Drone spraying from $42/ha
Straight per-hectare pricing for Far North Queensland farms. We are not competing on price — we compete on effectiveness: far less drift, timely application in tight weather windows, and centimetre-accurate placement.
Best for: cotton, corn, potatoes, broadacre spraying, spot treatment, headland work. We compete on effectiveness, not price.
- Minimum 10 hectares
- Centimetre-accurate placement
- Far less drift than conventional methods
- Timely application in tight weather windows
- Works in boggy / steep terrain
- Zero soil compaction
- 15–30% chemical savings
- As-applied maps included
Effectiveness that pays for itself.
Chemical cost before: $80/ha chemical cost × 200 ha = $16,000 per pass. Overlaps and skips waste 5–10% of product. Wet ground or damaged access often pushes application outside the ideal window.
Drone spraying: $42/ha flight + 20% chemical saving ($64/ha effective) = $12,800 per pass. Applied on time, even when the block is too wet for conventional equipment.
At 3–4 passes per season, that is $9,600–$12,800 back in year one — plus timely application when it actually matters.
Before: Ground rigs struggle in wet conditions and compact rows. Missing the ideal application window during humid weather can cost the whole crop.
Drone spraying: Canopy-penetrating droplets with 15% chemical saving. No wheel traffic means no compaction, and drones can fly when ground rigs are parked.
- Block size — Minimum 10 hectares. Larger blocks attract lower per-hectare rates.
- Fertiliser spreading — $500 per tonne. Separate to liquid spray pricing — includes spread labour and equipment.
- Terrain — Flat, open ground is fastest. Steep, treed or boggy terrain needs slower, more careful flight planning.
- Product type — Liquid sprays are standard. Granular spreading or beneficial insect release requires different equipment and pricing.
- Flight window — Early-morning or calm-evening slots are ideal. High-wind or urgent bookings may carry a small surcharge.
- Program frequency — Multi-pass seasonal programs are priced as a package with a discount.
Less drift: Far less chemical lost to wind. More product lands on the target crop, not the neighbour's.
Timely application: Drones fly in conditions that keep conventional equipment parked. Hitting the right window is everything.
Accurate placement: Centimetre-accurate flight paths mean no overlaps, no misses, no wasted chemical.
Frequently asked questions
How much does drone spraying cost?
Drone spraying in Far North Queensland starts from $42 per hectare with a 10 hectare minimum. That covers flight labour, fuel, equipment wear and as-applied reporting. Chemical savings of 15–30% typically bring the effective per-pass cost below conventional aerial or ground application.
How much does drone spraying cost per acre?
$42/ha works out to roughly $17 per acre (1 ha = 2.47 ac). Pricing in Australia is quoted per hectare — growers converting from imperial can use ~$17/ac as a working estimate. Larger blocks and multi-pass programs come in below that.
Is drone spraying effective?
For most FNQ crops it is more effective than ground rigs or spray planes. Rotor downwash drives droplets into the canopy, centimetre-accurate flight paths eliminate overlaps and misses, and drones fly in tight weather windows when other equipment is grounded. Trials on sugar cane, bananas and cotton consistently show equal or better efficacy at 15–30% less chemical.
How much does a spray drone cost to buy?
A commercial agricultural drone (DJI Agras T50 class) lands around $35–45k AUD once you add batteries, charger, spare parts and CASA ReOC. Most FNQ growers hire a contractor for the first 1–2 seasons before deciding whether to own — the rates on this page assume contract spraying, not equipment purchase.
Do you have a minimum area?
Yes — 10 hectares minimum for spraying. This covers mobilisation and setup. Larger blocks attract lower per-hectare rates.
What about fertiliser spreading?
Fertiliser spreading is $500 per tonne. This includes the spread labour and equipment. Minimum quantities apply — contact us for details on your block.
Is the price all-inclusive?
The per-hectare rate includes flight labour, fuel, equipment wear and as-applied reporting. Product (chemical, seed, fertiliser) is supplied by you or your agronomist unless arranged separately.
What if it rains on the scheduled day?
We monitor weather 48 hours ahead and will reschedule at no charge if wind or rain would compromise application quality. Wet-season flexibility is one of the main reasons growers switch to drones — we can often fly when conventional equipment cannot access the block.
How do I get an exact quote?
Use the contact form or call 0429705616. We will ask about crop type, block size, terrain, product and timing — then send a written quote within one business day.
Can you do trial blocks or demonstrations?
Yes. We offer small demonstration flights for growers who want to see coverage and accuracy before committing to a full program. Contact us to arrange a site visit.
Ready for a real quote?
Tell us about your block and we will come back with itemised pricing, a recommended flight plan and an availability window — usually within one business day.
Get a free quote