The Corrigin Farm Improvement Group invited Graham Betts to hold one of his Spray Day's in Corrigin for the benefit of local farmers. Thirty turned up for the day, which was held at the Corrigin Pub.

Graham Betts

Those who thought they were in for an easy day at the pub were in for a shock. Graham consistently challenged farmers during the morning session, questioning each on their own particular spraying equipment and procedures, making all of us review the way we spray and think about the reasons we do what we do. This certainly let to some interesting discussions, making us realize that there was still plenty of room for improvement.

Spray Plan

Various exercises where done during the session, looking at the way we set up our booms, what jet type we should use for a given situation, water rates, droplet size, everything that into making the most efficient and safe use of the chemicals we apply.

getting wet.

Once we had worked though the why's and wherefore's for spraying we moved out side to the practical demonstrations. Here we went over a local farmers boom spray( kindly supplied by Adam Rendell) looking at what we need to check and how to properly calibrate our booms. One of the interesting tests here was looking at the difference there can be in the actual pressure at the jets, compared to the pressure shown on the gauge or monitor. The best way to check this is to removed a jet and mount a pressure gauge in its place, thereby showing if there is a pressure drop due to friction or pressure loss after the normal measuring point.

Pressure gauge on jet mount.

As well as Adam's boom, we had a brand new boom provided my Brett McMiles from McMiles Industries. This was given a good going over by Graham and was given a very good rating. Well done Brett!

Boom supplied by McMiles Industries.

And that concluded the day. All who attended found it very informative experience, having their own idea's challenged and having enforced the need to properly calibrate and setup their booms before spraying. Thanks you to Graham Betts and Peter XXXX for providing the day, Adam Rendell and Brett McMiles for providing the boom sprays and the Corrigin Pub.