Keep an eye on your sprayer

Managing these weeds through spraying is common practice but it can lead to some unforeseen issues.

According to the NSW Department of Primary Industries, minimising spray drift can be achieved by using equipment that reduces the number of small droplets produced.

This can impact the effectiveness of the application as reducing the small droplets may affect coverage of the target.

Decreasing the number of smaller droplets also decreases the coverage of the spray.

Weather also affects the suitability to spray.

Best practice recommended that spraying is not undertaken if the temperature exceeds 28 degrees as up-drafts occurring during the heat of the day can cause wind directions to change haphazardly.

It is suggested safe wind speed for spraying is between 3 and 10 kilometres an hour, no higher.

National Farmers' Federation president and grain grower Fiona Simson believes anyone using spray equipment should remain vigilant.

“It’s important growers brush up on their spray application knowledge and use best practice to reduce potentially harmful impacts of spray drift,” Mrs Simson said.

“As a farmer I know how hard we work to produce the best food and fibre for Australia, which is why it is so disappointing when these avoidable incidents occur.

"It’s up to everyone across all cropping sectors to take responsibility in stamping out this issue.

“The Australian Pesticide and Veterinary Medicines Authority’s (APVMA) new label guidelines for 2,4-D need to be strictly followed.

“It is in everyone’s best interest for growers not to spray during an inversion, at night time or when weather isn’t suitable for spray applications.

“Wind movement, temperatures, point of release, nozzle varieties and strong record keeping all need to be carefully considered to ensure the spray stays on the targeted areas includes.

“Communication between neighbours in regards to spray activities will ensure growers enjoy a successful and productive season without incident."