“Weeds in Fodder” at Condobolin
Learning the Risks & Issues of Feeding Hay Carted from Other Regions
Reaching Out - MEPAAW-CW-01-01
The issue
The drought has led to large-scale hay feeding; trucks have been carting hay into the Central West from all over the country. With even small amounts of rain, weeds will be coming up in the areas where fodder has been fed-out or stored. Most imported weeds will be unwanted and some can cause serious problems as they may spread easily and/or have herbicide resistance. Understanding the risks and knowing how to control problem weeds was the focus of a “Weeds in Fodder” workshop at Condobolin.
The solution
We received funding from NSW DPI and Landcare NSW from their Established Pest Animals and Weeds initiative which enabled us to host this informative workshop at the Condobolin RSL Club during April 2019.
Callen Thompson, LLS Weeds Officer, highlighted the importance of monitoring hay feeding sites as the potential for importing unwanted foreign weeds from drought-feeding hay was extremely high. He demonstrated the extent of fodder movements around the country and highlighted some of the critical weeds to look out for. He discussed weed issues brought about by drought and talked about the biosecurity risks these weeds can cause and what to do about it.
We looked at identifying weeds using DPI’s WeedWise website and app (http://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au) that allows you to search for a weed and look up all its details for control and your duty in regards to biosecurity. Many useful pamphlets, flyers and books were also provided at the workshops for attendees to take with them.
Lachlan Shire Council Weeds Officer, Laurence Thompson also spoke at the workshop about Red Guide Posts identifying weeds and the location of new incursions, providing a map of these. He also discussed the common responsibilities that landholders, council and public land managers have in relation to weed management.
The impact
The event was well received and attendees were appreciative of the indispensable information provided.
Information about the potential risks and identification of many unfamiliar weeds was the highlight of the workshop and the demonstration of Google Maps to manage farm biosecurity was also highly valued.
As well as running the workshop, information about the issues of weeds from fodder was distributed further in a significant media release from Callen Thompson in the local newspaper.
Key facts
- Monitor areas where fodder has been fed out or stored for at least two years.
- If you identify unusual weeds, contact your local council weeds officer or LLS biosecurity office/ag advisor.
- The DPI Weeds App “WeedWise” is a useful resource of specific weed attributes, bio-security and control information.
- Control new weeds early to prevent seed set.
- Herbicide-resistant wild radish and ryegrass are a huge issue – your agronomist can test for resistance.