List of Upcoming Events and Products

Most Recent Ag News Article

July 3, 2024 - The Responsibility of Respecting Rangeland

Preventing the spread of invasive species is everybody’s responsibility to preserve the beauty of our natural environment.

Invasive, non-native species of weeds, pests and disease are the most costly and dangerous threat to the productivity of agriculture and biodiversity. These species take over the area they inhabit and outcompete native species such as alfalfa and clover. 

As we approach the peak of weed season, invasive species have already established in many fields and are almost ready to set seed. Invasive species are commonly transferred and spread via human, livestock and vehicle transport. 

Summer activities that seem harmless, such as ATV use, dirt biking, hiking and many more, are huge transporters of seeds. Alongside summer activities that we all know and love, the lack of sanitization of all equipment and even the movement of firewood can spread invasive species. Contaminated soil, plant and animal material can easily latch onto a variety of locations on vehicles, equipment, footwear, clothing and pets. 

Any area of the globe is reachable in 72 hours and those invasives, given the right environment, can be viable for 72 hours. This becomes a problem when invasives are introduced into areas with little to no competition, giving rise to a major infestation. 

It is not my land; therefore, it is not my responsibility is a common mistaken belief. When you return home, where you take pride in ensuring its natural beauty is preserved, you may be unaware of the invasives you have just introduced. The following year you notice a little yellow flower you know so well, then five, then 50. The next thing you know, your field is swamped with Tall Buttercup and now you are responsible. 

Some may also argue that weeds are everywhere, so why bother worrying about them? By doing our part to reduce the spread, we become closer to having more grazing land, more recreational land and less worries about spreading. 

The first step in taking personal responsibility begins with the awareness that human activities are a vector for spread. The second step is achieved through self-education as to the weed species that may be encountered during any given activity.

Aside from agricultural damage, one of the hardest hit areas in Clearwater County is the west country where invasive species are seriously impacting riparian areas. Frequently used as travel corridors and campsites, creeks, rivers, wetlands and lakes often have the highest biodiversity within an ecosystem. 

A few precautions that can be taken while enjoying the back country and all its beauty are inspecting your belongings before leaving, checking all cracks and areas that may harbour seeds and, again, sanitizing equipment after using it.

Agriculturally, most farmers are aware of a hygiene problem, but on occasion, in a rush to get the job done, may overlook the ramifications of neglecting to clean off equipment. Still, others view machinery hygiene as a fall chore, while weeds and pests are carried from field to field inadvertently throughout the growing season. 

The first place infestations start is the entrance of fields where debris is deposited as machinery exits the road. A common example of this is Clubroot of canola. Clubroot can be a result of poor machine hygiene and being neglectful in the rush to get the job done.

Some effective cleaning options include washing, air pressure, vacuuming and physical removal. It is not always possible to wash equipment on site, but even a portable pressurized spray tank can be used to clear hard to reach areas, especially when equipment is dry.

Portable vacuums offer a quick and easy way to clean out cabs. Carrying a brush or broom and a scraper will help to remove larger deposits in more accessible areas. 

Machinery should be cleaned from the top down and include the undercarriage, springs, axles and tires. Whenever possible, detergents should be used to remove grease, dirt and mud.  

Footwear should also be cleaned, along with socks and clothing. Using the same site for cleaning will allow for monitoring of volunteer weed growth in an area where it can be easily controlled.

Establishing management practices that reduce the spread of invasive species is everyone’s responsibility. It is the environment and agriculture that ultimately suffer because of poor hygiene that allows for the transfer of invasive species.

For more specific details on potential pest, disease or weed problems, please feel free to give us a call at Clearwater County Agriculture and Community Services at 403-846-4040.