What's the average farm field size in South Dakota?

It depends on the crop. USDA's 2022 Census puts South Dakota at about 551 acres of wheat per operation down to roughly 327 acres of sorghum. See the table above for each crop.

Is operation size the same as a single field?

No — these figures are crop acreage per farm, and most farms split that across several fields, so an individual field is typically smaller. Trace your field on satellite with the field mapper for its real acreage.

How much does drone spraying cost in South Dakota?

Roughly $8–$18/acre for application, varying by crop, passes, and carrier volume. Use the calculator above or open a crop for its field-size cost table.

Average crop field sizes in South Dakota

Typical South Dakota operation acreage by crop (USDA Census of Agriculture 2022) and what it costs to spray a field that size by drone.

Quick answer: In South Dakota, average crop acreage per operation ranges from about 327 acres (sorghum) to 551 acres (wheat), per USDA's 2022 Census of Agriculture. These are averages across whole operations — your individual field is usually smaller. Map it for an exact size and free drone-spray quotes.

Crop	Avg acres / operation	Spray cost (that size)
Corn	479 ac	$3,832–$8,622
Soybeans	534 ac	$4,272–$9,612
Wheat	551 ac	$4,408–$9,918
Sorghum	327 ac	$2,616–$5,886

Average crop acreage per operation; a farm usually spans several fields. Cost is a single application, application only. Estimates — request quotes for exact pricing.

Estimate your South Dakota job

Set your crop, acreage, and passes for a South Dakota drone-spraying estimate.

State

South Dakota

CropAcres

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

Estimated cost in South Dakota

$1,280–$2,880

$8–$18/acre × 160 acres

Get real quotes in South Dakota

What’s driving this

South Dakota base rate: $8–$18/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: agdronedirectory — Drone Spraying in South Dakota (row-crop $12-$16 typical, broader $12-$18; eastern SD competitive with Iowa, western SD wheat slightly lower; Great Plains Drone Co. $12-$16/ac, 40-ac min); SDSU Extension — Custom Rates Survey (2026 collection in progress; in-state survey instrument); NDSU 2024 Custom Rates — By Aircraft (regional analog for western/wheat SD acreage); Iowa State 2026 Farm Custom Rate Survey (anchor for eastern SD Corn Belt)

31 drone-spraying operators serve South Dakota. Map your field and request free quotes.

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South Dakota field sizes: FAQs

What's the average farm field size in South Dakota?: It depends on the crop. USDA's 2022 Census puts South Dakota at about 551 acres of wheat per operation down to roughly 327 acres of sorghum. See the table above for each crop.
Is operation size the same as a single field?: No — these figures are crop acreage per farm, and most farms split that across several fields, so an individual field is typically smaller. Trace your field on satellite with the field mapper for its real acreage.
How much does drone spraying cost in South Dakota?: Roughly $8–$18/acre for application, varying by crop, passes, and carrier volume. Use the calculator above or open a crop for its field-size cost table.