Specialty Crops drone spraying cost in Ohio
Researched per-acre cost to spray specialty crops by drone in Ohio, the agronomy that drives it, and operators who cover your area.
Estimated cost in Ohio
$2,678–$5,952
$17–$37/acre × 160 acres
What’s driving this
- Ohio base rate
- $18–$40/acre (specialty)
- Crop
- ×0.93
- 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 specialty crops in Ohio
Vegetables, melons, and high-value row crops demand precise, low-drift coverage and often several passes — premium per-acre pricing.
- Carrier volume: 3–8 GPA — higher volumes cost more per acre (more refills, fewer acres/hour).
- Typical passes: Multiple (high-value crop protection).
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.
- 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
10 Ohio operators treat specialty crops. Request free quotes.
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Specialty Crops drone spraying in Ohio: FAQs
- How much does it cost to spray specialty crops by drone in Ohio?
- Drone spraying specialty crops in Ohio typically runs about $17–$37 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 specialty crops?
- Specialty Crops is usually treated at 3–8 GPA over Multiple (high-value crop protection). Vegetables, melons, and high-value row crops demand precise, low-drift coverage and often several passes — premium per-acre pricing.
