Burned Before By ‘Pesticide Drift,’ Vineyard Owners Bracing For Worst

"For two decades, Nick Pehle's grapes, pressed and distilled, have filled glasses at wineries across Missouri. Most seasons, the vines on his 20-acre farm in Etlah are clustered with different cultivars — vignoles, aromellas, chambourcins.

Last year was different.

In May, before the vines could bloom, their leaves started curling into the shape of small bowls. When the fruit did grow, much of it stayed green, never ripening to full maturity.

Pehle’s harvest was lighter than past seasons — by about 40 tons. Compared to previous years, his crop was reduced by almost half and his profit by around $50,000."

Trevor Grandin reports for the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk April 11, 2026.