How much does it cost to spray alfalfa & hay by drone in Indiana?

Drone spraying alfalfa & hay in Indiana typically runs about $9–$20 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 alfalfa & hay?

Alfalfa & Hay is usually treated at 2–3 GPA over 1+ between cuttings (weevil, aphid). Insecticide for weevil and aphid between cuttings with quick turnaround and no compaction on established stands.

Alfalfa & Hay drone spraying cost in Indiana

Researched per-acre cost to spray alfalfa & hay by drone in Indiana, the agronomy that drives it, and operators who cover your area.

Quick answer: Drone spraying for alfalfa & hay in Indiana typically runs $9–$20 per acre (application only). Insecticide for weevil and aphid between cuttings with quick turnaround and no compaction on established stands. Typical carrier volume is 2–3 GPA over 1+ between cuttings (weevil, aphid).

State

Indiana

CropAcres

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

Estimated cost in Indiana

$1,411–$3,136

$9–$20/acre × 160 acres

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What’s driving this

Indiana base rate: $9–$20/acre (row crop)
Crop: ×0.98
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 2025.

Sources: Purdue 2025 Indiana Farm Custom Rates (Langemeier) — 'Aerial Sprayer' $13.31/ac average, 18 responses (manned aerial line; no separate drone line surveyed); Purdue Commercial Ag — 2025/26 Indiana Farm Custom Rates landing page; AgDroneDirectory — Corn Belt drone row-crop $12-$17 band (IN grouped in Corn Belt)

What it takes to spray alfalfa & hay in Indiana

Insecticide for weevil and aphid between cuttings with quick turnaround and no compaction on established stands.

Carrier volume: 2–3 GPA — higher volumes cost more per acre (more refills, fewer acres/hour).
Typical passes: 1+ between cuttings (weevil, aphid).
Grown in Indiana: 203,050 harvestedacres (USDA Census of Agriculture 2022) — so there’s real, sprayable alfalfa & hay acreage for operators here.

How big is a typical alfalfa & hay field in Indiana?

The average Indiana alfalfa & hay operation works about 21 acres of alfalfa & hay (USDA Census of Agriculture 2022, 9,616 operations) — so at these rates a field that size runs about $185–$412 per application. That’s an average across whole operations; a single field is usually smaller. Alfalfa & Hay field sizes & cost in Indiana →

Sources & confidence

Indiana estimate · medium confidence · data as of 2025 — Purdue's 2025 survey reports a manned 'Aerial Sprayer' rate of $13.31/ac (18 responses) but no separate drone line. Typical is anchored to that surveyed aerial figure (drone pricing in-region tracks manned aerial); low/high widened to $9-$20 to span the competitive Corn Belt drone band ($12-$17) and the higher end of manned aerial. costIndex 1.07 = $13.31 / Iowa $12.50 typical.

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Other crops in Indiana

Soybeans Corn Wheat Potatoes Sorghum Oats Specialty Crops Pasture & Rangeland All Indiana costs Alfalfa & Hay field size Alfalfa & Hay operators

Alfalfa & Hay drone spraying in Indiana: FAQs

How much does it cost to spray alfalfa & hay by drone in Indiana?: Drone spraying alfalfa & hay in Indiana typically runs about $9–$20 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 alfalfa & hay?: Alfalfa & Hay is usually treated at 2–3 GPA over 1+ between cuttings (weevil, aphid). Insecticide for weevil and aphid between cuttings with quick turnaround and no compaction on established stands.