RGA reminds growers not to burn stubble during Easter and Anzac Day public holidays

The Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia (RGA), Griffith City Council, Leeton Shire Council and the Irrigation Research and Extension Committee (IREC) remind farmers who are planning to burn stubble, to do so responsibly.

We need to support our regional communities and ensure that all who participate in the range of planned community activities during Easter and Anzac Day holidays, do so under the best possible conditions.

The RGA’s Environmental Projects Manager Neil Bull said it was important to take all possible steps to minimise the adverse effects of smoke on neighbours and neighbouring townships.

“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. Growers are asked to be mindful of the impacts that smoke can have on nearby communities and only burn when conditions are appropriate.”

“Growers should plan their burning strategy to avoid inappropriate conditions. Monitor prevailing weather conditions and avoid burning late in the day or when there is no wind, as this is when inversion layers are most likely to be present.”

“The Bureau of Meteorology website has a mixing height tool to help growers plan stubble burns. Click on the MetEye link to use the tool to get a forecast for burning conditions and wind speed and direction over the next few days at your location.”

“For more information about this tool and alternatives to burning growers should refer to the Responsible Stubble Management details on the RGA website.”