Farmers and agronomists in the Western region in NSW are dealing with several difficult-to-control weeds, and herbicide resistance is adding to the challenge.
For the past ten years, WeedSmart has promoted science-backed weed management tactics proven to work in the field to drive down weed numbers and contain herbicide resistance in dryland and irrigated cropping systems.
Project manager, Jessica Strauss, says that the tenth WeedSmart Week event, planned for Dubbo in early August, promises to deliver practical solutions to the weed management challenges facing growers on the Western Plains.
“The 3-day event will delve into ways to mix and rotate herbicides within a diverse cropping rotation that tackles herbicide resistance head-on,” she says. “Local agronomists and growers will speak about how they are disrupting weed cycles and using mechanical and cultural practices to underpin their herbicide programs to drive down the weed seed bank in crop and in the fallow.”
WeedSmart Week begins with the forum day at the Dubbo Regional Theatre & Convention Centre on 1 August, 2023. The 3-day event includes bus tours to three farms in the region and a machinery expo, where growers can see the latest in spray and camera technology, impact mills and other mechanical weed control tools used on Western Plains farms.
“At the forum, the speakers and panels will address wide-ranging topics, including the use of residual herbicides, pulse width modulation technology, the role of livestock in weed control and ways to increase crop competition across farming systems,” says Ms Strauss. “The farm visits and machinery expo are always a highlight of the event as forward-thinking growers outline how they implement the WeedSmart Big 6 tactics in their farming system.”
Register for this important 3-day event for the ‘early bird’ single ticket price of $290, which includes the bus tours, machinery expo and forum, all fully catered. Early bird pricing is available until 2 July. Group bookings and student discounts are available.