MECHANICAL WEED CONTROL IN SPOTLIGHT
GRDC highlights $4.1 billion weed control cost to Australian growers
Weeds impose an annual cost to Australian grain growers of approximately $4.1 billion in lost production along with control measures and action needs to be taken. That was the message delivered by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) who have recently announced a new $47 million weed management investment.
The newly announced Weed Management Initiative (WMI) aims to provide sustainable and effective weed management strategies through four nodes across Australia, ensuring both national collaboration and regional specificity.
Growers do the numbers on mechanical weed control strategies…
Active Group Managing Director, Craig Wallace, explained the significant investment by the GRDC developed to support growers to manage one of the most persistent and costly challenges facing farming businesses highlights the dire extent of the situation.
“The GRDC’s estimate of $4.1 billion annually equates to around $196 per hectare,” Craig reiterated. “For the average farm of 2,850 hectares, this equates to $558,600 per annum.
“With statistics like this emerging and from what they are seeing on the ground, growers are doing the numbers. They are well aware of the need for a better solution to chemical reliant farming practices. Most can see the next logical step for their operation is to invest in mechanical weed control measures.
“The technology in equipment available today has come a long way and the processes developed provide an outstanding weapon against the rising costs associated with chemical use including resistance issues.
“We’ve been seeing outstanding results with the BROOKFIELD ChainBar with weed kill results standing at 100 percent in recent years. In comparison, chemical kill rates stand at only 70 to 80 percent. The ChainBar is also half the cost to run than an application of chemical.
“An initial summer pass post rain with a ChainBar fitted with the Continuous Cutting Edge Disc Chain will encourage weeds to germinate early so they can be removed with another pass before seeding, allowing for weed-free sowing and no outlay for chemicals.”
The BROOKFIELD® ChainBar – solving a national problem with a national solution!
While it may feel like farmers in each region are waging their own specific war against the menace of weeds, Craig explained this national problem needed a national strategy. Craig commended the GRDC for their ongoing commitment to finding solutions for farmers who are quickly running out of options.
“Australia has documented over 90 cases of herbicide-resistant weeds, among the highest rates globally,” Craig outlined. “Annual ryegrass has evolved resistance to at least 13 different herbicide modes of action in Australia.
“Approximately 70% of Australia’s grain-growing regions have herbicide-resistant weeds. Western Australian farms report 30% – 40% having glyphosate-resistant annual ryegrass populations.
“The economic impact of herbicide resistances is estimated at $100-200 per hectare in affected areas. If you start adding up all the costs, it starts making a one-off investment in equipment like the BROOKFIELD® ChainBar an obvious choice.
“Understandably the WA market for quality mechanical weed control tools has taken off in recent years. Popular globally, the BROOKFIELD ChainBar fitted with the KC96 Knuckle Chain proved itself as the ultimate mulching tool even dubbed a ‘canola stubble killing machine’ during demos in WA hosted and run by CTS Ag.
“Growers had the advantage of seeing the ChainBar fitted with Knuckle Chain in action under a variety of conditions including straight in behind the header in a direct headed crop with plenty of green stalks. It was impressive.
“The ChainBar performed unbelievably well in the early demos and later in the season where it literally cleaned up with the mulch-like layer creating the ideal conditions to improve soil health reducing evaporation, boosting microbial activity, enhancing moisture retention and protecting the soil from erosion.
“The multitude of Chains and Tooling options that are available provide such versatility. The aggressive chain angle means it has significant advantages over other products on the market.”
Quality Chains & Tooling to suit all applications!
Six highly versatile options catering to all soil types and functions are available in the robust BROOKFIELD ChainBar range. With the ability to add or remove weight quickly in the paddock, the quality chains can be used for zero, minimum and even maximum tillage applications.
Options include Prickle Chain, Dog Leg Chain, DC60 Rigid Flex, the Continuous Cutting Edge Range (CCE – CD5 and LD6) and Knuckle Chain. The ChainBar is available in working widths from 4m to 18.5m featuring a 45-degree working width. Narrow disc spacing achieves complete cut out for the full width of the ChainBar.
BROOKFIELD ChainBar multi-use applications at a glance…
- Stubble Incorporation – Get the full benefit of effectively knocking down and mulching all stubble from wheat, canola and sorghum to sunflower and corn.
- Weed Control – Reduce chemical use and weed management costs with targeted mechanical control.
- Soil Improvement – Conserve your moisture, protect the soil and boost microbial activity.
- Seed Bed Preparation – Increase your germination rate with superior seed bed preparation.
- Chemical Incorporation – The perfect tool for incorporation of herbicides and fertilisers.
- Paddock Levelling – Ensure optimal establishment with outstanding paddock levelling and consistent surface preparation for increased yield.
Key benefits at a glance…
- Improved soil health.
- Increased topsoil depth.
- Improved seeding efficiency.
- Increased yield.
- Reduced spraying costs.
Call BROOKFIELD today on 1800 774 274 for a demo, quote or further information.
For more information or to download a BROOKFIELD ChainBar brochure – see here… https://brookfield.net.au/chainbar-2/
For more information on the GRDC initiative…
GRDC launches $47M weed management initiative for growers. https://groundcover.grdc.com.au/grdc/announcements/grdc-launches-$47m-weed-management-initiative-for-growers
GRDC’s National Weed Management Initiative (WMI). https://grdc.com.au/research/partnerships-and-initiatives/major-initiatives/weed-management-initiative?utm_source=miragenews&utm_medium=miragenews&utm_campaign=news
Also – check out the blogs below…
BROOKFIELD® ChainBar season is coming! Invest in the ultimate multipurpose weed-killing and stubble management machine for exceptional 2025 paddock prep! https://brookfield.net.au/brookfield-chainbar-season-is-coming/
Sustainability shift key to agriculture success – BROOKFIELD ChainBar sets the standard! https://brookfield.net.au/sustainability-shift-key-to-agriculture-success/
Active Group supporting the sustainability shift – Going Green with the BROOKFIELD ChainBar https://brookfield.net.au/active-group-supporting-the-sustainability-shift/
Secure the ultimate tillage tool now! The BROOKFIELD ChainBar. https://brookfield.net.au/secure-the-ultimate-tillage-tool-now/
Why do farmers prefer the BROOKFIELD ChainBar? https://brookfield.net.au/secure-the-ultimate-tillage-tool-now/
Is it time to consider a BROOKFIELD ChainBar? https://brookfield.net.au/new-year-new-ideas/
