Farmers can get the latest information on effective weed control, to ensure successful and profitable winter crop production, in the free ‘2023 Weed Control in Winter Crops management guide’ published by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI).

NSW DPI project officer, plant systems Penny Heuston, said the guide has been published for over 50 years and is still the ‘go to’ publication for weed control options in winter crops.

“Farmers will need to be vigilant in their control of weeds following an excessively wet 2022, which allowed weed escapes, with the Weed Control in Winter Crops guide providing information to support these management decisions,” Ms Heuston said.

“Predictions are that there is a higher chance of below average rainfall later this year, so the guide will be a vital resource that supports farmers to keep on top of weeds, so their crops can utilise every drop of moisture.

“The guide also includes comprehensive updates for 2023, including the classification for the mode of actions of chemicals, transitioning from the lettered system to the internationally uniform numbered system.”

She said integrated weed management practices will need to be employed this year to help prevent herbicide resistance, particularly with weeds that were so prolific in 2022.

“Ryegrass has established levels of resistance across NSW, which growers can test for early in the weed life cycle to determine what chemical options may still be available to them.

“Paddocks should also be monitored late winter to determine weed populations that may affect the following year’s crop.

“For example, fleabane germinates during this time and can be easily and cheaply controlled at this early growth stage. Ryegrass numbers should also be ascertained and if numbers warrant, employ some weed seed harvest management tools at harvest.”

Over 10,000 copies of the Weed Control in Winter Crops management guide are printed and distributed state-wide through NSW DPI and Local Land Services offices, and agribusiness outlets.

Ms Heuston said the NSW DPI guide had undergone an extensive external review to gauge industries’ perceptions of and assess the value of the guide.

“The survey indicated that 92 percent of farmers and agronomists rated the guide highly and that the majority of respondents would like to see the guide continue to be produced annually, and earlier in the year, which will be actioned for the 2024 edition.”

The 2023 Weed Control in Winter Crops Guide is also available on the DPI website.