As we are all aware, Methamphetamine has become a major problem in the United States, especially in rural areas. Not just in the use of this dangerous and highly addictive drug, but also in the production of the drug. Meth labs are being discovered all over the country in isolated or abandoned farm buildings, homes, vehicles, and fields. In a recent article in Healthy Farmer, Johh M. Shutske, Professor of Agricultural Safety and Health in the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at the University of Minnesota talks about the connection between Methamphetamine and agriculture.

Mr. Shutske writes, “One of the popular methods for producing the drug involves using anhydrous ammonia, a fertilizer used to grown corn and other crops. Anhydrous ammonia is stolen out of tanks in fields or on farm sites. Because of the preference for producing methamphetamine in rural areas, these same communities are also the ones disproportionately affected by addiction and the costs and problems associates with drug use and crime.

Some things farmers can do to try and stop the production of methamphetamines are:

• Do not leave anhydrous ammonia tanks sitting around the farm.
• Make sure the tank has a valve lock.
• It does not take much ammonia to make the drug, so even a tank that you think is empty can still produce enough ammonia for their needs.
• If you do have a tank on your property overnight, keep it in a well lit area that is easily seen.
• Be alert for signs of tampering. Indicators can include strange footprints or partially opened tank valves. There may also be remnants such as buckets, coolers, duct tape, hoses, clamps, and bicycle inner tubes.
• Monitor all areas of your property. Look for blacked-out windows; large amounts of trash such as empty packages of over-the-counter cold medications; or strong chemical smells.
• Never enter any area where you suspect a meth lab may be located. It is very important to contact your local law enforcement office if you suspect a meth lab or activities in or around your property.

Mr. Shutske also writes, “It is the property owner’s financial responsibility to arrange for and pay all costs associated with cleanup. The cost of cleanup can easily exceed $10,000.”

There is an additive called “Glo-Tell” that farmers can add to anhydrous ammonia that will turn the liquid pink. This makes anhydrous ammonia easier to trace and may deter people from stealing it. For more information go to www.glotell.com.

Reprinted with permission from Farm Safety 4 Just Kids, Chapter Chat, April 2006 Taken from Healthy Farmer, March 2006, Vol. 2, Number 3