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

Drone spraying rice in Louisiana typically runs about $9–$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 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 Louisiana

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

Quick answer: Drone spraying for rice in Louisiana typically runs $9–$17 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

Louisiana

CropAcres

Gallons per acre (carrier volume)Applications (passes)

Restricted-use pesticide (certified applicator + records)

Estimated cost in Louisiana

$1,440–$2,720

$9–$17/acre × 160 acres

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What’s driving this

Louisiana base rate: $9–$17/acre (row crop)
Gallons per acre: 2 GPA → ×1.00

medium confidence

Sources: LSU AgCenter rice budgets (aerial fungicide/herbicide application embedded in custom operations); LSU AgCenter 2026 Cost of Production staff report (custom application line items); Ag Drone Directory 2026 pricing - Mississippi Delta tier, rice $14-$22/acre

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

What it takes to spray rice in Louisiana

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

Louisiana estimate · medium confidence · data as of 2026 — LSU AgCenter rice/sugarcane budgets fold aerial application into custom-operation costs rather than publishing a standalone per-acre survey, so confidence is medium. Application-only manned aerial in the Delta runs ~$10-12/acre; rice-paddy and sugarcane complexity plus wet-field conditions push drone rates to $14-$22, so typical $12, high $17. Rice/sugarcane complexity nudges costIndex slightly above the MS/AR Delta floor to 0.96, still below Iowa. Specialty band reflects sugarcane fungicide (Headline-class >$30/acre treatments) and pecan.

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Other crops in Louisiana

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Rice drone spraying in Louisiana: FAQs

How much does it cost to spray rice by drone in Louisiana?: Drone spraying rice in Louisiana typically runs about $9–$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 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.