With paraquat under review by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), farmers across north-west Victoria face uncertainty about the future of one of their most relied-upon weed control tools. What happens to weed management if paraquat use is restricted or banned?
This critical question will be addressed at the BCG Main Field Day on Wednesday 10 September at Birchip, where Angus Butterfield (BCG) and Professor Chris Preston (University of Adelaide) will present the session Farming without paraquat: A look at Group 14s, glufosinate and new technologies.
Paraquat has long been a cornerstone in no-till systems, helping growers control hard-to-kill weeds and manage glyphosate resistance. Its potential loss would represent a major shift for Australian farming systems. Angus and Chris will guide growers through what a paraquat-free future could look like, backed by the latest research and practical insights.
“This session is about preparing growers for change,” Angus said. “There’s no single replacement for paraquat, but there are ways we can adapt. Our job is to give farmers the knowledge to make confident decisions if restrictions come into play.”
Chris added, “Paraquat has been critical for resistance management and conservation farming, but new pressures mean it’s time to look seriously at what else is out there. Alternatives exist, but they require a shift in how we think about integrated weed management.”
Angus Butterfield, BCG Research Agronomist, will share findings from BCG’s trials on Group 14 herbicides such as Sharpen, Valor and Terrain. He will discuss how these chemistries can be integrated into programs, along with the benefits, risks, and economic considerations farmers need to weigh up.
Professor Chris Preston, a nationally recognised leader in weed science, will explore how growers can approach different weed management problems on their farms using alternative chemistry. He will unpack how glufosinate and Group 14s can be optimised with new mixes and double knock strategies for best performance on-farm. Chris will also share the WeedErase™, a cutting-edge blue light technology currently commercially available in the US as a home gardening tool. Growers will have the opportunity to see a live demonstration of the WeedErase™ and ask questions about its practicality and potential role in future broadacre cropping systems.
The session will be interactive, giving farmers and agronomists the chance to discuss real-world applications and challenges.
BCG’s Main Field Day provides growers, advisors and research with the latest in local agronomic research. Entry is free for BCG members and $50 for non-members. To secure your ticket or to become a BCG member please visit the BCG website bcg.org.au.
