Even as youngster Becky Sheets loved agriculture and getting her hands in the dirt. She is a master gardener who has a large organic garden and orchard. She combines gardening with her skills as a food preparation consultant to teach young people how to grow and preserve organic food.

Becky was offered a job with a Research Center for Crop Production in 1984. She worked as the research project technician and then coordinator for 25 years. In 1993 she experienced a new world related to agriculture—overspray of pesticides. Becky was sprayed with three pesticides while working and became seriously ill. She had believed that pesticides were safe, since that’s what we have always been told. She was diagnosed with chemically-induced asthma. Becky’s life is forever changed. Now going into hardware stores or grocery stores triggers her asthma attacks. Becky avoids going into stores that have cleaners or pesticides. Driving through town during ‘Weed and Feed’ season has lasting consequences for here health.

Becky has met many people in central Minnesota who are also exposed to pesticides and are experiencing pesticide sensitivities and illnesses. Many of these people live near potato or tree farms. They decided to form a group called Minnesota Pesticide Awareness. The group works to educate the public about the dangers of pesticide exposures. Minnesota Pesticide Awareness is working for change; they hope for a more educated, better protected and safer next generation.

“Pesticides are everywhere. We learn more everyday about how dangerous all pesticides are. Most people do not even know that many household cleaners and germ-killing handwashes are pesticides or that -cide means ‘to kill’,” says Becky.

Becky has lived in Staples, Minnesota for 28 years with her husband Sherman. They have two children and four grandchildren. Sherman suffers from advanced Parkinson’s disease. In their opinion, pesticide drift has advanced his condition. Two of her grandchildren were born with rare cancers; Becky believes that pesticide drift near her home may have been the cause.

“Because pesticides don't know when to stop killing, people must report every time they are exposed to pesticide drift by calling 1-800-422-0798. You must document by taking pictures of your yards and trees after herbicide damage is observed, keep track of dates and seek medical attention. Exposures can mimic cold or flu symptoms and do damage on the cellular level. We must do what we can to end pesticide drift and the harm that is coming to our communities.”