Drone Spraying Cost Calculator
Estimate what agricultural drone spraying will cost for your fields, then get real quotes from operators near you — free.
Estimated cost in Iowa
$1,280–$2,880
$8–$18/acre × 160 acres
What’s driving this
- Iowa 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: Iowa State 2026 Farm Custom Rate Survey (FM1698) — first university benchmark for spray drones, $12.50 avg / $12.00 median, 47 operator responses; rates below $10 rare and only on 500+ ac contiguous fields; Iowa State University Extension Store — 2026 Iowa Farm Custom Rate Survey (FM1698) publication; AgDroneDirectory 2026 Rates Guide — Corn Belt row-crop $12-$17; specialty/orchard/vineyard $18-$40
Typical drone spraying cost by crop type
| Crop type | Typical cost (per acre) |
|---|---|
| Row crops (corn, soybeans, wheat) | $12–$18 |
| Orchards, vineyards & specialty crops | $18–$35 |
Application only; product/chemical extra. Source: Iowa State University 2026 Iowa Farm Custom Rate Survey.
For the full breakdown of what drives the price, read our drone spraying cost per acre guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much does drone spraying cost per acre?
Agricultural drone spraying is priced per acre. Row crops (corn, soybeans, wheat) typically run $12–$18 per acre, while orchards, vineyards, and specialty crops run about $18–$35 per acre, per the 2026 Iowa State University Iowa Farm Custom Rate Survey. Final price depends on field size, terrain, the product applied, and the number of passes — larger contiguous fields usually cost less per acre. Always request quotes from operators for exact pricing.
Is drone spraying cheaper than ground rigs or manned aircraft?
Costs are competitive with other aerial application. Drones shine on wet fields, tall canopies, point rows, and small or irregular fields where ground rigs cause compaction or can't travel, and where manned aircraft minimums make small jobs uneconomical.
What affects the price of a drone spraying job?
Acreage, number of applications, crop and growth stage, field shape and obstacles, travel distance, the chemical/product used, and whether you supply the product all influence the final price.
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