Upcoming sprayer calibration and demonstration workshops in Nyabing and West Kendenup will give Western Australian grain growers hands-on, practical tips for effective and efficient chemical application.
An investment of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), the full-day events will be delivered by spray application specialist Bill Campell in collaboration with local grower groups:
Nyabing - Thursday 20 June, Nyabing Community Hub, hosted by Nyabing Farm Improvement Group
- Kendenup - Friday 21 June, Hall Family Farm, Lake Katherine Road, West Kendenup, hosted by Stirlings to Coast Farmers
Presenter Bill Campbell says the workshop program would deliver current best practice spraying information with a practical focus allowing growers to make effective decisions and determine optimal sprayer set-up and operation.
"These three-quarter day events will be an in-depth look at everything from the principles of spraying, sprayer set-up and operation - including calibration, spray techniques for different spray situations - right through to operational efficiency, including travel time and mixing and batching operations," Mr Campbell says.
"We will also cover nozzle selection, spray quality and coverage requirements for getting the product to the target.
Mr Campbell said the hands-on workshops would be an in-depth look at all aspects of spraying, from setup right through to operational efficiency. Photo: GRDC
"With the introduction of new spraying technologies, an understanding of how these work and how best to set-up and operate will be presented.
"Importantly, we'll be out in the paddock demonstrating a range of spraying situations and technologies, giving growers a practical forum to ask questions and participate in discussions around spraying challenges they face on their properties."
GRDC Grower relations manager west Jo Wheeler says the workshops would demonstrate current industry-standard approaches to inform growers' decision making for their spraying programs.
"Spraying can be a complex operation with variables across technology, logistics and the weather. These workshops will address key concerns and knowledge gaps growers have raised at GRDC's National Grower Network (NGN) forums, to ensure they can get maximum efficiency and efficacy from their spray operations," Ms Wheeler says.
"Not only is this essential for on-farm profitability, but also for farm safety and preventing spray drift."
Growers can register for the free workshops via the local grower group hosts. More details can be found on the GRDC events page.
