Whether he’s making crucial turnovers on the rugby field or managing the day-to-day demands of a farm in Dullstroom, Springbok loose forward Kwagga Smith knows the value of versatility.
At Kareekraal, Kwagga’s working farm and home to several guest cottages, every day brings a different set of demands. From maintaining the land to keeping guest areas in top condition, he relies on equipment that can adapt as quickly as the work requires.
“The principle is simple,” says Kwagga. “A piece of equipment earns its place by how often it can be put to work. There’s always something that needs attention on a farm, so the most valuable tool is a versatile one that can be used for more than one task across different areas of the property.”
He points to sprayers as a prime example: an essential piece of agricultural kit that earns its keep well beyond a single job,
Kwagga shares three jobs his Husqvarna battery sprayer helps him tackle:
1. First line of Defence
When guests arrive expecting fresh country air and peaceful surroundings, the last thing they want is unwelcome pests turning a relaxing retreat into a swatting match. Targeted treatments sprayed around the cottages create a protective barrier that reduces the chance of any uninvited visitors making their way inside, while also helping to deter any from entrances, patios, and walkways.
A sprayer also allows precise pest-control application, focusing only where it’s needed and avoiding unnecessary treatment of the surrounding area.
2. Protecting the Harvest
Healthy crops don’t happen by chance. Producing a quality harvest takes careful management throughout the growing season, and sprayers play an important role. Smith uses his for a range of treatments: from weed control to those that help protect his pecan and walnut trees against pests and disease.
And because these applications differ, so do their requirements. While using the right nozzle and pressure is essential for effective spraying, technique matters as much as the equipment itself. From correctly mixing products according to the label to spraying in suitable weather conditions, every step contributes to the best possible result.
3. Setting the boundaries
Overgrown vegetation along fences doesn’t just look untidy; it also makes routine inspections and maintenance harder than necessary. And as the Dullstroom area sits in one of South Africa’s most fire-prone regions, left unchecked, it becomes a genuine fire hazard come the dry season.
Kwagga uses his sprayer to apply herbicide along fence lines, helping to keep vegetation under control and reducing the risk of fire. This forms part of the farm’s wider fire management plan carried out in line with local regulations and environmental requirements.
Game Ready
“Always check for leaks and inspect the nozzles for wear before using your sprayer,” he advises. “And cleaning it properly afterwards will help prevent residue, blockages and cross-contamination between different treatments. It also keeps the sprayer working reliably and may even extend its working life.”
For Kwagga, getting the most out of your gear starts with choosing wisely in the first place. “The best recommendations come from experience,” he says. “My father used Husqvarna on his farm before me, and now I do too. That’s experience I trust.”
Click on the link to watch the full video on how Kwagga Smith puts his Husqvarna battery-powered sprayer to work across his farm: Husqvarna_AUG7.mp4
