Grower, G Arnold & Sons Farming Trust - BERRIGAN NSW
CATEGORY: SUSTAINABILITY
Andy Bates is an adviser from Streaky Bay and advises many farmers, as well as research bodies, in the low-medium rainfall zone of Central and Western Eyre Peninsula. Andy has been nominated in the Sustainability category for his dedication to sampling hundreds of weed populations a year and doing everything in his power to stay in-front of resistance development.
Andy sends in hundreds of soil samples for predicta-B analysis to keep on top of soil borne disease - providing his growers with every opportunity to stay on top in marginal production areas. Andy has been involved in insect population monitoring for the University of New England and SARDI (native budworm and diamond back moth) for several years. Surveys have been conducted and pheromone traps monitored to assist researchers to better predict potential problems.
In addition to this involvement with research, many sample populations of aphids, earth mites, and diamond back moth larvae have been submitted for insecticide resistance screening. Results have influenced clients to reconsider the use of broad spectrum insecticides, and opt for predator friendly products where possible (eg Pirimor, Affirm and Emerge).