The search for the 2023 Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year Award is on, with entries now open.

The competition recognises the very best practice in sprayer operation, as well as providing a great opportunity for operators to share experiences and advance their learning.

“Everyone who enters has the same application challenges and frustrations, so there’s a huge amount to gain from sharing the solutions,” says Syngenta application specialist, Scott Cockburn. “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.

“Previous FSOOTY finalists remain firm friends and continue to share experiences, long after the competition is over.”

Last year’s winner, Steve May, says there’s a great feeling of pride that comes with winning. “Being recognised for working to a high standard of professionalism and competence was extremely rewarding for me.

“My initial goal was to test myself, to learn from others and to benchmark myself against other professional operators, as well as to keep moving forward and learning more. FSOOTY is a great way to learn from others, and to share your experiences.”

How to enter

Operators can enter FSOOTY 2023 direct on the Syngenta website – https://www.syngenta.co.uk/fsooty – or through the dedicated application advice website, Ei Operator. Entering FSOOTY automatically gains NRoSO points. Farmers and agronomists can also nominate sprayer operators for entry on the Syngenta website.

Operators will also be able to enter the competition on the Syngenta stand at LAMMA in January.

All the finalists win a trip for two to Cereals 2023 and are presented with their awards in the Sprays & Sprayers Arena.  The overall winner claims a study tour to the awe inspiring AgriTechnica European farm machinery showcase event in Hanover, Germany.

Entries close on 11 January 2023.