Podcast Summary: Ranch It Up Radio Show & Podcast

Episode: How Drones Control Noxious Weeds & Cattle News
Date: July 13, 2025
Hosts: Jeff “Tigger” Erhardt & Rebecca “BEC” Wanner

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on the use of drone technology to combat noxious weeds in ranching environments. Hosts Tigger and BEC explore their own experiences managing tough-to-reach properties and feature an in-depth interview with Corey Palm of Pro Ag Solutions, a drone spraying expert. The second half covers the latest cattle industry news, legislative updates, and a weekly market report. The show’s signature blend of practical advice, industry insight, and good humor is on full display.

Drones in Ranchland Weed Control (00:02 - 12:41)

Setting the Scene: The Challenge

• Tigger and BEC discuss the persistent problem of noxious weeds, like Canadian thistle and wormwood, on their ranch.
• Traditional methods—such as using beetles, sheep, goats, or standard sprayers on ATVs—weren't feasible due to inaccessible terrain, rocks, and safety concerns.
  • “Sometimes it gets a little tricky. I mean, I've actually been in the situation where I've rolled a four-wheeler with the sprayer on it and you know, glad to still be here.” – BEC (01:58)
• After assessing all options, they decide to try drone spraying for the first time.

Consulting the Expert: Corey Palm of Pro Ag Solutions

• Key Concerns Addressed:

  • Spraying with cattle present: No grazing restrictions on certain herbicides (Milestone, Duracor, Freelix), but avoid moving cattle to susceptible cropland for 10 days post-treatment.
    • “There’s products out there... no grazing restrictions... you can keep the cattle in there.” – Corey Palm (03:34)
  • Wildlife Safety: Ensured no harm to local pheasant populations.

• Drone Technology Details:

  • Using DJI T30 (8-gallon capacity), with T40 and T50 also in use, T60 coming soon.
  • Precise GPS mapping allows spraying right up to the edges of obstacles, through tough-to-reach areas.
  • Capacity result: About 20 acres per hour, so their 135–138 acres took 6–7 hours.
    • “With this drone we can do about 20 acres an hour... going to take six, seven hours to do it.” – Corey Palm (05:19)

• Chemistry & Technique:

  • Ultra-high concentration but standard aerial application rates (2–5 gallons/acre as per label).

• Why Drones?

  • Drones excel in hard-to-reach areas unsuitable for ground rigs, airplanes, or helicopters due to rocks, fences, waterways, trees, or human safety concerns.
    • “An 802 Air Tractor coming in here at 160 miles an hour, trying to dip in and out of these trees isn’t feasible. It’s not safe... That is exactly the place where these drones come in.” – Corey Palm (07:12)

• Operational Cautions:

  • Drones are significant investments (upwards of $30,000) and are not hobby toys.
    • “They’re a tool, they’re not a toy. I mean, fly it like it’s a toy sometimes, but at the end of the day it's a tool in the toolbox.” – Corey Palm (08:55)

Pricing, Acceptance & Best Practices

• Cost: $20/acre for pasture, up to $425/hour for specialized spot spraying, reflecting the precision and areas serviced.
  • “One of the biggest questions and my pushback to guys... ‘well, go have an airplane do it or a helicopter... guess what, they’re not going to do it.’” – Corey Palm (10:17)
• Spot Spraying Caution: Full coverage is almost always better for noxious weed patchiness and lasting control.
  • “Spot spraying is not the thing to do. Just absolutely cover everything to get the best kill on these noxious weeds.” – Tigger paraphrasing Corey (10:43)
  • “...I can just about guarantee you that there's going to be some wormwood that you're just really not seeing in between that.” – Corey Palm (11:09)

Hosts’ Results & Recommendations

• The application showed wilting in target plants (Canadian thistle, wormwood) within days. They plan to repeat the process next year.
  • “After just a few days, we saw the plants wilted over. Of course, we know next year we’ll have to take another turn at this.” – BEC (12:30)
• Encouragement for others: Contact local experts, ask questions, and consider drone control for tough areas.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “If anybody sees a drone out there, it’s probably mine.” – Tigger, on losing his own drone in Montana (08:13)
• “We’re out here to do a job.” – Corey Palm (09:10)

Industry News Highlights (13:57 - 21:15)

Legislative Wins

• One Big Beautiful Bill: Major legislative gains for U.S. livestock, including:
  • Full payment for predation losses; partial payment for weather/disease.
  • “Death tax” exemption up to $15M individual / $30M couple.
  • Improved disaster and emergency assistance programs.
• Foreign Animal Disease Prevention: New funding allocations.

Market & Trade Updates

• U.S. beef and pork exports to China plummeted due to high tariffs.
  • Temporary tariff reduction did not restore previous export levels, with future uncertainty looming.
  • “The need for progress in U.S.–China trade negotiations is extremely urgent because tariffs from China could soar again on August 12.” – Paraphrased from Dan Hallstrom (USMEF CEO) (18:20 approx.)
• Livestock Theft: Multiple reports in Texas, with a third-degree felony penalty.
• Rodeo Moment: A runaway rodeo bull eludes capture for five days in Snowmass Village, CO.

Market Report with Kirk Donsbach (22:33 - 23:41)

Weekly Cattle Market Recap

• Feeder and live cattle prices were up at the beginning of July; very strong basis vs. cash.
• Boxed beef ended lower; production remains down year-over-year.
• Corn prices rose dramatically on temporary trade optimism.
  • “August feeders closed the week at 309.70, that’s up $1.65... August live cattle closed the week at 214.025, that’s up 42 and a half cents...” – Kirk Donsbach (22:33)

Ranch Finances: A Producer's Perspective (23:43 - 24:50)

• Shea Warner of Casual Cattle Conversations interviews Jason and Candice Bernard about using Ambrook for enterprise clarity.
  • “When you have clarity of your numbers and what each enterprise is doing, it’s no longer an emotional decision.” – Candice Bernard (24:03)

Closing Moments & Community Support (24:57 – 26:38)

• Tip of the hat to flood-stricken Texas ranchers.
  • “Just know again, you are in our thoughts and our prayers.” – BEC (25:14)
• Thanks extended to episode guests and sponsor partners.
• Signature send-off: “Stay ranchy and ranch it up.”

Key Takeaways

• Drones are transforming weed control in ranching, particularly in difficult or inaccessible terrain where conventional methods won’t work.
• No grazing restrictions with specific herbicides offer flexibility and safety for both livestock and wildlife.
• Costs of drone application are offset by precision and access, especially when traditional aviation and ground rigs are not options.
• Cattle industry legislative wins provide relief and support for ranchers facing disaster, loss, and succession planning.
• Export markets for U.S. beef remain volatile amid ongoing trade tensions, affecting producer decision-making.
• Operational transparency with financial tools can help ranches navigate tough economic decisions.

Suggested Listening Order

1. Drones for Weed Control: 00:02 – 12:41
2. Industry News & Legislation: 13:57 – 21:15
3. Market Report: 22:33 – 23:41
4. Producer Story: 23:43 – 24:50
5. Closing Remarks & Community Support: 24:57 – 26:38

For more resources and show notes, visit ranchitupshow.com.

Stay ranchy and ranch it up!