Ames, Iowa has 1 verified 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 $17/acre depending on field size, crop and application timing, in line with 2026 statewide benchmarks. Available services in Ames include drone spraying, cover crop seeding, crop scouting and emergency response, giving growers a full menu beyond pesticide application. Every operator working over Iowa fields must hold FAA Part 107 plus Category 11 (Aerial Application) from IDALS, and many also carry FAA Part 137 for commercial agricultural aircraft operations. Contact the operators below directly for season availability, exact per-acre pricing and to confirm license and insurance status before booking.
Corn Belt leader · 80,000+ acres serviced
AgriForce Drone Services is a full-service agricultural drone applicator based in central Iowa, serving the Corn Belt since 2020. FAA Part 107 and Part 137 certified fleet of 8 drones. Specializing in corn fungicide at tassel, soybean applications and fall cover crop seeding. Record: 1,200 acres treated in a single night.
Ames sits in Story County with a population of approximately 66,427 (US Census Bureau Places).
Home of Iowa State University and ISU Custom Rate Survey publication; central Iowa corn and soybean country.
Sources: USDA NASS Census of Agriculture (county-level cropland and farm-receipts tables) and US Census Bureau Places gazetteer. Confirm exact figures via primary source for any decision-grade use.
| Crop | Operators | Rate ($/acre) | Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corn | 1 | $12 to $18 | Jul to Aug |
| Soybeans | 1 | $12 to $18 | Jul to Sep |
| Wheat | 1 | $12 to $16 | May to Jun |
| Cover Crops | 1 | $12 to $18 | Aug to Oct |
Rate ranges from national crop benchmarks. Iowa statewide range: $12 to $17/acre. Estimate your job →
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.
Primary-source references for verifying ag drone operator credentials in Iowa and federally.
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.
Confirm the operator holds FAA Part 107, FAA Part 137 and Category 11 (Aerial Application). 1 of 1 Ames operators in this directory list Part 137. Ask for a copy of their certificate and state license number before signing.
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.
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 verified agricultural drone operators are listed in the directory for Ames, Iowa: AgriForce. All listings are reviewed for licensing claims and contact information before publication.
Of the 1 Ames 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, Iowa requires Category 11 (Aerial Application) from IDALS for any commercial drone pesticide application.