How much does it cost to spray canola by drone in Colorado?

Drone spraying canola in Colorado typically runs about $8–$17 per acre (application only, product extra). Carrier volume, passes, field size, and product move the final number — compare operator quotes for an exact price.

Canola drone spraying cost in Colorado

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

Quick answer: Drone spraying for canola in Colorado typically runs $8–$17 per acre (application only). Sclerotinia fungicide at 20–50% bloom is timing-critical; drones hit the narrow window on soft northern ground when sprayers are stuck. Typical carrier volume is 2–3 GPA over 1–2 (sclerotinia fungicide at bloom).

State

Colorado

CropAcres

Gallons per acre (carrier volume)Restricted-use pesticide (certified applicator + records)

Estimated cost in Colorado

$1,280–$2,880

$8–$18/acre × 160 acres

Get real quotes in Colorado

What’s driving this

Colorado base rate: $8–$18/acre (row crop)
Gallons per acre: 2 GPA → ×1.00

Application only — product & chemical extra.

Sources & how this is estimated

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

Sources: CSU Extension - 2025 Land Rental & Custom Rates for Colorado Farms & Ranches (Aerial Spraying: Eastern $6.75-$33 median $8.25; Western $13-$14 median $14); CSU Extension Custom Rates Survey index page; Ag Drone Directory 2026 Rates Guide (national row-crop $12-18; specialty $18-35)

What it takes to spray canola in Colorado

Sclerotinia fungicide at 20–50% bloom is timing-critical; drones hit the narrow window on soft northern ground when sprayers are stuck.

Carrier volume: 2–3 GPA — higher volumes cost more per acre (more refills, fewer acres/hour).
Typical passes: 1–2 (sclerotinia fungicide at bloom).
Grown in Colorado: 6,045 harvestedacres (USDA Census of Agriculture 2022) — so there’s real, sprayable canola acreage for operators here.

Sources & confidence

Colorado estimate · high confidence · data as of 2026 — Direct from CSU Extension's 2025 custom-rate survey, which breaks out 'Aerial Spraying $/acre' by region: Eastern (High Plains) median $8.25 over a $6.75-$33 range; Western (mountain valleys) median $14 over $13-$14. Row band set to blended ~$8 (east) to ~$18 (west), typical ~$12, dropping the $33 single-response outlier. Specialty band uses the national orchard/vineyard $18-35 range (front-range orchards/vineyards). costIndex 0.98 reflects typical slightly under Iowa's $12.50.

4 Colorado operators treat canola. Request free quotes.

Get quotes in Colorado

Other crops in Colorado

Wheat Corn Alfalfa & Hay Sorghum Millet Potatoes Sunflowers Barley Dry Beans Sugar Beets Soybeans All Colorado costs

Canola drone spraying in Colorado: FAQs

How much does it cost to spray canola by drone in Colorado?: Drone spraying canola in Colorado typically runs about $8–$17 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 canola?: Canola is usually treated at 2–3 GPA over 1–2 (sclerotinia fungicide at bloom). Sclerotinia fungicide at 20–50% bloom is timing-critical; drones hit the narrow window on soft northern ground when sprayers are stuck.