How to Start an Agricultural Drone Contracting Business
Beginners Guide
Introduction
Farming is changing, and fast. With tighter spraying windows, rising input costs, and less predictable seasons, many farmers are looking for smarter, more efficient ways to get the job done. That’s where agricultural drones come in.
But drones aren’t just for your own property. They’re also creating a whole new business model for contractors across regional Australia.
If you’re considering starting an agricultural drone contracting business, this guide will walk you through what’s involved. From the gear you’ll need to the licences, costs, and how AgriDrone can help you hit the ground running.
Why Start a Drone Contracting Business?
Agricultural drones have come a long way in just a few short years. The latest models — like the DJI AGRAS T100 — are large, reliable, and efficient enough to compete with traditional ground rigs and spray reels in many situations. All while being more precise and mobile than spraying by plane or chopper.
More importantly, demand is growing. Here’s why this is a smart time to get started:
Farmers want flexible, fast options: Wet paddocks, steep country and tight spraying windows make traditional gear hard to rely on. Drones can get in, get the job done, and get out. No ruts, no hassle.
Good margins and repeat work: Contractors are building steady seasonal client bases. Margins are strong, especially when you keep operating costs down.
Scalable and flexible: Start small and build as you go. One drone today, two tomorrow. You can easily grow your business without taking on huge debt or risk.
Ahead of the game: Drones are still relatively new in the world of agriculture, but they are becoming more mainstream every day. Starting your business now can help you get ahead of the competition.
It fits around your own farming operation: If you’re already on the land, drone contracting can slot in between your own jobs. Spray a few neighbours’ paddocks when the weather’s right. This is exactly how we got started.
Drone contracting offers a practical, scalable way to build a business on your own terms, with lower risk and higher flexibility than most traditional ag contracting ventures.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Starting an agricultural drone contracting business doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require some key equipment, training, and compliance steps. Here’s what’s involved:
1. The Right Drone
We recommend the DJI AGRAS range, the exact drone depends on your budget, spray/spread requirements, and coverage area. These drones are designed for professional use, with:
Easy to understand and quick to grasp controls
Large tanks and hoppers (up to 100L/100kg)
High-volume pumps (up to 40L/min)
RTK positioning, terrain following and obstacle avoidance
Spray, spread and mapping capabilities in one platform
Need help choosing? We’ll help you find the right fit.
2. A Good Setup
A practical mobile setup will save time, increase productivity, and make your business more professional. Most contractors use a trailer, ute or canopy system that includes:
A clean water supply (1,000L IBC is common)
Chemical mixing gear or batch tank
Generator for charging batteries
Safe storage for transporting your drone
We have a trailer set up that fits two drones, has a 1,000L IBC, 350L chemical mixing tank, a 24kVa diesel generator and storage for batteries, chargers etc. We also have a smaller, more mobile setup on the back of a ute that fits one drone, a 300L mixing tank, drone box, and 13kVa petrol generator for working in hard-to-access areas.
If you're spraying or spreading across multiple paddocks or properties, having a reliable and well-organised set up can be the difference between doing 2 jobs a day or 5.
There are so many variables that go into setting up something properly. It depends on where you are, your operation and your budget. We’ve helped many contractors set up efficient ag drone contracting rigs and we’re happy to share what works and what doesn’t.
3. Licences & Compliance
To operate legally and safely as a commercial agricultural drone contractor in Australia, you’ll need:
Remote Pilot Licence (RePL)
Type Endorsement
ReOC (Remote Operator Certificate)
Insurance – including public liability and product-specific cover
We can point you to training providers and offer advice on working in the commercial space.
Startup Costs and Earning Potential
One of the biggest advantages of starting a drone contracting business is the relatively low barrier to entry. Compared to traditional spray rigs or spreaders, you can get up and running for a fraction of the cost with strong earning potential once you're operational.
Here’s a rough breakdown of what it might cost to get started:
| Item | Estimated Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| DJI AGRAS T50 Package | $35,000 |
| Petrol Generator | Minimum 13kVa | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| Chemical mixing tank | 300L – 400L | $5,000 – $7,000 |
| Trailer (if buying new) | $7,000 – $10,000 |
| Trailer or tray fitout | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Spray hoses, fittings, PPE etc. | $1,000 |
| RePL, ReOC & Endorsement | $5,000 |
| Insurance | Varies on provider |
Total setup range: Around $70,000 - $90,000 for a professional-looking and efficient setup. All prices depend on variables like drone model, what your operation looks like, and whether you already own a suitable vehicle and/or trailer.
What You Can Earn
Most drone contractors charge by the hectare or per hour, depending on the job, crop type and chemical used. Common rates include:
$30–$40 per hectare (higher for difficult terrain or higher spray rates)
$200–$300 per hour for contracting
A full-time agricultural drone contractor with a one drone and an efficient setup could earn $8,000 - $10,000 per week, depending on weather, downtime etc.
With low running costs and high efficiency, many contractors report strong margins, especially when working in areas where traditional machinery struggles or isn’t a viable option.
Repeat seasonal work is common, and you can build a solid client base quickly with reliable service and word-of-mouth.
How AgriDrone Can Help
We’re not just a drone shop. We’re farmers and contractors ourselves, so we understand the real-world challenges of working the land, and what it takes to run a successful drone business.
When you work with AgriDrone, you get more than just hardware and a handshake. You get hands-on support, honest advice and the kind of backup you can only get from people who’ve done it themselves.
1. Help Choosing the Right Drone
Whether you’re spraying blackberries or spreading urea, we’ll help match you with the right setup. T25, T50 or T100, single drone or full contractor kit — we’ll tailor the gear to your goals, land type and workload.
2. Setup and Training Support
Buying the drone is just the start. We help with:
Initial setup and training day at your preferred location
Workflow guidance and application techniques
Advice on setting up your drone trailer or tray
Licensing advice and ReOC pathways
We also offer practical, on-farm handovers for new operators so you’re confident before taking on your first job.
3. Contractor Mentoring
If you’re starting your own business, we’ll walk you through the full process, from pricing and quoting to gear setup and compliance. Think of us as a partner in your success, not just a supplier.
4. Ongoing Backup and Repairs
We provide full after-sales support, including:
Troubleshooting and diagnostics
Access to spare parts and warranty repairs
Real-time support when something goes wrong in the field
We know how frustrating downtime can be. That’s why we’re always on hand to help you stay in the air. We’ve helped dozens of contractors across NSW and Victoria get up and running — and we’re happy to do the same for you.
Final Thoughts
Starting an agricultural drone contracting business is one of the most practical, scalable and future-proof moves in agriculture today. Whether you’re a farmer looking to diversify, or someone with a bit of ag experience wanting to go out on your own, drones are creating real opportunities in rural Australia.
If you're ready to take the next step — or just want to ask a few questions — we’re here to help.
Let’s Get You Flying
Call us on 0423 440 891
Or request a quote or demo via our contact page
