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

Drone spraying alfalfa & hay in Wisconsin typically runs about $11–$22 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 Wisconsin

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

Quick answer: Drone spraying for alfalfa & hay in Wisconsin typically runs $11–$22 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

Wisconsin

CropAcres

Gallons per acre (carrier volume)Applications (passes)

Restricted-use pesticide (certified applicator + records)

Estimated cost in Wisconsin

$1,725–$3,450

$11–$22/acre × 160 acres

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What’s driving this

Wisconsin base rate: $11–$22/acre (row crop)
Crop: ×0.98
Gallons per acre: 2 GPA → ×1.00

medium confidence

Sources: UW-Madison Extension — Custom Rates for 2024 Wisconsin Farm Operations (Table 4: herbicide boom sprayer avg $11.48, range $6.75-$40; fungicide ground avg $11.90, range $8-$20); UW-Madison Extension 2024 custom-rate report PDF (Richland County mirror); agdronedirectory pricing guide — WI growers paid ~$18/ac for drone application in wet spring conditions; Corn Belt drone band $14-$22

Estimate only — actual rates vary by field size, terrain, and product. Application only; product/chemical extra. Data as of 2024.

What it takes to spray alfalfa & hay in Wisconsin

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).

Sources & confidence

Wisconsin estimate · medium confidence · data as of 2024 — The UW-Madison 2024 Custom Rate Survey has NO aerial or drone line, so its ground figures (herbicide boom avg $11.48; fungicide ground avg $11.90) only set a floor. Row-crop drone band derived: Iowa $12-$18 scaled up ~10% (costIndex 1.10) for WI's smaller, hillier/dairy-country fields and the documented wet-condition premium (one in-state report of $18/ac). Specialty band (cranberry bogs, apple/cherry orchards, Driftless vineyards) scaled to the national $18-$35 orchard range and nudged up for terrain; medium confidence because drone-specific evidence is thin.

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Other crops in Wisconsin

Corn Soybeans Specialty Crops All Wisconsin costs Alfalfa & Hay operators

Alfalfa & Hay drone spraying in Wisconsin: FAQs

How much does it cost to spray alfalfa & hay by drone in Wisconsin?: Drone spraying alfalfa & hay in Wisconsin typically runs about $11–$22 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.