Meet the FSOOTY '25 winner - 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.”
Rise Farms comprises a group of five smaller units, growing around 800ha of combinable crops including winter wheat, winter barley, oilseed rape, vining peas and spring beans. The farm also grows miscanthus for energy production. In addition to his role as sprayer operator, Mark also carries out primary cultivations with a Fendt Vario 943MT.
“I keep entering FSOOTY to see if I can win a trip to Agritechnica,” laughs Mark. “It’s also really good to learn from, and share knowledge with, other finalists.”
Mark is responsible for the application of all crop protection products and liquid fertiliser, using a 2019-model Bateman RB35 equipped with a 30m boom. The cab roof carries an N sensor, which Mark describes as brilliant for variable rate control.
He says the sprayer is a big step up over his previous Bateman, with the cab being the biggest change. Mark says that cab comfort is a big improvement on his previous RB, though the main criticism is that of poor air-conditioning, as a result of the large expanse of glass.
In terms of technology, he uses an Ag Leader terminal that delivers automatic control of the 12 boom sections, which helps reduce overlaps.
“I’m very pleased with the way the boom and it’s sections now operate,” he says. “The middle boom height control sensor has been relocated to improve the way it reacts, and having had the boom balanced, it now rides very well, giving more consistent results.”
He says that application accuracy is high, which is important given that field sizes range from 2.1 up to 26.8ha, with efficiency gains available from using a 12,000-litre bowser.
FARM FACTS
Business: Rise Farms, East Riding of Yorkshire
Cropping: Combinable crops
Machine: Bateman RB35, 30m boom, Ag Leader terminal
Mark joins a remarkable list of worthy winners to this prestigious competition, sponsored by Syngenta – Congratulations Mark!
