Agricultural spraying drones have become increasingly popular in rural America from their inception 10 years ago. Portability, precision and affordability have pushed their adoption by US farms, and helped generate millions of dollars in savings and yield boosts. In this article, we’re gonna dive into the world of spraying drones, why they are beneficial, what licenses are required, how they work, models available, pricing and more. Read on below.
Agricultural spraying drones are unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with spray systems designed to apply insecticides, pesticides, fertilizers, and other crop treatments efficiently. These drones are revolutionizing modern farming by offering precision spraying solutions that minimize chemical waste, reduce labor costs, and improve crop yields.
Ag drones have steadily grown and improved year-over-year. Current traditional spraying methods like ground rigs, backpack sprayers and helicopters or airplanes face several challenges that can be overcome by a drone sprayer. Here are some of them:
As of late 2024, the 3rd Class Medical Certificates are no longer a requirement for operating a spray drone during daytime in autonomous mode. However, as a commercial or private applicator, we highly recommend you obtain this to spray at night and maximize your opportunities.
To get a medical certificate, you’ll need to be certified by an FAA certified Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).
For a complete guide on how to obtain your 3rd Class Medical you can click here, and in this link you’ll find information on eligibility for this certificate.
If you need more information on Part 107, make sure to check out complete guide.
Drones weighing more than 55lbs need to be registered with the FAA. Registration must be done by mailing several documents to the FAA.
Also, to register, you must meet one of the following criteria:
After processing your documents, the FAA will mail you a Certificate of Aircraft Registration containing the aircraft’s N number.
Drones weighing 55 pounds or more are regulated under 14 CFR Part 91 and require exemptions from certain provisions in 14 CFR Parts 61, 91, and 137.
You can find previously approved petitions here.
After receiving your approved exemptions, you can apply for your Operator Certificate.
Processing takes 2-10 weeks after all documents are verified. This wraps up initial FAA requirements.
Every state has Pesticide Applicator License requirements. Some states need an aerial endorsement while others have the same requirements for ground and aerial application. We’ve compiled a list of ag departments for each State below. Click on the State(s) you intend to operate in to find more information:
American territories:
Puerto Rico | American Samoa | Guam | Northern Marina Islands | Virgin Islands
Drones can spray a variety of crops, with most applications falling between 0.5-3.0 gal/acre. While you can spray at higher rates, the drone would not be as efficient. Insecticides and fungicides on row crop, and wet field burn down would be the main uses for a sprayer drone, similar to a crop duster.
Drones are not meant to compete with herbicide applications, except where you can apply at ultra-low volume. Spot spraying and wet field herbicide are also great options.
Spreading Applications
Sprayer drones also have many dry spreading applications. Some of those applications include:
Specialty Use Applications
When you think of drones, it’s important to think outside the box. Due to its size and versatility, these machines are great tools for lots of different applications. For example:
Operating a drone is fairly simple. Most of our clients learn it with just one day of operations training. Here’s how you would operate it step-by-step:
Becoming a good pilot takes time and practice, though with the right foundation and training you’ll be well on your way to mastering drone spraying and achieving greater productivity.
Choosing a drone depends on your budget and desired use. Though there are many brands on the market, we continue to believe DJI has the best drones available. While XAG’s drones offer more productivity and larger payloads, DJI Agras drones come with a very user-friendly interface, allowing even non tech-savvy farmers to operate it efficiently, and at lower price points. Let’s look at the 3 main sprayer drones offered by DJI:
|
DJI AGRAS T50 |
DJI AGRAS T40 |
DJI AGRAS T25 |
|
|
Great fit for |
|
|
|
|
Spraying efficiency |
40 acres/hr |
40 acres/hr |
27 acres/hr |
|
Spreading efficiency |
1 ton/hr |
1 ton/hr |
500kg/hr |
|
Liquid tank payload |
10.5 gallons |
10.5 gallons |
5.2 gallons |
|
Dry tank payload |
110 lbs (19.8 gal volume) |
110 lbs (18 gal volume) |
55 lbs (9.25 gal volume) |
|
Swath Width |
32ft |
32ft |
23ft |
|
Max Flow Rate |
6.34 gal/min (w/ sprinkler kit) |
4.23 gal/min |
6.34 gal/min (w/ sprinkler kit) |
|
Price |
Advantages of T50 over T40
Though the specs are very similar, the AGRAS T50 does have advantages over the AGRAS T40, mainly:
Most new businesses in this space require north of $100k in capital to start depending on how many drones you buy, if you’ll need a new vehicle or not and if you intend to buy a trailer. Regardless of what you decide, financing can be a great tool to reduce your cash outlay. AckerSpray has partnered with APPROVE to provide easy and fast financing for ag drone operators throughout the US. Learn more about APPROVE here.
Operating a spraying drone requires additional equipment for a successful operation. Here’s a list of some requirements:
Please, note that some trailers may already come with all of this equipment. Make sure to do your own due diligence before committing to any trailers or other equipment.
Insurance is critical in this business. From chemical liability to drift and hull, you’ll want to be insured (it’s likely a requirement in your state as well). We have a few recommendations from our customers here.
Mapping drones can greatly enhance your Agras drone operation. For instance, with a DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral drone you can map your fields quickly, scan and analyze crops, and find accurate and precise health crop information. Pairing a Mavic 3M with a DJI Agras drone also enables variable-rate application, which reduces chemical waste and application costs. If you’re in need of search and rescue, or livestock management, a thermal drone like the Mavic 3 Thermal or the Matrice 30 Thermal can do those things. Thermal drones can also identify illnesses and distress from above without disturbing the herd.
If you’re looking for more advanced mission planning or data analysis software, here are some great recommendations:
Here’s what comes with AckerSpray’s AGRAS T50 Flagship Package:
4 steps to owning your own spray drone from AckerSpray:
Step 1: Get an Official Quote
Get an official drone quote on our website, customizable to your needs.
Step 2: Get an Invoice
Once you’ve received your quote and you’re ready to move forward, request an invoice with payment instructions.
Step 3: Get Legal
After purchasing your drone, our compliance manager will assist you with obtaining all the required licenses for operation.
Step 4: Get Trained
We’ll provide you with comprehensive, hands-on training to make sure you’re comfortable and confident with your investment. After training, you’re ready to fly and spray!
Integrating a spray drone into your farming operations can be a game-changer, offering unparalleled precision, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. As technology continues to advance, these drones are becoming indispensable tools for modern agriculture, helping farmers tackle challenges such as labor shortages, environmental concerns, and the need for sustainable practices. By investing in a spray drone, you not only enhance your farm's productivity but also position yourself at the forefront of agricultural innovation. With the right training and compliance measures in place, the transition to drone-assisted farming can be smooth and rewarding, paving the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future. Don't hesitate to reach out to us at AckerSpray if you have any questions or request a quote today.