Hands-On Spray Workshop Equips Growers with Next-Level Spray Efficiency Insights
By Simon Kruger & Kate Parker
The West Midlands Group recently hosted a three-quarter-day workshop at the Dandaragan CRC and Kayanaba Farm, with support from the Grains Research Development Corporation (GRDC), bringing together 35 farmers and industry representatives keen to sharpen their spray application techniques and enhance on-farm efficiency.
Led by agronomist and application specialist Bill Campbell, the session combined theory with paddock demonstrations and showcased the importance of correct sprayer set-up, calibration and chemical handling. Participants explored essential spraying principles such as droplet coverage, spray quality, and product delivery, while also considering how to optimise sprayers for knockdowns, fungicides and pre-emergents.
The workshop went beyond routine discussion of nozzles and spray quality to address different spraying systems, including hydraulic nozzles versus pulse width modulation (PWM), enabling growers to tailor equipment to various product types and reduce waste through effective drift management. Live demonstrations emphasised best-practice mixing and batching techniques, reinforcing the value of stable ground speeds, appropriate nozzle selection and thorough coverage.
Attendees were also encouraged to consider the latest innovations in agricultural technology, including an introduction to the SwarmFarm sprayer bot, which illustrated the potential of autonomous machines to boost efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Bill Campbell’s guidance underscored practical ways to keep operational costs manageable, highlighting the benefits of effective travel routes to filling points and the advantages of safe, efficient batching or mixing systems.
Growers and their employees departed with a deeper understanding of how to apply different products—such as herbicides, fungicides and insecticides—more effectively, whether they were contact or systemic in nature. By observing the equipment in action on Kayanaba Farm, participants gained confidence in their ability to set up and calibrate sprayers for a range of spraying situations, aligning with ongoing GRDC commitments to practical, face-to-face learning.
The West Midlands Group thanks everyone who joined the GRDC Spray Workshop and SwarmFarm Demo, including those who took part in both the theory session and paddock exercises. Special appreciation goes to Bill Campbell for sharing his expertise, Tom Holcombe for organising the autonomous robot demonstration, and Charles Roberts for generously hosting activities on Kayanaba. The day’s interactive format fostered valuable discussions and hands-on experiences, supporting local growers in making informed decisions to improve spray efficacy, efficiency and safety on their farms.
