Drone. The first step is selecting the drone that works for your operation. Garrison recommends the DJI T50, which can be used to make chemical applications and to seed cover crops. It retails at $17,999.

Batteries. Each drone will require four batteries, Garrison says. This is so you can always have a set charging and ready to go, keeping operations moving when you’re in the field. Batteries average $2,500 each.

Battery charger. You will need a charger for your batteries. That will be about $1,700.

Drone trailer. Depending on the size of your operation and how much acreage you want to cover, your drone transportation needs may vary. Apexx offers several types of trailers, and they even have a landing deck that can be loaded onto a pickup truck for a small one-person operation. The landing deck starts at $9,999. Trailers can have extensions added for more space, and some of them feature a locking bunkhouse and storage space.

Generator. Here, you must decide if you want a generic generator or a DJI generator. The battery charger needs to plug into a generator with at least 9,500 running watts, Garrison says. The DJI generator is $5,000.

Spare propellers. Garrison advises having a spare set of propellers so you don’t have any down time should something wreck one of your propellers while you’re in the field. A coated set of propellers, designed to last longer, at Apexx Drone Solutions is $1,345.

Remote battery. If you want to fly with a wireless remote, you will need a battery for the remote. Those are $60 each, but Garrison recommends having three on hand. The charging hub for those batteries is $100.

Spreader tank. For cover crop applications, you will need a spreader tank. A 70-liter tank at Apexx is $1,500.

Mapping kit. While you can map with your drone, Garrison says that having a mapping kit with advanced software is more reliable. A kit would include an RTK station, mapping software and a good laptop. The total price will average $15,000.