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While most sprayers are tested annually as part of crop assurance, other machines outside these schemes and more than five years old, are now likely to need a re-test soon.

“It’s been a legal requirement, since 2016, that all pesticide application equipment requires testing and a re-test at specified dates thereafter,” says Ian Forman, of the National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS).

“But, from 26^th November 2020 re-test periods change to every three years. So, it’s vital owners and operators now check the dates carefully, to ensure they still comply with the law,” he adds.

Does your machine need a test?

Boom sprayers 3m wide or over, air blast sprayers, train and aircraft sprayers:

• From 26^th November 2020 all sprayers more than 5 years old must have been tested within the past 3 years
• Sprayers tested before 26^th November 2017 are due a re-test before 26^th November 2020
• Sprayers tested after 26^th November 2017 are due a re-test within 3 years
• Thereafter, all sprayers are due for re-test every 3 years.

It is also important to note that all new sprayers are due the first test within 5 years and any machines operating in crop assurance schemes will still require annual testing.

Re-test requirements remain unchanged – at 6 yearly cycles – for boom sprayers 3m and under, weed wipers, slug pellet and granular applicators and a range of other machines.

Regular testing is important to ensure safe and accurate application of pesticides to protect the environment and watercourses, which will help safeguard the availability of products for the future. A regularly tested machine will also reduce the risk of breakdowns, when timing of applications can be crucial for efficient control of weeds, pests and diseases.

The need for an integrated pest management (IPM) plan to be carried out helps ensure that when the decision has been made to use a pesticide, that the equipment is calibrated and has been tested to a standard that will apply the product in a safe and sustainable way.

For more information visit www.nsts.org.uk.

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Excessive levels of metaldehyde are already being detected in watercourses this autumn. This follows the wet and unsettled weather in July and August encouraging a late flush of weeds, which created ideal conditions for slugs.

There’s now concern further wet weather may cause excessive water run-off and the industry urges growers to follow best practice when applying molluscicides – particularly metaldehyde.

Run-off to watercourses is being caused by the extensive soil cracking after the long, dry spring, says Dr. Neal Evans, Operations Director at the Voluntary Initiative.

“Some water companies are reporting they have already detected metaldehyde in raw water at levels well in excess of the 0.1ppb limit.

“It is important to stress the need for careful, best practice when using pesticides, particularly metaldehyde, as part of an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. Careful stewardship of metaldehyde will be key as this slug pellet treatment is phased out,” he adds.

More details on Integrated Pest Management and best practice is available from the VI website at www.voluntaryinitiative.org.uk and information on metaldehyde in particular at www.getpelletwise.co.uk.

It is also important to note the withdrawal dates for metaldehyde are currently:

31 March 2021: Deadline for the sale and distribution of metaldehyde slug pellets

31 March 2022: Deadline for the disposal, storage and use up of existing stocks

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The NFU has produced guidelines as part of the Good Neighbour Initiative to help sprayer operators meet legal requirements and build good relationships with neighbours when using pesticides.

The guide, produced in conjunction with a range of partners, is designed to help sprayer operators adhere to legal requirements as set out in the Code of Practice for using Plant Protection Products as well as other guidance on the Health and Safety Executive website.

It gives specific guidance on the legal requirements when spraying near residential areas, footpaths and public access areas as well as some top tips for avoiding drift.

Build better relationships

The guide also highlights some extra steps that sprayer operators can take to help build good relationships with neighbours, bystanders and the general public when carrying out spraying operations.

A double-sided information sheet has also been produced for operators to give to concerned neighbours. The sheet answers some of the most common questions around pesticide use and will be a useful hand-out for operators when building relationships with concerned individuals.

You can download the Good Neighbour guide for operators below (1) and you’ll also find the information sheet you can hand to concerned neighbours and the public (2). Simply click on the appropriate image below.

Matt Fuller, who works for Heathcote Farms, Toddington, Beds, is the 2020 Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year.

Although Matt has only been operating a sprayer full time for less than five years, his enthusiasm, dedication and quest for knowledge delivered him the FSOOTY title on his first attempt.

In this most unusual of years the finalists had to not only rise to the challenge of the final judging process, but also undertake this remotely, via video conferencing, explains head judge, Scott Cockburn, business manager and application specialist with FSOOTY organiser, Syngenta.

“All the FSOOTY finalists displayed a high level of skill and professionalism, but it’s clear Matt has progressed quickly in his relatively short career,” says Scott. “He is also obviously very interested in what he is doing, gaining his BASIS qualification and continuing to increase his knowledge. He also knows where the business is going and what it wants to achieve.”

Matt played a part in the farm’s decision to invest the new 4,000-litre Bateman RB35 with a 32m wide boom, equipped with PinPoint PWM technology. He then set about finding out how to make the most of it.

Matt’s BASIS project involved using water sensitive paper to assess the droplet size and coverage from various nozzles and settings. He is now using this research in a reference guide that he carries in a folder to help him select the best set-up for the crop, target and conditions.

“It was clear to the judges that Matt’s knowledge and operational standards are above and beyond what even we would expect to see in a final,” says Scott. “He is not only on top of technology, but combines this with some practical ideas. We were particularly taken by his idea to use an old milk crate to safely hold 1-litre cans, so he can unscrew the lids and keep them ready for filling without the risk of them toppling over. It’s simple but ingenious!”

Elsewhere across the operation judges were impressed with Matt’s bowser filling system (see video), which leaves nothing to chance. Based around a purpose-built trailer, it holds all the essential equipment, as well as a water pump with 3in feed hose.

All the products are stored in lockable cabinets on the trailer as well as providing room for two IBCs for trace elements. At the rear is a large mixing bowl, next to which is a white board on which he writes the contents for each load. There’s also a draining rack and bin for cleaned containers and lids. It’s a completely contained, portable filling area.

Back at the farm base the judges were similarly impressed with the clean, tidy and well managed store. On the wall is a white board that shows the stock levels, divided into product type (which is also recorded in notes kept outside the store).

Another board displays all the essential information in one place – including emergency numbers, farm maps, manufacturer contacts as well as copies of his various certificates and qualifications.

Outside is an IBC biofilter assembly that cleans the washings, which are irrigated onto an adjacent area.

Look out for our full report, with more pictures and videos, about Matt Fuller’s professional and prize-winning operation in the Autumn issue of Pro Operator and here on Ei Operator.com

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