Farmers from across the catchment descended on a farm in Treeton recently to gain a better understanding of ways to improve the accuracy of their fertiliser spreaders. A properly tested and calibrated spreader is highly beneficial as it delivers fertiliser evenly across paddocks and helps to prevent runoff of nutrients into waterways.
Local farmers brought their fertiliser spreaders along to be tested for spreading accuracy and were talked through the calibration process to allow a more even spread of fertiliser on the paddock.
Leading Accu Spread trainer Russell Nicol led the day and demonstrated how to test and calibrate fertiliser spreading equipment.
GeoCatch project officer Bree Brown said that it’s critical that nutrients are applied at the right rate in the right place to keep them on the farm and out of waterways.
“The Accuspread field day was a really good opportunity for farmers to test how well their fertiliser spreaders are doing to optimise a pasture response, saving them money and keeping waterways healthy” said Bree.
Brodie Allen, who runs a beef property in Boallia and is a GeoCatch Case Study Farm, was pleased to learn his Vircon spreader had a very even distribution pattern.
“We have been soil testing, tissue testing and receiving agronomic advice through GeoCatch’s soil testing program, so checking that our spreader is doing what it is meant to do is another way to make sure we are being as efficient with our fertiliser as possible”, said Brodie.
“I was really impressed with the AccuSpread field day and the most important thing I learned was the ideal width that our spreader throws. I’d prefer to use accurate test results rather than following wheel ruts”.
GeoCatch partnered with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation to coordinate the Accu-spread field day. GeoCatch are currently seeking expressions of interest for the next round of soil testing.