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

Drone spraying rice in California typically runs about $14–$22 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 California

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

Quick answer: Drone spraying for rice in California typically runs $14–$22 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

California

CropAcres

Gallons per acre (carrier volume)Applications (passes)

Restricted-use pesticide (certified applicator + records)

Estimated cost in California

$2,240–$3,520

$14–$22/acre × 160 acres

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What’s driving this

California base rate: $14–$22/acre (row crop)
Gallons per acre: 2 GPA → ×1.00

medium confidence

Sources: US Ag Drone Directory — California drone pesticide spraying (rice $14-22/ac; grapes $18-30; orchards $20-35); US Ag Drone Directory spray cost calculator — California 1.4x regional multiplier vs Iowa $12.50 baseline; UC Davis / UC ANR cost study files (Sacramento Valley almonds 2024 — custom application line items)

Estimate only — actual rates vary by field size, terrain, and product. Application only; product/chemical extra. Data as of 2024.

What it takes to spray rice in California

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

California estimate · medium confidence · data as of 2024 — Highest of the contiguous 48. Row-crop band anchored to California rice drone work ($14-22/ac, agdronedirectory). Specialty band from in-state grape ($18-30) and orchard ($20-35) operator quotes. costIndex 1.45 sits just inside the brief's expected 1.5-1.65 window's lower edge, blending the directory's explicit 1.4x row-crop multiplier with the heavier specialty premium driven by CDPR restricted-material NOI permitting, school/waterway buffer zones, SprayDays notification, high labor, and small high-value blocks (8-12 passes/season). Confidence medium (operator rate cards + directory multiplier, no current CA extension survey isolating aerial/drone).

2 California operators treat rice, quoting roughly $18–$70/acre. Request free quotes.

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Other crops in California

Orchards Vineyards Specialty Crops All California costs Rice operators

Rice drone spraying in California: FAQs

How much does it cost to spray rice by drone in California?: Drone spraying rice in California typically runs about $14–$22 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.