Case Study
Drone-Based Fly control for Large-Scale Bison Operation
Frasier Bison LLC / Southwest Bison
Managed by Tim Frasier
Herd Size: 2,000 – 4,000 head of American bison
Operation Type: Regenerative (no pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, or herbicides)
The Challenge
In late 2024, Frasier Bison faced a severe fly infestation that posed a serious threat to herd health and operational integrity. The issue escalated to the point where:
- Biting flies were spreading confirmed bloodborne diseases
- Animal stress levels increased significantly
- Death loss was attributed to disease transmission
- Traditional control methods using permethrin provided only temporary relief
- Fly populations would rebound quickly, never reaching full elimination
Due to equipment limitations, chemical treatments were used outside of the operation’s regenerative protocols—an unsustainable and undesirable solution.
The Solution
Tex-Air Drone was engaged to implement an innovative aerial fly management strategy using the Terregena balEnce™ fungal-based product
Key steps included:
- Mapping the entire property and optimizing aerial application routes
- Studying bison behavior to ensure safe drone interaction
- Deploying drones to apply treatment directly over pastures and livestock
- Executing an aggressive “knock-down” treatment to stop the outbreak quickly
Despite initial uncertainty about how bison would respond to drone activity, Tex-Air Drone took a careful, adaptive approach—resulting in zero negative incidents.
The Results
The impact was immediate and dramatic:
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A major reduction in fly activity from severe infestation levels
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No reported adverse reactions or disruptions to the bison herd
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Reduced disease transmission concerns associated with heavy fly pressure
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Continued fly suppression due to the residual effectiveness of balEnce™
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Improved herd comfort during a critical infestation period
While the emergency treatment required a higher upfront investment, it proved critical in protecting herd health and preventing further losses.
Ongoing Impact
Thanks to the success of the drone application and biological treatment:
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The operation entered 2025 with fly populations under control
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The ranch was able to return to its regenerative practices
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A sustainable, non-chemical fly management strategy is now in place
Key Takeaways
- Drone-based application is a viable and effective solution for large-scale livestock operations
- Biological treatments like balEnce™ can outperform traditional chemical methods when properly deployed
- Rapid-response aerial treatment can protect against serious biosecurity threats
- Careful planning and livestock awareness are critical to success
Client Testimonial
“The results were stunningly effective. We went from extremely heavy fly populations to zero, and stayed there. Tex-Air Drone was willing to learn, adapt, and ensure there were no negative impacts on our bison. Because of this approach, we’re starting 2025 under control.”
— Tim Frasier, Frasier Bison LLC / Southwest Bison