Third-generation cane grower Joe Quagliata received expert advice on optimising pesticide use , saving him money and minimising deep drainage runoff .
CASE STUDY
JOE QUAGLIATA
Third-generation cane grower Joe Quagliata received expert advice on optimising pesticide use , saving him money and minimising deep drainage runoff .
Airville farmer Joe Quagliata doesn ’ t like using pesticides on his crops , but knows they are a necessary evil to prevent grasses and vines taking over and reducing yield .
“ The less chemicals I apply , the better , but it has to be done smartly and safely ,” Joe said .
Joe joined Project Bluewater 2 , and worked with local agronomy company Farmacist to determine whether his practices could be improved to benefit his bottom line and the environment .
He accessed a range of support , including a tailored pesticide management plan , spray rig assessment and calibrations , and assistance with recording application data , to comply with legal requirements .
Joe said the advice received , combined with the results of strip trials , gave him the confidence to simplify his pesticide mix from several different chemicals down to one .
“ I had the opportunity to learn more about the chemicals I was using , and how to apply them properly ,” Joe said .
“ Instead of throwing the kitchen sink at the problem in the hope something will stick , we have found that getting the chemistry and application right can achieve positive water quality outcomes without negative effects on yields or input costs .
“ The pesticide Joe now uses sticks to organic matter and is highly unlikely to reach the water table , so we have greatly reduced the water quality risk .”
Joe said being part of the project had benefited his business and said there were many other Lower Burdekin farmers like him on a similar path .
“ I AM SPENDING LESS MONEY ON PESTICIDES BECAUSE OF THE TRIALS ,” HE SAID .
“ I do believe attitudes have changed . A lot of people are more wary of costs now , so they ’ ve got to start adopting these changes , otherwise they ’ re going to get left behind and be out of pocket . It ’ s about looking at ways to save money but still be productive at the same time .”
“ I DO BELIEVE I ’ VE GAINED A LOT MORE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT MY FARMING .”
Farmacist ’ s Chris Doblo said although the window for farmers to treat their crops was relatively short , it wasn ’ t necessary to apply extra pesticide “ just in case .”
“ Farmers are often advised to use brews that have six or seven chemicals in one tank for that one spray application ,” Chris said .
Grower Joe Quagliata with Chris Doblo ( Project Officer , Farmacist Pty Ltd )