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

Drone spraying alfalfa & hay in North Carolina typically runs about $11–$25 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 North Carolina

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

Quick answer: Drone spraying for alfalfa & hay in North Carolina typically runs $11–$25 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

North Carolina

CropAcres

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

Estimated cost in North Carolina

$1,725–$4,077

$11–$25/acre × 160 acres

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What’s driving this

North Carolina base rate: $11–$26/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: UGA 2024 Georgia Custom Rate Survey (nearest in-region row-crop survey; Aerial Spray avg $12.81/ac); NC State Extension — coming changes in drone pesticide application (in-state context, no per-acre rate); Ag Drone Directory 2026 — Southeast $16-28/ac; orchards $20-35, vineyards $18-30

What it takes to spray alfalfa & hay in North Carolina

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 North Carolina: 21,642 harvestedacres (USDA Census of Agriculture 2022) — so there’s real, sprayable alfalfa & hay acreage for operators here.

Sources & confidence

North Carolina estimate · low confidence · data as of 2026 — No North Carolina aerial/drone custom-rate survey with per-acre figures found (NC State Extension publishes regulatory guidance, not rates). Derived from neighboring Georgia's 2024 UGA survey scaled up ~9% for NC's more diverse and fragmented mix (tobacco, Piedmont rolling terrain, smaller fields, more orchards/vineyards), with low/high spread widened ~15% per low-confidence rule.

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Other crops in North Carolina

Soybeans Corn Cotton Wheat Peanuts Tobacco Sweet Potatoes Potatoes Sorghum Barley Oats All North Carolina costs Alfalfa & Hay operators

Alfalfa & Hay drone spraying in North Carolina: FAQs

How much does it cost to spray alfalfa & hay by drone in North Carolina?: Drone spraying alfalfa & hay in North Carolina typically runs about $11–$25 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.