GPSA urges caution over summer spray period

WITH summer spray season upon us, Grain Producers SA is calling for enhanced awareness and extra caution to prevent off-target spray damage. 

GPSA chief executive Brad Perry said while the grain industry was still battling impacts of drought, it was more important than ever to minimise the risks posed by off-target chemical application and keep the spray on target. 

“Spray drift can lead to repu tational harm for the agricultural industry as a whole,” Mr Perry said. 

“Off-target spray doesn’t just impact livelihoods and communities, but it can cost that farmer financially.” 

GPSA’s campaigns, entitled Don’t Spray Your Dollars Away and Keep Your Droplets to Yourself, provide information and resources around a range of preventive measures, including ensuring the correct weather conditions are observed to avoid spraying during an inversion and selecting the right nozzles and chemicals. 

“Simple steps, such as adjusting spray equipment to suit weather conditions and monitoring wind patterns, can greatly reduce drift risk,” Mr Perry said. 

“It’s essential that every producer understands their role in maintaining a high standard of chemical stewardship.” 

“Users of agrichemicals must spray in accordance with approved chemical label instructions. It is critically important that they are considering factors such as wind speed, hazardous inversion conditions and nozzle size and selections.” 

For more information, go to www.grainproducerssa.com.au.