by Doug Houser
Spray drones are rapidly evolving from a novelty into a real competitive advantage on Iowa farms — and for good reason. As growers search for smarter, more efficient ways to apply crop inputs, drone technology is proving to be a valuable tool.
Drone technology:
- improves application precision
- reduces soil compaction
- allows access to areas that traditional equipment simply cannot reach
When used strategically, spray drones also offer greater flexibility for making timely applications, especially during tight weather windows.
However, adopting this technology involves more than just adding a new piece of equipment. Farmers must navigate several important considerations, including FAA regulations, state compliance requirements, pilot training, insurance and day-to-day operational management.
Here’s what Iowa farmers and agricultural professionals need to know to evaluate spray drones effectively, determine whether they fit their operation, and take the right steps to get started:
1. Determine your objectives. Before investing in spray drone technology, it’s important to identify the specific challenges you are trying to address. These include:
- making applications when the soil is too wet to support ground equipment
- applying products to tall crops later in the season
- reducing soil compaction and surface disturbance
- making targeted or site-specific applications in sensitive or irregular field areas
- supplementing existing spraying capacity during peak application windows
Clear objectives will help determine whether owning a drone, hiring a custom spray drone operator or cooperating with neighboring farms is the most appropriate option.
2. Consider regulatory requirements. Spray drone operations are regulated at both the federal and state level. Farmers should be aware of the following requirements before operating:
FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate. This is required to operate drones commercially. The certification involves a written knowledge test covering airspace, weather and operational rules. (Note: A two-day Part 107 training workshop is scheduled May 27-28 at the Digital Ag Innovation Lab in Ames, Iowa. Register here.)
FAA Part 137 certification. This is required for any aerial application of pesticides, including applications made by drone. Find more information here.
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship licensing. All aerial applicators must hold appropriate state licensing and certification. For more information, follow this link.
Iowa DOT aircraft registration for aerial applicators. If you’re an Iowa resident, you are required to be registered with the Iowa Department of Transportation within 30 days of purchase or the aircraft arriving in Iowa. Find more information here, or contact 515-239-1697 or aircraftregistration@iowadot.us.
Pesticide label compliance. Only products labeled for aerial application legally may be applied using a drone.
These requirements are intended to promote safe, legal and responsible use of aerial application technologies. Please note that the rules and regulations change frequently, so check for updates.
3. Obtain insurance, and practice risk management. Most standard farm liability policies do not automatically cover aerial pesticide application or aircraft-related risks. Farmers considering spray drone use should consult with their insurance provider to obtain coverage specific to agricultural drone operations.
Common insurance components include:
Chemical liability coverage. This protects against off-target movement or drift-related claims. Iowa commonly requires minimum coverage levels for licensed applicators.
General (nonchemical) liability coverage. This covers bodily injury or property damage not related to pesticide application.
Hull or physical damage coverage. This covers repair or replacement of the drone and associated equipment.
Insurance providers typically require documentation of FAA Part 137 certification before issuing chemical liability coverage.
4. Select equipment based on your needs. Spray drones vary widely in size, capacity and features. When comparing systems, consider:
- spray tank capacity and refill frequency
- battery life, charging time and replacement cost
- nozzle or atomizer options and droplet size control
- GPS guidance, including some with RTK technology, mapping and automation features
- availability of local dealer support, training and repair services
Producers unfamiliar with the technology may benefit from observing demonstrations or working with a custom applicator before making a purchase decision.
5. Prioritize training and safe operation. Proper training is essential for effective and safe spray drone use. Recommended practices include:
- gaining flight experience with empty tanks before spraying
- conducting calibration and coverage checks using water
- monitoring weather conditions, including wind speed and temperature inversions
- performing routine maintenance such as nozzle inspection and battery management
Correct swath width setup is critical for consistent spray performance. Each spray drone model has a defined effective swath that depends on nozzle or atomizer configuration, flight height and operating speed.
Using a swath width that is too wide or too narrow increases the risk of over-application, under-application and visible striping. Verifying swath width through calibration checks and pattern testing helps maintain uniform coverage and reduces reapplication risk.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, as well as industry partners, periodically offers educational programs that address operation, safety and regulatory compliance.
6. Adopt the practice gradually. Farmers new to spray drones are encouraged to start on a limited scale. Steps include:
- beginning with small acreage or trial fields
- comparing application results with conventional methods
- developing efficient procedures for mixing, refilling and battery exchange
In addition to liquid applications, producers may cautiously evaluate spray drones for selecting dry product uses where permitted. Potential uses may include cover crop seeding or limited spot fertilizer placement in areas that are difficult to access with ground equipment.
These applications should be approached conservatively, with attention to equipment capability, material flow consistency and regulatory guidance.
Experience gained during early use can help determine where spray drones provide the greatest benefit within an operation.
7. Pay attention to future developments. Spray drone technology continues to evolve, with ongoing improvements in:
- payload capacity
- flight automation and navigation
- battery performance
- integration with precision agriculture data systems
Continued evaluation of these advancements will help determine the long-term role of spray drones in Iowa crop production systems.
Summary
Spray drones represent an emerging application tool that may complement existing ground and aerial spraying systems. Successful use depends on clear objectives, regulatory compliance, adequate insurance, proper training and thoughtful integration into current farm operations.
Farmers considering spray drones are encouraged to evaluate the technology carefully, utilize available educational resources and adopt at a pace appropriate for their operation.
ISU’s Digital Ag Innovation Lab will host its second annual Spray Drone Essentials Workshop on June 2. Register at go.iastate.edu/NYKVEN.
Additional resources
The following are websites where you can find more information on agricultural drones and how to obtain licenses to operate them. Engaging with these resources can help reduce learning curves and improve compliance.
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. Read guidance on how to become a licensed UAV pesticide applicator.
Iowa State University Research to Rows. Read more about agriculture drones.
Federal Aviation Administration. Read about drones in general.
Iowa Department of Transportation. Learn more about registration for aerial applicators.
Unnamed Pilots Association for Safety and Standards. Learn more about drone safety.
Iowa Agriculture Aerial Association. Read about operating a drone.
National Agricultural Aviation Association. Learn more about hiring a spray drone operator at agaviation.org/UAAS-flyer-customer-pdf.
National Agricultural Aviation Uncrewed Aerial Application Systems Committee. See more information on operating drones.
Houser is an Iowa State University Extension and Outreach digital agriculture specialist.