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

Drone spraying alfalfa & hay in Pennsylvania typically runs about $12–$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 Pennsylvania

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

Quick answer: Drone spraying for alfalfa & hay in Pennsylvania typically runs $12–$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

Pennsylvania

CropAcres

Gallons per acre (carrier volume)Applications (passes)

Restricted-use pesticide (certified applicator + records)

Estimated cost in Pennsylvania

$1,882–$3,920

$12–$25/acre × 160 acres

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What’s driving this

Pennsylvania base rate: $12–$25/acre (row crop)
Crop: ×0.98
Gallons per acre: 2 GPA → ×1.00

high confidence

Sources: Pennsylvania's 2022 Machinery Custom Rates (USDA NASS) - Ground Spraying for Weeds $10-$42/ac, avg $16.50; Herbicide boom $10-$20, avg $15.60; Farm Progress - Check out Pennsylvania custom rates (weed spraying $10-$42/ac, state avg $16.50); Iowa State 2026 Farm Custom Rate Survey - drone spraying anchor $8-$16, avg $12.50; Northeast specialty/orchard-vineyard drone band $18-$38/ac (2026 directory pricing)

Estimate only — actual rates vary by field size, terrain, and product. Application only; product/chemical extra. Data as of 2026.

What it takes to spray alfalfa & hay in Pennsylvania

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).

Sources & confidence

Pennsylvania estimate · high confidence · data as of 2026 — Row-crop band built from PA's 2022 USDA NASS custom-rate survey (first PA survey in 7 years): ground weed spraying $10-$42/ac averaging $16.50, herbicide boom $10-$20 averaging $15.60. These are ground custom rates; in-state drone/aerial tracks the same band (small-to-mid fields, rolling terrain). costIndex 1.20 vs Iowa (typical ~$16 vs $12.50) reflects smaller fields and Northeast labor. Specialty band set from the regional NE orchard/vineyard drone range ($20-$40) covering PA's substantial fruit and grape acreage.

3 Pennsylvania operators treat alfalfa & hay. Request free quotes.

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Other crops in Pennsylvania

Corn Soybeans Orchards All Pennsylvania costs Alfalfa & Hay operators

Alfalfa & Hay drone spraying in Pennsylvania: FAQs

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