Farmer tells DeKalb County commissioners 2,4‑D drift damaged beans at county test plot

Tom Keller, who said he rents land adjoining the county’s soil‑and‑water test plot, told commissioners the plot was left with uncontrolled waterhemp and later sprayed with 2,4‑D, which he said caused drift into his neighboring bean crop. “They went out and sprayed 24D on it and my beans to the north ... we got drift and I had damage to my beans,” Keller said.

Keller showed photos and described localized yield loss — he said yields dropped roughly 15 bushels per acre in affected areas — and asked who contracted the spraying and whether the applicators held appropriate commercial licenses. Commissioners and other attendees agreed that if commercial applications were required the county should ensure a licensed operator performed the work and that contract terms specify responsibilities.

Commissioners said Soil & Water staffer “Nelly” had invited Keller to attend the Soil & Water board meeting; county staff said they would review the test‑plot contract, check the termination clause and confirm who was licensed to perform herbicide applications. One commissioner suggested the county review whether the Soil & Water agreement should continue if funding and practice are insufficient to protect adjacent farms.

The board set a follow‑up to sort responsibility and next steps: Keller was told county and Soil & Water representatives would meet in mid‑April to review the incident and contract language. No formal liability determination or payment was announced at the meeting.

What happens next: county staff will request contract details and the Soil & Water representative was asked to appear at the next scheduled meeting so commissioners can determine whether contractual or insurance remedies are appropriate.