Abstract: A bale retrieval system includes an aerial vehicle operable to fly over a field. An imaging device is mounted on the aerial vehicle. The imaging device is operable to capture an image of the field. A position locater is operable to determine a position of multiple bales located on the field. A controller is operable to identify the bales included in images captured by the imaging device, and then determine a location of each bale identified in the image with the position locator. The location of each bale may be used to generate a map showing the bales in the field. The location of the bales may then be communicated to a bale retriever for pickup.