel EVO II Pro features a 6K camera with a 1-inch CMOS sensor, perfect for capturing detailed footage of livestock behavior. It’s ideal for farmers who need high-resolution mapping and close-up health inspections. With 40 minutes of flight time, it performs well for extended field monitoring.
It includes dynamic tracking technology, which automatically follows animals or vehicles within view. This ensures constant monitoring even in rugged environments or dense vegetation. The drone’s adjustable aperture lets you capture crystal-clear images in varying light conditions.
For livestock operations in rough or remote areas, its foldable design and durability make it easy to transport and deploy quickly. It’s a great investment for serious livestock managers.
Pros:
• 6K video quality
• Long flight time
• Durable design
• Dynamic tracking
• Portable build
• Strong GPS signal
• Wide coverage
Cons:
• Slightly heavy
• Pricey for small farms
• Requires app learning
3. Parrot Anafi USA – Best Drone To Keep Up With Livestock for Ranch Security
The Parrot Anafi USA offers 32x zoom capability, allowing farmers to spot animals from great distances. It’s designed for livestock security and surveillance, ensuring every corner of your ranch is visible. The dual thermal and optical cameras provide exceptional day and night performance.
This drone operates silently, preventing animal disturbance during monitoring. Its robust battery life and IP53 weather resistance allow flights even in harsh conditions. The Anafi USA connects seamlessly with mobile devices, giving instant field access to video feeds.
For farmers looking to improve herd management while enhancing security, this drone is reliable, versatile, and highly efficient. Its U.S.-made build meets both agricultural and commercial standards.
Pros:
• Thermal imaging
• Quiet operation
• Long zoom range
• Weather resistant
• Fast deployment
• Secure data
• Lightweight
Cons:
• High cost
• Limited app support
• Moderate range
4. DJI Air 2S – Best for Precision Livestock Mapping
The DJI Air 2S combines portability with precision, featuring a 1-inch 20MP sensor that delivers sharp aerial maps of livestock fields. It’s great for farmers who want to analyze grazing density or pasture condition. Its 31-minute flight time balances endurance and agility.
The Advanced Pilot Assistance System (APAS 4.0) ensures obstacle avoidance, even in hilly terrain or around barns. The Air 2S supports OcuSync 3.0 transmission, providing crystal-clear live feeds from up to 12 km away. Its compact design makes it easy to carry during farm rounds.
Whether inspecting herds or mapping land boundaries, this drone offers unmatched efficiency and accuracy. It’s a top choice for small to medium-scale ranches.
Pros:
• Compact design
• 1-inch sensor
• Intelligent flight
• Strong signal range
• Easy operation
• Excellent stability
• Affordable price
Cons:
• No zoom lens
• Shorter battery life
• Limited wind resistance
5. Skydio 2+ – Best for Autonomous Livestock Tracking
The Skydio 2+ is renowned for its AI-driven flight autonomy, which makes livestock tracking effortless. It uses 360° obstacle avoidance sensors and advanced object recognition to follow animals automatically. Perfect for rugged environments, it requires minimal manual control.
This drone captures 4K60 HDR video, giving clear insights into animal behavior or pasture conditions. With a range of up to 6 km and 27 minutes of flight time, it’s suitable for large and mid-size farms. The compact design enhances portability and ease of deployment.
Farmers appreciate its hands-free flight system, ideal for multi-tasking or when herding on vehicles. It’s an innovative solution for autonomous livestock management.
Pros:
• Full autonomy
• 360° obstacle sensing
• AI tracking
• Easy to use
• Durable body
• Stable video
• Compact build
Cons:
• Limited battery life
• Requires phone app
• Smaller camera sensor
6. DJI Matrice 300 RTK – Best for Professional Livestock Operations
The DJI Matrice 300 RTK is built for professional agricultural and livestock monitoring. It supports multiple payloads, including thermal cameras, zoom lenses, and LiDAR sensors. Its 55-minute flight time is among the longest in the industry.
This industrial-grade drone features RTK (Real-Time Kinematics) positioning for centimeter-level accuracy, crucial for mapping large pastures. It also includes triple-channel transmission and up to 15 km range, perfect for expansive ranches. The robust frame withstands rain, wind, and dust.
