Author: Jason Deveau (Spray Guy)

About Jason Deveau (Spray Guy): Dr. Jason Deveau has been the OMAFA Application Technology Specialist since 2008. He researches and teaches methods to improve the safe, effective and efficient application of agricultural sprays in specialty crops, field crops and controlled environments. He is the co-administrator of Sprayers101, co-author of the Airblast101 Textbook, a slow cyclist and an even slower runner.

Posts by Jason Deveau (Spray Guy)

Crop-Adapted Spraying – A Multiyear Study in Highbush Blueberry (2024 Update)

Posted on September 24, 2024 (September 24, 2024)

This case study is taking place on a 15 acre highbush blueberry operation in southern Ontario. In 2016, considerable pressure from spotted-wing drosophila (SWD) prompted the growers to make changes to their crop management practices and their spray program. They employed a three-pronged approach to improving crop protection: We have been tracking pesticide use, water […]

Fungicides with a Custom Applicator: Drive-Along Diaries #4

Posted on September 9, 2024 (October 17, 2024)

In this fourth installment of the Drive-Along Diaries, we’ll shift our focus a little. I’ll continue to share observations about real world spraying practices, but we’ll also dip a toe into the business side of custom application. Every contractor’s situation is different, but perhaps you’ll be able to relate to some of these experiences. 4:30 […]

Determining an ideal airblast sprayer travel speed using the “Air Displacements” method

Posted on August 20, 2024 (August 26, 2024)

The concept of Air Displacements was developed by Dr. David Manktelow, Applied Research and Technologies Ltd. What is the “right” speed to drive when spraying? Airblast sprayer operators must know their average travel speed to calculate how much pesticide and time is required to complete a spray job. Note that it’s an average, not a […]

Pre Emerge Spraying with a Custom Applicator: Drive-Along Diaries #3

Posted on June 12, 2024 (November 18, 2024)

Clean Field Services It was May 16th, and I was standing at the front counter of Clean Field Services (CFS) in Drayton, Ontario, looking forward to an interesting day in the buddy seat. While I was waiting on the sprayer operator to check and fill the sprayer, I asked Todd Frey, Customer Service Rep, to […]

28% UAN in Winter Wheat: Drive-Along Diaries #2

Posted on May 27, 2024 (October 9, 2024)

I’d been pestering Dan Petker to let me come along as he and his father Paul applied 28% UAN to the winter wheat on their family farm in Port Rowan, Ontario. Me: “Today?”Dan: “Nope – Wheat’s not at the right stage.”Me: “Today?”Dan: “Nope – Rain in the forecast.”Me: “Today?”Dan: “We’ll see if the ground can […]

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