by Mike Dosher
Career Day at Zia Elementary School was a day of lasting impressions on many children in Clovis, New Mexico. Zia hosted a long list of professionals around the Clovis area. There were carpenters, plumbers, a state legislator, a veterinarian and yes…an aerial applicator.
Michael Dosher, owner of Cropdusters, Inc., was one of the many speakers to participate in Career Day. Mike had the opportunity to share information about how aerial application is performed in the Clovis area. He spoke to three different classes with ages ranging from seven to thirteen years old. The speakers rotate to each class and give a short presentation and end with a question/answer segment. Mike brought a video tape, “The Aerial Applicators Growing Role in the Production of Safe Food.” The tape was a dramatic presentation of an aerial applicator’s role in protecting various corps throughout the country.
The video also defined the safety aspects and precision that an applicator must adhere to in order to successfully ensure that food is safe for consumption. He was surprised at the excellent questions that the younger children asked. One second grade girl wanted to know if she could become a spray pilot! Of course the boys just laughed, but Mike assured the young lady that girls could become spray pilots as well. What a humbling experience this was for the young lads!
The day was rewarding for him because he had the opportunity to dispel many myths and all so common half-truths about pesticides and aerial application. After being involved in a Career Day, Mike realized even more, that we as aerial applicators must take an active role in educating the public in order to protect the food chain of the world. We can no longer rely on others to protect our industry without actively participating in events such as Career Day.
The benefits of meeting young people and answering their questions was a gratifying experience and would benefit other communities as well. Back to school we go!!!
Cropdusters, Inc. is located near the Texas/New Mexico border. Mike was raised on a farm just across the state line. Donna, his wife of 25 years, was farm raised only a few miles away. She has taught in the Clovis schools for about as many years as they have been in business. Together they have worked hard to keep the hangar doors open and to provide direction for their three children. Mike says it’s not always easy, but it must be gratifying or why else would we do it!
Reprint permission given by AgAir Update, P.O. Box 850, Perry, GA 31069 - an international agricultural aviation publication.
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