How Drone’s Control Noxious Weeds & Cattle News

It’s The Ranch It Up Radio Show! Join Jeff Tigger Erhardt, Rebecca Wanner AKA BEC and their crew as they head to the skies, using the latest technology to control noxious weeds.  Plus reactions to “The One, Big, Beautiful Bill”, news updates, markets and lots more on this all new episode of The Ranch It Up Radio Show. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcasting app or on the Ranch It Up Radio Show YouTube Channel.

Top Reasons To Use Drones For Spraying Pastures & Weeds 

Agri Drones can seed and spray chemicals when fields are not ready for equipment and it is more precise than other aerial seeding options. Plus a drone can avoid obstacles and pinpoint certain areas.  You can find out more about who we used to control our noxious weeds by clicking Pro Ag Solutions.

1. Precision Application

• Targeted spraying of individual weed patches instead of blanket applications

• Reduces herbicide waste and chemical drift

• GPS-guided flight paths ensure consistent coverage and record-keeping

2. Access Hard-to-Reach Areas

• Drones can easily reach:

  • Steep terrain

  • Wet ground or boggy spots

  • Brushy fence lines and ravines

• Eliminates the need to risk equipment damage or operator safety in difficult terrain

3. Reduced Soil Compaction

• No heavy tractor tires driving over sensitive ground

• Helps preserve soil structure and forage health

4. Time & Labor Savings

• Faster setup and application time compared to manual or vehicle-based sprayers

• Reduces labor requirements — one operator can manage several acres per hour

• Perfect for small patches or spot treatments that aren't worth dragging out a boom sprayer

5. Ideal for Sensitive Areas

• Less impact on:

  • Native grasses

  • Wildlife habitat

  • Waterways (when used with precision nozzles and appropriate buffers)

6. Data Collection & Monitoring

• Many drones are equipped to map weed infestations before spraying

• Enables before-and-after analysis, recordkeeping, and adaptive management

7. Cost-Effective for Small & Mid-Sized Pastures

• Great return on investment for:

  • Pastures under 200 acres

  • Rotational grazing systems

  • Landowners or ranchers who want more control over timing and application

Cattle News Cattlemen’s Groups React to “The One, Big, Beautiful Bill”

The U.S. Cattlemen's Association (USCA) and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) commented on the successful passage of "The One, Big, Beautiful Bill", which includes several provisions critical to the U.S. livestock industry and wins for America's family farmers and ranchers.

A few of the highlights include:

Livestock Indemnity Program 

• Establishes a payment rate for losses due to predation at 100% of the market value and losses due to adverse weather or disease at 75% of the market value. 

• Introduces additional payments for unborn livestock death losses incurred on or after January 1, 2024, at a rate determined by the Secretary, not exceeding 85% of the payment rate for the lowest weight class of livestock. 

Livestock Forage Disaster Program 

• Allows for two monthly payments and specifying eligibility criteria based on grazing periods and expands the program by allowing it to kick in after 4 consecutive weeks of drought, rather than the previous 8 consecutive weeks

Emergency Assistance 

• Provides emergency assistance for cattle with specific payment rates and eligibility criteria. 

Death Tax 

• The bill increases the Death Tax exemption to $15 million per individual or $30 million per couple, adjusted annually for inflation. This means if the value of your farm or ranch plus equipment, cattle, and other assets are less than $15 million individually or $30 millio