This capital item funding is for the purchase of the small tractor and trailer. It is anticipated by the researcher, that this equipment will greatly assist with spraying and minor tillage operations associated with field trials. Previously the project relied on farm staff for transporting and spraying of field trails on research farms and growers properties. This often coincided with other farm staff operations, which made it difficult to co-ordinate for timeliness of operations.

Ownership of the equipmeenables field trialsto be progressed more efficiently and effectively, particularly where a number of spraying applications need to occur (eg. double knock – second knock timing trials). This purchase will save approximately $1500 - 2000/year by not having to pay farm staff salary and operating costs.