This must be the
week for unusual happenings to aerial applicators. NAAA received an email from
a member who was spraying in eastern Iowa during this corn fungicide season.
During a recent application, he observed a small group of people that parked
their car away from the field where the application was taking place and
attempted to enter the field on foot. The pilot was fortunate enough to see
them and ceased the operation before they were sprayed.
It is unknown
if their motive was to be sprayed giving themselves grounds for legal action or
if they were “environmental activists” trying to make a statement. The farm
manager also saw the group enter the field and proceeded to question them as
well as notifying the local authorities.
The
operator wanted to make others aware of this incident as a reminder to stay
alert and constantly aware of our surroundings. Incidents such as this could
contribute adverse publicity to the aerial application industry if they are not
exposed. NAAA will attempt to obtain additional information on this incident.
