Midland farmers offered free workshops and low drift spray nozzles
14th December 2022
Coventry-based water company Severn Trent is inviting farmers in its priority catchment areas to attend a series of online workshops and learn about improving spray efficiencies, offering participants a free set of low drift spray nozzles upon completion.
The remaining Swap Your Nozzles workshops will take place in January and February 2023 and will provide farmers with the opportunity to expand their knowledge on reducing spray drift and minimising the risk of pesticides contaminating watercourses.
Dr Alex Cooke, Severn Trent principal catchment scientist, said participants will be offered a choice of fully funded LERAP 3* or 4* nozzles and caps following each training session. The selection of available nozzles includes:
- Billericay Bubblejet/ExRay XC
- Lechler ID3
- Lechler IDTA
- Teejet Turbo Twinjett AITT
- Teejet Turbo Induction TTI
- Syngenta 3D ninety
Dr Cooke said attendants can also register to receive one NRoSO and two BASIS CPD points. Workshop topics will include practical advice for choosing a nozzle and application considerations, as well as taking a closer look at relevant legislation and Local Environment Risk Assessments for Pesticides (LERAP) and buffer zones.
Upcoming workshops will take place on the following dates:
- Friday 13th January 2023
- Tuesday 24th January 2023
- Friday 24th February 2023
Dr Cooke encourages all eligible farmers to sign up and make the most out of the free training sessions: “These events are a fantastic opportunity to provide support and engage with farmers. The aim is for delegates to walk away with tools to not only improve spray efficiency, but also improve farm profitability.”
She added that reducing spray drift is one of the easiest ways for farmers to protect water courses while reducing input costs at the same time.
“Using low drift nozzles can also open up the spray window, meaning applications could be made where conditions may not be appropriate with standard nozzles,” Dr Cooke explained.
Farmers in Severn Trent pesticide priority catchments are being urged to sign up soon as there are limited spaces available. To register for the event, fill out the online booking form where you will need to provide the following information:
- Name, farm address and phone number
- The Severn Trent water catchment you farm in – visit here to check which catchment you are in
- Maps of the fields you spray
- Area of arable and grassland being sprayed within the catchment
- A copy of a valid NSTS certificate for your sprayer
To learn more or find out whether you are in a priority catchment area, contact your local Severn Trent agricultural adviser or visit: www.stwater.co.uk/about-us/environment/catchment-management
