How big is the average corn operation in Maryland?

USDA's 2022 Census of Agriculture reports about 173 harvested acres of corn per operation in Maryland, averaged across 2,441 farms (422,129 acres total).

Is average operation size the same as field size?

No — and it's the most common mix-up. The 173-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 173-acre corn field by drone in Maryland?

Roughly $1,730–$4,152 for a single application (about $10–$24/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 Maryland cost estimate, and free quotes from drone operators serving your area — no app to install.

Average corn field size in Maryland

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

Quick answer: The average Maryland corn operation harvests about 173 acres of corn (USDA Census of Agriculture 2022, 2,441 operations). Drone-spraying a field that size runs roughly $1,730–$4,152 for one pass (about $10–$24/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 · Maryland

173 acres

USDA Census of Agriculture 2022 · 2,441 operations · 422,129 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 173-acre corn field

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

State

Maryland

CropAcres

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

Estimated cost in Maryland

$1,730–$4,152

$10–$24/acre × 173 acres

Get real quotes in Maryland

What’s driving this

Maryland base rate: $10–$24/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 2026.

Sources: Custom Work Charges in Maryland and Delaware FS-683 (Feb 2025, UMD/UD Extension) - Spraying Pesticide Aerial $10.00-$28.00/ac, avg $14.36; Pesticide Ground $7-$50, avg $14.01; UMD Extension Custom Work Charges in Maryland and Delaware (FS-683 landing page); Iowa State 2026 Farm Custom Rate Survey - drone anchor avg $12.50

Drone-spraying cost by field size in Maryland

Field size	Cost per application
40 acres	$400–$960
80 acres	$800–$1,920
160 acres	$1,600–$3,840
173 acresMD average	$1,730–$4,152
320 acres	$3,200–$7,680
640 acres	$6,400–$15,360

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 Maryland 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 Maryland.
Request free quotes. Send your mapped field to drone operators serving Maryland 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 (422,129 acres ÷ 2,441 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 Maryland (application only).

USDA NASS — Census of Agriculture

3 Maryland operators treat corn. Map your field and request free quotes.

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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.

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Field size & cost in Maryland

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Corn field size in Maryland: FAQs

How big is the average corn operation in Maryland?: USDA's 2022 Census of Agriculture reports about 173 harvested acres of corn per operation in Maryland, averaged across 2,441 farms (422,129 acres total).
Is average operation size the same as field size?: No — and it's the most common mix-up. The 173-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 173-acre corn field by drone in Maryland?: Roughly $1,730–$4,152 for a single application (about $10–$24/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 Maryland cost estimate, and free quotes from drone operators serving your area — no app to install.