Tackling one of the greatest challenges for Tweed farmers

09 September 2019

Series of free workshops planned to skill up local farmers

Farmers and land managers are invited to a day with weed and pasture specialists to explore prevention and management options for some of the Tweed’s most problematic weeds.

The Worst Weeds of the Tweed event is the first in a series of eight workshops and field days being delivered by Tweed Shire Council and Tweed Landcare Inc. as part of the Small Farms Big Changes project, funded by the NSW Environmental Trust.

The first workshop will be held at Tyalgum Hall on Thursday 19 September 2019 from 9am and includes a visit to a nearby farm.

A recent survey of almost 200 farmers, conducted by Southern Cross University, found Tweed’s rural landholders consider weed management as one of their greatest challenges and are looking for the latest advice, new technologies and non-conventional methods to deal with the problem.

Council’s Program Leader – Sustainable Agriculture, Eli Szandala said the program for this workshop has been developed recognising the need for safe and effective strategies to manage weeds.

“The workshop will provide the best practice management options for common pasture and environmental weeds in the Tweed, including giant Parramatta grass, fireweed, and giant devil’s fig.

“Fortunately there are solutions to these problems that include a combination of prevention strategies and minimal chemical controls that will be explored in detail on the day,” Mr Szandala said.

Experts from Beechwood Biological Solutions, AgFlight Farm Support, Back 2 Bush, Local Land Services and Rous County Council will also present information and showcase environmentally--friendly weed control methods.

“The day will include a visit to a local farm to demonstrate best practice techniques for the management of giant devil’s fig and giant Parramatta grass, along with new technologies such as the use of drones for monitoring and control,” he said.

Primary producers and other rural landholders are encouraged to attend. Bookings are essential via worstweedsworkshop.eventbrite.com.au

Future workshops in the Small Farm Big Changes series will include field days to learn about improving soil health, integrated pest management, and new technologies to support regenerative agricultural practices.

For further information about the Small Farms Big Changes project or to get involved visit www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/SmallFarmsBigChanges or contact the Program Leader – Sustainable Agriculture on (02) 6670 2400.

Downloads

Photo 1(JPG, 167KB)

Caption: Council’s Program Leader – Sustainable Agriculture, Eli Szandala with some fireweed - one of the weeds to be discussed at the workshop.

Photo 2(JPG, 153KB)

Caption: Fireweed, one of the worst weeds of the Tweed.