 LEARNING FROM THE LEARNING OF OTHERS...Four course participants tell us their stories.
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Virginia Tropeano, Hanwood grape grower and contract harvester
"We have designed a form to record chemical use which exactly suits our farming operation. It uses a checklist format and is really simple to fill in at the time of spraying. In our particular situation it could be any one of five people carrying out the spraying on any block on any farm, therefore the easier we could make it the better. The form doubles as a Spray Order Sheet and lists the chemicals and rates etc required for the particular spray.
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"We have listed all our blocks by farm, grape variety and winery block name so that virtually all we require from the actual operator is a tick.
The same thing applies for weather conditions, wind speed & direction, etc. Most of our chemical records are recorded online so there is another column for ticking when the spray has been entered either on computer or in the spray diary. This form has really helped with ensuring our records are always up to date."
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Therese Chauncy, Coleambally rice farmer
“So much time and money goes into growing a crop. Completing the chemical course not only gave me a certificate but gave our business another set of hands to apply the chemicals.
"Being able to read labels correctly not only ensures we keep these crops healthy but also ensures the safety of those growing the crops.” |
Kerri-Anne Keely, Wilbriggie mixed enterprise farmer and educator
"I felt more comfortable training in an all women environment and the course allowed me the opportunity to network with others in a similar position. It was good to discuss the problems of implementing a chemical compliance system as well as issues facing women living and working on the land. It was also interesting to learn about the Integrated Pest Management System as I would like to be able to reduce our reliance on chemicals. I realised how naïve I was about the products we use on the farm and how important it was for me to be more attentive to label directions. I would recommend this course to other women – it was a very relaxed and non-confronting way to learn about something totally new".
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Denise Kelly, Coleambally irrigation farmer
“The chemical course was both interesting and informative. Being in an all-women group with a female presenter I felt much more confident to ask questions. I have applied my knowledge around the garden and home by being more mindful of using protective safety equipment, using the correct application rates and of spray drift dangers. I am also much more confident to discuss chemical use issues with my husband. I really enjoyed the day, learning with a group of women - it was both educational and social.” |
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