Farmers urged to prevent crop losses from spray drift

Farmers have been warned of the potential consequences of crop losses from spray drift, following a deluge of summer rain.

The deluge of summer rain, which is set to spark the germination of weeds, comes with a caution to be careful of potential herbicide spray drift.

Paul Cleton of Hillston, NSW, said it had been an excellent start to the cotton season in his area – and the last thing growers wanted were losses from spray drift.

“The whole of the south has had a good start,” he said.

“Farmers need to be wary, particularly of chemicals like 2,4-D and the potential for drift,” he said.

“Be careful of drift and follow the labels and most importantly keep an eye on (weather) conditions.”

Cotton affected by 2,4-D spray drift. Picture: Supplied

Overall, Mr Cleton thought the industry was improving after some big losses due to spray drift in recent years.

NSW Farmers agriculture sciences committee chairman and Borambola farmer Alan Brown said the recent weather meant there would be more broadleaf weeds to control.

“It will increase the amount of summer spraying that is required,” he said.

Mr Brown said a new formulation of the herbicide 2,4-D called Dropzone was formulated to help reduce drift.

However, he said caution was still needed.

The cotton industry is warning farmers to be cautious of spray drift. Picture: Supplied

“It is probable we will see more spraying from the air this season, too,” he said.

Mr Brown said that spray drift can be catastrophic and costly when things go wrong. It can wipe out neighbouring crops or crops on the same property.

“Check the locations of sensitive sites, and check for grapes and cotton,” he said.

Cotton Australia’s regional manager for northern NSW, Bob Ford, said there were reports of damage from spray drift at Collarenebri, Narrabri, Rowena and Walgett in NSW.

He said the 2022-23 season was one of the worst on record for spray drift with millions of dollars of lost production.