Custom spray drone application across South Dakota.
Agricultural Drone Services in Aberdeen, South Dakota
Aberdeen, South Dakota has 1 verified agricultural drone operator listed in the directory, serving farms across the surrounding area. Northeast South Dakota wheat and soybean hub; Brown County is one of the top cropland counties in the state. Together they list corn and wheat as the primary crops treated by drone, with additional coverage across other regional commodities. South Dakota drone application rates run $12 to $16/acre depending on field size, crop and application timing, in line with 2026 statewide benchmarks. Available services in Aberdeen include drone spraying, giving growers a full menu beyond pesticide application. Every operator working over South Dakota fields must hold FAA Part 107 plus Category 17: Aerial Application (General + Category G + Category 17) from South Dakota DANR, and many also carry FAA Part 137 for commercial agricultural aircraft operations. Contact the operators below directly for season availability, exact per-acre pricing and to confirm license and insurance status before booking.
Drone operators in Aberdeen, South Dakota
Aberdeen ag-county context
Aberdeen sits in Brown County with a population of approximately 28,216 (US Census Bureau Places).
Northeast South Dakota wheat and soybean hub; Brown County is one of the top cropland counties in the state.
Sources: USDA NASS Census of Agriculture (county-level cropland and farm-receipts tables) and US Census Bureau Places gazetteer. Confirm exact figures via primary source for any decision-grade use.
Crops served by Aberdeen drone operators
| Crop | Operators | Rate ($/acre) | Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corn | 0 | $12 to $18 | Jul to Aug |
| Wheat | 0 | $12 to $16 | May to Jun |
| Soybeans | 0 | $12 to $18 | Jul to Sep |
Rate ranges from national crop benchmarks. South Dakota statewide range: $12 to $16/acre. Estimate your job →
Aberdeen drone operator credentials
Commercial agricultural drone application in South Dakota requires the federal FAA Part 137 certificate plus Category 17: Aerial Application (General + Category G + Category 17) from South Dakota DANR. Read the federal rules in the FAA Part 137 guide and the state-by-state breakdown on state pesticide licensing.
Verify Aberdeen drone operator credentials
Primary-source references for verifying ag drone operator credentials in South Dakota and federally.
How to hire a drone operator in Aberdeen
- 1Estimate your acreage and budget
Use the spray cost calculator to model Aberdeen jobs against the $12 to $16/acre state range. Pin down acres, target crop (most Aberdeen jobs are corn), and whether you need application only or chemical-included pricing.
- 2Verify FAA Part 137 and South Dakota licensing
Confirm the operator holds FAA Part 107, FAA Part 137 and Category 17: Aerial Application (General + Category G + Category 17). 0 of 1 Aberdeen 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 South Dakota typically lands in the Jul to Aug window. Demand spikes in peak season, so contact 2 to 3 of the Aberdeen 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 South Dakota
Related crop guides for South Dakota
FAQs about drone spraying in Aberdeen
Drone spraying in Aberdeen typically runs $12 to $16/acre, in line with the broader South Dakota 2026 benchmark. Application-only rates exclude chemical, and quotes vary based on field size, terrain and crop. Corn jobs in South Dakota 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 Aberdeen, South Dakota: Top Down Drone Services. All listings are reviewed for licensing claims and contact information before publication.
Of the 1 Aberdeen 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, South Dakota requires Category 17: Aerial Application (General + Category G + Category 17) from South Dakota DANR for any commercial drone pesticide application.