It’s a premium solution for large-scale livestock businesses and research institutions. Though expensive, it’s unmatched in precision and capability.
Pros:
• Long flight time
• RTK accuracy
• Heavy payload
• Durable design
• All-weather use
• Long range
• Professional grade
Cons:
• Very costly
• Requires training
• Bulky size
7. Holy Stone HS720E – Best Budget Drone for Small Farms
The Holy Stone HS720E is an affordable yet powerful option for small farm owners. It features a 4K EIS camera with anti-shake technology, ideal for general livestock surveillance. With 23 minutes of flight time per battery, it offers excellent value for money.
This drone’s GPS-assisted flight ensures accurate return-to-home and stable hovering. Its foldable design and simple controls make it beginner-friendly. It’s great for daily livestock checks or mapping small pastures.
While it lacks advanced sensors, its affordability makes it one of the best drones to keep up with livestock for small operations. It delivers consistent results at a fraction of the cost.
Pros:
• Affordable price
• Easy to use
• Foldable design
• Good camera
• Stable flight
• GPS system
• Dual batteries
Cons:
• Limited range
• No obstacle sensors
• Moderate durability
8. DJI Mini 3 Pro – Best Lightweight Drone
The DJI Mini 3 Pro is a lightweight yet powerful drone weighing under 250g. It’s ideal for quick livestock inspections and routine field checks. Despite its small size, it delivers 4K60 video and excellent image clarity.
This drone includes tri-directional obstacle sensing, improving safety during low-altitude flights. Its 34-minute flight time and 12 km range are perfect for medium-scale farms. The foldable frame allows easy portability in rural areas.
For farmers wanting a compact, high-performing drone, the Mini 3 Pro offers professional quality at an affordable price.
Pros:
• Lightweight
• 4K60 video
• Long range
• Foldable design
• Quiet operation
• Safe sensors
• Great value
Cons:
• Wind-sensitive
• Short battery
• Limited zoom
9. Yuneec H520E – Best for Mapping and Surveying
The Yuneec H520E is designed for mapping, surveying, and inspection tasks. Its six-rotor system provides excellent stability and redundancy. The high-resolution camera captures detailed field imagery for livestock tracking.
It supports multiple payloads including thermal cameras for animal heat detection. With 30 minutes of flight time and 7 km range, it’s suitable for wide pastures. Its intelligent control system ensures precise positioning.
The Yuneec H520E is perfect for professional ranchers who require mapping accuracy and flight reliability.
Pros:
• Hexacopter design
• Thermal options
• High stability
• Strong build
• Accurate GPS
• Modular payload
• Easy maintenance
Cons:
• Heavy
• Expensive
• Requires experience
10. DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 – Best for Aerial Photography
The DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 delivers a 1-inch 20MP sensor for cinematic aerial shots. It’s perfect for monitoring livestock while capturing professional-grade visuals. The drone’s mechanical shutter prevents motion blur effectively.
It offers 5-direction obstacle sensing for secure flights in complex environments. With 30 minutes of flight time and a 10 km range, it balances endurance with precision. The sturdy build ensures reliability.
Farmers who value image quality and consistent control find this drone outstanding. It’s also widely used for agricultural mapping.
Pros:
• Sharp 4K video
• Reliable GPS
• Long range
• Easy control
• Strong frame
• Great stability
• Accurate sensors
Cons:
• Bulky
• Pricey
• Long charging
11. Autel EVO Lite+ – Best for Evening Surveillance
The Autel EVO Lite+ excels in low-light livestock monitoring. Its 1-inch CMOS sensor and adjustable aperture produce clear images even at dusk or dawn. It offers 40 minutes of flight time and 12 km range.
Farmers can switch between manual and automatic exposure for flexible shooting. The drone’s obstacle avoidance ensures safe navigation around trees and barns. The design remains lightweight and foldable.
It’s perfect for extended dusk inspections or long-range operations. The EVO Lite+ is both efficient and elegant in performance.
Pros:
• Great in low light
• Long battery life
• High resolution
• Lightweight
• Adjustable aperture
• Easy to fly
• Excellent range
Cons:
• Expensive
• No thermal mode
• Limited payload
12. PowerVision PowerEgg X – Best Hybrid Drone
The PowerVision PowerEgg X doubles as both a drone and handheld camera. It’s perfect for farmers needing versatile shooting options. The 4K60 camera and long 30-minute flight time make it highly functional.
