Applying pesticides and fertilizers at the proper rates are essential to achieve satisfactory weed, insect, and disease control. Too little chemical results in poor pest control and reduced yields, while too much chemical injures the crop, wastes money, and may increase the risk of surface and ground water pollution. Directions on pesticide container labels specify the application rates that produce the best results. However, proper application rates can be attained only if sprayers work well, used properly and calibrated correctly.
Ohio State University Extension is offering a workshop for local producers that will cover current topics in the field of precision agriculture as well as provide an opportunity for producers to have their sprayer equipment calibrated. Get your questions answered about GPS guidance systems and spatial data uses, machinery automation, and sprayer technology, calibration, and applications to better meet crop needs for your farm. The Precision Ag & Sprayer Tech Workshop will be held at the Harrison County Fairgrounds on August 7th, 2018 from 10am to 2pm. Guest speakers include John Fulton/Trey Colley, Precision Agriculture Specialists, and Erdal Ozkan, Agricultural Engineer for the College of Food, Agriculture & Environmental Sciences at OSU. Workshop attendees are encouraged to bring their sprayer equipment in for calibration. Pesticide credits for Core and Category 1 will also be offered.
Knowing which sections of your farm are most productive and which are costing you money are important for making decisions on where expensive inputs and energy should be invested. One of the main areas where money is lost is through a sprayer’s nozzle. Nozzles should be selected based on the situation – each product and application is different, and some product labels have specific requirements for nozzle selection. Furthermore, nozzles should be replaced if there is a 10% deviation from the manufacturer’s flow rate – otherwise an expensive product is going down the drain.
The following is a full schedule for the program:
10am: Using Spatial Technology & Data for Your Farm
11:30am: Sprayer Tech & Applications
12pm: Lunch
12:30pm: Sprayer Calibration – Bring your own sprayers for a checkup and find out if your sprayer may be costing you more than you think
There is no cost for this event, but pre-registration is required. Contact OSU Extension at 740-264-2212 or send an email to lyon.194@osu.edu. Registration deadline is August 2nd. The first 10 to register will receive copies of the Stink Bugs of Ohio Soybean Field Guides. This event is sponsored by Farm Credit Mid-America and D&J Sales and Service.
Click here for a program flyer.