Meet the FSOOTY final three
Three top operators face the final on-farm judging that will decide which one of them will be crowned the Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year 2025 at the forthcoming Cereals Event. We visit all the finalists to learn more about their operations.
Two first time finalists and one experienced entrant are competing to win the coveted title of Farm Sprayer Operator of Year 25 (FSOOTY 25).
Organised by Syngenta and supported by Ei Operator and the Voluntary Initiative, FSOOTY aims to reward the country’s top sprayer operators – while also sharing practical tips and best practice that can help all operators enhance results and protect the environment.
Phil Knight
First time finalist, Phil Knight is the main sprayer operator for Velcourt Fonthill Contracting, operating on six farms covering 3,300ha over the rolling chalk lands of Wiltshire.
Working in a 12 mile radius of his base at Berwick St Leonard, he is responsible for treating a wide range of crops including winter wheat, winter and spring barley, oilseed rape, oats, cereal poppies as well as forage and grain maize.
Philip entered FSOOTY because he thought why not? “I am proud of what we do here, but it is nice to be judged by others and get input on where I could improve,” he says.
Mark Turner
Mark Turner operates a Bateman RB35 at Rise Farms in East Riding of Yorkshire, and is no stranger to FSOOTY, having been a finalist on more than one occasion.
He has seen many changes in the sector throughout his 25 years as a sprayer operator, but remains enthusiastic about the job he loves, and as such, he continues to soak-up knowledge to help him improve efficiency and productivity at Rise Farms.
“Spraying is a very enjoyable job, and I take great pride in everything I do,” says Mark. “I’m the lucky one that gets to see how all our crops progress, simply because I spend the most time travelling through them.”
Jack Williams
While working on a farm to help a friend for a week, first time finalist, Jack Williams realised he liked operating a sprayer more than providing advice as an agronomist. He is now enjoying his role as the main operator for W J Watkins & Son Ltd at Arkstone Court near Hereford.
“I made the change because my heart’s in driving a sprayer. I’d rather be responsible for applying the products, than advising on the crops,” he says.
Jack now looks after all the treatments on 1,000ha crops. A wide rotation, including 200ha of potatoes as well as winter wheat, barley, oilseed rape and peas, grown for seed, keeps him busy throughout the season.
“I entered FSOOTY because I am very interested in spraying. You can never stop learning, and I think it’s a great way to meet other people and learn more,” he says.
