Crop Spraying
Professional crop spraying services – to support healthy crops, strong yields and make your farming practices more sustainable
- Accurate application using high-capacity sprayers – so you get more from your yield
- Experienced operators ensuring the right product, at the right time
- Fully compliant, efficient and environmentally responsible
- One-off crop sprays or full seasonal spraying programmes available
Already know what spraying you need? Get in touch today and speak with our team.
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What is crop spraying?
Crop spraying is the process of spraying insecticides, pesticides, fungicides and other preventative treatments onto crops. Previously known in agricultural services as ‘crop dusting,’ the process is used to cover large areas of crops and protect them from local bugs and pests.
Traditionally, the process of farm spraying had been applied using planes that would spread the pesticide over the crops from a height. Modern methods now include using quad bikes, boom sprayers and even drones, to more accurately disperse the treatment without affecting surrounding homes and wildlife.
Why is crop spraying used?
Crop spraying (also known as field spraying) is used as part of an agricultural service offering to protect crops from local pests and bugs, which are likely to destroy, eat and infest crops if left untreated. Spraying crops can provide the accurate application of the pesticide or fertiliser and can provide a highly economical option, to prevent loss of product.
Protection from pests can differ depending on climate, geological locations, and overall environment. Farming services aim to utilise crop spraying to prevent the infestation of pests and disease. By utilising crop protection products, such as herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides, farmers can prevent the growth and spread of weed species and diseases that can afflict crops as well as harmful bugs and insects.
Location of the farm will affect the types of agricultural services required, including the types of crop protection products that are required. To determine the types of products needed to maintain levels of pests and disease, farmers must be able to understand how and why individual pesticides work and which crop spraying chemical is most appropriate.
Modes of action are the terms used to differentiate how certain products work, and relates to the classification of the chemical. Understanding these will mean that you utilise crop protection effectively, however, if you are unsure of the types of crop spraying you required, it is important to consult with an agricultural service provider.
Our crop spraying services
We offer contract crop spraying for a wide range of applications, including:
- Herbicide spraying: effective for weed control to protect crop establishment and growth
- Fungicide spraying: disease prevention and control throughout the growing season
- Insecticide/ pesticide spraying: targeted pest management when thresholds are reached
- Liquid fertiliser application: accurate nutrient placement to maximise uptake
- Specialist and small‑area spraying: ideal for awkward fields, margins or sensitive areas
What is a pest?
A pest is a biological organism that will interfere with the production of crops, ultimately affecting the quantity or quality of the yield. If left untreated, pests can interfere greatly with the production of crops, resulting in irreversible effects on crops, ultimately resulting in higher costs for consumers.
Our crop spraying fleet
At AWSM, we operate a modern fleet of high‑spec sprayers designed for precision, efficiency and minimal environmental impact, available to use as part of our agricultural service offering. All of our machinery is highly maintained and can be provided with operations staff, to help improve your farming efficiency.
This includes:
- The Bateman RB35 self-propelled machine: equipped with a 4000-litre tank and boom configurations, from 12 metres up to 28 metres if required. The machinery is equipped with either flotation tyres or row crop wheels, that can be fitted to suit the type of crop and your current ground conditions. Our machine is fitted with the latest GPS guidance technology, assisting in steering and coordination of the vehicle. Auto boom height sensors allow us to apply and distribute the product extremely accurately and efficiently. [machinery image]
- Our trailed 24m 4000 litre sprayer. This crop sprayer is available as a back-up during busy periods, for us to efficiently meet key timings of product application, where our clients time is restricted. [machinery image]
For harder to reach areas of your fields and arms, we offer optional extra services including; quad bike spraying, nap sack spraying, and a 1200 litre boom-less sprayer, with the capability to spray at 6 metres wide. These agricultural services are specifically designed to make application to steep hills; small paddocks and moorland, easier and more accessible.
Our equipment allows us to:
- Cover large areas quickly during tight spray windows
Maintain consistent application rates
Reduce drift and overlap
Work effectively across varying field conditions
All of our crop spraying machines are NSTS tested and certified, independently each year. All operatives are qualified and experienced representatives of AWSM. Our spread of larger water tanks are widely available, alongside the ability to provide clients with a water bowser, ensures that we can provide our clients with a water supply to the sprayer.
How the service works
- Initial discussion: We talk through your requirements, crops, timings and any site‑specific considerations.
- Planning & scheduling: Spraying is planned around crop growth stages and weather conditions.
- Application: Products are applied accurately and efficiently by experienced operators.
- Follow‑up: We remain available for ongoing support or additional applications as needed.
Our aim is to make the process straightforward and hassle‑free, allowing you to focus on the wider running of your farm.
Compliance, safety & environmental care
We take compliance and environmental responsibility seriously. Our crop spraying contractors ensure services are carried out in line with current UK regulations and best practice, including:
- Careful management of spray drift
Protection of watercourses and surrounding habitats
Safe handling and application of crop protection products
Use of modern technology to minimise waste and over‑application
This ensures peace of mind for you, your neighbours and the environment.
Why Choose AWSM Farming?
- Experienced, professional operators
- Modern, well‑maintained machinery
- Flexible service tailored to your farm
- Reliable support during critical spray periods
- Focus on efficiency, accuracy and sustainability
Outsourcing agricultural spraying to AWSM Farming can help reduce pressure on labour, improve timing, and ensure applications are carried out to a high standard.
FAQs
What is a crop sprayer?
A crop sprayer is a piece of agricultural machinery used for spraying crops with pesticides, herbicides, fungicides or liquid fertilisers. Modern crop sprayers use advanced technology such as GPS guidance and precision controls to ensure accurate application while minimising waste and environmental impact.
What do farmers spray on fields?
Farmers spray a variety of things on fields, all of which are designed to help crops grow as best they can. These can be fertilisers to provide essential nutrients to plants, or they can be pesticides or herbicides designed to suppress harmful pests or plants that can otherwise prevent plants from growing as best they can.
When do farmers spray their crops?
Farmers spray their crops at different times throughout the growing season, depending on crop type, growth stage, pest pressure and weather conditions. Spraying often takes place in spring and summer but can occur whenever protection or nutrition is required.
When is the best time to book crop spraying?
As early as possible, particularly during busy spring and summer periods, to secure availability during key spray windows.
Why do we spray pesticides on crops?
Pesticides are sprayed on crops to protect them from pests, weeds and diseases that can reduce yield and quality. Timely and accurate pesticide spraying helps prevent crop losses, supports healthy growth and contributes to efficient, sustainable food production.
Do you supply the chemicals?
This can be discussed during the planning stage, depending on your preference and requirements.
Can you work around weather conditions?
Yes. We monitor conditions closely and schedule spraying to ensure safe and effective application.