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

Drone spraying alfalfa & hay in Texas typically runs about $8–$21 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 Texas

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

Quick answer: Drone spraying for alfalfa & hay in Texas typically runs $8–$21 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

Texas

CropAcres

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

Estimated cost in Texas

$1,254–$3,293

$8–$21/acre × 160 acres

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What’s driving this

Texas base rate: $8–$21/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 2026.

Sources: 2026 Texas Agricultural Custom Rates Survey (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension) - Flat Rate Aerial Application of insecticides/fungicides state avg $10.46, herbicides $12.64, growth regulators/defoliants $10.07; range $7-$21 (West TX herbicide avg $21.50); Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Custom Rate Survey landing page (survey archive, regional methodology - North/South/East/West); Kingdom Crop Spraying (Texas-based drone operator) - approx $15/acre drone spray application; American Spray Drone Coalition 2025 U.S. Spray Drone Industry Survey - national avg $13/acre (down from $21 in 2024)

What it takes to spray alfalfa & hay in Texas

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 Texas: 113,416 harvestedacres (USDA Census of Agriculture 2022) — so there’s real, sprayable alfalfa & hay acreage for operators here.

Sources & confidence

Texas estimate · high confidence · data as of 2026 — High confidence: direct 2026 Texas A&M AgriLife custom-rate survey breaks out Flat Rate Aerial Application by region. Statewide aerial averages run ~$10-$13/acre across categories, with a $7-$21 spread; West Texas herbicide aerial is costliest (avg $21.50). Row-crop typical ~$12 sits just below the Iowa anchor because abundant large open acreage and a deep fixed-wing fleet keep prices competitive; drone operator quotes (~$15) and ASDC national $13 corroborate. Specialty band reflects RGV citrus, High Plains vineyards, and pecans; costIndex 0.97 vs Iowa=1.00.

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

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Other crops in Texas

Cotton Wheat Corn Sorghum Rice Pecans Peanuts Soybeans Oats Sunflowers Sugarcane All Texas costs Alfalfa & Hay operators

Alfalfa & Hay drone spraying in Texas: FAQs

How much does it cost to spray alfalfa & hay by drone in Texas?: Drone spraying alfalfa & hay in Texas typically runs about $8–$21 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.