I know this is a very taboo subject.. but I need to know... my farmer who surrounds me on 3 sides, is usually very good about not spraying when the wind is up.. but this year with the rains and winds.. I guess the late dates got the best of him and it seems I have quite a few damaged trees. I have an appointment with him tomorrow to show him the pics from last week when they were blooming (luckily I just happened to take to send to grandma) and today showing the damage.
Anyway, it occured to me.. These chickens are my first experience with any type of livestock out here.. do I need to worry about the chickens when he sprays too? and what if I get other animals??
Farm overspray and chickens
Hi frans530. It depends on what chemical he is spraying and what you are doing with your animals. My DH works for the county ag dept and gets called out to incidents like this. Usually organic farmers dealing with spray drift from a neighbor. If it is not immediately toxic--and most sprays aren't--and you aren't selling your animals as organic then it is just a question of what you are willing to tolerate. It sounds like he was spraying herbicides. They may have very long term effects on animals--but it is not proven and you probably would never see it.
Most pesticides are not going to have any direct toxicity on mammals or birds either---fish and insects including beneficials and bees, yes. And I wouldn't want it to happen to my land and animals--but if he is generally careful I would let this pass.
But I would also ask what he sprayed-exact chemical name--and keep a record of it.
gee, you are nice, i would have called the TCEQ on him! drifting toxins IS against the air qulity laws...
but then again, you may LIKE your neighbor, LOL
Actualy Tamara, he is not my neighbor, he is an accountant who is an investment farmer.. So I will go see him today.
It has happened before, but.. I do know where my food comes from.. and I try to be as patient as possible, not to mention understanding..
This year is a bit heartbreaking and I am hoping that things are just a bit under the weather now and NOT dying... so far there are 14 trees, 2 bushes,12 peonies affected, most of the trees are under 3 years old, the older trees appear to be fine..
If he had just called us, we could have been home and washed them down... or something...
I planted a memorial "forest" .. I just sat out there yesterday and cried.. all the leaves are just hanging. 5 Flowering Pear and the 12 peonies.. I don't think they will bloom.. the flower bulbs that were about to burst open are laying on the ground with the branch bent over.
sounds like he needs to understand you lost your investment!