CROPPING

New tool to help with farm biosecurity

WITH plenty of farm vehicle movement during autumn and seeding, Agriculture Victoria is reminding people to be wary of off-property travel and the associated biosecurity risks.

Staff writer
Vehicles which travel on and off farm can be a biosecurity risk. Picture Mark Saunders.

Vehicles which travel on and off farm can be a biosecurity risk. Picture Mark Saunders.

Agriculture Victoria now has a useful vehicle biosecurity risk assessment checklist available to help decide if a vehicle requires a clean down before re-entering a property to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases on farm.

Agriculture Victoria Grains Biosecurity officer, Jim Moran, said the checklist was produced for grain growers by the Grains Farm Biosecurity Program.

"The Vehicle Biosecurity Risk Assessment Tool is a quick reference guide for assessing a vehicle that has travelled off a property or is not stationed on a property," Moran said.

He said the checklist gave grain growers a quick assessment strategy to help them determine if a vehicle requires a clean down before re-entering their property.

"For example, the checklist suggests key questions to consider when a vehicle either arrives or re-enters, such as: Where has the vehicle been and what is the likelihood it has come into contact with weeds or other pests?

"What were the road conditions it came on? Dry, damp, muddy or flooding? - these will all have an impact on the level of risk the vehicle represents to your farm."

Moran said the checklist was comprehensive but still simple and easy to use and included prompts about road surfaces travelled (including paddocks) and their corresponding biosecurity risk level ratings.

He said depending on the level of risk assessed the checklist then provided practical solutions for treating the vehicle.

"But remember if it's wet conditions forget it. Vehicles shouldn't be entering the productive areas of your property when it is wet or flooded unless there is an urgent need," Moran said.

"Mud sticks to tyres and is flicked up into the hard to see and clean components, giving weeds, pests and diseases, a ride to the next paddock or property.

"Flood water behaves similarly, washing muddy water over vehicles and machinery but also can provide a means of transport for weeds, pests and diseases, spreading around the property or district as it moves.

"The best tactic is not drive onto muddy or flooded paddocks and protect your farm's production zones from the introduction and spread of pests, weeds and diseases," he said.

For more information on farm biosecurity or help in developing your Vehicle Biosecurity Risk Plan contact Jim Moran at jim.moran@agriculture.vic.gov.au or visit https://bit.ly/3wq98TK

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

editions

Research Report: Trailing Sheep Feeders (October 2024)

Trailing sheep feeders are on the menu for Kondinin Group's October Research Report with nine popular models covered.

editions

Research Report: Livestock Management Software (September 2024)

Kondinin Group's September Research Report looks at a range of livestock management software platforms which can make life a lot easier when it comes to efficient sheep and cattle production.

editions

Research Report: Grain Storage (August 2024)

This month's Research Report from Kondinin Group looks at the benefits and challenges associated with ground level storage with a focus on growers who have done it successfully.

editions

Research Report: Grouper Bins (July 2024)

This month's Research Report from Kondinin Group looks at a range of Australian-made grouper bins which can make a big difference when it comes to input logistics on the farm.