Its AI tracking helps follow livestock smoothly during motion. The waterproof design allows use in rain or near water troughs. It’s easy to convert between air and handheld mode.
Farmers benefit from its all-weather capability and adaptability. It’s a truly flexible agricultural tool.
Pros:
• Waterproof
• Hybrid design
• 4K video
• AI tracking
• Long battery
• Compact
• Easy control
Cons:
• Average range
• Slightly heavy
• App dependent
13. Parrot Anafi Thermal – Best for Heat Detection
The Parrot Anafi Thermal combines visual and thermal sensors for detecting livestock heat signatures. It’s particularly useful for identifying lost or sick animals. Its 26-minute flight time and light frame enhance portability.
Thermal imaging assists in locating animals at night or in dense vegetation. The camera tilts 180°, offering flexible angles. The drone is easy to operate with basic training.
It’s a top choice for small farms or veterinary inspections. Reliable and compact, it delivers excellent detection performance.
Pros:
• Thermal vision
• Lightweight
• Easy use
• Affordable
• Tilting camera
• Portable
• Night visibility
Cons:
• Short flight
• No obstacle sensors
• Moderate wind resistance
14. SwellPro SplashDrone 4 – Best for Wet Conditions
The SwellPro SplashDrone 4 is fully waterproof, ideal for farms near rivers or rainy climates. It floats on water and withstands heavy rain. The 4K camera captures sharp imagery even during bad weather.
Its powerful GPS system ensures accuracy when tracking herds along wet landscapes. With 30 minutes of flight time and 5 km range, it offers consistent reliability. The design is rugged and corrosion-resistant.
This drone is perfect for livestock management in wet or coastal regions. Its durability is second to none.
Pros:
• Fully waterproof
• Rugged design
• Clear 4K camera
• Strong GPS
• Wind-resistant
• Floats on water
• Easy maintenance
Cons:
• Shorter range
• Heavy frame
• Expensive
15. DJI Inspire 2 – Best for Advanced Operations
The DJI Inspire 2 is built for professional livestock and cinematic operations. It supports dual-operator control and interchangeable lenses. The 5.2K video resolution ensures impeccable clarity.
With 27 minutes of flight time and up to 7 km range, it’s designed for serious users. Its obstacle detection and intelligent flight modes add safety and flexibility. The magnesium-aluminum body increases durability.
Farmers with large-scale operations benefit from its superior capabilities. It’s perfect for professional documentation or herd management.
Pros:
• Dual control
• 5.2K quality
• Durable build
• Obstacle sensors
• Intelligent modes
• Stable flight
• Long range
Cons:
• Costly
• Heavy
• Needs training
16. DJI Agras T30 – Best for Livestock Feed Spraying
The DJI Agras T30 specializes in agricultural spraying and monitoring. Though designed for crops, it’s also perfect for spraying livestock areas with nutrients or repellents. Its 30L capacity and robust motors ensure wide coverage.
With advanced radar and obstacle sensing, it operates safely in tough terrain. The drone can automatically map flight paths for efficient spraying. The 40-minute battery life supports long missions.
It’s ideal for mixed-use farms managing both crops and livestock. Its efficiency is unmatched for agricultural productivity.
Pros:
• Large capacity
• Smart radar
• Long life
• Strong build
• Easy mapping
• Durable frame
• Wide spray range
Cons:
• Very heavy
• Pricey
• Requires license
17. Hubsan Zino Mini Pro – Best Compact Drone
The Hubsan Zino Mini Pro packs premium features into a lightweight body. It includes a 48MP 4K camera and 40 minutes of flight time. Its compact design makes it perfect for quick checks.
With obstacle avoidance and 10 km range, it performs beyond expectations. Its GPS ensures accurate and stable flights. The drone folds easily into a backpack.
Ideal for small and mid-size farms, it’s affordable yet powerful. It’s a practical option for regular monitoring.
Pros:
• Lightweight
• Long flight
• 4K camera
• Compact size
• Strong GPS
• Obstacle sensors
• Easy setup
Cons:
• Limited payload
• Plastic frame
• Moderate durability
18. Walkera Voyager 5 – Best for Long Range
The Walkera Voyager 5 features an impressive 20 km range, perfect for very large ranches. It supports zoom, infrared, and thermal cameras for multipurpose use. Its stability in high winds is exceptional.
