Practical steps to strengthen your farm biosecurity this autumn

Autumn is an ideal time to focus on enhancing your farm biosecurity. After a productive (and often fast‑growing) summer, many pests and weeds can become well established if left unchecked.

The change in season also brings an increase in stock and machinery movements. This transition period is a great opportunity to take targeted actions to reduce biosecurity risks before winter sets in.

Controlling summer weed growth

Summer rainfall is a common occurrence in Australia’s Northern regions and along the East coast. Combined with warmer temperatures, these conditions allow weeds to flourish, outcompeting pasture and crops, and setting up large seedbanks if unmanaged. Weed control is essential to break life cycles before winter dormancy and to minimise seed spread.

Tips for tackling summer weeds:

• Identify and prioritise weed hotspots for more productive results, such as around fence lines, gateways, water points and high‑traffic paddocks.
• Treat weeds before they set seed, as weeds that haven’t yet developed hard seed are more vulnerable to control.
• Use an integrated approach that combines mechanical removal, targeted grazing and well-timed chemical control for more effective weed management.
• Monitor pasture recovery, as bare ground is a high risk for new weed germination.

Early intervention is critical for effective weed management and to restore healthy pasture heading into winter.

Minimising spread via vehicles and machinery

Farm vehicles and machinery are common pathways for introducing and spreading weeds and pests. During autumn, increased movement for mustering, harvest activities, maintenance, or agistment can heighten this risk.

Biosecurity practices to reduce risk:

• Clean down machinery and vehicles before entering the property and between paddocks, especially after working in weedy areas.
• Pay attention to high-risk areas where seeds, plant material and soil accumulate, such as wheel arches, undercarriages, radiators and cutting decks.
• Designate a wash‑down area that collects seeds, soil and organic matter and prevents them from being redistributed.
• Record contractor movements and discuss biosecurity expectations before work begins.

A short but thorough clean‑down can prevent prolonged weed management challenges and significantly reduce long‑term costs.

Managing risks from feral animals

Autumn is an important time to protect against biosecurity risks introduced by feral animals and pests. Some species increase movement as feed availability changes, while others take advantage of post‑harvest conditions and reduced human activity.

Ways to improve feral animal biosecurity:

• Monitor for signs of pest animals such as digging, tracks, burrows, fence damage or stock disturbance.
• Build an exclusion fence that is durable and suitable for the pest species in your local area (contact your Department of Primary Industries/Agriculture for guidance on exclusion fence design).
• Protect feed and water sources that can attract feral animals by securely storing feed and restricting access to dams and waterways where possible.
• Work with your neighbours to share the labour and improve control effectiveness across the landscape.

Reducing pest pressure lowers the risk of disease in livestock and helps prevent weeds from spreading across the property before winter.

Proactive management is key

Biosecurity is most effective when it is proactive rather than reactive. Taking targeted action now will set you up for a productive winter with:

• minimal weed seedbanks
• less damage and disease risk from feral animals
• flourishing pasture and soil health
• improved livestock welfare.

Small, consistent actions deliver lasting benefits to your farming system.

Useful links

• People, vehicles & equipment – Farm Biosecurity
• Come clean go clean
• Weeds Australia
• Publications – Centre for Invasive Species Solutions