Cotton is one of the most valuable cash crops in the USA, and modern agriculture is undergoing a transformation with the help of drones. In 2025, agricultural drones have evolved to become more intelligent, efficient, and precise — allowing farmers to spray pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers more effectively than ever before.
This guide highlights the Top 5 agricultural drones for cotton crop spraying in the USA, ideal for both small-scale and commercial cotton growers. Let's explore how each drone stands out and supports cotton production.
Why Cotton Farmers Are Choosing Drones in 2025
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Precision agriculture: Apply exact amounts of chemicals where needed.
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Lower input cost: Reduces waste of expensive pesticides and fertilizers.
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Faster coverage: Drones can cover acres in minutes.
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Reduced labor demand: One person can operate a drone fleet.
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Better plant health monitoring with aerial imaging & data.
Top 5 Drones for Cotton Spraying
1. DJI Agras T50
Overview:
The DJI Agras T50 is a flagship drone built for high-performance crop spraying. It’s ideal for large-scale cotton fields in states like Texas and Mississippi.
Features:
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Spray Capacity: Up to 40 kg payload (liquid tank).
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Spray System: Dual atomization – nozzle and centrifugal spray combo for uniform application.
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Flight Time: ~15–20 minutes (high payload), swappable batteries.
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Coverage: Up to 40–50 acres/hour in ideal conditions.
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Smart Functions: RTK GPS, terrain following, obstacle detection with 360° radar.
Why It’s Great:
DJI’s reliability and advanced AI make it perfect for wide cotton fields. The even coverage ensures pests like bollworms are targeted efficiently.
2. XAG P100 Pro
Overview:
XAG is known for precision agriculture, and the P100 Pro is their elite model with a modular system that supports multiple farming tasks.
Features:
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Tank Size: 50 L for spraying, also supports granular fertilizer and seed spreading.
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Smart RTK Navigation with centimeter-level accuracy.
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Spray Boom Options: Replaceable for variable row spacing.
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Battery Swapping: Quick-release pack for non-stop operations.
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Spray Width: Up to 10 meters
Why It’s Great:
Ideal for cotton growers who want one machine for spraying, seeding, and fertilizing — all year round. Especially useful in rotation fields.
3. Hylio AG-230 (USA-Made Drone)
Overview:
Built in the USA, Hylio drones are FAA-certified and built to handle American farms. The AG-230 offers simple operation and powerful output.
Features:
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Tank Capacity: 25 L
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Flight Modes: Autonomous, semi-autonomous, manual
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Dashboard Software: Desktop & mobile apps for mission planning
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Made in USA: Easier support, compliance with FAA rules
Why It’s Great:
Perfect for medium-sized cotton farms. No need for third-party apps — the drone is easy to program and track. Plus, it’s one of the best locally-supported options.
4. Yamaha FAZER R G2 (Gas-Powered Helicopter Drone)
Overview:
This isn’t a regular quadcopter — the FAZER is helicopter-style and runs on gasoline, offering much longer operation than battery drones.
Features:
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Fuel Tank: Long operational range (hours instead of minutes)
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Spray Volume: 32 L per run
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Flight Control: Manual and GPS-guided
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Weather Resistance: Performs well in wind and challenging terrain
Why It’s Great:
Best for very large farms or challenging field conditions where battery drones may struggle. Helicopter design is stable and ideal for precise row spraying.
5. SenseFly eBee Ag with Sprayer Module
Overview:
Unlike multi-rotor drones, the eBee Ag is a fixed-wing drone that can spray as well as map fields using multispectral sensors.
Features:
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Multispectral Imaging: NDVI, crop health monitoring
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Lightweight Design: Extended flight time, covers up to 1200 acres/day (mapping)
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Optional Spray Module: Precision sprayer for small doses (up to 10 L)
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Flight Software: eMotion for data analysis and mission planning
Why It’s Great:
Ideal for data-driven cotton growers. Not only sprays but also gives crop health data — helping with better decision-making for pest and water management.
Drone Cost & ROI Table (2025 Estimates)
| Drone Model | Average Price (USD) | Acres/hour | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DJI Agras T50 | $20,000 – $25,000 | 40–50 | Large-scale commercial fields |
| XAG P100 Pro | $18,000 – $22,000 | 50–60 | Multi-tasking & all-season use |
| Hylio AG-230 | $12,000 – $15,000 | 25–30 | US-based medium farms |
| Yamaha FAZER R G2 | $30,000+ | 35–40 | Long-range, hilly or windy farms |
| SenseFly eBee Ag | $10,000 – $12,000 | 15–20 | Smart data + light spraying |
Legal Note: FAA Rules for 2025
To spray crops via drone in the U.S., farmers must:
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Register their drone under FAA Part 137
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Pass a Remote Pilot Certification Exam
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Follow state-specific agriculture spraying regulations
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Use GPS-locked no-fly zones
Pro Tip: Hylio helps farmers with the entire FAA application process!
Conclusion: The Future of Cotton Spraying is in the Sky
Drones are now essential in cotton farming — not just helpful gadgets. In 2025, investing in the right drone means higher crop yield, less waste, and more profit.
Whether you need advanced data (eBee Ag), American-made simplicity (Hylio), or heavy-duty performance (DJI, Yamaha), there’s a drone for every cotton farmer.
🔗 Have Questions?
💬 Comment below or share your drone experience with fellow growers!
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