Applied Workshops & Communications to Promote Effective Spray Applications in the Southern Region

⁠⁠⁠The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is a statutory corporation established under the Primary Industries Research and Development Act 1989. It is subject to accountability and reporting obligations set out in the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013. It is responsible for planning, investing in and overseeing research and development, and delivering improvements in production, sustainability and profitability across the Australian grains industry.

Crop protection products are essential tools for the management of weeds, pests and diseases and represent a major input cost for grain growers. Appropriate spray application practices are critical to maximise the return on crop protection spend and to ensure good stewardship to minimise risks to the user, environment and non-target organisms. Whilst users should always aim to ensure crop protection products hit the intended target and are hence ‘available for control’, the potential impact of off-target movement on sensitive horticultural crops is often heightened from late spring to early autumn, during periods of active crop growth. Whilst most spray operators aim to implement good spray application practice, continual improvement is essential in order to actively mitigate the risk of off-target damage and maximise grower profitability. It is essential that growers and spray operators have the knowledge and skills to implement proper spray application practice based upon individual situation, including consideration and understanding of product, timing, use pattern, spray equipment, weather and other application risks. User must be motivated to identify and mitigate risks and comply with label instructions and all relevant legal requirements for agricultural chemical use. Pro-active planning and successful implementation of practices and technologies that will optimise the effectiveness, safety and profitability of application, including consideration of spray quality and pressure, nozzle selection, ground speed, boom height and conditions (including avoidance of inversions) and timing of spraying, are required.

GRDC has made significant historic investment in extension activities, including workshops, for growers and spray operators to improve spray application results and avoid off-target impacts. Participants feedback confirmed that these practical and applied workshops have enabled them to identify opportunities to improve the effectiveness of crop protection treatments and implement strategies that maximise to ensure spray droplets reach to the intended target. It is recognised that there is considerable demand for additional trainings and workshops across the GRDC Southern region and the associated need for ongoing effort in delivery of the most recent information and sharing of knowledge.

In February 2017, the GRDC launched the Spray Application GrowNotes™ manual which includes practical information and videos on sprayer set-up, new tools for determining sprayer output, advice for assessing spray coverage in the field, improving droplet capture by the target, drift-reducing equipment and techniques, the effects of adjuvant and nozzle type on drift potential, and surface temperature inversion research. The GRDC seeks to develop strategically timed, impactful and targeted communications to remind growers, advisors and spray operators of the risk of off-target impacts and importance of implementation of strategies that maximise the efficacy, safety and return of crop protection spend and promote relevant resources including the GRDC Spray Application GrowNotes™ manual and other useful resources. Identifying any gaps and opportunities for future R,D&E will also inform potential future investment by GRDC in assisting growers and advisors to make informed spraying decisions.

By 29 February 2020, at least 180 growers and spray operators in the Southern Region will have the required knowledge and practical skills to fully understand, plan and implement strategies and practices to maximise spray application effectiveness, safety and mitigate the potential risk of off-target damage. A measurable increase in the number of grain growers and spray operators across the Southern regions having a greater awareness of opportunities for continual improvement of spray application stewardship and practical ways to maximise the effectiveness, return and profitability of crop protection spend will also result.

A budget of up to $250,000 is indicated for this investment dependent upon the quality of the application, expected outcomes and the ability to leverage GRDC funds through additional in-kind and cash co-contribution. The GRDC is focused on delivering value to Australian grain growers; therefore, your application must demonstrate fair market value.