Spraying technology is advancing at a tremendous rate, and farmers will be able to see a wide range of the latest innovations in action at Cereals LIVE.

From reducing inputs to maximising efficacy and improving gross margins, the reasons for optimising spraying are many and varied, so whether operators are looking for trailed, self-propelled or even robotic sprayers, the new online event has it covered.

“Though farmers won’t be able to stand on the side of a ring and physically watch the demos this year, they can still access the Syngenta Sprays & Sprayers Arena at the online event on 10-11 June, with exhibitors presenting their technology through working demonstration videos,” explains Alli McEntyre, Cereals event director.

To get the most out of plant protection products, application is of utmost importance, says Harry Fordham, new farm technology lead at Syngenta. “It is vital that sprayer operators have the right equipment to ensure they can do the job safely, efficiently and effectively.

“We are extremely proud to continue our sponsorship of the Sprays & Sprayers Arena this year, albeit virtually. We are looking forward to watching the demonstrations showcasing the latest innovations in application technology which allow farmers to use products effectively and responsibly.”

Below is a selection of some of the sprayers to look out for.

John Deere

John Deere’s latest sprayer launches include the R4140i and the R4150i, with respective tank capacities of 4,000 litres and 5,000 litres. Both models are available with 24 to 36m wide steel booms and use John Deere’s PowrSpray solution system with direct rate control. Combined with the automated AirRinse system, this reduces the dead volume to as little as five litres for maximum cleaning performance.

Both models have the option of ExactApply, an intelligent solution that means each nozzle is controlled individually by GPS-based section control, and droplet size can be maintained while changing speed using pulse width modulation technology.

Amazone

As well as showcasing its range of AmaSelect technology, Amazone will be on hand to discuss its pipeline SmartSprayer project. A conjoined project with partners Bosch and xarvio, it aims to make real-time weed detection possible in row crops and enable target spraying at crop level.

Find out more through live webchat at Cereals LIVE.

Fendt

Fendt will be showcasing the latest addition to its Rogator range, the 300 and 600, which include in-cab nozzle selection and automated tank and sprayer cleaning options

The new OptiNozzle control system allows drivers to set a number of parameters such as output and the degree of drift reduction. It then automatically selects the most suitable nozzle or nozzle combination to meet the expected drift reduction during the application, even at changing speeds or output levels.

Rogator machines also come with Fendt’s SectionControl, VariableRateControl, and VarioDocPro.

Bateman

Boom levelling technology is the latest development to come from Bateman. Designed to work with its Variable Geometry Boom, the Boom Levelling system allows the boom to follow the contours of the ground accurately. Monitoring the ground via a series of sensors the boom height is altered as variation is detected. Boom response is designed to be more dynamic, with greater agility and stability when spraying across widths of up to 42m.

Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year (FSOOTY)

Despite the Covid-19 outbreak, the prestigious FSOOTY award will go ahead as planned, with the six finalists judged remotely using video conferencing technology.

The finalists are:

Peter Dennis – Sentry, Tenterden, Kent

Peter Dennis is the only entrant in this year’s line-up who has reached the finals before. A sprayer operator since the 1980s, he works for Sentry carrying out all the spraying at R Sternberg Farms in Kent. Here he’s responsible for applications on about 1,200ha of arable crops with a 24m, Househam Merlin with 4,000-litre tank.

Matt Fuller – Heathcote Farms, Toddington, Beds

Four years ago, after finishing university, Matt Fuller joined Heathcote Farms in Toddington, Beds where he is now the main sprayer operator. Since then he has taken his BASIS qualification and entered FSOOTY to further his education and application knowledge. Mr Fuller operates a 4,000-litre, Bateman RB35 with 32m wide VG boom. It is one of the first in the UK to be equipped with Capstan Pulse Width Modulation (PWM), which became the subject of his BASIS project.

Luke Haynes, the Montreal Estate, Kent

A sprayer operator for just five years, Luke Hayes, has recently completed his BASIS qualification and entered FSOOTY to further increase his knowledge. Mr Haynes is responsible for all the spraying at the Montreal Estate, Sevenoaks, Kent. Here he treats 400ha of land with a 4,000-litre Bateman RB 35 with 24m booms equipped with Hypro DuoReact twin nozzles. He also carries out a further 300ha of contracting.

Steven Keal – Thelveton Farms, Diss

Shortly after Steven Keal moved to Thelveton Farms, Diss the business replaced its previous 24m machine with a new 5,000-litre, Agrifac Condor with a 36m wide boom fitted with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). He uses this to treat 1,440ha of combinable, as well as contract potatoes and finds the PWM’s single nozzle control and turn compensation has greatly improved accuracy leading to significant savings.

Michael Knight – AJ Middleton, Pytchley, Kettering

Michael Knight operates a new Sands Horizon 5,500 litre capacity, that brought a move up to a 36m wide boom, replacing a 24m Vision 4000. He uses this to treat 1,600ha of crops including winter and spring wheat, oilseed rape, beans, spring barley and linseed.

With contracting he covers about 12,000ha/year operating across land in a radius of about 12 miles from his base.

Tristan Newens – Windmill Down Farm, Petersfield, Hampshire

Tristan Newens reckons to spend about 850hrs/year spraying 6,500ha of crops from his base at Windmill Down Farm, Petersfield, Hampshire, where he operates a trailed John Deere R952i. From here he covers five separate farms across land from Portsmouth up to Alton in Hampshire.

 The winner will be announced at 12.30pm on Wednesday 10 June at Cereals Live 2020.

For the first time ever, the Cereals Event is going online to support the industry amid the Covid-19 pandemic, with existing exhibitors and sponsors involved for free as their fees roll over to 2021. Cereals LIVE 2020 will be held online on 10-11 June 2020. For more information and to register visit www.cerealsevent.co.uk.