Free farm biosecurity signs will be available to farmers attending Wagin Woolarama from the Department of Agriculture and Food Shed.
The signs will be provided by the department in conjunction with Plant Health Australia.
Department grains biosecurity officer Jeff Russell said farm biosecurity was a process of continual improvement and practices needed to be updated on a regular basis to take into account changes in the farm business.
“It was widely acknowledged from a Western Australian grower survey conducted over the last two years that many growers saw the need to have biosecurity signs at the entrance to their property,” Mr Russell said.
“However, the majority of grain growers surveyed did not have such signs in place.”
Placement of signs at strategic entry points and gates help the landholder control where people go or keep track of where visitors have been.
“With many farms, it can also be an advantage to place biosecurity signs at any parts of the property that might be isolated from the main block,” he said.
Mr Russell said putting in place good on-farm biosecurity measures was the best way to help reduce the risk of pests and diseases entering properties.
“There are more than 300 exotic grain pests and diseases known to be capable of even limited establishment in Australia if allowed in,” he said.
“It is important to maintain vigilance for local pests and diseases, and for any exotic threats that could be brought onto a property by visitors or workers. Good signage is a significant part of any farm’s biosecurity measures.”
Free biosecurity signs are available at the department’s shed located at Site 626 on Kitchener Street at the Wagin Woolarama on the 8 and 9 March.
“I encourage farmers to come along and pick up a free sign or two to take home with them. And, of course, department staff will be on hand to provide any advice needed on farm biosecurity,” Mr Russell said.
Media contact: Jodie Thomson, media liaison +61 (0)8 9368 3937