Cereals 2022: Steve May takes sprayer trophy on second try
Steve May with his trophy at Cereals © Tim Scrivener Northamptonshire-based arable foreman Steve May has been crowned this year’s Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year (FSOOTY) at the Syngenta Sprays & Sprayers event – part of Cereals 2022.
A previous contender in 2018, Mr May was selected from a group of six finalists in recognition of his operational skills and awareness of safe, efficient practices.
See also: 2020 FSOOTY winner Matt Fuller’s Bateman RB35 sprayer
Syngenta application specialist and FSOOTY judge Scott Cockburn said: “Steve stood out for his experience and understanding of his spraying activities, and his commitment to continue learning and improving the integration of sprayer operation with the farm’s agronomy.
“It really emphasised the vitally important part that the sprayer operator plays in ensuring the business meets its productivity and efficiency goals.”
Both BASIS and FACTS qualified, and now with a Harper Adams diploma in agronomy, Mr May operates across more than 800ha of arable cropping for Fromant & Sanders, based at Kislingbury, Northampton.
He runs a John Deere R962i, fitted with a 6000-litre tank and 36m boom. He said he made the most of the sprayer’s electronic technology, including TwinSelect dual nozzles, as well as RTK GPS guidance.
“Along with automatic boom levelling, the sprayer has made the job much more precise, as well as more pleasurable,” he added.
The TwinSelect feature enables Mr May to choose between two different nozzles or running both together, which he said was particularly useful for applications at 200 litres/ha.
Asked for his top tip as a sprayer operator, he pointed to his home-made, extended tractor mudguards which protect nozzles and keep the sprayer clean in the field, as well as preventing mud being thrown onto passing traffic on the road.
As well as the trophy, Mr May wins a trip to the 2023 Agritechnica event in Hannover, Germany.
Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year 2022 finalists
Richard Darling, Davison & Co, Great Barford, Bedfordshire
Matt Joseph, Acton Farming Co, Meadowend Farm, Bishops Castle, Shropshire
Ashley Luke, AJ Luke Contracting, Barrow Hill Farm, Frome, Somerset
Andrew Manning, Ramridge Farm, Kimpton, Hitchin, Herts
Steve May, Fromant & Sanders, Clarkes Lodge, Kislingbury, Northants
Danny Milazzo, Drysdales, Cockburnspath, Berwickshire
Judge Scott Cockburn said all six finalists had demonstrated a deep knowledge of sprayer operation and exemplified good practice to consistently achieve optimum results, while also achieving safe and accurate application.
