SkyKelpie Delivers World-First Remote Drone Mustering Demo at evokeAG 2025
Luke Chaplain makes history by mustering cattle 300km away from a remote operations center at Brisbane's evokeAG conference.
Originally published by evokeAG, April 14, 2025
Luke Chaplain, founder of SkyKelpie, demonstrated an unprecedented achievement at evokeAG. 2025: conducting cattle mustering from 300 kilometers away using drone technology. Operating from a remote control center inside the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Chaplain managed livestock without helicopters, horses, or motorbikes.
First-in-Australia Regulatory Approval
SkyKelpie achieved first-in-Australia Civil Aviation Safety Authority approval for a mobile remote operations centre (ROC), enabling drone deployment from various locations while maintaining compliance with Extended Visual Line of Sight requirements.
Low-Stress Methodology
The demonstration showcased calm, calculated livestock handling. As Chaplain explained, "Stress-free cattle perform better, particularly those heading straight to sale or slaughter." The approach emphasised releasing pressure once animals began moving while maintaining engagement.
Technical Execution
From 90 meters altitude, the drone descended to engage cattle, guiding them through paddocks and ultimately through a farm gate without agitation or complications - all controlled remotely from 300km away.
Future Development
With support from Meat & Livestock Australia and Queensland government, SkyKelpie is integrating image detection for precision animal tracking and exploring algorithmic-assisted mustering capabilities.
Addressing Regulatory Challenges
Current restrictions requiring visual line-of-sight limit practical application across extensive grazing operations - an issue Chaplain continues to advocate regulators address.
Source: evokeAG
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