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

Drone spraying specialty crops in Maryland typically runs about $17–$35 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 Maryland

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

Quick answer: Drone spraying for specialty crops in Maryland typically runs $17–$35 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

Maryland

CropAcres

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

Estimated cost in Maryland

$2,678–$5,654

$17–$35/acre × 160 acres

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What’s driving this

Maryland base rate: $18–$38/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 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 specialty crops in Maryland

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

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

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Specialty Crops drone spraying in Maryland: FAQs

How much does it cost to spray specialty crops by drone in Maryland?: Drone spraying specialty crops in Maryland typically runs about $17–$35 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.