Conditions are unpredictable during Australia’s grains cropping season, and growers face numerous challenges when protecting their harvest. To reduce the impact of these challenges, Victorian Grains Biosecurity Officer Jim Moran recommends staying one step ahead of pests and diseases by using tried and trusted farm biosecurity practices before, during, and after sowing. Excellent biosecurity practice will assist with market access, reduce the burden of managing pests and disease, and assure customers of food safety, quality, and integrity. Ongoing farm biosecurity practices are crucial to maintaining a profitable and successful business. To strengthen biosecurity efforts, Mr Moran recommends the following:

Stay informed on industry biosecurity best practice and obtain a free copy of the Grains Farm Biosecurity Manual

Assess your biosecurity risk and keep track of visitors to the farm

Spray for weeds and volunteer plants before sowing your crops. This will eliminate the so-called green bridge to reduce rust spores infecting emerging seedlings, break pest breeding cycles, and reduce weed seed banks

Install free biosecurity gate signs and ensure that everything and everyone is clean on arrival and departure

Get your employees to complete Biosecurity Online Training (BOLT) courses to ensure everyone knows how to keep the business up and running

Keep records – these are essential for tracing the source and spread of any outbreak, allowing you to protect your farm and livelihood

Use property zoning to map out which areas would be more at risk of exposure

Set up an effective wash down area to stop pests and diseases from entering or spreading

Create a vehicle biosecurity kit, and use it

Install interactive diagnostic tools like the MyPestguide App on your phone for quick access to expert advice.

“Simple measures can save you money in the long run by reducing the introduction and spread of pests, diseases and weeds on your property,” explained Mr Moran. The Grains Farm Biosecurity Program (GFBP) is an initiative of Plant Health Australia and Grain Producers Australia (GPA). GBOs are on duty in each state to supply farmers with resources, advice, and assistance in keeping their farms free from pest and disease. Head to https://grainsbiosecurity.com.au/ for more details.