Farmers across the Geographe catchment are invited to come along to GeoCatch’s Accu-Spread demonstration day on 9 March 2023 to learn how efficiently their fertiliser spreading equipment is operating and gain a better understanding of ways to improve their accuracy.
A highly-variable fertiliser spread pattern has implications on pasture production, environment and economics, with some paddocks receiving too much fertiliser and others too little.
“It’s critical that nutrients are applied at the right rate in the right place,” said GeoCatch project officer Jenelle Schult.
“The Accu-Spread demonstration day is a really great opportunity for farmers to test how well their fertiliser spreaders are doing to optimise a pasture response, save money and keep the waterways healthy” said Jenelle. The demonstration day is a hands on-event , with farmers invited to bring along their own spreading equipment to be run through the paces and tested for accuracy and spread pattern. Australian Accu-Spread expert, Russell Nichol, facilitates the day and demonstrates how to test and calibrate fertiliser spreading equipment.
Local farmer and previous Accu-Spread participant, Brodie Allen, who runs a beef property in Boallia, said he was really impressed with the Accu-Spread demonstration day with the most important thing he learned being the ideal width that his spreader throws.
“I’d prefer to use accurate test results rather than following existing wheel ruts” said Brodie. “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”.
To attend this year’s Accu-Spread demonstration day for farmers on 9 March 2023 or to register for the Accu-Spread demonstration day as a contractor, contact GeoCatch on 0491 069 078 or geocatch@dwer.wa.gov.au
This project is funded by the National Landcare Program Smart Farms small Grants – an Australian Government initiative – it is supported by Healthy Estuaries WA – a State Government program.
