Wedonay.com Report on Mar 18th, As the U.S. cattle herd shrinks to its lowest level in 75 years and beef prices reach record highs, ranchers in Texas face pressure to protect their available pastureland. Invasive shrubs continue to spread, while traditional control methods are costly, imprecise, or limited by terrain. Agricultural drones offer a more practical solution, enabling precise herbicide application over dense thickets and hard-to-reach areas while protecting the underlying soil and turf.
With the growing need for brush control, Curtis Schramm of Texas Ag Drone Services operates in Gonzales County. In this region, livestock accounts for 93% of agricultural sales, and shrub encroachment is evident. Research from Texas A&M University shows that mature mesquite trees can consume up to 20 gallons of water per day during peak growing season, and cactus density can increase by 25% to 30% annually during drought periods, reducing available pasture. Traditional methods like ground equipment or helicopters are inefficient, and tractor mulching can sometimes worsen the situation.
Schramm says, "A lot of what I do is remediation for decades, even generations, of mismanagement by ranchers and landowners, letting native brush and other invasive species come in and take over." He chose the XAG P150 drone and began operations in August 2025. Its quadcopter design generates powerful downdraft, and the RevoSpray system, with a maximum flow rate of 7.9 gallons per minute, ensures herbicides penetrate the tree canopy evenly. He notes, "When the drone flies over, the plants spin, dust flies on the ground, and the chemical reaches every part of the plant, not just the soil. They are always impressed."
The drone is equipped with 4D imaging radar and real-time 3D terrain mapping, allowing safe operation in obstacle-dense terrain. Schramm remarks, "The way it adjusts so quickly makes me laugh every time. It's just incredible to me, thinking about all the data it has to calculate to know speed, altitude, and all those variables, making decisions in milliseconds." The P150's foldable design supports solo operation, reducing costs and adapting to remote areas.
From August to December 2025, Schramm completed brush control operations on 682 acres without losing a single client. Restored pastures yield more forage, heavier cattle, and higher income. He concludes, "The philosophy is to feed your land, feed your cattle, feed your family." Drawing on his family's farming experience, Schramm applies technology to brush control, enhancing ranch efficiency.
