What is bio-security?
Bio-security are measures designed to protect a property from the entry and spread of pests and diseases. It takes industrial and governmental efforts to prevent, respond to and recover from bio-security threats to the economy and environment. In the cotton industry, It is very important to implement sound bio-security measures on-farm to ensure that the cotton doesn’t get infested with pests or diseases. Without bio-security, a lot of people would be at the risk of losing their jobs, money and homes.
Cotton farmers work together with the community to reduce bio-security risks by implementing various strategies. One of them is to regularly monitor crops for pests and weeds and be familiar with the usual appearance of the crop and local pests, which will help to recognise any unusual exotic pests or other infestations. Farmers also monitor the animals or plant materials that enter the property, including sources of water, feed and fertiliser, as there is high potential for diseases, pests and weeds to be carried in feed and water supplies.
Nowadays, a lot of farmers are relying on technology to monitor their crops, such as agriculture drones. Drones cover mapped out areas of cotton plantations to collect data and intelligence about crop production.
However, the most efficient way cotton farmers keep a healthy farm is to ensure all personnel, consultants, contractors and visitors on the farm are informed and educated about bio-security. Come Clean Go Clean is one of the most effective strategies in minimising the spread of weeds, diseases and pests. Signs are strategically located at the entrance and exit to remind farm workers and visitors about bio-security protocols, and that they are also responsible in protecting the farm from risks.
Cotton farmers work together with the community to reduce bio-security risks by implementing various strategies. One of them is to regularly monitor crops for pests and weeds and be familiar with the usual appearance of the crop and local pests, which will help to recognise any unusual exotic pests or other infestations. Farmers also monitor the animals or plant materials that enter the property, including sources of water, feed and fertiliser, as there is high potential for diseases, pests and weeds to be carried in feed and water supplies.
Nowadays, a lot of farmers are relying on technology to monitor their crops, such as agriculture drones. Drones cover mapped out areas of cotton plantations to collect data and intelligence about crop production.
However, the most efficient way cotton farmers keep a healthy farm is to ensure all personnel, consultants, contractors and visitors on the farm are informed and educated about bio-security. Come Clean Go Clean is one of the most effective strategies in minimising the spread of weeds, diseases and pests. Signs are strategically located at the entrance and exit to remind farm workers and visitors about bio-security protocols, and that they are also responsible in protecting the farm from risks.
What can you do to help maintain bio-security?
- If you are on a holiday, declare any food, plants and animal materials on your incoming passenger card when travelling back to Australia. These items could be harboring harmful pests or diseases present in other countries, which could seriously impact Australia's unique environment and agriculture industries.
- When buying seeds online for your garden, consider the risks of buying seeds from interstate or online as you could unknowingly import a pest plant. Some popular aquarium plants are highly invasive species, and pose significant risks to waterways
- Get ride of organic waste from a fish tank into the bin, not sewers or waterways.
- Make sure you're not transporting seeds or bugs on your vehicle, clothing boots or equipment when going on a weekend away camping.