As the warm weather approaches a familiar pair of weeds will start to raise their giant heads across farmland in the Kempsey Shire: Giant Rats Tail and Giant Parramatta Grass.
Both these grasses invade and compete with pasture and native grasses and are difficult for cattle to eat, reducing the productivity of farmland if allowed to proliferate.
Their tall seedheads, which can grow up to 2 metres high, can also increase the fire risk on your property, providing fuel and increasing the intensity of fires that do start.
Giant Parramatta Grass spreads easily via its sticky seeds, which can stay viable for up to 10 years. Seeds can spread by livestock and other animals, clothing and footwear, vehicles and machinery, flowing water, wind, and contaminated produce, making good farm hygiene essential in stopping the spread of this weed.
Giant Rats Tail Grass is a relative of the Giant Parramatta Grass, with a seed head that looks a bit like a rat's tail when young, branching to an elongated pyramidal shape when mature.
Similar to the Giant Parramatta Grass, Giant Rats Tail Grass tends to outgrow pasture and native grasses, is difficult for cattle to eat, and increases fire risk in the warmer months. Their seeds spread by attaching to animals, clothing and vehicles, in water and mud, and in contaminated agricultural produce such as pasture seed and fodder.
There's plenty you can do to help us manage weeds in the Macleay Valley. For example, you can:
- learn to recognise which weeds grow in your area and report weeds to Council
- practise good hygiene to ensure that weed seeds are not transported by vehicle, clothing, shoes, animals and soil
- dispose of garden waste in your green bin or at a Council waste and recycling centre
- cover your trailer when transporting plant material
- stay on designated tracks when walking, horse riding, driving or riding bikes through national parks and other natural areas
- make informed decisions when buying plants for your garden, pond or aquarium
- check importation and biosecurity rules before ordering and/or sending plant material from other states or countries
- never put aquarium water or contents down drains or into waterways
- volunteer for your local Landcare or bush regeneration group.
