LASCO will demonstrate its Lightning Weeder™ electrical weed control system during World Ag Expo® 2026 Feb. 10-12 in Tulare, California, in Building C, Booth 3005.
As spring planting approaches, farmers are facing early weed emergence driven by warmer soil temperatures, compressed planting windows, and unpredictable weather. Rising input costs and declining herbicide effectiveness are also influencing weed management decisions.
The Lightning Weeder is designed to provide a nonchemical option for controlling weeds during early growth stages when crops are most vulnerable. Using an electric discharge system, the machine delivers targeted electrical pulses to weeds from root to shoot while leaving surrounding crops and soil structure intact. The approach is intended to reduce chemical use, limit soil disruption, and support long term productivity.
Weeds compete with young crops for moisture, nutrients, and sunlight, and delayed control can lead to irreversible yield losses even when follow up treatments are applied later in the season. Herbicide resistant weeds have also increased the need for additional field passes, higher fuel use, and greater labor demands.
“The spring season sets the trajectory for the entire year, and farmers do not have the luxury of waiting when weeds get ahead,” said Kevin Olson, head of LASCO. “Lightning Weeder was built to give farmers control at the moment it matters most and reduce dependence on chemistry that is becoming less effective and more expensive.”
Electrical weed control is gaining interest as part of integrated weed management programs as resistance to herbicides continues to spread and scrutiny of chemical use increases. Farmers are seeking tools that protect crop performance, support soil health, and fit within narrow spring operating windows.
World Ag Expo 2026 will be held Feb. 10-12 in Tulare, California.
For more information about LASCO's Lightning Weeder, visit https://www.lightningweeder.com/.