Application Week sees FSOOTY 2022 open for entries
26 August 2021, UK: The first Syngenta Application Week (23-27 August), with a series of webinars to highlight Top Tips and advice for timely and accurate application, has included the launch of Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year 2022.
Kicking off Application Week on Monday were the stars of FSOOTY 2021, with overall winner Luke Haynes and other finalists giving an insight into their tips and tricks to meet the challenges across a range of crops and different situations.
Other Application Week specialist subjects has seen webinar presentations on topical autumn pre-emergence herbicide treatments (Tuesday), techniques to hit small weeds in big cereal crops in the spring (Wednesday) and best practice for nozzle selection and sprayer operation, with application specialist, Harry Fordham (Thursday).
Syngenta Sustainable Business Manager and application guru, James Thomas, wraps up the Application Week with a look at Precision Application – a look into the future. Giving his insight of what operators might see in coming years, including innovation to target band application; zoned prescription spraying or, ultimately, focused spot treatment.
“It’s a hugely exciting and fast developing area of innovation that will have a direct impact on how we manage crops and produce food in the future,” said James.
“The industry has a great track record of adopting new innovations in application technology. Our aim is to ensure those technologies can be practically integrated with crop agronomy, to deliver workable solutions for farmers in the future.”
James highlighted the way advances in application have enhanced the accuracy and results has been exemplified over the years by all the FSOOTY finalists, with the pick of the 2022 crop destined to further improve best practice across the industry.
Sprayer operators can make the initial FSOOTY application through the Syngenta website. Answer three straightforward questions and submit your entry by 30th November 2021.
The winner receives a trip to the Agritechnica Show, Hannover, Germany in 2023. The six finalists receive an expenses paid trip for two to Cereals 2022, along with free tickets to the event for 20 runners-up.
FSOOTY 2021 winner, Luke Haynes (above) said he entered FSOOTY to test himself against other operators he perceived as the best of the best.
“It’s a competition that I’ve followed since the start of my spraying career, and it’s taught me a lot. It’s an opportunity to learn and progress.”
All the finalists encouraged sprayer operators to have a go at the competition, citing then chance to learn tips and ideas from others, as well as the discipline of taking a close look at their own operation to identify any areas they could improve.
