VSTWP engage at Hamilton Sheepvention

The VSTWP had a blast at the popular Hamilton Sheepvention in early August 2022. The event was massive and was the first face-to-face event the VSTWP had attended in Hamilton for over 2 years with landowners and managers having a chance to see serrated tussock specimens and learning how to best manage serrated tussock infestations.

The weather was cold and wild, with numbers at the event very strong, with VSTWP volunteers working hard to ensure landowners weren’t left disappointed.

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Of most interest again was the live specimens of serrated tussock and native poa grass, where landowners could compare the two side by side. “The best way to learn to identify this noxious weed is to see the two similar plants side by side so you can identify the differences,” said Community Engagement Officer Ivan Carter.

“Also of great interest was the free giveaways of native Poa Grass, which is a great garden plant and an alternative to Serrated Tussock”.

The VSTWP were close to the Agriculture Business stalls, which helped attract people to a variety of different displays and share and highlight the VSTWP’s extensive work on serrated tussock control and management in Victoria, and present information on best practice management to new landowners in the region.

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The region around Hamilton and surroundings is subject to low to medium density infestations of serrated
tussock, with landowners keen to get on top of new infestations before they become established. Recently a few new infestations have been discovered, which is concerning and a high priority for landowners and the local and state government.

The VSTWP provided information sheets and highlighted some successful landowners managing larger infestations of serrated tussock across the state of Victoria. “The new case studies, along with the online videos, have proved to be really popular with the community and highlight that prevention is the key to succeeding in reducing the impact and costs of this invasive plant,” said Mr Carter.

The next event for the VSTWP will be the Elmore Field Day, which is a massive crowd and always worth attending.