How big is the average corn operation in Kentucky?

USDA's 2022 Census of Agriculture reports about 224 harvested acres of corn per operation in Kentucky, averaged across 6,291 farms (1,411,522 acres total).

Is average operation size the same as field size?

No — and it's the most common mix-up. The 224-acre figure is the average corn acreage per farm; most farms split that across several fields, so a single field is typically smaller. For a real field boundary, trace it on satellite with the field mapper.

How much does it cost to spray a 224-acre corn field by drone in Kentucky?

Roughly $2,016–$3,584 for a single application (about $9–$16/acre, application only — product is extra). Extra passes, higher carrier volume, or restricted-use products raise it. Use the calculator above to adjust.

How do I measure my exact corn field?

Open the field mapper, trace your field on satellite imagery, and you'll get its exact acreage, an instant Kentucky cost estimate, and free quotes from drone operators serving your area — no app to install.

Average corn field size in Kentucky

How big a typical Kentucky corn operation is, what it costs to spray a field that size by drone, and how to measure your own.

Quick answer: The average Kentucky corn operation harvests about 224 acres of corn (USDA Census of Agriculture 2022, 6,291 operations). Drone-spraying a field that size runs roughly $2,016–$3,584 for one pass (about $9–$16/acre). It's an average across whole operations, so an individual field is usually smaller — map your actual field for an exact number and free quotes.

Average corn per operation · Kentucky

224 acres

USDA Census of Agriculture 2022 · 6,291 operations · 1,411,522 acres of corn total. This is the average across whole operations — a single field is usually smaller, since most farms are split into several fields.

Cost to spray a 224-acre corn field

Pre-filled to Kentucky’s average corn acreage — adjust the acres, passes, carrier volume, or restricted-use toggle for your job.

State

Kentucky

CropAcres

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

Estimated cost in Kentucky

$2,016–$3,584

$9–$16/acre × 224 acres

Get real quotes in Kentucky

What’s driving this

Kentucky base rate: $9–$16/acre (row crop)
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: University of Kentucky 2024 Custom Machinery Rates Applicable to Kentucky - Aerial Application $9.50 low / $11.50 avg / $14.50 high per acre (4 responses); UK Agricultural Economics - Custom Machinery Rates publication page (2024); Farm Progress - Agricultural drone spraying ($11-$14/acre competitive with aerial)

Drone-spraying cost by field size in Kentucky

Field size	Cost per application
40 acres	$360–$640
80 acres	$720–$1,280
160 acres	$1,440–$2,560
224 acresKY average	$2,016–$3,584
320 acres	$2,880–$5,120
640 acres	$5,760–$10,240

Single application, application only (product/chemical extra). Carrier volume ≈ 2–3 GPA; typical passes 1–2 (fungicide at tassel, ± a foliar/nitrogen pass). Estimates — request quotes for exact pricing.

Measure your actual corn field

Averages are a planning starting point — your field is its own size. The field mapper turns satellite imagery into exact acreage in four steps:

Open the field mapper. Go to the Ag Drone Sprayers field mapper and search your address in Kentucky or pan the satellite map to your field.
Trace the boundary. Tap each corner of your field to drop pins; the tool closes the polygon and computes geodesic acreage.
Read acreage and cost. See your field's exact acreage and an instant drone-spraying cost estimate for corn in Kentucky.
Request free quotes. Send your mapped field to drone operators serving Kentucky to receive real, no-obligation quotes.

Measure my field on satellite

Sources & method

Field size: USDA Census of Agriculture 2022 — average acres of corn per operation (1,411,522 acres ÷ 6,291 operations). Average acres per operation is a proxy for typical field size; a farm usually contains several fields. Cost: researched per-acre drone-spraying rates for Kentucky (application only).

USDA NASS — Census of Agriculture

9 Kentucky operators treat corn. Map your field and request free quotes.

Find operators in Kentucky

Get a free quote

Get matched with sprayers in Kentucky

Rather than picking one operator, send one request and we'll match you with up to three verified drone sprayers who cover your area. Free for farmers — no fees, no obligation.

Request your free quote

Takes about a minute.

Field size & cost in Kentucky

Soybeans field size Wheat field size Alfalfa & Hay field size Corn spraying cost in Kentucky All Kentucky field sizes

Corn field size in Kentucky: FAQs

How big is the average corn operation in Kentucky?: USDA's 2022 Census of Agriculture reports about 224 harvested acres of corn per operation in Kentucky, averaged across 6,291 farms (1,411,522 acres total).
Is average operation size the same as field size?: No — and it's the most common mix-up. The 224-acre figure is the average corn acreage per farm; most farms split that across several fields, so a single field is typically smaller. For a real field boundary, trace it on satellite with the field mapper.
How much does it cost to spray a 224-acre corn field by drone in Kentucky?: Roughly $2,016–$3,584 for a single application (about $9–$16/acre, application only — product is extra). Extra passes, higher carrier volume, or restricted-use products raise it. Use the calculator above to adjust.
How do I measure my exact corn field?: Open the field mapper, trace your field on satellite imagery, and you'll get its exact acreage, an instant Kentucky cost estimate, and free quotes from drone operators serving your area — no app to install.