With off-target, off-label herbicide applications in the news during the 2016 spray season, ag input companies are stepping up to try to provide growers with tools to reduce or eliminate herbicide drift complaints.

They can’t do much about off-label applications, but one company is offering to help Roundup Ready-Plus Crop Management Solutions growers upgrade sprayers with broadcast hoods at low cost to maximize on-target applications.

Between now and Jan. 31, 2017, qualified growers will be offered a 30-percent discount and a 10-percent rebate on the purchase of either a Willmar Fabrication SPK645 self-propelled broadcast hooded retrofit kit, or a 642E three-point wheel boom broadcast hooded sprayer with over-center fold (see accompanying photos).

Both products feature the Redball Gen II Broadcast Spray-Hoods. When used during ground applications, Redball Gen II hoods can improve sprayer accuracy and coverage and minimize pesticide drift by up to 90 percent, especially when combined with other drift reduction technologies such as drift retardant adjuvants or low drift nozzles.

Improve accuracy

“Roundup Ready PLUS Crop Management Solutions does an outstanding job of helping farmers choose the best strategies and products for effective over-lapping herbicide programs,” said Steve Claussen, president of Willmar Fabrication. “Together, Willmar and Monsanto are taking things to another step to help farmers improve accuracy and minimize waste when they are spraying their crops.”

To qualify, growers must be active participants in the Roundup Ready PLUS platform and purchase a total of 60 units of Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® Soybeans and/or Genuity® Roundup Ready 2 Yield® Soybeans, or a total of 12 units of Bollgard II® XtendFlex® Cotton before January 31, 2017.

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Upon purchase of the seed, growers will be offered a 30-percent discount when they purchase a qualifying hooded sprayer directly from Willmar using their Monsanto Tech ID number. By submitting their Willmar proof-of-purchase and the Monsanto Tech ID number, growers will then receive a 10 percent rebate on the qualifying equipment purchase.

A second option to this offer allows growers who purchase the required amount of seed to qualify for a 30-percent discount on the purchase of a qualifying hooded sprayer between Feb. 1 and June 30, 2017.

Qualifying Equipment

The SPK645 Self-Propelled Broadcast Retrofit Kit includes Redball Gen II Broadcast Hoods, mounting brackets, hardware to mount hoods on center section, and right and left primary booms. The kit is easy to mount and available for most self-propelled makes and models.

Initial installation takes approximately 10 hours. After hoods are installed, they can be removed or put back on in 10 minutes. Spray nozzles are mounted inside the hood to protect the spray pattern from wind disruption for better coverage.

The 642E Three-Point Broadcast Hooded Sprayer with Over-Center Fold features a new and simple design that offers the same great drift protection and spraying accuracy. Just like its 642 companion, the 642E is ideal for spraying field borders and buffers. The sprayer also demonstrates good stewardship and is equipped with Redball Gen II Broadcast Spray Hoods.

The new optional trailer hitch attachment makes the 642E Hooded Sprayer more versatile than ever. The 642E Sprayer and hitch attachment are ideal for ag retailers as a rental unit. The hitch attachment allows for easy transportation behind a truck for delivery to farmers and field locations and a quick hook-up to a tractor. In addition the hitch attachment can be removed and the sprayer can operate with a three-point hitch.

To place an order, or for more details, call 877-865-5887. Find out more about broadcast hoods at www.willmarfab.com.

For more about Roundup Ready PLUS Crop Management Solutions, visit http://www.roundupreadyplus.com/.