International Crop Duster’s Day — May 27

Sometime last year, I picked up a news feed from an Anahuac, Texas newspaper reporting May 27 was Crop Duster’s Day. It was the first time I had heard of such a day. In the article, it described how an older, retired, local crop duster that worked at a local museum came up with this idea to honor the old duster pilots in the southeastern part of Texas.

I did a little research on the Net and was able to place a phone call to this person, Mr. Bobby J. Wheat, who is tagged with the nickname, “Old Duster”. Mr. Wheat and I had a very pleasant conversation that included his early years flying the Stearman in the Chambers County, Texas. He went on to tell me how he implement Crop Duster’s Day through his connections at the museum. He agreed to send AgAir Update articles recounting those golden years of ag-aviation.

While we talked, the idea of an International Crop Duster’s Day was formulating in my mind. I suggested to him to rename the day and I would help him promote it through AgAir Update and AgAir Update Latinoamerica. Neither of us had a plan for implementing this. We simply wanted to get it started.

I’m sure you have read references to today being International Crop Duster’s Day. There isn’t anything special going on today, like a fly-in or convention. The day is being set aside to honor all the old duster pilots and the current ag-pilots. For right now, Mr. Wheat and I would like everyone associated with this business that is not an ag-pilot, or has not been one, to turn to those ag-pilots you know and thank them for the job they do. Today is one for acknowledging this person, giving them a pat on the back, send them an email or better yet, give them a call. It is as simply as that.

Several AgAir Update readers from around the world have asked, “Why May 27.” There is no significance to the date. I believe it may have been a convenient day for Mr. Wheat. There are a couple of thoughts about this date, one being because it is during North American ag-pilots busy season either they are too busy to be acknowledged, or because they are busy they will be. As long as the day remains this time of the year, I believe it will always be just an appreciation day. If the day were to be changed to early spring or late fall, since winter is South America’s busy season, possibly there could be a meeting somewhere. What do you think? Post your thoughts in the comment section of this blog, please.

In conjunction with International Crop Duster’s Day, Mr. Wheat has formed the “International Crop Duster’s Day Society”. Membership is free, simply send him your email address explaining who you are and how you are a crop duster. I believe he is even accepting “wannabes”. You’ll need to check with him about that. His email address is: oldduster@aol.com.

If you did something special for your significant ag-pilot or crop duster today, please send me a photo and/or a short write-up about it.

From all of us at AgAir Update, a big “Thank You” to all crop dusters worldwide! You have a challenging job that requires instant decision making that will determine if the application is completed safely and accurately, as well as the outcome of your flight allowing you to return to your base without incident. The availability of safe, affordable and abundant food relies heavily on your abilities. Your efforts protect forests, wildland habitats and people by using demanding firefighting skills. Your precision application skills protect our world’s food supply. Now, you are taking a role in oil spill dispersal desperately trying to keep the oil from floating ashore. Public health worldwide is improved because of your mosquito control applications. Many do not appreciate the role you play, not realizing you are the green stewards of the land. Your day will come as the world demands more food and more protection from many fronts. Until then, today is your day, International Crop Duster’s Day!


For more about International Crop Duster's Day, written by Bobby J. Wheat, visit this website:


http://www.theanahuacprogress.com/articles/2010/05/26/news/news05.txt