The trialing of the new EverGol Energy formulation in the field has shown it’s a winner for grain growers, seed grader operators and agronomists, according to Bayer.
EverGol Energy is a broad-spectrum fungicidal seed treatment from Bayer used in a series of trials across Australia, testing a new formulation of EverGol Energy in cooperation with grain producers and seed graders operators.
Bayer SeedGrowth technical services manager Graeme Sutton said the product was tested across various sites and different seed types, seed grading and grain handling equipment, and assessed for seed flow rates, seed drying times, and its ability to reduce the build-up of product on grain handling and seed treating equipment.
The scenarios covered included different application rates, mixing partners, slurry volumes, and a comparison with other products used as industry benchmarks for good application characteristics.
Speaking after observing application of the product at a property near Toolondo (Victoria), Mr Sutton said he was impressed with how the latest formulation has performed in the field.
“The new product showed good improvement in terms of seed flow and seed drying times. We've had no issues with build-up on any equipment. The operator and the farmer are very pleased so far with what they've seen, and my experience today has been very positive,” he said.
“There's been no negative feedback from the seed grader operator or the farmer. From what we've seeing going through the machines, the product's seed adherence and flow through the machinery is excellent. So, I'm optimistic about the improved application characteristics of the revised EverGol Energy formulation into the future.”
Mr Sutton said the new formulation has significant benefits for seed grader operators, agronomists and farmers, who will be able to recommend and apply EverGol Energy based on its superior performance as a fungicide without any hesitancy due to application difficulties experienced through some machines.
For growers, they can have confidence the new formulation of EverGol Energy will remain the best product in terms of seed-borne disease control, but also perform well when treating, storing, or sowing treated grain.
Cooperators were selected for trialing the new EverGol Energy formulation on the basis of geographic spread, seed type and seed quantity availability, climatic zones, equipment type and standard and willingness to be industry innovators.
Kristian Herrmann of Herrmann Seed Cleaning is based out of Karoonda in SA but has worked across the Murray Mallee for the last 25 years.
After being involved in EverGol Energy trial work, Mr Herrmann reported that the new formulation delivered significant improvements for his operation.
“It’s resulted in a lot less buildup in the machine and a lot cleaner sample, everything just flows freely and smoothly and it makes everyone's day easy. The new formulation just runs clean as a whistle. It's fantastic,” Mr Herrmann said.
“Moving forward, I'm happy to use the new formulation of EverGol Energy. It's a very popular product. It's showing great benefits to my customers throughout the area and I’m happy to use it in the future.”
Owner-operator of Victorian-based Dunn-Ezy Seed Cleaning, Jeremy Liston also had a good experience using the new formulation.
“From my perspective, compared to the previous EverGol Energy, the new formulation seems to be cleaning out better, but in terms of coverage it's very much the same,” he said.
With 13 years of experience cleaning and treating grain, Mr Liston can see the new formulation playing a role in his business moving forward.
‘If Bayer decided to continue on with this formulation, I would be more than happy to use it,” he said.
The new formulation was due to come on stream in Jan 2023 and is distinguished by the text “improved formulation” on the drum.
