Farmer workshop to stop the spread of invasive grasses

Land managers on lower Eyre Peninsula will be better placed to fight invasive perennial grasses and stop the spread of these weeds through a series of workshops being offered by the Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula.

Farmers, private land managers and owners of small rural acreage are encouraged to attend the free Pests Cost Us All, Invasive Grasses Workshop on 29 March 2017, between 6:00pm and 9:00pm at the Tumby Bay Skills Centre.

The workshop will focus on stopping the spread of invasive perennial grasses by giving farmers and land owners the knowledge and skills to identify and manage aggressive weeds, and to limit the southern expansion of invasive grasses through the detection on outliers.

The free event that includes a BBQ tea will also discover simple strategies to prevent the introduction of new weed species, along with hygiene protocols to limit spread and on-farm biosecurity.

Senior Natural Resources Management Officer, Seb Drewer said invasive grasses can have a negative impact on primary industries, with weeds costing the Australian agricultural industry more than $4 billion each year.

“Luckily some of the worst species of invasive grasses have not yet established in large areas on lower Eyre Peninsula, despite pressure from infestations nearby. This workshop is designed to give farmers and land owners the tools necessary to identify perennial invasive grasses and practical information on how to further stop their spread,” Seb said.

“The workshop with also cover some strategies to ensure that weed control is effective and efficient and will be delivered by Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula, with thanks to funding under the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper,” Seb said.

This workshop is part of the Australian Government’s Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper, the government’s plan for stronger farmers and a stronger economy.

To register for the workshop call Seb on 0427 004 324 or email Seb.Drewer@sa.gov.au

In late 2015, the South Australian Government received more than $1 million to combat pest animals and weeds across South Australia, through Australian Government funding under the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper. Released on 4 July 2015 the White Paper is the Australian Government’s plan for building a more competitive and profitable agricultural sector and represents the government’s commitment to the agricultural sector.

For further information and updates about the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper, visit www.agwhitepaper.agriculture.gov.au