A Weedbuster field day at Scotts Creek on December 4 will help farmers to keep their shelter belts free of pests.
Heytesbury District Landcare Network (HDLN) is hosting the event at Jamie and Andrew Vogels’ farm from 11am to 2pm.
Emcee Chris Hibburt said modern farmers recognised the need for biodiversity and retaining natural areas that remained closed to grazing. However, those areas run greater risk of attracting weeds and pests.
“On farms today, it is important to understand the need for biodiversity and nature, but in most cases, those areas are more likely to attract weeds and pests,” Mr Hibburt said.
“As much as biodiversity and shelter belts are important in providing a quality product for consumers, these areas come with the challenges of controlling weeds.
“If those weeds are not controlled, especially in the early stages, it reduces the ability to establish the plant species.”
Agronomist Jonathan Town will lead the field day, with a focus on understanding and effective control measures for ragwort and blackberries.
The event will feature a weeds-themed morning tea and lunch and is at 570 Cobden-Port Campbell Rd, Scotts Creek.
HDLN held an earlier successful Weedbuster field day at Adam Roberts’ Tesbury farm on November 14.
HDLN Landcare manager Michelle Leech said the events offer landholders of all types and sizes the opportunity to visit interesting properties to discuss best practice weed management, with a particular focus on ragwort and blackberry.
This event is supported by the Victorian Government through the Partnerships Against Pests grant program.
People can register for the Scotts Creek field day at: https://bit.ly/weedbuster2