Champaign, IL
Major IL/IN equipment dealer with 16 Illinois locations and 1 Indiana location (Williamsport). Carries full DJI Agras lineup with free on-field demos.
Equipment Sales
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Agricultural Drone Services in Champaign, Illinois
By Eugen Manoli, Founder and Editor · Updated
Champaign, Illinois has 2 verified agricultural drone operators listed in the directory, serving farms across the surrounding area. Illinois drone application rates run $12 to $17/acre depending on field size, crop and application timing, in line with 2026 statewide benchmarks. Available services in Champaign include equipment sales, drone spraying, giving growers a full menu beyond pesticide application. Every operator working over Illinois fields must hold FAA Part 107 plus Aerial General Standards (replaces Core exam) + site categories from Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDA), and many also carry FAA Part 137 for commercial agricultural aircraft operations. Contact the operators below directly for season availability, exact per-acre pricing and to confirm license and insurance status before booking.
2
Listed operators
$12 to $17/acre
Illinois rate range
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Top crops served
Drone operators in Champaign, Illinois
Champaign, IL
Agriculture drone applicator based in Champaign IL. Holds FAA Part 137 Part 107 and 44807 heavy drone exemption plus IL Commercial Applicator license.
FAA Part 137 ✓FAA Part 107 ✓
Drone Spraying
Price on request
Champaign drone operator credentials
1 of 2
FAA Part 107 (Remote Pilot)
1 of 2
FAA Part 137 (Ag Aircraft)
0 of 2
NDAA Section 848 compliant
Commercial agricultural drone application in Illinois requires the federal FAA Part 137 certificate plus Aerial General Standards (replaces Core exam) + site categories from Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDA). Read the federal rules in the FAA Part 137 guide and the state-by-state breakdown on state pesticide licensing.
How to hire a drone operator in Champaign
- 1Estimate your acreage and budget
Use the spray cost calculator to model Champaign jobs against the $12 to $17/acre state range. Pin down acres, target crop, and whether you need application only or chemical-included pricing.
- 2Verify FAA Part 137 and Illinois licensing
Confirm the operator holds FAA Part 107, FAA Part 137 and Aerial General Standards (replaces Core exam) + site categories. 1 of 2 Champaign operators in this directory list Part 137. Ask for a copy of their certificate and state license number before signing.
- 3Book the application window early
Treatment windows are crop and weather dependent. Demand spikes in peak season, so contact 2 to 3 of the Champaign operators below 4 to 6 weeks ahead with field maps, target product and a preferred date range. Confirm insurance certificates name your farm as additional insured before the first flight.
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FAQs about drone spraying in Champaign
Drone spraying in Champaign typically runs $12 to $17/acre, in line with the broader Illinois 2026 benchmark. Application-only rates exclude chemical, and quotes vary based on field size, terrain and crop. Use the spray cost calculator to model your specific acreage before requesting quotes.
2 verified agricultural drone operators are listed in the directory for Champaign, Illinois: Birkey's Farm Store, LAAR LLC. All listings are reviewed for licensing claims and contact information before publication.
Of the 2 Champaign operators listed, 1 hold FAA Part 107 (Remote Pilot Certificate) and 1 hold FAA Part 137 (Agricultural Aircraft Operator), which is the federal credential required for commercial agricultural application. 0 list NDAA Section 848 compliant equipment. On the state side, Illinois requires Aerial General Standards (replaces Core exam) + site categories from Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDA) for any commercial drone pesticide application.