South-west Victorian landholders will have an opportunity to arm themselves against this season’s influx of weeds at an upcoming Weedbuster Field Day.
Heytesbury District Landcare Network will host the event at Scotts Creek on December 4, to outline best practice weed management measures.
It follows a similar field day at Adam Roberts’ Tesbury farm on November 14.
At both events, agronomist Jonathan Town from Notman Pasture Seeds will outline effective control measures for ragwort and blackberries in what is shaping up as a difficult season for weeds.
Mr Town said climatic conditions experienced in south-west Victoria had exacerbated some weed problems, though the spread of one major weed – ragwort – could be much worse.
“We had an interesting autumn and some people were unable to do early broadleaf control because of staggered germination of pastures,” he said.
“Even now there are some pastures a lot weedier than usual.”
Mr Town said landholders need to be proactive and keep on top of any weed problems.
He said it was best to spray weeds when they are small and pastures look clear, using lower rates of herbicide.
“It means you’re killing more weeds and spending less money on herbicide which is better for the environment and you’re getting better control by spraying them when they are young, rather than when they’re large later in the year.
“You can spray in August or September instead of May or June but the problem is those weeds have grown into a space that grass would have been filling so you lose production.”
Mr Town said that while ragwort was widespread in the region, it could be much worse.
“Ragwort is in small pockets; however, we’re not at a full infestation level.
“A lot of south-west Victoria offers very favourable conditions for ragwort so we need to keep it at bay.
“Ragwort has an opportunity to grow and impact farming a lot more and it has toxicity issues that a lot of other weeds don’t.”
Farmers also have to deal with cape weed, stinging nettle, fat hen and thistles, while blackberries also pose a threat to the environment and are invasive.
HDLN Landcare manager Michelle Leech said the events would offer landholders of all types and sizes the opportunity to visit interesting properties to discuss best practice weed management, with a particular focus on ragwort and blackberry.
“Attendees will be able to discuss their weed management questions and challenges out in the paddock before coming together for lunch, where we can continue the discussion, network and chat,” she said.
Weeds-themed lucky door prizes will also be up for grabs.
This event is supported by the Victorian Government through the Partnerships Against Pests grant program.
People can register for the Scotts Creek field day at: https://bit.ly/weedbuster2
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