2025 Wrap-Up: Beck’s PFR Breaks Down ROI of Hylio AgDrones

*This content was previously published by Hylio. 

Ground Vs. Drone

A primary concern in aerial application is carrier volume: Can a drone applying 2.0 to 3.0 gal./Ac achieve the same effect as a ground rig?

The 2025 PFR data says yes.

In 3-year multi-location trials performed on corn, Hylio drones achieved a $14.66/A ROI advantage, significantly outperforming the ground rig’s $6.40/A ROI. In soybeans, the drone delivered a $13.78/Ac ROI, while ground rigs resulted in a negative return of -$1.23/Ac due to mechanical trampling¹.

Drone vs. Plane

In head-to-head aerial comparisons, the Hylio drone demonstrated superior performance. The 2025 data from the London, OH, and Canton, MO, sites highlighted this “vortex advantage” in comparison to planes². Below is a photo of the ARES HYL-150 with rotary atomizers demonstrating the vortex effect.

Carrier Chemistry

Because drones use such low water volumes, the chemistry of the carrier becomes critical. Beck’s tested substituting plain water with Green Lightning®, a specialized nitrogen/micronutrient carrier, in drone-applied fungicide trials. The results were dramatic³:

The carrier’s ability to stabilize pH and improve uptake essentially doubles the return compared to a standard water carrier.

Agriculture Drones are PFR Proven™!

It is one thing to claim high performance, but it is another to be PFR Proven™. Agriculture spray drones are officially validated as a competitive, high-ROI tool for the modern operator.

Hylio is grateful to Beck’s for trusting our drones for their 2025 research! It has been an incredible year, and we are honored to see our technology officially validated. The full breakdown of these studies is available in the 2025 Beck’s Practical Farm Research Book.