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

Drone spraying alfalfa & hay in Ohio typically runs about $7–$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 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 Ohio

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

Quick answer: Drone spraying for alfalfa & hay in Ohio typically runs $7–$20 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

Ohio

CropAcres

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

Estimated cost in Ohio

$1,098–$3,136

$7–$20/acre × 160 acres

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What’s driving this

Ohio base rate: $7–$20/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 2024.

Sources: Ohio State 2024 Farm Custom Rates Factsheet — 'Drone/UAV: Chemical (Fungicide etc.)' $14.64/ac avg, $15 median, range $7-$20, 22 responses (also Drone Seed $15.42, Drone Fertilizer $16.50); statewide survey of 333; Ohio Ag Manager — 2024 Ohio Farm Custom Rates Released (drone/UAV added as new operation); OSU Farm Office — Ohio Farm Custom Rates 2024

What it takes to spray alfalfa & hay in Ohio

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 Ohio: 331,071 harvestedacres (USDA Census of Agriculture 2022) — so there’s real, sprayable alfalfa & hay acreage for operators here.

How big is a typical alfalfa & hay field in Ohio?

The average Ohio alfalfa & hay operation works about 26 acres of alfalfa & hay (USDA Census of Agriculture 2022, 12,876 operations) — so at these rates a field that size runs about $178–$510 per application. That’s an average across whole operations; a single field is usually smaller. Alfalfa & Hay field sizes & cost in Ohio →

Sources & confidence

Ohio estimate · high confidence · data as of 2024 — Direct drone-specific survey figures: OSU 2024 reports Drone/UAV chemical application avg $14.64, median $15, range $7-$20 (n=22). Typical set to the $15 median, low/high to the surveyed $7-$20 range. costIndex 1.20 = $15 median / Iowa $12.50; Ohio's smaller, more irregular fields and lower operator density run slightly above the flat Corn Belt core.

1 Ohio operator treats alfalfa & hay. Request free quotes.

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Other crops in Ohio

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Alfalfa & Hay drone spraying in Ohio: FAQs

How much does it cost to spray alfalfa & hay by drone in Ohio?: Drone spraying alfalfa & hay in Ohio typically runs about $7–$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 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.