Wimmera grain growers will have an opportunity to learn the most effective tactics to tackle snails and slugs at one of three free workshops delivered by Agriculture Victoria in February.
Independent snail and slug management consultant, Dr Michael Nash, will deliver the two-hour workshops at Goroke, Noradjuha and Lubeck in response to enquiries from farmers looking for cost-effective strategies to manage these pests.
Participants will learn how to identify important pest snail species and, in higher rainfall areas, identify the two major slug species.
The workshops will also cover the life cycles of these pests, their impact on market access, the most effective baits and recent research findings.
Agriculture Victoria's Heather Drendel, Land Management Extension Officer based in Hopetoun said Dr Nash will share with growers a range of management tactics, to avoid having to burn stubble.
Dr Nash said he was keen to help growers explore how an integrated approach can be used to manage snails and slugs.
"I will present the latest research results and talk to growers about how the findings can be applied in the field to get the most cost-effective control," he said.
Growers will also be able to ask questions or raise issues specific to their soil type.
The workshops are supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation and the Wal Wal-Lubeck Landcare group is supporting the Lubeck event.
Slug and snail management workshops
| Location | Address | Date/time |
|---|---|---|
Goroke |
Goroke Bowling Club Rooms |
Tue 4 Feb 5pm – 7pm |
Noradjuha |
Noradjuha Memorial Hall Corner Noradjuha-Tooan East Road and Natimuk-Hamilton Road |
Wed 5 Feb 9am – 11am |
Lubeck |
Lubeck Memorial Hall 12 Wal Wal Road |
Wed 5 Feb 2pm – 4pm |
Registration is essential.
