Spied the Round-Up Sprayer This Year

[so lucky]

That's good information, Seedcorn. I will know in about a week if there is any damage. The wind wasn't very strong today, not like it has been. So he is probably trying to go by the rules.

 

[journey11]

That is rough. I hope everything works out and survives in your garden. If not, maybe it would be worth it to put up a tall wooden privacy fence?

 

[secuono]

I've used several kinds of weed/shrub killers, none actually killed the thorns/shrubs, no matter the concentration...

 

[seedcorn]

Try crossbow. Will kill broadleaf weeds, shrubs and leave grasses alone.

 

[bobm]

One of my neighbor's son in law in Cal. owns a contract custom spraying business and sprays thousands of acres of crops... he has a helicopter that lands on top of a custom built truck with a huge tank under the landing pad and is then loaded with whatever spray that is being used for the particular crop. They start spraying at first light when there is 0 to less than 4 mph wind and continues until the job is done or the wind speed increases. There is extreamely little drift and miniscule if any damage to other crops outside the spray area. Also, attend the annual Tulare County ( Cal.) International Farm Expo (exhibitors and attendees from all over the Globe ) for the real story on Agriculture. It is a real eye opener ! Unlike some of the horror stories spun by those that are anti anyone who does not agree with their mantra.

 

[digitS']

The industry operates on a grand scale, "grand" in contrast to the human scale of its neighbors and customers.

Scoundrels can be found most everywhere. On an industrial level, their actions are magnified. They should not be protected by statute but often are. The corporate pushback to control by the courts has been remarkable to see.

Myths abound in any age. I can easily remember the time when the myth was that "insecticides kill bugs but people aren't bugs." We used DDT on the farm with no thought to the broader environment or community. I think that we were also victims of the scoundrels. Resistance and cynicism grow from experiences like that.

Steve

 

[seedcorn]

Steve, agree that bad people are found in all walks of life.

What makes people in Agriculture mad is that people say they have no options. They have all the options they want. Do it all themselves. But that requires work and effort, and maybe some sacrifices. IF we do it the most productive ways, they complain about methods. IF we do it without genetics and modern technology, they complain about the cost. All with their mouths and bellies full and 30-70 pounds over weight from too much food. We can't win!

 

[digitS']

You are on both sides, Seedcorn. Income from agriculture, food production at home. Sounds like a winning combination.

Some folks in cities have few choices. My son just moved into a 4th floor apartment. What is he thinking?! Well, he likes the city life and recently turned down a job because it was "out in the boondocks."

Imagine if all those city people showed up in the country . . ! Agriculture already has problems with its neighbors. . . and, don't we all?

Steve

 

[Jared77]

Smart move by taking measures to protect them. The other thought too is that if he gets a lot of drift he's losing money with poor application. Even if he us a scoundrel nobody likes to lose money.

 

[digitS']

Neighbor across the road is out this moment spraying weed-killer. Winds are gusting above 20mph.

Nothing has been done with his gravel driveway this year. The weeds, mostly grass, are about 24". He is a real tall guy and the nozzle of the premix bottle is often about 30" above his boat shoes.

After about 15 minutes of spraying, he stopped for a 90 second reading of the label.

Good news! Rain is falling and he has retreated indoors.

Steve
who asks you, just as a favor, wear appropriate gloves when you are applying chemicals.