The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is urging grain growers to ensure visitors to their properties do not introduce new pests and diseases.
Grains Biosecurity Officer at the Department, Jeff Russell (pictured) said an ideal first step in on-farm biosecurity was having a sign at the property entrance asking visitors to notify their presence before entering.
“This shows visitors that growers take biosecurity on the farm seriously,” Mr Russell said.
“Having visitors call ahead means they can be given detailed instructions on where they can and can’t go on the property. Other signage can direct visitors to areas such as designated parking bays and clean-down facilities.”
Mr Russell said vehicles, machinery, people, soil, water and planting material could all carry potentially damaging pests and diseases.
“Limiting access to the productive areas of a property could reduce the risk of pests and diseases entering and becoming established,” he said.
“With winter now upon us and greater travel taking place between farms, there is an increased chance of hitchhiker pests coming along for the ride.”
He said that developing a biosecurity plan and having biosecurity practices might take long-term planning and investment but lowering the chances of pests and diseases entering a property could save time and money and help to protect livelihoods.
“Farmers should also evaluate the biosecurity risks of visiting vehicles or machinery, which could be done by asking the owners where and when their last job was and when the equipment was last cleaned,” Mr Russell said.
