A Hill County agricultural company is being sued by a rancher in West. According to KWTX, the rancher has filed a lawsuit charging the company with destroying 21 acres of hay in a crop-dusting incident.

A Closer Look at the Lawsuit

The plaintiff in the lawsuit is Norman Klanika, who owns property on Heritage Parkway in West. KWTX is reporting that Klanika’s lawsuit is seeking $250,000 from Aerial AG Services and Matthew Ashcraft, of Hillsboro.

The Events Leading up to the Lawsuit

According to the lawsuit, Klanika’s neighbor hired Aerial AG Services to spray herbicides over their cotton field last spring. In the process of spraying the cotton field, the lawsuit charges negligence on the part of Aerial AG Services when the herbicide was sprayed onto a portion of Klanika’s adjoining hay field, destroying 21 acres of hay. The lawsuit charged that the negligent spraying operation destroyed at least four hay cuttings in 2025 and the 2026 growing season.

The Plaintiff Cites a Lack of Communication

According to the lawsuit, the defendants assured Klanika that the matter would be resolved, but then ceased all communication. At that point, Klanika filed a lawsuit to obtain compensation for the loss of revenue.

Additonal Charges in the Lawsuit

In addition to the charges of negligence due to Klanika’s hayfield being sprayed with presticide, KWTX reports the lawsuit alleges the company also violated state codes and regulations.

How Do Pesticides/Herbicides Destroy Hay Fields?

Pesticides/Herbicides used to kill foilage (as with cotton plants) can drift onto other plants and grasses through drift, unintentionally killing other plants and grasses. According to oregonstate.edu,  Herbicides with residual activity can remain in the soil, preventing growth for years. In hay crops that are contaminated, the herbicides can be passed along through livestock droppings, which can also damage grassy areas.

Source - https://kisselpaso.com