From a weed perspective, sourcing hay from South Australia, far north Queensland and more recently Western Australia means we may be importing weeds from anywhere on the Australian mainland

Although feed movement is a necessary risk in the current conditions, there are a number of strategies we can put in place to help ensure this difficult period is not compounded by years of costly and labour intensive weed control into the future.

• Sacrifice Paddocks. Where possible feed out imported stock feeds in the same location. If we are introducing weeds in stock feed, particularly hay, it is best we limit the area over which these weeds are spread. If there are few feeding locations it is easier to be on the lookout for the growth of unfamiliar species when conditions improve.
• Vehicle Hygiene. The trucks that are transporting this stock feed have also been on properties in the source location. Vehicles and agricultural equipment have always been a major vector for transporting weeds. Be mindful of how clean these vehicles are when they enter your property and again be observant for new species in places these vehicles have been.
• Bare Soils. The reduction in vegetative cover during prolonged dry spells provides great opportunity for new species to become established. As we often discuss the best way to control the introduction of weeds to a property is by having a healthy pasture with good ground coverage. Unfortunately that is not always possible.

New England Weed Authority (NEWA) are aware of the stresses that are put on our agricultural community during these times. With sparse pastures, hand fed stock and lambing at this time of year we have chosen to limit our property inspections until conditions improve. Also, it is not ideal to undertake herbicide application whilst plants are under such water stress. Remember that most of the weeds we currently control in the New England were introduced through stock feed and vehicle movements. Vigilance now may well have a great impact on the weeds we have to control in the future. And remember, NEWA staff are here to help.

For help with weed identification and management please contactBiosecurity Officers (Weeds) on 67703602, call into their office at 129 Rusden St Armidale or visit www.newa.com.au.