Business Links

Nat'l Ag Av Assoc NTSB Database N# Database Chemical Labels Worker Protection Containment Rules Ag in the Classroom Far West Ag Assoc.

Weather

NOAA Weather Weather Underground Meso West NW Ag Weather Joseph OR Weather

Idaho

ID Ag Dept ID D.O.T. Boise FSDO Salt Lake FSDO U of I Extension Food Producers ID

Oregon

OR Ag Dept OR D.O.T. Portland FSDO OSU Extension Food & Shelter

Washington

WA Ag Dept WA D.O.T. Spokane FSDO Seattle FSDO WSU Extension Friends of Farm …

Montana

MT Ag Dept MT D.O.T. Helena FSDO MSW Extension

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a crop duster?

A.  A.K.A.  aerial applicators, A.K.A. ag pilots.  Ag products delivered on crops used to only be available in a "dust" form; therefore the pilot who distributed these crop protectors became known as "Crop Dusters". 

"Aerial application accounts for almost 25% of crop protection applications and nearly 100% of forest protection applications.  Aerial application is often the safest, fastest, most efficient, and most economical way to get the job done." - National Agricultural Aviation Association

Is aerial application (crop dusting) safe?

A.  Today's crop spraying planes are equipped with mapping technology that makes it is possible to pinpoint exact areas to be sprayed and assures even distribution; thus protecting the crop and the environment.

Aerial application vs ground (truck) application?

A.   "An airplane or helicopter may accomplish more in one hour than ground equipment can in one day. This means less fuel used, less air pollution and no soil compaction. The aerial application industry appreciates the importance of ground sprayers as a tool needed in agriculture when aerial or chemigation work cannot be done. In fact, many aerial application businesses today use both aircraft and ground rigs to make crop protection product applications. "
                        - Andrew D. Moore, Executive Director, National Agricultural Aviation Association

Who regulates crop dusters?

A:  "Almost everybody."  Individual states regulate the pesticide application certification and certain loading and storage containment requirements. The federal agencies include FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), FDA Food and Drug Administration), OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), etc.   -  www.agaviation.com

Are ag planes a threat to our homeland security?

A.  "Many security experts in government and in the private sector are in agreement with the NAAA position that ag aviation aircraft represent a poor option as potential vehicles for terrorist attacks." - Agricultural Aviation Security document published by NAAA.   Read full article.