How much does it cost to spray cotton by drone in Texas?

Drone spraying cotton 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.

Cotton drone spraying cost in Texas

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

Quick answer: Drone spraying for cotton in Texas typically runs $8–$21 per acre (application only). Plant-growth regulators, insecticides, and defoliation mean several passes and higher carrier volume — and some products are restricted-use. Typical carrier volume is 3–5 GPA over Multiple (PGRs, insecticide, harvest-aid defoliation).

State

Texas

CropAcres

Gallons per acre (carrier volume)Applications (passes)

Restricted-use pesticide (certified applicator + records)

Estimated cost in Texas

$1,280–$3,360

$8–$21/acre × 160 acres

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What’s driving this

Texas base rate: $8–$21/acre (row crop)
Gallons per acre: 2 GPA → ×1.00

high confidence

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)

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 cotton in Texas

Plant-growth regulators, insecticides, and defoliation mean several passes and higher carrier volume — and some products are restricted-use.

Carrier volume: 3–5 GPA — higher volumes cost more per acre (more refills, fewer acres/hour).
Typical passes: Multiple (PGRs, insecticide, harvest-aid defoliation).

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.

2 Texas operators treat cotton. Request free quotes.

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Cotton drone spraying in Texas: FAQs

How much does it cost to spray cotton by drone in Texas?: Drone spraying cotton 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 cotton?: Cotton is usually treated at 3–5 GPA over Multiple (PGRs, insecticide, harvest-aid defoliation). Plant-growth regulators, insecticides, and defoliation mean several passes and higher carrier volume — and some products are restricted-use.