AGRIBUSINESS

Growers reminded to focus on biosecurity

Biosecurity should be a top priority for any farm.

Staff writer

This article is 3 years old. Images might not display.

Agriculture Victoria grains industry biosecurity officer, Jim Moran, said winter crops were reaching a critical growth stage and, just like sports finals, would require "match winning tactics" from farmers to achieve the best possible returns.

"Unnecessary yield losses can easily be avoided through good hygiene," Moran said.

"Weeds, pests and diseases can arrive as seeds, eggs, spores and other microscopic particles, and they play dirty," he said.

Moran said farmers could improve their outcomes this season by putting strong hygiene measures in place.

"You need to stop uncontrolled visitors accessing your property to ensure no nasty passengers arrive to spoil your game plan."

He said farmers should ensure vehicles, equipment and/or people are not carrying dirt or plant material, before allowing them onto the productive zones of their properties.

"This could be a boot wash or a high-pressure hose in a vehicle washdown area. Do whatever it takes to ensure arrivals to your property are clean and play by the rules.

"Install a free biosecurity gate sign to alert people that you are serious about biosecurity and they are required to contact you before entering your property."

As the end of the growing season draws near, rigorous and regular surveillance is required to protect maturing crops from newly introduced weeds, pests and diseases.

This will significantly increase the potential to manage any incursions and minimise crop damage and loss of income.

For more information, visit: https://www.farmbiosecurity.com.au/industry/grains/

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

editions

Research Report: Large Square Baler Testing (March 2025)

This month Kondinin Group has capacity tested four high-density, large square balers in what is believed to be a first for Australia. Balers from Krone, Kuhn, Massey Ferguson and New Holland were put through their paces, working in windrowed straw.

editions

Research Report: Rural Communications (February 2025)

With the departure of 3G technology and the emergence of 5G and satellite options, there are significant changes on the connectivity horizon. This month Kondinin Group engineers Ben White and Josh Giumelli investigate what is the best way to stay connected in regional and remote areas.

editions

Research Report: Chaser Bins (January 2025)

Chaser bins play a vital role when it comes to on-farm grain logistics. The January Research Report features a comprehensive round up of the latest chaser bins of 30 tonnes-plus capacity.

editions

Research Report: Succession Planning (December 2024)

This month's research report, compiled with the input of John White, Rural Generations, is a great resource for succession planning. A key message from the report is to start succession planning as soon as possible.