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Weed warriors of Ensay powering up the paddocks

AGRICULTURE Victoria will hold a field day on Friday, April 29 at the new Gippsland Weed Warriors Producer Demonstration Site to discuss strategies for dealing with weeds and managing pastures after fire. The Weed Warrior Producer Demonstration Site at Ensay is one of four sites on host farms in the Upper Murray and Gippsland as part of a producer demonstration project funded until December 2025. The second site in Gippsland is at Clifton Creek and is focusing on Chilean needle grass control in an existing pasture. Agriculture Victoria Livestock Industry Development Officer Janice Dowe said the Ensay site is focussed on dealing with weed issues postfire, in particular annual grass weeds such as Silver Grass and developing strategies to lift the productivity of pastures. “Each site has a different weed of interest – a woody or pasture weed – and the host farm is the focal point for group discussions on the demonstration site, with regular updates to be provided through field days and media," Ms Dowe said. “As part of the project, a weed management plan will be developed at that site between the farmer, agronomist and discussion group members. “Each host farm will implement their ‘usual weed control’ practice, with the project funding an enhanced weed control strategy as a comparison.” The aim of the project is to demonstrate to what extent improved weed control and followup management improves both persistence and productivity of newly sown or degraded permanent pastures in fire affected areas. Ms Dowe said the upcoming field day will focus on weed control after fires, how to select pasture species for your property and how to accurately calibrate your spray unit. “These steps will set farmers up for successful pasture management. This is especially important this year, with a summer that has seen ideal growing conditions and the proliferation of weeds.” Presenters at the field day are Ms Dowe; agronomist at S&W Seed Co, Nicole Frost; and chemical certification trainer Neil Stringer. Topics to be discussed include:  Pastures: perennials vs annuals  Grass and legume options  How to accurately check and calibrate a spray unit – nozzles, pressures, and pumps  Ways to improve spraying effectiveness. The field day will take place on April 29 between 10am-1pm. To express your interest, contact Janice Dowe via phone on 0437 282 315, or via email at janice.dowe@agriculture.vic.gov.au.

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Recent heavy rain and flooding in East Gippsland is a timely reminder to landowners to check the safety and integrity of their farm dams. Photo: File Check out farm dams, landowners are urged

RECENT heavy rain and flooding in East Gippsland is a timely reminder to landowners to check the safety and integrity of their farm dams, Southern Rural Water’s manager of Groundwater and Rivers Bryce Morden said. “Already this year, we have seen above average rainfall in East Gippsland causing soaked conditions in the catchments, and significant flooding in the region over the last few weeks,” he said. “Conditions have been closer to average in the state’s west, however as we head into the traditionally wetter autumn and winter periods, it is very important that landowners check the safety of their farm dams.” Southern Rural Water recommends that landowners regularly check dam walls and dam spillways. Spillways need to be designed to take a one-in100-year flood and must be kept free of obstructions. They should also ensure any compensation or outlet pipes are working effectively. Landholders are urged to inspect dam walls for any signs of leaking, cracking, slippage or erosion and ensure the dam wall is kept clear of trees, shrubs, weeds and livestock, which can cause erosion. “Some landowners in the region have found out the hard way in recent years that a failed dam is expensive to repair and can deny them a vital source of water when they need it most,” Mr Morden said. “Collapsed dams can also cause significant damage to the environment and to neighbouring downstream properties. If your dam collapses and causes damage to someone else’s property, you may be liable for the costs.” For more information about farm dams, or to report an issue with a farm dam, phone Southern Rural Water on 1300 139 510 or visit www.srw.com.au.

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