Ag Drone Blog
Operator rankings, application guides, legislation updates and equipment comparisons for the US agricultural drone industry. Updated weekly.
How to Get to Your First 1,000 Acres as a New Drone Operator
Most new drone operators spray 200 to 500 acres in year 1. Here is how to hit 1,000 by year 2: customer acquisition, scheduling and the math that matters.
Read articleDrone Spraying for Vineyards: 2026 Wine Grape Guide
Vineyard drone spraying costs $18 to $30/acre per pass. 8 to 12 passes per season. UC Davis: 30 to 40% less chemical runoff on hillside blocks.
Why Rice Is the Perfect Crop for Drone Spraying
Rice is 100% aerial treated. Drones are taking rapid share from airplanes in AR, LA, MS. 7% yield gain from heading fungicide. Rates $14 to $22/acre.
The DJI Question: NDAA, Tariffs and Your Farm
DJI drones are legal but face 170% tariffs and pending legislation. What NDAA means, who is affected and when to consider US-made alternatives.
Why Drone Spray Rates Dropped 30-45% in Three Years
Midwest drone spray rates fell from $22 to $25/acre in 2022 to $12 to $17 in 2026. Iowa State benchmark: $12.50/acre. What is driving compression.
What Pesticide License Do You Need to Spray by Drone?
Every state requires a pesticide applicator license for drone spraying. Quick reference: aerial categories, exams, fees and unique rules for all 50 states.
DJI Agras T50 vs Hylio AG-272: The 2026 Comparison
DJI T50: $22K to $28K, 40L, not NDAA. Hylio AG-272: $55K to $75K, 68L, NDAA compliant. Full comparison for commercial operators.
Cover Crop Seeding by Drone: The Complete 2026 Guide
Drone cover crop seeding costs $12 to $18/acre. EQIP pays $25 to $55/acre. Cereal rye establishes 3 to 4 weeks earlier than post-harvest drilling.
How to Get FAA Part 137 for Agricultural Drone Spraying
FAA Part 137 takes 90 to 180 days. The exact process: operations manual, 44807 petition, training records and common mistakes that delay approval.
Corn Fungicide by Drone: What University Data Shows
Drone fungicide on corn at VT/R1 costs $12 to $18/acre and yields 5 to 8 extra bushels. University trial data, timing guide and how to book.