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

Drone spraying alfalfa & hay in Maryland typically runs about $10–$24 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 Maryland

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

Quick answer: Drone spraying for alfalfa & hay in Maryland typically runs $10–$24 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

Maryland

CropAcres

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

Estimated cost in Maryland

$1,568–$3,763

$10–$24/acre × 160 acres

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What’s driving this

Maryland base rate: $10–$24/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 2026.

Sources: Custom Work Charges in Maryland and Delaware FS-683 (Feb 2025, UMD/UD Extension) - Spraying Pesticide Aerial $10.00-$28.00/ac, avg $14.36; Pesticide Ground $7-$50, avg $14.01; UMD Extension Custom Work Charges in Maryland and Delaware (FS-683 landing page); Iowa State 2026 Farm Custom Rate Survey - drone anchor avg $12.50

What it takes to spray alfalfa & hay in Maryland

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 Maryland: 25,839 harvestedacres (USDA Census of Agriculture 2022) — so there’s real, sprayable alfalfa & hay acreage for operators here.

Sources & confidence

Maryland estimate · high confidence · data as of 2026 — High confidence: the current (Feb 2025) UMD/UD Extension FS-683 survey breaks out AERIAL pesticide application directly at $10-$28/ac (avg $14.36, modal $12.50) and ground pesticide at $7-$50 (avg $14.01). Drone application in-state tracks this aerial band. costIndex 1.10 vs Iowa (typical ~$14 vs $12.50) reflects Delmarva field sizes between Corn Belt and small NE farms. Specialty band set to regional orchard/vineyard drone range for MD's Western/Southern fruit acreage.

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Other crops in Maryland

Soybeans Corn Wheat Barley Sorghum Specialty Crops Orchards Pasture & Rangeland All Maryland costs Alfalfa & Hay operators

Alfalfa & Hay drone spraying in Maryland: FAQs

How much does it cost to spray alfalfa & hay by drone in Maryland?: Drone spraying alfalfa & hay in Maryland typically runs about $10–$24 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.