How much does it cost to spray rice by drone in Arkansas?

Drone spraying rice in Arkansas typically runs about $9–$16 per acre (application only, product extra). Carrier volume, passes, field size, and product move the final number — compare operator quotes for an exact price.

What carrier volume and how many passes for rice?

Rice is usually treated at 3–5 GPA over 1–2 (fungicide/herbicide over flooded paddies). Flooded paddies are impassable to ground rigs, so drones are a natural fit; higher carrier volumes are common for coverage.

Rice drone spraying cost in Arkansas

Researched per-acre cost to spray rice by drone in Arkansas, the agronomy that drives it, and operators who cover your area.

Quick answer: Drone spraying for rice in Arkansas typically runs $9–$16 per acre (application only). Flooded paddies are impassable to ground rigs, so drones are a natural fit; higher carrier volumes are common for coverage. Typical carrier volume is 3–5 GPA over 1–2 (fungicide/herbicide over flooded paddies).

State

Arkansas

CropAcres

Gallons per acre (carrier volume)Applications (passes)

Restricted-use pesticide (certified applicator + records)

Estimated cost in Arkansas

$1,440–$2,560

$9–$16/acre × 160 acres

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What’s driving this

Arkansas base rate: $9–$16/acre (row crop)
Gallons per acre: 2 GPA → ×1.00

high confidence

Sources: UADA 2025 Arkansas Crop Enterprise Budgets (custom aerial application $10/acre); UADA news: 2025 enterprise budgets now available; Ag Drone Directory 2026 pricing - Mississippi Delta tier $14-$18/acre (incl. AR)

Estimate only — actual rates vary by field size, terrain, and product. Application only; product/chemical extra. Data as of 2026.

What it takes to spray rice in Arkansas

Flooded paddies are impassable to ground rigs, so drones are a natural fit; higher carrier volumes are common for coverage.

Carrier volume: 3–5 GPA — higher volumes cost more per acre (more refills, fewer acres/hour).
Typical passes: 1–2 (fungicide/herbicide over flooded paddies).

Sources & confidence

Arkansas estimate · high confidence · data as of 2026 — Row-crop application-only band anchored on the UADA 2025 enterprise-budget custom aerial figure of $10/acre (manned fixed-wing); Delta drone operators quote $14-$18, so typical set to $11 with high $16 to bridge manned and drone. Arkansas is a dense, mature aerial-application market (rice/soybean/cotton) with heavy manned-applicator competition suppressing rates ~5-10% below Iowa, hence costIndex 0.92. Specialty band reflects cotton defoliation and sweet-potato/pecan work; no significant vineyard culture, so lower-to-mid national specialty range.

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Other crops in Arkansas

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Rice drone spraying in Arkansas: FAQs

How much does it cost to spray rice by drone in Arkansas?: Drone spraying rice in Arkansas typically runs about $9–$16 per acre (application only, product extra). Carrier volume, passes, field size, and product move the final number — compare operator quotes for an exact price.
What carrier volume and how many passes for rice?: Rice is usually treated at 3–5 GPA over 1–2 (fungicide/herbicide over flooded paddies). Flooded paddies are impassable to ground rigs, so drones are a natural fit; higher carrier volumes are common for coverage.