Adequate chemical stocks

The nation’s most popular herbicide, glyphosate will, as usual, be the most in-demand chemical for summer spraying duties, along with broadleaf sprays such as 2,4-D ester and Garlon, for use for control of woody weeds and melons.

Michael Moodie, Mallee Sustainable Farming (MSF), said farmers in the Mallee would be keen to get onto summer spraying programs quickly while conditions were favourable.

“They will want to get on while the weeds are still small, and if the weather is still cooler, then that will suit as well, in terms of better uptake.”

Cameron Taylor, of Birchip Cropping Group (BCG), said farmers were aware of the need to make sure they had supplies of herbicide, but as yet, said he had not heard of any issues.

“Suppliers keep less herbicide in the shed than they used to, so we can see shortages from time to time but at present everyone has plenty to keep them busy.”

Terry Fishpool, farmer at Tottenham in central NSW, said steady rain right throughout the summer period meant herbicide suppliers were on top of demand.

“They have known for a while there would be farmers requiring glyphosate and the likes so as far as I know, there hasn’t been any issue with supply in my area.”

Greg Butler of the South Australian No Till Farming Association (SANTFA) said demand for herbicide may be more staggered than usual, because of the impact of last year’s Pinery fire.

“I think we will find farmers in this area may let the summer weeds grow just a little, to get some sort of cover on the soil or maybe even look at cover crops.

“Obviously any weeds will be controlled well before seed set, but perhaps just a little later than growers in other areas, so this may stagger peak demand for summer spraying products.”