GOOD farm hygiene starts with clean machines.
Contractors who move from farm to farm will be the focus of a new training program called WeedStop, to be launched next month.
The program will be run by the Australian Agricultural Contractors Association, with support from the Victorian Department of Primary Industries.
The one-day course will cover practices to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive plants and plant diseases by plant and machinery.
WeedStop training covers:
- Weed recognition and identification.
- Processes and carriers of weed spread.
- Job planning to minimise weed and disease spread.
- Inspection and cleaning of vehicles and machinery.
- Keeping records and reporting.
- Legislative requirements.
AACA secretary Len Smyth said accreditation, when used correctly, gave contractors a commercial edge over unaccredited contractors.
This would be vital when working for local and state governments or biodiversity-conscious farmers, Mr Smyth said.
The workshops can be tailored to suit individual needs of contractors.
The first WeedStop training sessions this year will be held at Ballarat on February 16 and at Warragul on February 18.
For more information, email michelle.patrick@dpi.vic.gov.au or phone 13 61 86.
