FINALS time – like spring – is in the air and just like your favourite local sports team, farmers are starting to focus on going all the way after a strong season of preparation, hard work and honing tactics.

Agriculture Victoria grains industry biosecurity officer Jim Moran said winter crops were reaching a critical growth stage and, just like sports finals, would require “match winning tactics” from farmers to achieve the best possible returns.

Jim Moran

“Unnecessary yield losses can easily be avoided through good hygiene,” he said.

“Weeds, pests and diseases can arrive as seeds, eggs, spores and other microscopic particles, and they play dirty.”

Mr Moran said farmers could improve their outcomes this season by putting strong hygiene measures in place.

“You need to stop uncontrolled visitors accessing your property to ensure no nasty passengers arrive to spoil your game plan.”

Mr Moran said farmers should ensure vehicles, equipment and/or people are not carrying dirt or plant material, before allowing them onto the productive zones of their properties.

“This could be a boot wash or a high-pressure hose in a vehicle washdown area,” he said.

“Do whatever it takes to ensure arrivals to your property are clean and play by the rules.

“Install a free biosecurity gate sign to alert people that you are serious about biosecurity and they are required to contact you before entering your property.”

As the end of the growing season draws near, rigorous and regular surveillance is required to protect maturing crops from newly introduced weeds, pests and diseases. This will significantly increase the potential to manage any incursions and minimise crop damage and loss of income.

Source: Agriculture Victoria

A free copy of the Grains Farm Biosecurity Manual and Monitoring Stored Grain on Farm booklet is available to download at farmbiosecurity.com.au.

Go online for more top tips on Biosecurity (www.farmbiosecurity.com.au) or the Grains on Farm Biosecurity Program (www.plathealthaustralia.com.au/national-programs/grains-farm-biosecurity-program/) via the Plant Health Australia, Farm Biosecurity and Agriculture Victoria (agriculture.vic.gov.au) websites.