Educating producers for success

By Cassie Wandersee, Staff Writer

"To me the success of our producers is important."  This single line sums up the reason for Shane Eck, MKC's Location Manager at Lindsborg, to host and organize a sprayer clinic for producers in his area. "By educating our producers, we can help them to be more successful," commented Eck.

The spray clinic was broken down into a morning session where the importance of droplet size, styles/types of spray nozzles, adjuvants, drift control, and tank compatibility in mixing were covered.

“We came to the clinic to learn more and learn how to do it right,” said Cody Chase, a producer in the Talmage area. Cody went on to comment that the information on droplet size while spraying was very helpful and made him realize the importance of doing things the right way.

Some producers in attendance contract their application services through MKC but still found the clinic to be a great learning opportunity. “The spraying information was very educational,” said Roger Anderson, a producer in the Lindsborg area. “I have MKC do all my spraying, but it gave me a better idea of what they do and why they do it.”

Anderson was more interested in the wheat nutrients that Eric Hanson of Winfield Solutions, presented in the afternoon. His talk centered on the importance of caring for nutrient needs of wheat on a full scale approach.

Winfield partnered with MKC to sponsor the event, which proves to be a huge benefit to producers as well. “A smaller event like this gives producers a chance for more personal contact,” said Lucas Hamm, Field Marketer for MKC. “They have a chance to build a relationship with their local reps.”

 “I learned not to give up on my tissue sampling program yet,” said Anderson. Anderson had expressed his frustration at not seeing the results he initially wanted from tissue and soil sampling he had been using on his wheat crops. “I realize now that I do need to take a full scale approach and continue with the program to see results.”

 

A second spray clinic will be hosted in early May in Salina. The session will be very hands on and will cover mix (jar) tests, demonstration of adjuvants, calibration of sprayers, and proper handling and safety with products. The day will be open to anyone who owns a rig or is considering doing their own spraying.