Getting Acres

Getting Acres: Start Here

Getting Acres: Start Here

Landing acres isn’t just about having the best drone—it’s about building trust, showing results, and making yourself the obvious choice for landowners. Whether you’re spraying crops, spreading fertilizer, or mapping fields, here’s how to keep your calendar full and your drone in the air.

  1. Start with Your Inner Circle
    Your first jobs will likely come from people you already know—farmers in your community, ag retailers, or local seed dealers. Tell them what you do, explain the benefits, and offer to demonstrate your drone in action.

  2. Partner with Ag Retailers and Co-ops
    Ag retailers are already working with farmers every day. By partnering with them, you can tap into their customer base. Offer them a commission or per-acre rate for sending clients your way.

  3. Attend Local Farm Shows and Ag Events
    Farmers want to see technology in action. Set up a booth, run a live demo, and let people ask questions. Nothing builds confidence like showing exactly how you can save them time, money, and labor.

  4. Price for Profit—but Also for Entry
    If you’re just starting out, be competitive to get your foot in the door. Once you’ve proven your value, you can raise your rates to match the results you deliver.

  5. Leverage Word-of-Mouth
    Farmers talk. If you do great work for one grower, chances are they’ll mention you to others. Show up on time, be reliable, and deliver consistent results—that’s your best marketing.

  6. Offer Full-Service Solutions
    Don’t just fly—solve problems. Many farmers will pay more for a package that includes mapping, planning, spraying, and reporting. The more you can take off their plate, the more valuable you become.

  7. Use Social Media to Your Advantage
    Share short videos of your drone at work, before-and-after results, and customer testimonials. Facebook groups, local ag boards, and Instagram reels can quickly get you noticed.

  8. Follow Up with Every Lead
    If someone showed interest months ago, reach out before the new season starts. Many growers make decisions early—be in their ear when they’re planning.

Final Take
Getting acres as a drone pilot is about more than flying—it’s about relationships, trust, and delivering undeniable value. Start small, overdeliver, and soon you’ll be the go-to operator in your area.

Next Steps:

Want help building a business plan? Scroll down below to sign up for a meeting with Jessica Girt to build your plan right away!

Reading next

Financing Basics - How it Works

Let Us Help You Build a Business Plan

Connect with Jess our Business Development Expert. Jess will walk you through all the finances and the path to building your drone business.