On Episode 3 of The Unmanned Podcast, host Matt Hernandez sits down with Calvin Rieb, Global Remotely Operated Systems (ROS) Leader at Cargill, to explore how drones are reshaping asset management, safety, and efficiency across global operations.
Q: Tell us about your background and how you got into drone operations at Cargill.
Calvin: My background is in aviation — I started as a helicopter mechanic in the Colorado Army National Guard, then flew Black Hawks and King Airs before moving into unmanned systems. While consulting, I connected with USI and saw how drone technology paralleled aviation in terms of safety, precision, and scalability. Now, I lead Cargill’s global drone operations team across North and South America.
Q: How is Cargill currently using drones across its facilities?
Calvin: Primarily for asset inspections — things like silos, grain bins, and structures. With over 10,000 bins in North America alone, we’ve reduced a four-hour manual inspection to 20 minutes with drones, eliminating confined space entry and improving data quality. It’s safer, faster, and much more cost-effective.
Q: How do you approach training and team development?
Calvin: We’ve built a diverse team—half from the military (experienced UAV operators) and half from universities like Embry-Riddle and Liberty. That mix gives us structure, discipline, and strong technical skills.
USI has been an essential training partner, helping us maintain best practices and standardization across our global operations.
Q: What kind of return are you seeing from drone operations?
Calvin: It’s significant. We estimate a 2–3x ROI through cost avoidance, efficiency, and increased throughput. For us, drones aren’t just a safety tool — they’re a business enabler that improves operational performance and reduces downtime.
Q: What challenges come with running a global drone program?
Calvin: Regulations and data management are the biggest. We deal with multiple aviation authorities — FAA, EASA, Transport Canada — and massive volumes of data from every inspection. The key is standardizing how we operate and how we turn data into decisions. That’s where training and consistency, supported by USI, make a huge difference.
Q: What’s next for drone operations at Cargill?
Calvin: We’re closely watching the rollout of BVLOS regulations, especially in Canada this fall. Once BVLOS is widely approved, we’ll be able to scale much faster — especially in rural areas where our assets are spread out. It’s an exciting step toward more autonomous and data-driven operations.
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