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#ausmacadamias 
AMS Calibration & coverage workshops (June 2025)
The AMS is hosting a series of spray coverage workshops in June.
The workshops will be held in partnership with Muirs and presented by expert agronomist Dr. Theunis Smit (OmenAg).
Crop protection represents a significant portion of your overall orchard management investment.
Benchmarking data estimates crop protection costs growers $465/ha per year.
Getting it right is critical to increasing production, reducing disease resistance and reducing factory reject levels.
Getting it wrong is costly.
An important reminder: In the event of an audit, having up-to-date spray training is crucial for demonstrating compliance, mitigating potential risks, and ensuring the safety and effectiveness of your spray operations.
About the workshops
This is not your typical spray workshop with coverage test and sprayer modifications. Theunis will use engaging and entertaining PowerPoint presentations to simplify complex topics and make you evaluate your current spray practice.
Learn how to get the most out of your crop protection investment and maximise your crop by talking to coverage and calibration experts.
Key topics
- How macadamia Tree Row Volume (TRV) influences spray volume
- How canopy volume is essential for uniform application/spray uniformity
- Why flow meters alone are not sufficient for calibration and the importance of checking nozzle wear, spray pressure, and travel speed
- How different chemicals require different coverage considerations and water volumes
- What are the best calibration practices?
- How to select nozzles for optimal droplet size
- The role of droplet size in optimizing pest/weed control while minimising drift
- Sprayer setup adjustments, correct water volumes (dilute or concentrate) for different applications
- Practical methods for maximising productivity by ensuring effective coverage while reducing drift and chemical wastage.
Practical tools and calculators for growers
✓ Canopy and TRV calculation methods
✓ Sprayer calibration techniques
✓ Nozzle selection guides
✓ Chemical selection and tank mixing guides
Dates and Locations
Monday 2 June- Room 2, Bundaberg Multiplex Sport & Convention Centre, 1 Civic Avenue, Bundaberg, QLD
Tuesday 3 June- Room 2, Bundaberg Multiplex Sport & Convention Centre, 1 Civic Avenue, Bundaberg, QLD
Monday 9 June- Smith Room, The Pavilion, Gympie, 77 Exhibition Rd, Gympie, QLD
Tuesday 10 June- Hudson Room, NSW DPI, 1243 Bruxner Highway, Wollongbar, NSW
Wednesday 11 June- Hudson Room, NSW DPI, 1243 Bruxner Highway, Wollongbar, NSW
Cost
Cost: $95 AMS member / $145 non-member
About the presenter
Dr. Theunis Smit
Dr. Theunis Smit is a leading agronomic consultant specialising in precision agriculture, nutrient management, and spray application efficiency. With a PhD in Plant and Soil Science, he has advised some of the largest horticultural operations, helping them optimise irrigation, nutrition, and chemical applications for improved productivity and sustainability. His expertise lies in tree row volume (TRV) calculations, canopy density assessments, and strategic input management, ensuring growers maximise efficiency while minimising waste. Renowned for his ability to translate complex agronomic principles into practical solutions, he has trained industry professionals on calibration techniques, herbicide application strategies, and data-driven decision-making to enhance on-farm outcomes. Through his consultancy, Theunis continues to provide science-backed, commercially viable solutions to improve orchard performance at scale.
RSVP
Please fill out the RSVP link HERE by Monday 19 May below to secure your spot (NOTE: each attendee must submit an individual RSVP).
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This website has been partly funded by Hort Innovation, using the macadamia research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government.