Spot on Li‑1000 helps get spray exactly where it should be
For contractors, there’s no room for a “hit and miss” approach. Farmers expect results that maximise the return on often costly spray programmes, which are critical to their business.
Helicopters South Canterbury CEO and pilot Richard Geary has over 20 years’ experience. Founded in the 1990s, the company has an experienced team, a strong helicopter fleet, and broad expertise. Based near Timaru, they operate primarily in South Canterbury, Mid Canterbury, and Mackenzie Country, but will go further if demand calls. Agriculture is their core focus, with mustering, gorse, broom and brushweed spraying, and other crop protection services forming the backbone of their work.
Precision is critical. Richard says every variable is considered, from staff safety to ensuring effective, efficient spraying over sensitive terrain. When using glyphosate or other herbicides, they rely on Li‑1000 as a drift controller and penetrant about 95% of the time.
“There are often sensitive crops nearby, like fodder beet or emerging grass, and Li‑1000 gives us that extra bit of certainty and security,” Richard says.
Jobs are carefully planned with clients, noting adjacent crops and potential challenges. Li‑1000 delivers spray exactly where it’s meant to be, compensating for factors like rotor wash.
Li‑1000 is a non-ionic, low-foam surfactant, penetrant, and drift retardant in one. It boosts herbicide activity and penetration, making it an ideal partner for knockdown sprays like glyphosate. Ash Pace, UPL NZ Regional Manager Central South Island, adds:
“Getting deposition right maximises the effectiveness of a spray programme and avoids wasting active ingredients. Li‑1000 also allows adjusting rates depending on conditions and application needs.”
Helicopter spraying in challenging terrain saves time, increases efficiency, and avoids damage to wet paddocks or machinery risks.
Richard also uses other UPL adjuvants: All Clear 2X tank cleaner, Du-Wett Super-Spreader for better coverage, and Slikka for penetrating gorse and brushweed. He values the research and testing behind UPL products:
“I can use their products with confidence knowing how much work has gone into them.”
With over 20 adjuvants in their portfolio, UPL NZ Ltd (formerly Elliot Chemicals Ltd) combines global expertise with specialist knowledge of New Zealand conditions and contractor needs.