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

Drone spraying alfalfa & hay in Michigan typically runs about $11–$21 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 Michigan

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

Quick answer: Drone spraying for alfalfa & hay in Michigan typically runs $11–$21 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

Michigan

CropAcres

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

Estimated cost in Michigan

$1,725–$3,293

$11–$21/acre × 160 acres

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What’s driving this

Michigan base rate: $11–$21/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: MSU Extension — 2026 Custom Work Rates Report (self-propelled boom sprayer engineering cost $9.62/ac; pull-type $6.60/ac — ground only); agdronedirectory — Drone Spraying for Orchards (MI named with WA/CA/NY; orchard drone $20-$35/ac, 6-12 passes/season); Growing Produce — drones for orchards/vineyards; MI operator (Aerial Ag Technologies, Battle Creek) ~$150/hr, DJI Agras T30 for tree fruit; Iowa State 2026 Farm Custom Rate Survey (row-crop anchor)

What it takes to spray alfalfa & hay in Michigan

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 Michigan: 542,761 harvestedacres (USDA Census of Agriculture 2022) — so there’s real, sprayable alfalfa & hay acreage for operators here.

Sources & confidence

Michigan estimate · medium confidence · data as of 2026 — MSU's 2026 'Custom Work Rates' are engineering machinery-cost ESTIMATES, not surveyed market drone/aerial rates; its sprayer lines are ground-only and confirm no aerial line exists for MI. Row-crop drone band DERIVED from Iowa anchor scaled ~10% up (costIndex 1.10) for MI's smaller, tree-lined fields. Specialty band is well-supported: MI is a top-4 orchard drone-spray state (apple/cherry/peach/grape), national orchard band $20-$35 for 6-12 passes, with an in-state operator corroborating premium pricing. Confidence medium overall.

1 Michigan operator treats alfalfa & hay. Request free quotes.

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Other crops in Michigan

Soybeans Corn Wheat Dry Beans Sugar Beets Potatoes Apples Cherries Oats Blueberries Vineyards All Michigan costs Alfalfa & Hay operators

Alfalfa & Hay drone spraying in Michigan: FAQs

How much does it cost to spray alfalfa & hay by drone in Michigan?: Drone spraying alfalfa & hay in Michigan typically runs about $11–$21 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.