Farmers are issuing a stark warning about the rapid spread of a destructive cactus across northern NSW, fearing this could be just the start of a growing weed crisis unless sustained funding for weed control is secured.
Richard Doyle, Chair of the Croppa Creek and North Star Branch of NSW Farmers, said the harrisia cactus, which is already moving south from the Queensland border, is now making its way toward the Tamworth and Gunnedah regions. Farmers in the north of the state have reported a sharp increase in infestations, which have exploded due to recent favorable weather conditions.
“This cactus is spreading fast, and we’re now seeing it move closer th regional north west, towards region like Tamworth and Gunnedah” Mr. Doyle said. “Its large spikes are a threat to livestock, and while farmers are doing everything they can to control it, we simply can’t manage this on our own.”
The cactus is being spread rapidly by birds, which are dispersing the seeds in vast numbers, along with feral pigs and other wildlife that scatter the seeds far and wide. “It’s a perfect storm,” Mr. Doyle explained. “We’re struggling to keep up with its spread, and without support, the situation will only get worse.”
Harrisia cactus is a low-growing, spiny plant with white flowers and red fruit. While herbicides and biological control methods like mealy bugs can help manage the cactus, Mr. Doyle stressed that effective containment would require consistent and significant funding from both the state and federal governments.
“We need a coordinated, cross-tenure approach to managing this weed – one that’s far more intensive and coordinated than what we currently have in place,” he said. “This cactus is just one of many invasive species costing farmers valuable time and money. We need serious investment in research and control strategies if we’re going to make a real impact.”
With farmers on the front line of this battle, the problem is expected to worsen unless decisive action is taken. “If we don’t take action now, we’ll continue to see this problem grow,” Mr. Doyle warned. “The time for talking is over – it’s time for real investment and action to fight invasive weeds.”
Source: Beefcentral.com
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