Strong engagement and new connections at the 2025 Elmore Field Days
The Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party (VSTWP) enjoyed another successful year at the Elmore Field Days on 7–9 October 2025, showcasing their work alongside key partners under the Agriculture Victoria marquee.
This year’s event brought together thousands of visitors from across the region, and the VSTWP site was once again a hive of activity, with hundreds landholders and community members stopping by to learn more about serrated tussock identification and control.
Representing the VSTWP were Lance Jennison and Marianne Gardner, who spent two busy days speaking with landowners, students, and agricultural professionals about managing the threat of serrated tussock before it becomes established in their region.
“It’s always rewarding to meet people who are genuinely eager to learn how to recognise and prevent serrated tussock from taking hold,” said Marianne Gardner. “The earlier landholders can identify this weed, the easier and cheaper it is to manage — awareness really is the first line of defence.”
A highlight of the display was the live serrated tussock specimens, which continue to be a major drawcard for curious visitors wanting to see and touch the plant up close. Many landowners were surprised by how similar it can appear to common native grasses, reinforcing the importance of proper identification and vigilance.
“Events like Elmore are invaluable for education,” added Lance Jennison. “We spoke with several landholders who had seen our signs or social media posts but hadn’t realised how tricky serrated tussock is to spot in the paddock. Once they see it firsthand, it really clicks.”
Elmore sits within a region where serrated tussock has not yet become established, and interest was strong among farmers wanting to safeguard their pastures and local biodiversity. The VSTWP’s close placement alongside Biosecurity Victoria and Agriculture Victoria’s compliance team again created a collaborative space where visitors could access a broad range of information on weed management, reporting, and support services.
The VSTWP sincerely thanks Agriculture Victoria for coordinating such a well-organised event and providing a high-quality platform to engage with the community.
Next on the calendar for the VSTWP will be the Kyneton Show on 15 November 2025, where the team will continue raising awareness and providing practical advice on identifying and managing serrated tussock.
If you’d like to invite the VSTWP to attend your upcoming event, please contact us at info@serratedtussock.com.