The Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia (RGA) together with Griffith City Council, Leeton Shire Council, the Irrigation Research and Extension Committee (IREC), and Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI) encourage all growers to seriously consider not burning stubble during Anzac Day and weekends this autumn. Supporting our regional communities in this way ensures that the range of events, sporting and community activities are held under the best possible conditions.
The RGA’s Policy and Projects Manager Neil Bull said; “Farmers are preparing for the planting of winter crops and many will be burning stubble. We ask them to reduce the effects on those living nearby. Farmers are asked to be mindful of the impacts that smoke can have on nearby communities and only burn when conditions are appropriate.”
He said; “it was important to monitor weather forecasts, if conditions are dry, with no rain forecast, delaying burning by a day so will have little impact on farming operations.”
“It is important for farmers to plan their burning strategy to avoid inappropriate conditions. Burning can begin as soon as the dew has dried aiming to have fires out by 4pm. Monitor prevailing weather conditions and avoid burning late in the day or when there is no wind, as this is when the mixing height can be low holding smoke close to the ground.
“Ricegrowers can use the Stubble Burning App or the Bureau of Meteorology’s MetEye. Both show location specific wind speed and direction, along with mixing height to help growers plan their stubble burns.“
For more information about best practice and alternatives to burning farmers should refer to the Responsible Stubble Management details on the RGA website.
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