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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 47(12)

Weed management on grazing properties: a survey of livestock producers in New South Wales and Victoria

A. W. van der Meulen A C , I. J. Reeve A and B. M. Sindel B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Institute for Rural Futures, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.

B School of Rural Science and Agriculture, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.

C Corresponding author. Email: aschnei2@une.edu.au

Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 47(12) 1415-1421 https://doi.org/10.1071/EA06179
Submitted: 19 June 2006  Accepted: 24 August 2007   Published: 16 November 2007

Abstract

Social research was conducted to explore factors influencing weed management on grazing properties in southern Australia. Face-to-face interviews were held with 122 livestock producers, 94 written questionnaires were returned and 90 grazing properties were visited and rated for weed incidence and management effort. Segmentation techniques revealed three groups, on the basis of farmer demographics and farm characteristics. These groups varied significantly in the range of control methods used, weed management effort, difficulties encountered with weed control and attitudes towards weed control. Respondents were also grouped into four categories with respect to weed control methods: minimal control, mechanical control, grazing control and maximal control. Control groups differed significantly in terms of the number and complexity of methods used, difficulties encountered with weed control, levels of weed awareness and the value placed on various sources of information about weed control. Characteristics of effective weed managers were considered and three factors were identified as underpinning success with weed control. These are referred to as the three ‘Ds’: diligence, diversity and deliberation. These factors have been used to define a three dimensional framework, within which the diversity of approaches towards weed control can be understood.

Additional keywords: adoption, extension, pastures, weeds.


Acknowledgements

The work described in this paper was funded by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA). Various other groups provided assistance but, in particular, we acknowledge the valuable feedback and involvement in the surveys by weed research and regulatory staff from the Department of Sustainability and Environment and the Department of Primary Industries in Victoria, and the Wagga Wagga and Tamworth City Councils, the Lockhart, Tumut and Gundagai Shire Councils, and the New England Weeds Authority in New South Wales. We also thank the many livestock producers who participated in our surveys.


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1 A copy of the questionnaire can be obtained from the authors upon request.

2 A complete list of weeds can be obtained from the authors upon request.