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US Ag Drone Directory
Tennessee

Agricultural Drone Services in Knoxville, Tennessee

By Eugen Manoli, Founder and Editor · Updated

Knoxville, Tennessee 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. Tennessee drone application rates run $14 to $20/acre depending on field size, crop and application timing, in line with 2026 statewide benchmarks. Available services in Knoxville include ag consulting, pilot training, drone spraying and fertilizer application, giving growers a full menu beyond pesticide application. Every operator working over Tennessee fields must hold FAA Part 107 plus AER (Aerial) licensing exam + category certification from Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA), 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.

2
Listed operators
$14 to $20/acre
Tennessee rate range
Corn, Soybeans
Top crops served

Drone spraying services available in Knoxville

  • Ag Consulting2 operators

    2 of the Knoxville operators consult on drone program design, label compliance and integrating UAS into existing custom application businesses.

Drone operators in Knoxville, Tennessee

UT PSEP
Knoxville, TN

UT Extension drone applicator licensing & safety training

The University of Tennessee Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) provides drone applicator licensing support, pesticide safety training and FAA Part 137 compliance guidance to commercial drone operators across Tennessee. The program works with county Extension offices to deliver workshops on label compliance, drift management and regulatory requirements for ag drone operations.

FAA Part 107 ✓Verified
Pilot TrainingAg Consulting
Price on request
Knox Farmers Coop
Knoxville, TN

East Tennessee cooperative drone application program

Knox County Farmers Cooperative offers drone spraying services to cooperative members across east Tennessee, covering corn, soybean and tobacco fungicide and herbicide applications. The coop uses its existing agronomic and input relationships to bundle drone application scheduling, scouting and product supply for member farms.

FAA Part 107 ✓Verified
Drone SprayingFertilizer ApplicationAg Consulting
Price on request

Crops served by Knoxville drone operators

CropOperatorsRate ($/acre)Window
Corn1$12 to $18Jul to Aug
Soybeans1$12 to $18Jul to Sep
Wheat1$12 to $16May to Jun

Rate ranges from national crop benchmarks. Tennessee statewide range: $14 to $20/acre. Estimate your job →

Knoxville drone operator credentials

2 of 2
FAA Part 107 (Remote Pilot)
0 of 2
FAA Part 137 (Ag Aircraft)
0 of 2
NDAA Section 848 compliant

Commercial agricultural drone application in Tennessee requires the federal FAA Part 137 certificate plus AER (Aerial) licensing exam + category certification from Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA). Read the federal rules in the FAA Part 137 guide and the state-by-state breakdown on state pesticide licensing.

How to hire a drone operator in Knoxville

  1. 1
    Estimate your acreage and budget

    Use the spray cost calculator to model Knoxville jobs against the $14 to $20/acre state range. Pin down acres, target crop (most Knoxville jobs are corn), and whether you need application only or chemical-included pricing.

  2. 2
    Verify FAA Part 137 and Tennessee licensing

    Confirm the operator holds FAA Part 107, FAA Part 137 and AER (Aerial) licensing exam + category certification. 0 of 2 Knoxville operators in this directory list Part 137. Ask for a copy of their certificate and state license number before signing.

  3. 3
    Book the application window early

    Corn treatment in Tennessee typically lands in the Jul to Aug window. Demand spikes in peak season, so contact 2 to 3 of the Knoxville 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 Tennessee

Nashville (2)
Statewide directory
All operators in Tennessee
View all operators in Tennessee →

Related crop guides for Tennessee

Corn in Tennessee →Soybeans in Tennessee →

FAQs about drone spraying in Knoxville

Drone spraying in Knoxville typically runs $14 to $20/acre, in line with the broader Tennessee 2026 benchmark. Application-only rates exclude chemical, and quotes vary based on field size, terrain and crop. Corn jobs in Tennessee 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 Knoxville, Tennessee: UT PSEP, Knox Farmers Coop. All listings are reviewed for licensing claims and contact information before publication.

Of the 2 Knoxville 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, Tennessee requires AER (Aerial) licensing exam + category certification from Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) for any commercial drone pesticide application.