DriftWatch is an online map that shows specialty and pesticide sensitive crops for pesticide applicators.  For Nebraska producers and pesticide applicators, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture is the data steward.

What crops are eligible for inclusion on DriftWatch?  First, the crops must be commercial, meaning they are sold in some manner and not strictly for personal use.  Second, eligible crops are:

• Grapes
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Beehives
• Greenhouse — high tunnel
• Nursery Crops
• Orchards
• Fish Farms
• Non-specialty certified organic
• Other (plants grown for seed, cut flowers, flowers for scented products, woody florals, hops, and certain non-herbicide resistant crops)

Certified organic crops, including alfalfa, pasture, and native prairie, are considered eligible if they are part of a commercial operation.

DriftWatch does require annual renewal, which is currently open for 2015.  If you do not renew, your crop locations will not show on the map and pesticide applicators will not see your locations.

While DriftWatch is a voluntary program, it may be a program that is of use to you.  Look into it if you it is a ‘new-to-you’ program or renew if you are already a member and find it useful!