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Agricultural Drone Services in Ames, Iowa
By Eugen Manoli, Founder and Editor · Updated
Ames, Iowa has 1 agricultural drone operator listed in the directory, serving farms across the surrounding area. Home of Iowa State University and ISU Custom Rate Survey publication; central Iowa corn and soybean country. Together they list corn and soybeans as the primary crops treated by drone, with additional coverage across other regional commodities. Iowa 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 Ames include drone spraying, giving growers a full menu beyond pesticide application. Every operator working over Iowa fields must hold FAA Part 107 plus Category 11 (Aerial Application) from IDALS, 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.
1
Listed operators
$12 to $17/acre
Iowa rate range
Corn, Soybeans
Top crops served
Drone operators in Ames, Iowa
Ames ag-county context
Ames sits in Story County with a population of approximately 66,427 (US Census Bureau Places).
Home of Iowa State University and ISU Custom Rate Survey publication; central Iowa corn and soybean country.
Sources: USDA NASS Census of Agriculture (county-level cropland and farm-receipts tables) and US Census Bureau Places gazetteer. Confirm exact figures via primary source for any decision-grade use.
Crops served by Ames drone operators
| Crop | Operators | Rate ($/acre) | Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corn | 0 | $12 to $18 | Jul to Aug |
| Soybeans | 0 | $12 to $18 | Jul to Sep |
| Cover Crops | 0 | $12 to $18 | Aug to Oct |
Rate ranges from national crop benchmarks. Iowa statewide range: $12 to $17/acre. Estimate your job →
Ames drone operator credentials
0 of 1
FAA Part 107 (Remote Pilot)
0 of 1
FAA Part 137 (Ag Aircraft)
0 of 1
NDAA Section 848 compliant
Commercial agricultural drone application in Iowa requires the federal FAA Part 137 certificate plus Category 11 (Aerial Application) from IDALS. Read the federal rules in the FAA Part 137 guide and the state-by-state breakdown on state pesticide licensing.
Verify Ames drone operator credentials
Primary-source references for verifying ag drone operator credentials in Iowa and federally.
How to hire a drone operator in Ames
- 1Estimate your acreage and budget
Use the spray cost calculator to model Ames jobs against the $12 to $17/acre state range. Pin down acres, target crop (most Ames jobs are corn), and whether you need application only or chemical-included pricing.
- 2Verify FAA Part 137 and Iowa licensing
Confirm the operator holds FAA Part 107, FAA Part 137 and Category 11 (Aerial Application). 0 of 1 Ames 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
Corn treatment in Iowa typically lands in the Jul to Aug window. Demand spikes in peak season, so contact 2 to 3 of the Ames 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.
Other cities in Iowa
Statewide directory
All operators in Iowa
Related crop guides for Iowa
FAQs about drone spraying in Ames
Drone spraying in Ames typically runs $12 to $17/acre, in line with the broader Iowa 2026 benchmark. Application-only rates exclude chemical, and quotes vary based on field size, terrain and crop. Corn jobs in Iowa sit toward the lower end of that range when fields are large and contiguous. Use the spray cost calculator to model your specific acreage before requesting quotes.
1 agricultural drone operators are listed in the directory for Ames, Iowa: Barker Research and Consulting LLC. All listings are reviewed for licensing claims and contact information before publication.
Of the 1 Ames operators listed, 0 hold FAA Part 107 (Remote Pilot Certificate) and 0 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, Iowa requires Category 11 (Aerial Application) from IDALS for any commercial drone pesticide application.