Tom Wolf discusses spot sprayers during the Crop Production Show in Saskatoon.

Moving spot spraying forward means building algorithms

Advanced spraying systems have benefits, but also have costs a farmer must consider

Glacier FarmMedia — Spot spraying isn’t a new idea, and the equipment capable of selective application has been around for decades — but the technology that supports this approach is advancing. Tom Wolf, an application specialist with Agrimetrix Research and Training and Sprayers101, recently shared some of the new research, technology developments and application techniques […] Read more

Boom stability, boom height and travel speed are critical to uniform herbicide application and curbing variability in spray coverage.

Tackling herbicide resistance with smarter spraying

Tom Wolf from Sprayers101.com shares insights on how spraying techniques and technologies can help farmers stay ahead of resistance

With herbicide resistance on the rise, farmers can no longer spray their way out of weed problems — but smarter spraying can help prevent making resistance worse. That was the message from spray application specialist Tom Wolf, who spoke recently at the Manitoba Agronomists’ Conference. Wolf, from Saskatoon, is known for his contributions to Sprayers101.com, […] Read more


Recirculating booms can go a long way toward reducing the amount of pesticides wasted on the farm. Shown in this photo is one of three of the more popular models which is the Horsch Leeb 6.300 VL.

How to reduce pesticide waste on your farm

Tom Wolf's simple steps to significantly reduce losses to the ground

With chemical costs continuing to make up a large share of on-farm expenditures, it’s important to prevent any of those compounds from going to waste. That’s especially true when it comes to pesticides. According to the Farm Inputs Price Index from Statistics Canada, total input costs for Canadian farmers rose by 17.4 per cent in […] Read more

A combination of high temperatures and low humidity can cause coverage and efficacy issues due to rapid evaporation of spray drops.

Use Delta T values for successful spray operations in hot and dry weather

It’s a better indicator than relative humidity for gauging evaporation rate

In many parts of the Prairies last summer it was hot and exceptionally dry as drought conditions persisted through the season. One of the consequences for farmers was spray operations with pest control applications may have been less effective than usual. Tom Wolf, a sprayer expert and scientist at Agrimetrix Research and Training in Saskatoon, […] Read more


The spray window for fusarium head blight in wheat may only be a few days, so timing is critical.

Four tips for FHB spray applications in wheat

To prevent outbreaks consider spray preparation, double nozzles, coarser sprays and lower booms

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is one of the most destructive wheat diseases in Western Canada, affecting the yield, grade and end-use quality of infected crops. Fungicides can be very effective in preventing FHB outbreaks, as long as they’re applied on time and sprayed the right way. Tom Wolf, a sprayer expert and scientist at Agrimetrix […] Read more

John Deere nozzle system

How to choose the right sprayer nozzle

Do some research, but also call a specialist for advice

Under the heading “Perhaps Too Much of a Good Thing,” sprayer expert Tom Wolf says probably the biggest challenge about selecting the right nozzles for the field sprayer is having too much choice. “Finding the right nozzle is a bit of a chore simply because there is an overabundance of supply,” says Wolf. “The fact […] Read more


The Nozzle Guy’s three tips for optimal sprayer tank cleanout

The Nozzle Guy’s three tips for optimal sprayer tank cleanout

Take these simple measures to protect your crop’s health

Cleaning the sprayer tank might not be your favourite farm chore but it is essential for the health of your crops and the longevity of your equipment. “[Sprayer tank cleanout] is a challenge because residues can create harm in subsequent crops,” explains Tom Wolf (also known as The Nozzle Guy), a sprayer expert with Saskatoon-based […] Read more

Spraying machine working on the green field

Stopping sprayer clean out errors

Curb those embarrassing mistakes with 
tips from sprayer pro Tom Wolf

When Tom Wolf told his audience at CropSphere in Saskatoon on January 9 that sprayer clean out errors can be embarrassing, the nervous laughter in the room made it clear that most farmers have made some sort sprayer mistake. And, as Wolf pointed out, making the crowd laugh again, those mistakes usually happens in the […] Read more


Dealing with dicamba

Dealing with dicamba

At CropSphere in Saskatoon in January, Tom Wolf warned that dicamba can cause issues with sensitive crops — whether due to sprayer cleanout issues or from drift. We’d better be prepared to deal with it, since we’re going to be seeing it more often. Monsanto’s Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans are resistant to both glyphosate […] Read more

Tom Wolf speaking at Manitoba Ag Days.

Industry expert says we’re in a cycle

Tom Wolf offered some observations of today’s sprayers and practices during a presentation

During his public presentation at Manitoba Ag Days in Brandon in January, sprayer expert Tom Wolf, who is part of Agrimetrix Research & Training in Saskatchewan, provided a professional critique of today’s commercially available spraying equipment and on-farm practices. He told the audience about an early, low-cost sprayer his family put together on their farm […] Read more