Bill Crabtree, agronomist and 4Farmers general manager

4Farmers was originally set up by, not surprisingly, four farmers who knew farmers in other countries were paying a lot less for farm chemicals than farmers here in Australia.

These four farmers set up a company which would charge a fair price for herbicide, not an exorbitant price.

We are a cost-plus company, not a price point company, and we have a motto which says ‘4Farmers … for farmers’ and believe tree farmers will also benefit from working with us.

So, what are 4 ways 4Farmers can help you?

Dalapon: This is an old herbicide with a unique mode of action. While it kills all grasses it does not kill native trees and shrubs, or fruit trees and vines.

It has both knockdown and residual actions on grasses including annuals like ryegrass, Veldt grass, capeweed, watsonia and some broadleaf weeds too.

NRM people are thrilled we have it back.

Aquifer: Is both a wetting agent and humectant.

If you are trying to establish new tree or vine stock it can draw moisture out of the air and into the soil, especially from dew.

This reduces the vulnerability of the new stock and improves the irrigation efficiency as moisture is help in the root zone.

It also overcomes the water repellent waxes in sandy or gravelly soils.

It can be used through a flat fan at 10 L/ha or in a band where the seedlings are placed at 1 L/ha.

This is such a powerful product and gives 7 months residual activity. It’s also great for lawns.

Glufosinate ammonia: Glufosinate is popular among tree farms, vineyards and horticulturalists due to its low off-site damage.

As you know, glyphosate is risky as it is powerful and will readily translocate to the roots.

Glufosinate only kills the leaves it touches.

To get improved kill with glufosinate you can add 1 per cent ammonium sulphate and 1 per cent Aquifer (or more for the benefit of the soil).

The humectant component of the Aquifer will help draw moisture to the weed leaf surface, improving the uptake of the herbicide by the weed.

The rate of glufosinate varies from 1.5 to 8.0 L/ha, depending on the weed type and size.

Did you know that increasing weed resistance to glyphosate has increased the global demand for glufosinate, which has then dropped its cost of production.

Last year, using our pricing model, 4farmers reduced our price to below $4/L, well under half, while other companies kept selling it for $12-17/L.

Basher: Nonanoic acid is an organic equivalent herbicide, and if you are chasing an organic herbicide, this is the one you are looking for. It burns what it touches.

If you are frustrated by the slow rate at which glyphosate works, then consider adding 2 per cent of your glyphosate amount as Basher to the tank.

This will both quicken the results and improve the kill of your weeds.