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

Drone spraying alfalfa & hay in Tennessee typically runs about $9–$17 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 Tennessee

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

Quick answer: Drone spraying for alfalfa & hay in Tennessee typically runs $9–$17 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

Tennessee

CropAcres

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

Estimated cost in Tennessee

$1,411–$2,666

$9–$17/acre × 160 acres

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What’s driving this

Tennessee base rate: $9–$17/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: UT Extension 2024 Field Crop Budgets D33 (self-propelled boom sprayer ~$11.13/acre custom spray operation); UT Extension Ag & Resource Economics budgets index; University of Kentucky 2024 Custom Machinery Rates (Aerial Application $9.50-$11.50-$14.50/acre) - regional analog

What it takes to spray alfalfa & hay in Tennessee

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 Tennessee: 25,643 harvested acres (USDA Census of Agriculture 2022) — so there’s real, sprayable alfalfa & hay acreage for operators here.

Sources & confidence

Tennessee estimate · medium confidence · data as of 2024

Biggest alfalfa & hay counties in Tennessee

Greene County (1,648 ac)Lawrence County (821 ac)Robertson County (763 ac)Rutherford County (716 ac)Sullivan County (686 ac)Coffee County (666 ac)Bedford County (665 ac)Claiborne County (626 ac)

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Other crops in Tennessee

Soybeans Corn Wheat Cotton Tobacco Sorghum Specialty Crops Pasture & Rangeland All Tennessee costs Alfalfa & Hay operators

Alfalfa & Hay drone spraying in Tennessee: FAQs

How much does it cost to spray alfalfa & hay by drone in Tennessee?: Drone spraying alfalfa & hay in Tennessee typically runs about $9–$17 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.