The Seal of Quality

Southern States spray applicators compete for pride and quality customer service.

Spray applicator Steve Woody (left) receives Growmaster Equipment Certified Applicator seal from Floyd Bush.

A dreary, rainy day didn't dampen the enthusiasm of participants at a Southern States sprayer equipment rodeo last fall in Millingport, N.C.

Spray applicators for the co-op from throughout the state's Piedmont area came to Millingport Service, the local Southern States retailer, for a series of rigid performance and safety checks on their sprayer rigs. The checks were done by a staff of Southern States maintenance and safety experts.

Participants were judged on standards ranging from passing safety inspections to spray-application skills. And their spray rigs were tested for sprayer efficiency.

The event is held on an area basis throughout the co-op's territory. "It's all about safety and customer service," explains Floyd Bush, the co-op's manager of equipment maintenance and a judge for the event.

"We want to ensure that our applicators and their rigs meet uncompromising safety standards," he adds.

During the course of events, applicators and their equipment are subjected to a checklist covering more than 100 inspection points. Those who survive with three or fewer "gigs" are awarded the Growmaster™ Certified Applicator designation. Those who don't quite make the grade are briefed on problems that need to be corrected and are retested later.

"When the process is over, all of our spray applicators and their rigs are Growmaster Certified," explains Ronnie Trantham, a Southern States district manager in North Carolina. "None of our competitors go to such extremes to ensure accuracy and customer satisfaction with application services."

Spray applicator Clay Brooks and Floyd Bush inspect sprayer tips for damage.

Demanding such performance standards is a win-win situation for Southern States. "Applicators look forward to this event," notes Phil Howard, corporate manager of precision ag and agronomy marketing.

"Preparing for the competition helps make them aware of any maintenance problems," he adds. "That helps us ensure that operators and their rigs comply with Department of Transportation highway and EPA regulations. And that helps eliminate problems that could result in fines. It also ensures performance results for our customers."

"This sets Southern States apart from the competition," Trantham notes. "A variety of retailers sell and apply crop chemicals, but they don't go that extra mile to ensure uncompromising safety and accuracy.

"The thing that separates us from the competition is customer service and attention to detail," he concludes.