How much does drone spraying cost in Montana?

In Montana, drone spraying runs about $9–$19 per acre for row crops and $18–$36 per acre for orchards, vineyards, and specialty crops (application only, product extra). Field size, carrier volume (gallons per acre), passes, and product all move the number — request quotes for an exact figure.

Why does drone spraying cost what it does in Montana?

Per-acre rates vary by state with regulatory load (permitting, buffer zones, applicator licensing), labor and fuel costs, field size and geometry, and crop mix. Montana's rate reflects those local factors versus the national median.

Does a restricted-use pesticide cost more to apply in Montana?

Usually a little. Restricted-use products require a certified applicator, extra recordkeeping and notification, and stricter buffers — a modest per-acre surcharge (often a couple of dollars an acre) on top of the base rate.

How does gallons per acre change the price?

A spray drone's tank is a fixed size, so higher carrier volume (more gallons per acre) means more refills and ferrying and fewer acres per hour — which raises the per-acre cost. Low-volume row-crop jobs (~2 GPA) are cheapest; dense orchard/vineyard work at higher GPA costs more.

Drone spraying cost in Montana

Researched per-acre rates for agricultural drone spraying in Montana — estimate your job, see the crop-by-crop breakdown, and compare operators.

Quick answer: Drone spraying in Montana typically runs $9–$19 per acre for row crops (application only). Orchards, vineyards, and specialty crops run higher — about $18–$36 per acre. The final price depends on field size, gallons per acre, the number of passes, and whether a restricted-use product is applied.

State

Montana

CropAcres

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

Estimated cost in Montana

$1,440–$3,040

$9–$19/acre × 160 acres

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What’s driving this

Montana base rate: $9–$19/acre (row crop)
Gallons per acre: 2 GPA → ×1.00

Application only — product & chemical extra.

Sources & how this is estimated

Estimated from regional/national data — request quotes from operators for an accurate figure. Application only; product/chemical extra. Data as of 2026.

Sources: CSU Extension 2025 Custom Rates (Colorado/High Plains analog; Eastern aerial median $8.25); Ag Drone Directory 2026 Rates Guide (Great Plains band $12-16; national $12-18); Ag Drone Directory spray cost calculator (Great Plains regional multiplier 0.95x vs Corn Belt baseline)

Drone spraying cost by crop in Montana

Crop	Typical cost ($/acre)
Wheat	$9–$19
Alfalfa & Hay	$9–$19
Pasture & Rangeland	$8–$17

Application only; product/chemical extra. Estimates — request quotes for exact pricing.

What drives the price in Montana

Per-acre rates move with the crop (dense orchard and vineyard canopies cost more than open row crops), the carrier volume (more gallons per acre means more refills and fewer acres per hour), the number of passes, field size and terrain, and whether a restricted-use pesticide is applied (which adds a certified-applicator and recordkeeping surcharge).Montana’s base rate also reflects local regulation, labor, and field geometry.

Sources & confidence

Montana estimate · low confidence · data as of 2026 · regional estimate — DERIVED: no Montana extension or in-state operator rate found. Montana's large, flat dryland wheat/pulse acreage most resembles the Great Plains, to which the Ag Drone Directory calculator assigns a 0.95x multiplier vs the Corn Belt/Iowa baseline -> typical ~0.95 x $12.50 ~= $12-13. Spread widened ~15% (low $9, high $19) for long ferry distances and sparse operator coverage. Specialty band at the national orchard/vineyard $18-36 (minimal MT specialty acreage; included for completeness). costIndex 0.95 = Great Plains analog.

28 drone-spraying operators serve Montana. Compare them and request free quotes.

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More on drone spraying cost

Montana field sizes Cost per acre (guide)Cost calculator Cost by state

Drone spraying cost in Montana: FAQs

How much does drone spraying cost in Montana?: In Montana, drone spraying runs about $9–$19 per acre for row crops and $18–$36 per acre for orchards, vineyards, and specialty crops (application only, product extra). Field size, carrier volume (gallons per acre), passes, and product all move the number — request quotes for an exact figure.
Why does drone spraying cost what it does in Montana?: Per-acre rates vary by state with regulatory load (permitting, buffer zones, applicator licensing), labor and fuel costs, field size and geometry, and crop mix. Montana's rate reflects those local factors versus the national median.
Does a restricted-use pesticide cost more to apply in Montana?: Usually a little. Restricted-use products require a certified applicator, extra recordkeeping and notification, and stricter buffers — a modest per-acre surcharge (often a couple of dollars an acre) on top of the base rate.
How does gallons per acre change the price?: A spray drone's tank is a fixed size, so higher carrier volume (more gallons per acre) means more refills and ferrying and fewer acres per hour — which raises the per-acre cost. Low-volume row-crop jobs (~2 GPA) are cheapest; dense orchard/vineyard work at higher GPA costs more.