Madagasca ragwort. Credit: AgResearchWhile any pest plant or weed can be spread by natural means such as birds and wind and water, farming practices and other human activities can also be responsible and have constly consequences.
Prevention is the best possible tool in minimising the potential environmental and economic impacts caused through the spread of weeds.
Noogoora bur
Velvetleaf. Credit: AgResearchTips for preventing weed invasions on your farm
- Be weed aware and do regular inspections. Learn to identify key pest plant species and regularly inspect your property for unfamiliar new weeds. Check high risk sites such as entrances, vehicle races, boundaries and feed / soil aggregate storage area. Inspect waterways at least once a year.
- Keep machinery and equipment clean. Visually inspect all machinery used on site for organic matter, even small soil samples may contain seed, root or crown fragments. Always use reliable contractors and ask that they follow weed hygiene practises (link to Waikato Keep it clean guide?)
- Buy weed free animal / stock feed. Ask the seller to guarantee feed is weed-free, ask if you can inspect the crop before it is harvested and whether there have been past weed problems. If the feed comes from overseas, only buy from reputable dealers and ask for a guarantee that it’s weed-free.
- Buy weed-free soil, metal and sand. Ask the seller to guarantee the material is weed free, inspect it on arrival and keep a record of where the product came from and where it was used.
- Treat your property boundary like a border. Be aware that roadsides are common source of new weeds, often spread by roadside mowers. Do not graze roadsides or harvest roadside vegetation. Regularly check roadside boundaries and control any weeds found quickly before they spread. Establish weed barriers (hedges, unmown grasses) and avoid leaving bare ground along fencelines where weeds can quick establish.
- Protect your waterways. Ensure diggers and all machinery used near waterways are thoroughly clean before entering your property. Ensure machinery is washed down away from waterways by creating a buffer of at least 30m to minimise runoff.