Jordan Scott
Jordan Scott, Grains Biosecurity Officer for South Australia
The Australian grains industry faces numerous challenges, including the threat of pest infestations that can impact crop yields and stored grain quality. To mitigate these risks and promote sustainable farming practices, farm biosecurity and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) have become important components of modern agriculture. By implementing robust biosecurity measures and adopting IPM strategies, Australian grain growers can protect their crops from pests, reduce chemical use, and ensure the long-term sustainability of their operations.
Australia’s geographic isolation has allowed it to enjoy relative freedom from pests and diseases, enabling its grains industry to thrive and build a reputation as a reliable supplier of quality grain to global markets. Farmers can invest in high-yielding varieties with a reduced threat of crop losses due to diseases or insect infestations. To protect crops and maintain the integrity of the industry, farm biosecurity is essential. IPM plays a crucial role in supporting biosecurity efforts by preventing the entry and spread of harmful organisms. By implementing IPM strategies, farmers can strengthen their biosecurity measures, reduce the risk of pest infestations, and protect the sustainability of the Australian grains sector.
Prevention: Robust biosecurity measures can prevent the introduction and spread of new pests and diseases, thereby reducing the need for additional chemical pesticides. This approach protects crops while safeguarding the environment and public health. Examples of on-farm biosecurity measures contributing to IPM include:
By adopting these practices, farmers can create a more resilient and sustainable agricultural system.
Non-chemical controls: When infestations do occur, IPM focuses on using non-chemical methods whenever possible. These may include:
Targeted pesticide use: Chemical pesticides are used as a fallback measure, applied in a strategic and targeted manner. IPM practitioners carefully monitor pest populations to minimise pesticide use and its impact on non-target organisms.
Implementing IPM requires a significant investment of time and resources. A solid understanding of pest biology and ecology is essential, as is the ability to monitor pest populations and make informed decisions. Additionally, IPM when used across multiple farms under an area wide management approach may necessitate collaboration with other farmers, agricultural advisors, and pest control professionals to address regional pest issues.
The Grains Farm Biosecurity Program (GFBP) is an initiative to improve the management of, and preparedness for, biosecurity risks in the grains industry at the farm and industry levels.
Launched in 2007, the program is managed by Plant Health Australia (PHA) and funded by growers through Grain Producers Australia (GPA) in collaboration with the New South Wales, Queensland, South Australian, Victorian and Western Australian governments. GBO’s offer free education, advice and pest identification materials.
The GFBP is also a valuable resource for grain growers seeking to improve their on-farm biosecurity practices and adopt IPM strategies.
Services offered by the GFBP include:
As regulatory agencies continue to evaluate the risks and benefits of various pesticides, the availability of certain chemicals may change in the future. To ensure the continued effectiveness of pest control strategies, it is crucial to diversify our approach and reduce our reliance on any single chemical.
IPM offers an integrated solution by incorporating a variety of non-chemical control methods, mitigating the potential impacts of changes in pesticide availability while still effectively managing pest populations.
IPM is a holistic and sustainable approach to pest control that offers numerous benefits. By diversifying pest control strategies and embracing IPM principles, farmers can manage their crops, while at the same time reducing their environmental impact, and promoting a healthier and more resilient agricultural system.
Fact sheets, videos, how-to guides, online training and strategies to assist in the management of grains farm biosecurity risks are available on the Grains Farm Biosecurity website.
Visit the website to contact your local GBO for free advice and educational materials.