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

Drone spraying alfalfa & hay in New Jersey typically runs about $12–$26 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 New Jersey

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

Quick answer: Drone spraying for alfalfa & hay in New Jersey typically runs $12–$26 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

New Jersey

CropAcres

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

Estimated cost in New Jersey

$1,882–$4,234

$12–$26/acre × 160 acres

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What’s driving this

New Jersey base rate: $12–$27/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: Pennsylvania's 2022 Machinery Custom Rates (USDA NASS) - used as nearest analog (weed spraying avg $16.50, $10-$42); Cornell CCE Franklin County 2022 Custom Rates - NE analog, spraying crops $13-$20/ac; Northeast small-farm drone band $22-$38/ac (2026 pricing)

What it takes to spray alfalfa & hay in New Jersey

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 New Jersey: 17,067 harvestedacres (USDA Census of Agriculture 2022) — so there’s real, sprayable alfalfa & hay acreage for operators here.

Sources & confidence

New Jersey estimate · low confidence · data as of 2026 — DERIVED: no New Jersey extension custom-rate survey or in-state drone/aerial rate card was found. Derived from the two nearest high/medium-confidence analogs (PA NASS 2022 weed-spray avg $16.50 and NY Cornell CCE $13-$20), then shifted up ~5-8% because NJ has the highest land/labor costs in the region, heavily fragmented small parcels, and dense airspace/buffer constraints. Spread widened ~15% per the rubric. costIndex 1.30. Specialty band elevated for NJ's blueberry, cranberry, peach and nursery acreage.

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Other crops in New Jersey

Soybeans Corn Wheat Blueberries Peaches Cranberries Specialty Crops Orchards Pasture & Rangeland All New Jersey costs Alfalfa & Hay operators

Alfalfa & Hay drone spraying in New Jersey: FAQs

How much does it cost to spray alfalfa & hay by drone in New Jersey?: Drone spraying alfalfa & hay in New Jersey typically runs about $12–$26 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.