How much does it cost to spray sunflowers by drone in Minnesota?

Drone spraying sunflowers in Minnesota typically runs about $10–$20 per acre (application only, product extra). Carrier volume, passes, field size, and product move the final number — compare operator quotes for an exact price.

Sunflowers drone spraying cost in Minnesota

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

Quick answer: Drone spraying for sunflowers in Minnesota typically runs $10–$20 per acre (application only). Head rot and rust fungicide at bloom plus a late desiccation over tall stands — drones treat without shattering heads the way a ground rig can. Typical carrier volume is 2–3 GPA over 1–2 (bloom fungicide/insecticide, ± desiccation).

State

Minnesota

CropAcres

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

Estimated cost in Minnesota

$1,600–$3,200

$10–$20/acre × 160 acres

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What’s driving this

Minnesota base rate: $10–$20/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: agdronedirectory.com — Drone Spraying in Minnesota (state page); AeriAll — Custom Drone Spraying in Minnesota: Costs, Coverage, Results (operator rate card, $14/ac @1-2gal to $20/ac @5gal; market $12-$20); Iowa State 2026 Farm Custom Rate Survey (anchor, ~$12.50/ac typical); American Spray Drone Coalition 2025 national avg $13/ac (via agdronedirectory pricing guide)

What it takes to spray sunflowers in Minnesota

Head rot and rust fungicide at bloom plus a late desiccation over tall stands — drones treat without shattering heads the way a ground rig can.

Carrier volume: 2–3 GPA — higher volumes cost more per acre (more refills, fewer acres/hour).
Typical passes: 1–2 (bloom fungicide/insecticide, ± desiccation).
Grown in Minnesota: 66,924 harvestedacres (USDA Census of Agriculture 2022) — so there’s real, sprayable sunflowers acreage for operators here.

Sources & confidence

Minnesota estimate · high confidence · data as of 2026 — No aerial/drone line item exists in the U. of Minnesota custom-rate materials, so this is triangulated from multiple in-state drone operators rather than a survey. Two MN operator rate cards plus the directory's MN row-crop band ($12-$18) and the Iowa anchor all agree within ~25%, so confidence is high despite no extension survey. Southern MN Corn Belt is essentially an Iowa analog; costIndex 1.05 for slightly higher wet-condition/short-window premium and modestly smaller fields north of the Corn Belt. Specialty band scaled to the national $18-$35 orchard/vineyard range (MN has limited orchard acreage).

27 Minnesota operators treat sunflowers, quoting roughly $10–$18/acre. Request free quotes.

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Other crops in Minnesota

Corn Soybeans Wheat Alfalfa & Hay Sugar Beets Dry Beans Oats Canola Barley Potatoes Field Peas All Minnesota costs

Sunflowers drone spraying in Minnesota: FAQs

How much does it cost to spray sunflowers by drone in Minnesota?: Drone spraying sunflowers in Minnesota typically runs about $10–$20 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 sunflowers?: Sunflowers is usually treated at 2–3 GPA over 1–2 (bloom fungicide/insecticide, ± desiccation). Head rot and rust fungicide at bloom plus a late desiccation over tall stands — drones treat without shattering heads the way a ground rig can.