FSOOTY 2025 is now open
Deadline to enter: 15th December 2024What is the Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year competition?
FSOOTY aims to reward the country’s top sprayer operators - whilst also sharing the practical tips and best practice that can help all operators enhance results and protect the environment. It's open to all sprayer operators, with the initial stage involving just a few on-line questions.
The winner will be announced at the 2025 Cereals event where all finalists will be presented in the Sprays and Sprayers Arena.
The Competition
Round 1
Enter online and answer 4 questions.
Open to all UK Sprayer Operators, excluding previous FSOOTY winners.
Timing: 1st Oct - 15th Dec 2024
Round 2
Answer more technical application questions online, including your top spraying tips.
These will be judged by our panel of experts.
Timing: Jan 2025
Round 3
The judges will choose 3 finalists who will be visited on farm to see their sprayer set up.
Timing: Feb - Apr 2025
All finalists will be invited to Cereals Event 2025 where the winner will be announced.
The Prize
Agritechnica 2025
The winner receives an all expenses paid trip to the Agritechnica Event in Germany!
All finalists will be hosted overnight before the Cereals Event 2025 and presented with their awards in the Sprays & Sprayers Arena on day 1. The winner will also be announced and given their trophy.
FSOOTY has proven to be an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable experience for all who participate, Syngenta Application Specialist, Scott Cockburn highlights:
"Everyone who enters has the same application challenges and frustrations, so there’s a huge amount to gain from sharing the solutions. One thing that’s repeated every year is that entrants find they learn something new from other operators and can improve the way they work."
Building on the success of previous years, FSOOTY celebrates excellence in sprayer operation while fostering a sense of camaraderie among operators.
The competition not only recognises outstanding practice but also offers a unique platform for operators to share experiences and enhance their learning.
2024 Finalists
Gordon Whittingham 2024 FSOOTY Winner
Farm facts
Business: Great Tew Estate, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire
Cropping: All combinable crops
Machine: Bateman RB35, 30m boom with PWM
Gordon’s Top Tips
• Use Gatekeeper load calculator for accurate top-ups and to monitor calibration
• Keep an eye on which chemicals are due to be withdrawn from use- plan accordingly
• Use PWM key fob to individually check nozzles.
Josh Whitear
Cropping: 418ha of cereals, 150ha harvest contracts
Machine: Amazone 2,000-litre, UF 2002 with 1,500-litre front tank, 30m boom, individual nozzle control
Top Tips:
- Take time to plan your days to ensure you get the best from each spray day
- Check deliveries, don’t assume that the ticket is correct
- Use white boards to keep note of products for tank mixes
Richard Darling
Cropping: Wheat, barley, oilseed rape and Marrowfat peas.
Machine: Horsch Leeb 8.300 PT, 36m boom with 25cm nozzle spacing.
Top Tips:
- Carry small cans with a crate or tub to prevent any spills
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions, talk to the agronomist
- With multiple bases, check the chemical is in the right store before you need it
Macer Nussey
Cropping: 2,100ha of combinable crops
Machine: Horsch Leeb 5LT trailed, CCS Pro BoomControl ProPlus
Top Tips:
- Carry as many spare parts as possible, spare O-rings, seals – anything that will be useful in the field
- Mark part cans in the stores to use first so they don’t accumulate
- Use a white board to write out lists in field order when away from base
