Episode 70: SkyKelpie and the rise of drone mustering in Australia

Join us as we sit down with Luke Chaplain, founder of SkyKelpie, Nuffield Scholar, and drone mustering pioneer, to unpack how off-the-shelf tech is transforming the way we manage livestock in Australia.

With roots on a family property in northwest Queensland and a background in stockmanship, Luke brings a practical, ground-up perspective to one of ag’s most exciting frontiers. Since launching SkyKelpie, he’s worked with producers across the country to integrate drone technology into their day-to-day operations, all without losing the art of good stock handling.

We explore the economics of replacing a helicopter with a drone and the role of drones as tools for stockmanship. We also talk about how gamified training is helping a new generation of workers learn to handle livestock with skill and care.

Plus, Luke opens up about his filmmaking side hustle and how one of his first scripts involves a bank heist and a family secret.