How much does it cost to spray sunflowers by drone in South Dakota?

Drone spraying sunflowers in South Dakota typically runs about $8–$18 per acre (application only, product extra). Carrier volume, passes, field size, and product move the final number — compare operator quotes for an exact price.

Sunflowers drone spraying cost in South Dakota

Researched per-acre cost to spray sunflowers by drone in South Dakota, the agronomy that drives it, and operators who cover your area.

Quick answer: Drone spraying for sunflowers in South Dakota typically runs $8–$18 per acre (application only). Head rot and rust fungicide at bloom plus a late desiccation over tall stands — drones treat without shattering heads the way a ground rig can. Typical carrier volume is 2–3 GPA over 1–2 (bloom fungicide/insecticide, ± desiccation).

State

South Dakota

CropAcres

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

Estimated cost in South Dakota

$1,280–$2,880

$8–$18/acre × 160 acres

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What’s driving this

South Dakota base rate: $8–$18/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: agdronedirectory — Drone Spraying in South Dakota (row-crop $12-$16 typical, broader $12-$18; eastern SD competitive with Iowa, western SD wheat slightly lower; Great Plains Drone Co. $12-$16/ac, 40-ac min); SDSU Extension — Custom Rates Survey (2026 collection in progress; in-state survey instrument); NDSU 2024 Custom Rates — By Aircraft (regional analog for western/wheat SD acreage); Iowa State 2026 Farm Custom Rate Survey (anchor for eastern SD Corn Belt)

What it takes to spray sunflowers in South Dakota

Head rot and rust fungicide at bloom plus a late desiccation over tall stands — drones treat without shattering heads the way a ground rig can.

Carrier volume: 2–3 GPA — higher volumes cost more per acre (more refills, fewer acres/hour).
Typical passes: 1–2 (bloom fungicide/insecticide, ± desiccation).
Grown in South Dakota: 589,221 harvestedacres (USDA Census of Agriculture 2022) — so there’s real, sprayable sunflowers acreage for operators here.

Sources & confidence

South Dakota estimate · medium confidence · data as of 2026 — SDSU's Custom Rates Survey was still being COLLECTED in 2026, so this blends two analogs reflecting SD's split: eastern SD (corn/soybean) is 'competitive with Iowa' (anchor $12-$18), western SD (large wheat, manned aerial) tracks lower NDSU aircraft averages. Operator data (Great Plains Drone Co. $12-$16) corroborate the eastern band. Typical $13, low $8 (western wheat), high $18 (eastern fungicide). costIndex 0.98 — just below Iowa. Specialty band derived from national orchard range, pulled slightly low. Medium confidence: two analogs plus operator cards, no published in-state aerial survey number yet.

5 South Dakota operators treat sunflowers. Request free quotes.

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Other crops in South Dakota

Soybeans Corn Alfalfa & Hay Wheat Sorghum Oats Millet Field Peas Barley Chickpeas Flax All South Dakota costs

Sunflowers drone spraying in South Dakota: FAQs

How much does it cost to spray sunflowers by drone in South Dakota?: Drone spraying sunflowers in South Dakota typically runs about $8–$18 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 sunflowers?: Sunflowers is usually treated at 2–3 GPA over 1–2 (bloom fungicide/insecticide, ± desiccation). Head rot and rust fungicide at bloom plus a late desiccation over tall stands — drones treat without shattering heads the way a ground rig can.