The prestigious Syngenta Farm Sprayer Operator of the Year (FSOOTY) award has been awarded to a Norfolk spray operator who was persuaded to enter by his wife.
Scott Harrod won the award in front of a packed crowd at Cereals and beat stiff competition from across the country in the hotly-contested annual competition. He was presented the trophy alongside fellow finalists James Cracknell and Jack Williams.
Scott is the main spray operator for H.D.F Farming, Hall Farm, Trimingham in Norfolk, and is responsible for all applications on the 1,400ha farm.
He said: “My good lady wife encouraged me to enter and its been a great experience. I’m shocked and really overwhelmed to win.
“I take great pride in my work and have picked up many tips from reading about past finalists and winners. I want to thank my wife, Emily, for encouraging me to enter, but I never thought I would win on my first attempt.”
The judging panel said it had been a tough decision and there were three worthy winners on the field in the final. Iain Lindsay, Syngenta Application specialist and a FSOOTY judge, explained: “Scott is one of the few operators that win first time, and he is a really worthy winner – taking the top spot against strong competition from the other finalists.
“It’s obvious Scott takes immense pride in his work and it’s clear his skill and attention to the fine details make a huge difference to the application’s outcome. His professionalism and expertise have a big impact on the efficiency, safety and effectiveness of the operation – benefiting the business he works for.”
Syngenta thanked all those who entered FSOOTY 26 and congratulated the other two finalists. James Cracknell is from Hyde Parker Farms in Sudbury and also made the finals on his first attempt while Jack Williams of Hereford, made the final for the second year running.
