Lexington, Kentucky has 2 verified agricultural drone operators listed in the directory, serving farms across the surrounding area. Together they list corn and soybeans as the primary crops treated by drone, with additional coverage across other regional commodities. Kentucky drone application rates run $14 to $19/acre depending on field size, crop and application timing, in line with 2026 statewide benchmarks. Available services in Lexington include crop scouting, aerial mapping, pilot training and ag consulting, giving growers a full menu beyond pesticide application. Every operator working over Kentucky fields must hold FAA Part 107 plus Category 11: Aerial Certification (explicitly includes UAS) from Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA), and many also carry FAA Part 137 for commercial agricultural aircraft operations. Contact the operators below directly for season availability, exact per-acre pricing and to confirm license and insurance status before booking.
Land-grant drone research, training & extension, Lexington KY
The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment at the University of Kentucky operates a drone research and extension program focused on precision agriculture for Kentucky grain, tobacco and forage producers. The program conducts field trials, trains producers in drone scouting and application and partners with county Extension offices statewide.
Osprey network coverage for Kentucky producers
The Kentucky division of the Osprey Agri Drones network delivers drone spraying services to corn, soybean and tobacco growers across central and eastern Kentucky. Osprey operates a multi-state fleet of DJI Agras T50 and T100 drones, offering NDAA-compliant options and rapid scheduling for time-sensitive applications.
| Crop | Operators | Rate ($/acre) | Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corn | 2 | $12 to $18 | Jul to Aug |
| Soybeans | 2 | $12 to $18 | Jul to Sep |
| Wheat | 2 | $12 to $16 | May to Jun |
| Cover Crops | 2 | $12 to $18 | Aug to Oct |
Rate ranges from national crop benchmarks. Kentucky statewide range: $14 to $19/acre. Estimate your job →
Commercial agricultural drone application in Kentucky requires the federal FAA Part 137 certificate plus Category 11: Aerial Certification (explicitly includes UAS) from Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA). 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 Kentucky and federally.
Use the spray cost calculator to model Lexington jobs against the $14 to $19/acre state range. Pin down acres, target crop (most Lexington 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 Certification (explicitly includes UAS). 0 of 2 Lexington operators in this directory list Part 137. Ask for a copy of their certificate and state license number before signing.
Corn treatment in Kentucky typically lands in the Jul to Aug window. Demand spikes in peak season, so contact 2 to 3 of the Lexington 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 Lexington typically runs $14 to $19/acre, in line with the broader Kentucky 2026 benchmark. Application-only rates exclude chemical, and quotes vary based on field size, terrain and crop. Corn jobs in Kentucky 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.
2 verified agricultural drone operators are listed in the directory for Lexington, Kentucky: UK Ag Drone Program, Osprey KY. All listings are reviewed for licensing claims and contact information before publication.
Of the 2 Lexington operators listed, 2 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, Kentucky requires Category 11: Aerial Certification (explicitly includes UAS) from Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) for any commercial drone pesticide application.