Crime & Safety
Ohio Low-Flying Plane Notice: Farm Seeding Starts This Week
Washington County, OH – Residents in the Barlow, Watertown and Waterford areas may notice an airplane flying unusually low in the coming days, but local officials say the flights are part of routine a
By Audrey Sloan · 2026-09-28T19:43:57.324Z
Washington County, OH – Residents in the Barlow, Watertown and Waterford areas may notice an airplane flying unusually low in the coming days, but local officials say the flights are part of routine agricultural work.
According to the Washington County Sheriff 's Office in Marietta, the aircraft will be applying seeds including rye, oats, radish and turnips to designated farm fields as part of a process used to establish cover crops.
The flights are expected over agricultural areas of Washington County in southeastern Ohio. Officials said the plane will operate at low altitude because aerial application allows seed to be spread efficiently across large fields while crops may still be growing.
Cover crops are planted following or near the end of the main growing season to help protect and improve farmland. They can reduce soil erosion, recycle nutrients and support healthier soil ahead of the next planting season, according to the sheriff's office.
Authorities emphasized that the material being spread is seed and does not pose a danger to people, pets or livestock.
The aircraft also will not be dropping material over roads, homes or other non farm properties, officials said.
The public notice was issued to help prevent concern among residents who may see or hear an aircraft operating closer to the ground than normally expected around Barlow, Watertown and Waterford.
No emergency or public safety threat was associated with the flights. Officials described the operation as a routine farming practice.
Residents should expect the agricultural aircraft activity over the coming days as work continues on participating farm properties in the area.