How much does it cost to spray corn by drone in Iowa?

Drone spraying corn in Iowa typically runs about $8–$18 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 corn?

Corn is usually treated at 2–3 GPA over 1–2 (fungicide at tassel, ± a foliar/nitrogen pass). Fungicide for tar spot and gray leaf spot at VT–R1 over a tall canopy is the classic drone job — low carrier volume, fast wide passes.

Corn drone spraying cost in Iowa

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

Quick answer: Drone spraying for corn in Iowa typically runs $8–$18 per acre (application only). Fungicide for tar spot and gray leaf spot at VT–R1 over a tall canopy is the classic drone job — low carrier volume, fast wide passes. Typical carrier volume is 2–3 GPA over 1–2 (fungicide at tassel, ± a foliar/nitrogen pass).

State

Iowa

CropAcres

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

Estimated cost in Iowa

$1,280–$2,880

$8–$18/acre × 160 acres

Get real quotes in Iowa

What’s driving this

Iowa 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: Iowa State 2026 Farm Custom Rate Survey (FM1698) — first university benchmark for spray drones, $12.50 avg / $12.00 median, 47 operator responses; rates below $10 rare and only on 500+ ac contiguous fields; Iowa State University Extension Store — 2026 Iowa Farm Custom Rate Survey (FM1698) publication; AgDroneDirectory 2026 Rates Guide — Corn Belt row-crop $12-$17; specialty/orchard/vineyard $18-$40

What it takes to spray corn in Iowa

Fungicide for tar spot and gray leaf spot at VT–R1 over a tall canopy is the classic drone job — low carrier volume, fast wide passes.

Carrier volume: 2–3 GPA — higher volumes cost more per acre (more refills, fewer acres/hour).
Typical passes: 1–2 (fungicide at tassel, ± a foliar/nitrogen pass).
Grown in Iowa: 12,637,070 harvestedacres (USDA Census of Agriculture 2022) — so there’s real, sprayable corn acreage for operators here.

How big is a typical corn field in Iowa?

The average Iowa corn operation works about 281 acres of corn (USDA Census of Agriculture 2022, 44,919 operations) — so at these rates a field that size runs about $2,248–$5,058 per application. That’s an average across whole operations; a single field is usually smaller. Corn field sizes & cost in Iowa →

Sources & confidence

Iowa estimate · high confidence · data as of 2026 — National anchor: costIndex 1.00 by definition. Row-crop and specialty bands from the Iowa State 2026 FM1698 survey, the first university drone-spray benchmark.

Get a free quote

Get matched with sprayers in Iowa

Rather than picking one operator, send one request and we'll match you with up to three verified drone sprayers who cover your area. Free for farmers — no fees, no obligation.

Request your free quote

Takes about a minute.

Other crops in Iowa

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

Corn drone spraying in Iowa: FAQs

How much does it cost to spray corn by drone in Iowa?: Drone spraying corn in Iowa typically runs about $8–$18 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 corn?: Corn is usually treated at 2–3 GPA over 1–2 (fungicide at tassel, ± a foliar/nitrogen pass). Fungicide for tar spot and gray leaf spot at VT–R1 over a tall canopy is the classic drone job — low carrier volume, fast wide passes.