Alfalfa & Hay drone spraying cost in Virginia
Researched per-acre cost to spray alfalfa & hay by drone in Virginia, the agronomy that drives it, and operators who cover your area.
Estimated cost in Virginia
$1,725–$4,234
$11–$26/acre × 160 acres
What’s driving this
- Virginia base rate
- $11–$27/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: UGA 2024 Georgia Custom Rate Survey (nearest in-region row-crop survey; Aerial Spray avg $12.81/ac); Virginia Tech News — researchers study herbicide spray applications using drones (Eastern Shore, in-state context, no per-acre rate); Ag Drone Directory 2026 — Northeast band (incl. Virginia) $15-25/ac; orchards $20-35, vineyards $18-30
What it takes to spray alfalfa & hay in Virginia
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 Virginia: 75,956 harvested acres (USDA Census of Agriculture 2022) — so there’s real, sprayable alfalfa & hay acreage for operators here.
Sources & confidence
Virginia estimate · low confidence · data as of 2026
- UGA 2024 Georgia Custom Rate Survey (nearest in-region row-crop survey; Aerial Spray avg $12.81/ac)
- Virginia Tech News — researchers study herbicide spray applications using drones (Eastern Shore, in-state context, no per-acre rate)
- Ag Drone Directory 2026 — Northeast band (incl. Virginia) $15-25/ac; orchards $20-35, vineyards $18-30
Biggest alfalfa & hay counties in Virginia
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Other crops in Virginia
Alfalfa & Hay drone spraying in Virginia: FAQs
- How much does it cost to spray alfalfa & hay by drone in Virginia?
- Drone spraying alfalfa & hay in Virginia typically runs about $11–$26 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.