Developing weed management best practice amongst lifestyle farmers

Abstract

Lifestyle farmers have been identified as a poorly performing landholder segment with regard to weed management in Australia. However, despite their often non-economic land management goals, and the range of impediments they face, many lifestyle farmers are keen to improve their weed management skills. Our goal was therefore to produce and distribute a booklet on weed detection and control using best practice methods to lifestyle farmers, using information developed in recently completed University of New England research projects. An evaluation of literature and advice from weeds extension professionals across Australia guided the booklet design. Distribution of the booklet took place through existing extension networks. Nearly 10,000 printed copies were distributed free of charge during 2010, while a further 7,000 had been sold to weed extension organisations at the time of writing. This approach proved an efficient and cost-effective way to extend best practice weed detection and control to a difficult to reach audience.