A cotton grower in Central West New South Wales, Andrew Gill, has suffered significant crop yield losses due to off-target spray drift incidents, potentially amounting to over $500,000. This damage was not isolated to Mr. Gill, with reports of similar incidents in the Narromine area, as well as severe cases in the Macquarie and Lachlan valleys, and minor to moderate damage in the Murray and Murrumbidgee valleys.
Around 130 hectares of Mr. Gill’s cotton crop have been affected by off-target spray damage, with little hope for salvaging the crop. The damage is believed to have been caused by the off-target spraying of a phenoxy herbicide before Christmas. Mr. Gill expressed his frustration at the situation, stating that the true extent of the damage will only be known once the chemical is metabolized by the plants.
Cotton Australia’s policy advisor, Doug McCollum, acknowledged the disappointment of the damage but also highlighted that the majority of growers are following proper spraying practices. He emphasized the importance of adhering to label instructions, using best-practice techniques, and ensuring that equipment is set up correctly when applying agricultural chemicals.
Despite extensive education and awareness campaigns in the cotton industry, cases of severe damage due to spray drift still occur. Mr. McCollum noted that the responsibility does not solely lie with professional applicators and contractors, as even a single individual not considering weather conditions or proper spray equipment selection can cause significant damage to nearby crops, especially cotton, which is highly sensitive to various herbicides.
Mr. Gill emphasized the need for a united approach within the agricultural community to address the issue of spray drift. He plans to host a meeting on his farm for stakeholders including agronomists, farmers, suppliers, and contractors to witness the damage firsthand and discuss collaborative solutions to prevent future incidents.
Cotton Australia recommends farmers to utilize tools like SataCrop for mapping activities and WAND towers for detecting hazardous conditions and inversions to ensure that spraying is done under optimal conditions and in compliance with label requirements.
In conclusion, while the majority of cotton growers are implementing best practices in spraying techniques, incidents of spray drift continue to pose a threat to crop yields and profitability. Collaboration among stakeholders, proper education, and the use of advanced tools and technologies are crucial in mitigating the risks associated with off-target spray drift and safeguarding the future of cotton farming in the region.
Source: Cotton Australia
