Brookings, SD
Unmanned (drone) aerial applicator.
Drone Spraying
Price on request
Agricultural Drone Services in Brookings, South Dakota
By Eugen Manoli, Founder and Editor · Updated
Brookings, South Dakota has 1 verified agricultural drone operator listed in the directory, serving farms across the surrounding area. Home of South Dakota State University and SDSU Extension; eastern South Dakota corn-soybean basin. 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 Brookings 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.
1
Listed operators
$12 to $16/acre
South Dakota rate range
Corn, Wheat
Top crops served
Drone operators in Brookings, South Dakota
Brookings ag-county context
Brookings sits in Brookings County with a population of approximately 23,938 (US Census Bureau Places).
Home of South Dakota State University and SDSU Extension; eastern South Dakota corn-soybean basin.
Sources: USDA NASS Census of Agriculture (county-level cropland and farm-receipts tables) and US Census Bureau Places gazetteer. Confirm exact figures via primary source for any decision-grade use.
Crops served by Brookings drone operators
| Crop | Operators | Rate ($/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 →
Brookings 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 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 Brookings drone operator credentials
Primary-source references for verifying ag drone operator credentials in South Dakota and federally.
How to hire a drone operator in Brookings
- 1Estimate your acreage and budget
Use the spray cost calculator to model Brookings jobs against the $12 to $16/acre state range. Pin down acres, target crop (most Brookings 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 Brookings 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 Brookings 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
Statewide directory
All operators in South Dakota
Related crop guides for South Dakota
FAQs about drone spraying in Brookings
Drone spraying in Brookings 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 Brookings, South Dakota: Thad Grimsrud. All listings are reviewed for licensing claims and contact information before publication.
Of the 1 Brookings 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.