New Spray System Helps Oregon Farmers Battle Weeds

The WeedSeeker Automatic Spot Spray System uses advanced optics to target herbicides only on weeds, reducing chemical use.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:08am

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A bold, abstract painting in soft earth tones featuring sweeping geometric shapes, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex interplay of precision agricultural sensors, targeted herbicide application, and sustainable weed management.A precision spraying system helps Oregon farmers efficiently target weeds while reducing overall chemical use.Pendleton Today

Jason Hill and his father Fritz, who manage a 8,000-acre wheat and canola operation in Pendleton, Oregon, have been using a new precision spraying system called the WeedSeeker to combat a serious Russian thistle weed problem on their fields. The WeedSeeker uses advanced optics and computer controls to detect the presence of weeds and precisely apply herbicides only to those areas, reducing the overall amount of chemicals needed.

Why it matters

Weeds like Russian thistle can quickly overtake no-till crop fields, reducing yields and profits for farmers. The Hills' use of the WeedSeeker system demonstrates how new precision agriculture technologies can help growers more efficiently manage weeds while also reducing chemical inputs and costs.

The details

The Hills used the WeedSeeker system on 2,500 acres of chemically-fallowed ground last summer. The system features 60 optically-controlled spray heads mounted on a 60-foot wide sprayer that operates at 10 miles per hour. The spray nozzles are designed to concentrate the herbicides directly on the weeds detected by the optical sensors, without spraying bare soil.

  • Last summer, the Hills used the WeedSeeker system on 2,500 acres of chemically-fallowed ground.

The players

Jason Hill

Helps manage the 8,000-acre family farming operation in Pendleton, Oregon.

Fritz Hill

Jason Hill's father and co-owner of the 8,000-acre farming operation.

WeedSeeker Automatic Spot Spray System

A precision spraying system that uses advanced optics and computer controls to detect weeds and precisely apply herbicides only to those areas.

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What they’re saying

“The WeedSeeker was used in a weed control rescue mode on chem-fallow ground last summer. The weeds were huge; the worst I've seen in a long time. Russian Thistle is a serious problem. With the WeedSeeker, we're saving money by cutting our overall chemicals need and reducing the need to reapply them.”

— Jason Hill, Farm Manager

The takeaway

The Hills' use of the WeedSeeker precision spraying system demonstrates how new agricultural technologies can help farmers more effectively manage persistent weed problems while also reducing chemical inputs and costs. As no-till farming practices become more widespread, innovative tools like the WeedSeeker will likely play an important role in helping growers maintain healthy, productive fields.