This drone can fly for 40 minutes and has a retractable landing gear system. The control range and image transmission remain stable across vast areas. It’s designed for professional field operations.
Ideal for wildlife farms or extensive grazing fields, the Voyager 5 is a beast in endurance and reliability.
Pros:
• Long range
• Thermal option
• Zoom lens
• Strong stability
• Long battery
• Heavy-duty frame
• Multi-camera
Cons:
• Costly
• Heavy
• Complex interface
19. SenseFly eBee X – Best Fixed-Wing Drone
The SenseFly eBee X is a fixed-wing drone tailored for mapping and surveying. It covers up to 500 hectares per flight, perfect for massive ranches. It’s known for extreme endurance and speed.
Its high-resolution camera provides detailed orthomosaic maps. It also supports multi-spectral sensors for pasture analysis. The design is lightweight yet aerodynamic.
Farmers managing vast land benefit from this drone’s unmatched coverage and reliability. It’s professional-grade yet easy to operate.
Pros:
• Wide coverage
• Long flight
• High altitude
• Precise mapping
• Durable frame
• Efficient design
• Easy launch
Cons:
• Expensive
• No hover
• Needs open space
20. DJI Mavic 3 Thermal – Best for Day and Night Monitoring
The DJI Mavic 3 Thermal integrates thermal and visual sensors for round-the-clock livestock observation. It detects body heat, making it invaluable for tracking at night or spotting sick animals. The 45-minute flight time ensures extended missions.
It features RTK support for centimeter-level mapping and 20x zoom for distant observation. The 15 km range allows large-scale coverage. Farmers can easily stream live footage directly to tablets.
This drone is the ultimate solution for 24/7 livestock monitoring. It combines technology, endurance, and practicality in one powerful tool.
Pros:
• Thermal camera
• Long range
• RTK precision
• 20x zoom
• Great battery
• Reliable flight
• High clarity
Cons:
• High price
• Requires training
• Heavy build
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why use a drone for livestock management?
Drones reduce manual labor by offering aerial visibility of animals across large areas. They identify missing or injured livestock quickly. This technology saves time and improves farm efficiency.
2. Are drones safe for animals?
Yes, modern drones operate quietly and maintain a safe distance. Using low-noise propellers minimizes stress for animals during flight.
3. What features should I look for in a livestock drone?
Prioritize long flight time, high-resolution camera, GPS accuracy, obstacle avoidance, and thermal imaging. These features ensure reliable and efficient tracking.
4. Can drones be used at night for livestock?
Yes, thermal drones like the DJI Mavic 3 Thermal or Parrot Anafi Thermal work perfectly at night by detecting body heat signatures.
5. Do I need a license to fly drones on a farm?
In most countries, drones over certain weight limits or used commercially require registration or certification. Always check your local aviation laws.
6. How far can drones for livestock monitoring fly?
High-end drones like the DJI Mavic 3 or Walkera Voyager 5 can reach up to 15–20 km, covering very large ranches easily.
7. What’s the best budget drone for small farms?
The Holy Stone HS720E and DJI Mini 3 Pro are excellent affordable options for small-scale livestock monitoring.
8. Are waterproof drones necessary for farm work?
If your farm is in a rainy or coastal area, waterproof drones like the SwellPro SplashDrone 4 are essential for reliable performance.
9. Can drones help in animal health monitoring?
Yes, drones equipped with thermal or zoom cameras can detect unusual body temperatures or behaviors indicating illness.
10. What’s the most durable drone for rough farm terrain?
The DJI Matrice 300 RTK and SwellPro SplashDrone 4 are top choices for durability and endurance.
Conclusion
The right drone can revolutionize your livestock management system by increasing efficiency, reducing labor, and improving animal welfare. From budget-friendly models like the Holy Stone HS720E to advanced options like the DJI Matrice 300 RTK, there’s a solution for every farm size and purpose.
Choosing the best drone to keep up with livestock depends on your operational needs — whether it’s long-range surveillance, thermal imaging, or precision mapping. Investing in a capable drone ensures smarter farming, better livestock care, and greater productivity for years to come.