Weed Detection and Control on Small Farms: A Guide for Owners

Abstract

Weeds constitute a significant cost to Australian agriculture each year, both in terms of control and lost productivity. However, weeds also cause problems for the owners of small 'hobby' or lifestyle farms. Apart from the legal obligation to control certain weeds, extensive weed outbreaks on small farms may: • impact on biodiversity and human health; • spread to neighbouring land, including production farms, which in turn may strain community relationships; • cut significantly into niche-farming profits; • detract from time better spent on other activities; • make it more difficult to restore natural habitats on your land; • detract from the natural beauty of your land and reduce its value; • increase farm costs; • be toxic or harmful to livestock and pets; • harbour feral animals such as rabbits and foxes; and • make it difficult to access certain areas of your farm. The primary emphasis of this booklet is on 'the importance of detecting and controlling weeds on your land before they have a chance to spread.' It is also important to 'seek advice and assistance from your local weeds officer', and, when necessary, to 'work with your neighbours to control weeds'. In the longer term, effective and diligent weed control will make managing your farm easier and less time-consuming, and will allow you to focus on the enjoyable aspects of living in rural Australia. In the following pages we discuss the significance of weeds to small farms in Australia, and summarise best practice weed detection and control methods most appropriate to small farm owners. Much of this information is based on a 2008 national survey of weed officers and landholders. It is important to understand the 'principles' of weed detection and control: what constitutes a weed, how weeds spread, where and when to look for weeds on your land, how to detect weeds and identify unknown species, and the best methods to control weed outbreaks 'quickly'. Considerable information, assistance and resources are available to help landholders control weeds on their properties. For small farm owners, however, external assistance can be expensive, difficult to access, or more appropriate to large-scale production agriculture. Therefore, towards the end of this booklet, options for small farm owners seeking assistance with weed control are discussed. You will also find a list of contact details for relevant authorities in your State or Territory, and a list of useful references (weed identification booklets, brochures and websites).