Ron has built himself a high-rise sprayer that will give him more flexibility in his spraying routine, saving him time and money, and reducing any potential runoff into waterways. It will also make record keeping simpler and easier with a new variable rate control GPS system. The equipment  was partially funded through the Reef Catchments Major Grants Program as a way to support growers and accelerate the implementation of activities that improve both on-farm productivity and the quality of water flowing from the region to the Reef.

Ron has customized the sprayer to his needs by obtaining an old cotton-picking machine and modifying it to create a high-rise sprayer with 1.8m clearance and 4 wheels for greater stability. It’s been a labour of love for Ron and his son, a boilermaker by trade. They have built the machine together using recycled metal from his farm and with custom parts designed and manufactured locally in the Mackay–Sarina area.

The machine will give Ron the option to spray at different times during the crop cycle, saving him from needing to spay by tractor or motorbike if it’s wet, and allowing use of knockdown rather than residual herbicides. Knockdowns are cheaper, and there will be less chance of chemicals being washed away by unexpected rain, since Ron will now have the flexibility to delay spraying if rain is forecast.

Ron has also installed a GPS-enabled computer system on the high-rise that allows for variable rate control, so he can slow or speed up the rate of chemical use according to the crop needs or location in the paddock. This system automatically records application rates, meaning that Ron doesn’t have to get out his notebook every time he sprays. Instead, everything is recorded on a USB that he downloads to do his records whenever he chooses.

It hasn’t all been easy. The issues with supply chain disruptions over the last year means that Ron has had to wait for parts. Meanwhile the price of steel has gone up, and it’s been hard for him and his local suppliers to get labour, as everyone has so much work on.

But even though there’s been the upfront cost and time, he thinks that overall it will be a win-win for everyone – it’ll save him time and money, it’ll be good for the crop health, and it’ll mean there is less impact on the environment.

Ron also thinks that the best way to help farmers and the environment is to listen more and to actually get on the ground at farms to see what is happening. Many farmers are working hard and doing innovative things to improve their farms that also benefit the environment, but they are not shouting about it or talking themselves up – that’s not a farmer’s way.

He reckons that 95% of farmers (if not more) are doing the right thing for their land and water, but that everyone has different needs depending on their own situation. It’s important that instead of talking down to farmers, those who want to help the environment should be coming out to look at what farmers are actually doing, finding out what they need and offering positive solutions.

“As for all farmers, we’re always experimenting, modifying things and doing things differently. We want this country to be better than what we came into it.”