How much does it cost to spray specialty crops by drone in Indiana?

Drone spraying specialty crops in Indiana typically runs about $17–$37 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 specialty crops?

Specialty Crops is usually treated at 3–8 GPA over Multiple (high-value crop protection). Vegetables, melons, and high-value row crops demand precise, low-drift coverage and often several passes — premium per-acre pricing.

Specialty Crops drone spraying cost in Indiana

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

Quick answer: Drone spraying for specialty crops in Indiana typically runs $17–$37 per acre (application only). Vegetables, melons, and high-value row crops demand precise, low-drift coverage and often several passes — premium per-acre pricing. Typical carrier volume is 3–8 GPA over Multiple (high-value crop protection).

State

Indiana

CropAcres

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

Estimated cost in Indiana

$2,678–$5,952

$17–$37/acre × 160 acres

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What’s driving this

Indiana base rate: $18–$40/acre (specialty)
Crop: ×0.93
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 specialty crops in Indiana

Vegetables, melons, and high-value row crops demand precise, low-drift coverage and often several passes — premium per-acre pricing.

Carrier volume: 3–8 GPA — higher volumes cost more per acre (more refills, fewer acres/hour).
Typical passes: Multiple (high-value crop protection).

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.

11 Indiana operators treat specialty crops. Request free quotes.

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Other crops in Indiana

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

Specialty Crops drone spraying in Indiana: FAQs

How much does it cost to spray specialty crops by drone in Indiana?: Drone spraying specialty crops in Indiana typically runs about $17–$37 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 specialty crops?: Specialty Crops is usually treated at 3–8 GPA over Multiple (high-value crop protection). Vegetables, melons, and high-value row crops demand precise, low-drift coverage and often several passes — premium per-acre pricing.