What could they be spraying on this field?

I did say there are a lot of variables which can determine the extent of the drift. And yes, newer equipment is designed to reduce a lot of drift. But you are totally neglecting the fact that when herbicides are applied there is drift. If you aren't doing a test spray and checking the extent of the drift under the particular conditions for that day you have no idea how far your spray is spreading. A lot of farmers who have known only to use herbicides don't realize how far the spray can drift. A few years back a lot of the universities were testing the drift factor in herbicide application. That led to a lot of changes in equipment and drift awareness workshops. No farmer wants to waste expensive herbicies by spraying where it isn't needed. There's a lot of difference in how much herbicide some think the plants need to be hit with. Some people don't believe a plant is properly treated unless the herbicide is dripping off the leaves.

I never implied that just because my grandfather was a farmer that I am an expert in farming. No one can ever be an expert in farming. The conditions change to much and too quickly for anyone to ever be an expert. But he did watch what happened eadh year and he did do his test spray to see how far the mist reached. He taught me how to check the mist and showed me how close he could get before he was spraying an area that didn't need to be sprayed. He also read and followed the warnings on the labels which said not to apply on windy days or when rain was forecast.

The op said it was a white mist being sprayed that was blown right on to her property.

I have to ask, have you ever done any research on herbicide drift? Have you ever conducted your own research to see just how far your spray actually reaches?

I know a farmer that had to replace 6 bushes and pump out and refill a swimming pool because of drift.

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Please Put Your Location In Your Profile ... TY

1.) It smelled because it had 2,4-D in it. I have sprayed that stuff, still do, and it stinks. It is also not a nice chemical. The fog was caused by early morning spraying, I would guess. It can also be caused by cool air temps and a very fine spray droplet size/mist.

2,4-D Material Data Sheet: http://www.cdms.net/ldat/mp6B8000.pdf

It is more common now to mix 2,4-D with Roundup to offset Roundup resistance in weeds and some grasses. I do this myself.

Glyphosate Material Data Sheet: http://www.cdms.net/ldat/mp7RD001.pdf

2.) Frankly, I would be more concerned long-term with the indiscriminate spreading of manure, which can result in more ecological disturbance than the herbicides.

Pretty objective Virginia Extension document on manure management: http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/442/442-309/442-309.html

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Jim Steele
Sweetpea Farms
"To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing." -- Robert Gates

Actually manure spreading on fields is a legal act under Ohio law. Even if the runoff goes into a waterway the manure spreading is still allowed. It's the local health department that determines if it's a health hazard. Screwy as all get out but unless the law changes that's the way it is. Pesticide drift is not legal. Farmers can and have been sued for allowing pesticide to drift onto neighboring properties. The drift awareness workshops are being held to educate those that spray pesticides as a way to avoid legislation restricting pesticide application. 40 years ago farmers didn't have to register as pesticide applicators in Ohio. Under current regulations they are supposed to. Not all do. The penalty for violating regulations about pesticide application is to lose your applicators license, for now. Times are changing and as mini farms and residential developments start moving in on previous farmland the drift issue is becoming a major sticking point. It's something I have been watching for years.

That's precisely what I was thinking of.

The goats I wouldn't worry too much about. My trees, garden, flowers, etc. would be MY concern.

We lived on a ranch a few years ago that had a handful of trees that died at one end of the shelterbelt.
Why?
Chemical drift from the guy that came out to spray the pivot beside the yard with Roundup/2-4D...

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~*~Erin~*~
SAHM, ranch wife, sub and quilt shop proprietress
the Back Gate Country Quilt Shop