Wimmera and Southern Mallee grain growers will have an opportunity to learn the most effective tactics to tackle snails and slugs at free workshops delivered by Agriculture Victoria next month.

Independent snail and slug management consultant, Dr Michael Nash, will deliver the two-hour workshops at Kaniva, Winiam, Wallup, Rainbow, Wonwondah and St Helens Plains, in response to enquiries from farmers looking for cost-effective strategies to manage these pests.

Participants will learn how to identify important pest snail species and, in higher rainfall areas, identify the two major slug species.

The workshops will also cover the life cycles of these pests, their impact on market access, the most effective baits and recent research findings.

Dr Nash said he was keen to help growers explore how an integrated approach can be used to manage snails and slugs.

“I will present the latest research results and talk to growers about how the findings can be applied in the field to get the most cost-effective control,” he said.

Growers will also be able to ask questions or raise issues specific to their soil type.

The workshops are supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation and the Wimmera Catchment Management Authority through the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

The workshops will be held at:
  • Kaniva Community Centre, Tuesday 12 February, 9.30am for 10am start
  • Winiam Hall, Tuesday 12 February, 3pm for 3.30pm start
  • Wallup Hall, Wednesday 13 February, 9am for 9.30am start
  • The Oasis, Rainbow, Wednesday 13 February for 1.30pm to 2pm start
  • Wonwondah Hall, Thursday 14 February, 9am for 9.30am start
  • Taylors Lake Hall, Thursday 14 February, 12.30pm for 1pm start
Registration is essential. For more information, please contact Heather Drendel, Agriculture Victoria, on 0427 868 705.