Ricegrowers’ Association remind growers not to burn stubble during Easter and Anzac Day public holidays.

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) remind farmers who are planning to burn stubble, to do so responsibly.

The reminder comes as Easter and Anzac Day are fast approaching. The organisations are asking farmers to support their regional communities and ensure that all who participate in the range of community activities planned for the upcoming holidays, do so under the best possible conditions.

The RGA’s Environmental Projects Manager Neil Bull said it was important to use best practice for stubble burning and take all possible steps to minimise the adverse effects of smoke on neighbours and surrounding communities.

“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.”

“Rice growers 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.”