[NSW Department of Primary Industries 26 Jul 2010] -- Industry & Investment NSW (I&I NSW) and New England Noxious Weeds Authority are holding a weed identification and awareness field day, focusing on fireweed in the Nowendoc area, on 4 August. Organiser of the field day, Armidale agronomist with I&I NSW, Clare Edwards, said that landholders are being urged to keep a lookout for fireweed, especially on the eastern escarpment areas. "Fireweed is often considered a coastal weed, but it has recently advanced into tableland pastures due to drought and dry conditions," Ms Edwards said. "Identification and control is important, as we do not want this troublesome weed to gain a foot-hold."
Farmers in the Nowendoc and surrounding districts are invited to attend this fireweed identification field day to get an early appreciation of how they can deal with this pest. Fireweed project officer from I&I NSW, Craig Muir, will be visiting the area and will speak on his experience with the weed in other areas.
"Because it is such a prolific seeder and well adapted to take full advantage of opportunities in pasture and climate, if it becomes established it can take a number of years of well planned, co-ordinated control to reduce the soil seed bank and its appearance in the landscape," Mr Muir said.
The field day will also cover other general weeds that producers should be looking out for.
The New England Noxious Weeds Authority will also be talking about the identification and control of some of the more common weeds of the area.
The field day will begin at the Nowendoc Hall at 10am and will then proceed to a local property until 12.30pm. Morning tea will be provided.