By Shafiya Hussein, Grains Biosecurity Officer, South Australia
With the 2021-22 harvest season nearing the end, the timing is perfect for grain insect pests to cause serious damage. Being prepared to protect your crop and maintain product quality is paramount.
Australia is globally recognised as having one of the toughest grain import and export markets in terms of biosecurity regulations. Grain receival standards are rigorous, with zero tolerance for live grain storage insects.
So how can grain growers ensure they are meeting these market requirements?
One word …. clean, clean and clean!
It is critical that grain producers with on-farm storage facilities diligently maintain hygiene and monitor their storage facilities, harvesting machinery and equipment. Grain storage insects such as:
All these are challenging to get rid of once a population is established, particularly as temperatures rise in grain storage facilities.
Before harvest, it is important to remove any leftover or previous years’ stored grains from silos, storage sheds, harvesting machinery and equipment to reduce the risk of existing insect pests crawling into your freshly harvested grain.
Good fumigation techniques using optimum pressure within properly sealed silos, recommended Phosphine dosages and fans to recirculate gases for uniform distribution through grains, will control grain pests.
With regular monitoring, good hygiene, excellent aeration and correct fumigation practices, your grain stores will be protected.
Launched in 2007, the Grains Farm Biosecurity program is managed by Plant Health Australia and funded by growers through Grain Producers Australia (GPA) together with the New South Wales, Queensland, South Australian, Victorian and Western Australian governments. The program helps develop and deliver materials to raise awareness and training to growers, consultants and other industry stakeholders.
Establishing good biosecurity practices on farm is not only good for individual businesses but also adds another layer of protection to Australia’s world-class biosecurity system.
If you spot anything unusual or find something you are not sure about, call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
For more information on how to implement farm biosecurity practices on your property contact one of the Grains Biosecurity Officers in your region.
| State | Grains Biosecurity Officer | Phone | |
| NSW | Vacant | ||
| QLD | Kym McIntyre | 0429 727 690 | kym.mcintyre@daf.qld.gov.au |
| SA | Shafiya Hussein | 0437 723 295 | shafiya.hussein@sa.gov.au |
| VIC | Jim Moran | 0418 377 930 | jim.moran@agriculture.vic.gov.au |
| WA | Jeff Russell | 0447 851 801 | jeff.russell@dpird.wa.gov.au |