On the look out for spray information.

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Author: Hill, Peter

• Job: Manager, C M Mercer, Bowley Court Farms near Leominster, Herefordshire
• Workload: 1000ha of wheat, barley, oilseed rape and potatoes
• Sprayer: Landquip Field Leader 4000-litre/24m

It was one of the biggest self-propelled sprayers available when Mercers bought the 4000-litre mechanical-drive Field Leader in 2002. But now that it's coming up for replacement, there are one or two more options.

"It was ahead of the game at the time and I liked the fact that with capacities up to 5500 litres, ours was a de-rated machine when all the other manufacturers were stretching theirs to increase capacity," says Mr Walters. "It's been robust and durable and rides well on its air suspension. We'll be evaluating what else is available, but there's always a good case for sticking with what you know."

Making better use of modern spray tip technology is also on the Sprays & Sprayers event agenda.

"We're still using conventional flat-fan nozzles to a large extent, so I'll be looking for some clear guidance and information on techniques for spraying grass weeds and blight sprays â€" perhaps using angled tips â€" more effectively," says Mr Walters. "Other than that, I'd like to see ideas on how we're meant to deal with some pesticide containers under the new disposal rules. When the container comprises a paper outer with a metallic liner and isn't acceptable for recycling, because it can't be rinsed properly, how is it meant to be handled?"

While appreciating it is a complex issue, Mr Walters is keen to see further progress made on returnable bulk containers, as well as means of concentrating pesticides in smaller disposable containers to reduce the volume (and cost) of material collected for recycling.

PHOTO (COLOR): Calls for progress on packaging design and rinsingtechnotogy, decisions on the acceptability of biobeds and other facilities for sprayer filling and washing down, and continued improvements in drift control and application quality through spray tip design and use are common themes among sprayer operators planning to visit this year's Sprays & Sprayers event.

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By Peter Hill