Soybeans drone spraying cost in North Carolina
Researched per-acre cost to spray soybeans by drone in North Carolina, the agronomy that drives it, and operators who cover your area.
Estimated cost in North Carolina
$1,760–$4,160
$11–$26/acre × 160 acres
What’s driving this
- North Carolina base rate
- $11–$26/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: 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 soybeans in North Carolina
White mold and frogeye fungicide plus aphid control at R3; aerial cover-crop seeding into standing beans is increasingly common.
- Carrier volume: 2–3 GPA — higher volumes cost more per acre (more refills, fewer acres/hour).
- Typical passes: 1–2 (R3 fungicide/insecticide).
- Grown in North Carolina: 1,707,530 harvestedacres (USDA Census of Agriculture 2022) — so there’s real, sprayable soybeans acreage for operators here.
How big is a typical soybeans field in North Carolina?
The average North Carolina soybeans operation works about 300 acres of soybeans (USDA Census of Agriculture 2022, 5,683 operations) — so at these rates a field that size runs about $3,300–$7,800 per application. That’s an average across whole operations; a single field is usually smaller. Soybeans field sizes & cost in North Carolina →
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.
Get matched with sprayers in North Carolina
Rather than picking one operator, send one request and we'll match you with up to three verified drone sprayers who cover your area. Free for farmers — no fees, no obligation.
Request your free quote
Takes about a minute.
Other crops in North Carolina
Soybeans drone spraying in North Carolina: FAQs
- How much does it cost to spray soybeans by drone in North Carolina?
- Drone spraying soybeans in North Carolina typically runs about $11–$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 soybeans?
- Soybeans is usually treated at 2–3 GPA over 1–2 (R3 fungicide/insecticide). White mold and frogeye fungicide plus aphid control at R3; aerial cover-crop seeding into standing beans is increasingly common.