Across the Midwest and beyond, farmers are increasingly using spray drones to apply agricultural chemicals and seed cover crops, drawn by their affordability and flexibility. Unlike traditional sprayers that can cost upwards of $500,000, new ag drones range from $25,000 to $60,000, making them a viable option for small and mid-size operations.

"They pay for themselves within a year or two," says Iowa farmer Cory Maassen, who is exploring drone spraying as an additional income stream.

The ability to spray immediately after rain, navigate uneven terrain, and offer custom services for neighbors is making drones a valuable addition to farm fleets. In 2024, more than 10.3 million acres were treated by spray drones, generating $215 million in rural service revenue, according to the American Spray Drone Coalition.

The Chinese Dominance - and the Threat of a Ban
An estimated 90% of U.S. ag drones are manufactured in China, with DJI alone accounting for about 80% of spray drone flights. National security concerns have prompted legislation that could ban DJI and other Chinese drone makers from U.S. sales by December 23, 2025, unless they pass a federal security review.

The ban could significantly disrupt operations for farmers, custom applicators, and small businesses that rely on these machines. Critics warn that removing Chinese drones from the market without sufficient U.S. capacity could cause supply shortages and higher costs.

Eric Ringer, president of the American Spray Drone Coalition, says the group supports more domestic manufacturing but opposes a sudden ban that would "leave farmers hanging." He argues for a gradual phase-out paired with investment in U.S. drone production.

American Manufacturing Steps Up
Texas-based Hylio currently controls about 10-15% of the U.S. spray drone market and is positioning itself as a leading domestic alternative. CEO Arthur Erickson says that while his company can't immediately replace DJI's market share, they are scaling production from 2,000 units annually to 5,000-6,000 within four years.

"It shouldn't be a monopoly," Erickson says. "Banning Chinese drones could be the push the American industry needs to scale up."

Still, Erickson warns that other sectors - including emergency response - could face serious challenges if Chinese drones are removed too abruptly.

Farmer Decisions in a Shifting Market
Potential buyers like Maassen are now factoring geopolitics into equipment purchases. "Why would I buy a drone I might not be able to service in six months?" he says.

While the outcome of the federal review remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the ag drone industry is at a turning point. Whether through gradual transition or sudden disruption, U.S. agriculture is preparing for a future where American-made drones may need to take flight faster than ever before.