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Inspect second-hand machines for biosecurity threats, expert advises

Some of the contents found in the second-hand seeder, including fertiliser, plant material, canola, lupin, wheat and wild radish seeds.
Photo: Plant Health Australia

When does 'clean' really mean clean when it comes to purchasing a second-hand machine?

If you are buying second-hand machinery, don't assume that it is completely clean, even if it has been inspected, New South Wales grains biosecurity officer Bill Gordon says.

"Any machinery that has been used in crop production is likely to have traces of soil, plant material or seed that may not be visible, even after an initial inspection and a decent clean," he says.

"Growers should always inspect equipment for themselves and thoroughly clean any second-hand machinery before they use it on their own farms.

"As an industry, we all share the responsibility to prevent, eliminate or minimise biosecurity risks, not only to meet state biosecurity obligations, but more importantly to protect our own farms and the grains industry from exotic pest incursions."

Any machinery that has been used in crop production is likely to have traces of soil, plant material or seed that may not be visible, even after an initial inspection and a decent clean. - NSW grains biosecurity officer Bill Gordon

Mr Gordon says a great example of taking grain biosecurity seriously was demonstrated recently by an alert grower from NSW who had purchased a second-hand seeder from another area.

"After delivery of the seeder, the grower decided to thoroughly inspect and clean the machine before using it on the farm," he says.

Unseen threats

The grower disassembled the seeder, including the distribution tubes, and found a quantity of fertiliser, seed and other plant material that was not visible, or easily accessible.

"Among the material were many seeds, including canola, wheat, lupins and weed seeds," Mr Gordon says.

"This discovery of lupin seed was timely, considering the announcement in May of the lifting of restrictions to growing lupins in the NSW lupin anthracnose biosecurity zone."

The lifting of planting restrictions has followed a period of surveillance by NSW Department of Primary Industries and Local Land Services after an incursion of the disease into the state in 2016.

No further occurrence of the disease has been recorded in NSW, but it is currently present in Western Australia and South Australia.

Mr Gordon says this example highlights the need for anyone purchasing second-hand machinery to be biosecurity-aware.

"This alert grower's actions are a great example of biosecurity best practice and may have prevented an incursion of another seed-borne disease into NSW," he says.

Know where the machine has come from, understand what may be hidden within it and make sure it is clean before it is used on your farm. - NSW grains biosecurity officer Bill Gordon

"Apart from introducing diseases that are not present in your area, the risk of spreading resistant weeds, insect pests or even genetically modified seeds into areas where they are not permitted or desired can be prevented by inspecting machinery before using it.

"Know where the machine has come from, understand what may be hidden within it and make sure it is clean before it is used on your farm."

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