Follow this sprayer prep checklist for a smooth planting season

Farmers are also preparing a lot of equipment to run after months of downtime.

Crop tech advisors are looking under the hood to save you some time later on.

First, check the nozzles on the sprayers, make sure they are clean and free of clogs, and replace older ones to keep optimal fan patterns.

Secondly, map out fields and make sure field names and boundaries are loaded into your system to streamline your spraying process.

Thirdly, inspect wear points by walking around the sprayer, grease all moving parts, and check hydraulic hoses and tires for wear.

Lastly, flush the sprayer. If you did not do it last season, analysts at Farm Progress say get it done to avoid contamination from previous products.

Related Stories
Higher machinery costs are raising per-acre production expenses.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Energy and under the Clean Air Act, approved the temporary measure to help stabilize fuel supplies and reduce costs for consumers.
TYM North America unveiled two new Series 5 tractor models at the National Farm Machinery Show and announced an exciting new partnership for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
Kansas State University agricultural economist Dr. Gregg Ibendahl discusses rising diesel prices, the influence of global oil markets, and the potential impact on farmers heading into the spring planting season.
Surging energy markets are quickly becoming a cost story for U.S. agriculture as crude oil climbs on supply fears tied to the Middle East conflict.
Technology-driven lending decisions may shape the future availability of farm credit.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Seth Boffeli, AARP Fraud Watch Network Senior Advisor, brings us a preview of tonight’s “RURAL AMERICA LIVE with AARP,” which will focus on tips for fighting fraud.
A group of 32 Democratic senators is urging ag lawmakers to halt their opposition to Prop 12 in the next Farm Bill.
In honor of Rural Road Safety Week, we’re highlighting some commonly overlooked hazards on rural roads, where 40 percent of all fatal crashes in the United States occur.
The network includes labs across the country that track diseases like New World Screwworm, which could see a rise in cases with hurricane season approaching.
Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) hosted the talks. The senator and doctor joined us on Wednesday on RFD-TV’s Market Day Report to recap the critical discussions surrounding human health in America.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins made the announcement yesterday at the grand opening of a new food safety lab in Missouri, where researchers will do Listeria testing.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Farm Traveler is for people who want to connect with their food and those who grow it. Thanks to direct-to-consumer businesses, agritourism, and social media, it’s now easier than ever to learn how our food is made and support local farmers. Here on the Farm Traveler, we want to connect you with businesses offering direct-to-consumer products you can try at home, agritourism sites you can visit with your family, and exciting new technologies that are changing how your food is being grown.