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Facts from the Field: #20
Tools and Tips from Rainbow Ag
The Mathematics of Reducing Drift: Part 2
By Lars Skjoldager Sorensen
Last month, we investigated the concept of "the spray account" and how you can use it to reduce drift. This month, we take a closer look at individual factors that influence your ability to control drift.
When making a determined effort to control drift (and controlling costs at the same time) numerous factors require your attention, including:
- Droplet size: Generally speaking, the larger the droplet size, the greater your drift control.
- Airflow control: Get the target every time; make sure your airflow has a downward trajectory.
- Fan performance: You have to match the cubic-feet-per-minute rating of the sprayer fan with the forward speed of the sprayer.
- Reducing out-of-row spraying: Stop wasting spray at the end of each row!
- Assessing the weather: If it's windy or hot, spray another day.
- Selecting the right equipment: Features are everything!
Written by Hardi's Lars Sorensen, this informative article takes an in-depth look at each of these factors.
• Link to Rainbow's web site to read the entire article by clicking here.
• Read Part 1: The Mathematics of Reducing Drift.
Lars Sorensen is an agronomist who works for Hardi, U.S. Lars is frequently called on to address conferences and symposia on the topic of drift and spray techniques.
You may contact Lars with general questions about drift-related issues, or with specific questions about Hardi spray equipment, by e-mailing him at: LSS@hardi-us.com.
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Rainbow is "Breaking Ground"
with GREAT OFFERS on
Cultivators and Blades!
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North Coast Vineyardists:
The Perfect Sprayer!
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The Hardi® Arrow NC
$8990
Standard feature unit.
NC = North Coast! Hardi® has customized a new sprayer that fits easily into the narrow row configurations that make our vineyards unique.It also features adjustable axles for increased stability on uneven terrain, and extremely precise spray nozzles that adjust from 10 to 300 gal/acre.
 Download equipment details. (PDF 188K, requires Adobe Acrobat Reader).
Experience the difference the Hardi® Arrow can make in your operations. Call:
Jim Munson, Lake/Northern Mendocino
(707) 468-6549 (pager)
munsonjim@netscape.net
Bob Mitrovich, Napa/Sonoma/Mendocino
(707) 316-2108 (pager)
BobMitro@aol.com
Jerry Smith, Napa/Sonoma
(707) 324-1940 (pager)
jvsmithbow@aol.com
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Significant Help For Ag Producers:
New Law Offers Tax Break on Ag Equipment
In March 2002, the Job Creation and Worker Assistance Act of 2002 was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bush. The bill creates tax advantages for purchasers of new agricultural equipment, allowing customers to take additional 1st-year "accelerated" depreciation on all new equipment purchased after September 11, 2001, and prior to September 11, 2004.
In the case of Ag Equipment depreciated over 7 years, the acceleration of depreciation is very significant, allowing a 37.5% depreciation deduction in the first year.
For many of Rainbow's customers, this new law offers a very significant tax advantage. As always, Rainbow suggests you talk to your tax consultant to fully understand the new law's implications for your equipment purchasing decisions.
 To learn more about this new law and to understand how it can work for you, click here to download an information bulletin brought to you by the folks at John Deere. It's a PDF, size 48k; Adobe Acrobat Reader
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Introducing Carey Williams:
New Assistant Manager of Rainbow Lakeport
After 4 years at Rainbow's Ukiah store, Carey Williiams has jumped to our Lakeport location, and into her new position as Assistant Store Manager.
Carey specializes in sprinkler and drip irrigation systems. She is very knowledgeable about the factors that influence the design of these systems, and will help ag producers, along with home or business owners, design and implement workable systems at any scale.
According to Rainbow's Lakeport Store Manager, Keith Shields, "We are thrilled with Carey. Her main focus is on the agricultural producer. We are excited to have her experience added to our Lake County team." If you need a special product for your Lake County vineyard, give Carey a call at 279-0550.
Born and raised in Potter Valley, Carey grew up in 4H and FFA. A sports enthusiast who still loves soccer, basketball and baseball, Carey is a go-go girl who's charged up to take on the complex duties of her new position.
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At Rainbow Agricultural Services, our primary interest is providing great
service to our customers. If you have questions or comments, or if there is any way we can serve you better, please e-mail us at:
facts@rainbowag.com
Your privacy is very important to us.
If you would like to "unsubscribe" from this newsletter, please let us know
by e-mailing:
offthelist@rainbowag.com
We will remove your address from our mailing list as soon as possible.
RAINBOW AGRICULTURAL SERVICES
UKIAH: 235 E Perkins St., 95482, Ph. (707) 462-2404, Fax 707-462-3627
CALISTOGA: 810 Foothill Blvd., 94515, Ph. (707) 942-4566, Fax 707-942-9668
NOVATO: 7546 Redwood Blvd., 94945, Ph. (415) 892-1030, Fax 415-893-1481
LAKEPORT: 1975 Argonaut Rd., 95453, Ph. (707) 279-0550, Fax 707-279-0594
www.rainbowag.com
Copyright © 2001 Rainbow Agricultural Services
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Previous issues of
Facts from the Field
19) Reducing Drift: Part 1
Learn how to increase spray efficiency.
18) Fighting Frost, Protecting Profits
Don't be caught off guard by spring frosts.
17) Power-Beyond Hydraulics
Care and preventative maintenance for your hydraulic equipment.
16) Maintaining Peak Performance
Tips to make your tractor service maintenance easier.
15) Don't be Stopped Cold
Cold northern blasts periodically sweep through our region. Prevent freeze damage to your irrigation system.
14) Protect Your Equipment from Theft
At season's end, it's nice to pull your equipment in and walk away knowing it'll be ready to go at the end of the rainy season. But, will it?
13) Profit from Finance Know-How: Part 2
Rainbow reviews two of four basic financing strategies for making a major equipment purchases.
12) Profit from Finance Know-How: Part 1
The first two of four basic financing strategies for making a major equipment purchases are reviewed.
11) Growing Soil Nutrition
Glenn T. McGourty, Viticulture and Plant Science Advisor for UCCE, shares important considerations for cover cropping in North Coast vineyards.
10) A New Spray Technology Charges into Town
Rainbow Ag offers demonstrations of the latest revolution in spray technology.
9) An Ounce of Prevention...
Keep your vineyard equipment ready for the job time after time with regular, seasonal maintenance.
8) Establishing Your Reputation as a Good Neighbor
New spraying practices minimize the potential for harm and promote profitability.
7) Picking for Premium Quality
We're predicting that, in the years ahead, winemakers will be asking for mechanically harvested grapes.
6) Adjusting the Volume to Low
Discover the benefits of low volume spraying.
5) Maintain an Open Canopy
Improve grape quality by letting the sun shine in.
4) Pump Up the Power!
Find out how to save money by becoming your own power provider.
3) Mulch Mower Cuts Costs
Chris Grow mowers' design works well with the new inter-row management systems.
2) Water Quality:
The Life-Blood of a Premium Harvest
Learn about our free water quality test.
1) Seminar Spotlights
Tools of the Trade
The event has already taken place, but this bulletin also features useful information about narrow vineyard tractors. from SAME.
A) Check List Prices Online, Then Call Rainbow!
Configure or accessorize a tractor on John Deere's website.
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