ON FARM NATIONAL IN BRIEF A new war on weeds“To build on the $10 billion worthof benefits weed biocontrol RD&E has delivered to agriculture to date, Anew report from the Centre “The cost of weeds is growing and we Australia needs a new 10‑plus year for Invasive Species Solutions need smarter, more strategic national national program to generate an has found the agricultural investment in research, development ongoing pipeline of biocontrol agents cost of weeds is, on average, $4.8 and extension solutions to manage after current key major projects wind up billion a year – or $13 million a day. them,” Tony said. in 2020,” Andreas said. National Farmers’ Federation Chief Centre for Invasive Species Solutions A more strategic approach is in line with Executive Officer Tony Mahar said (CISS) Chief Executive Officer Andreas a request by the Federal Government the figure was up 20% from the last Glanznig said weed biocontrol was one for the MLA‑supported CISS to develop economic analysis carried out in 2004. such example. a 10‑year national investment plan for weeds RD&E. NRM Regions Australia Executive Officer Dr Kate Andrews stressed the need for collaborative and strategic action. “Tomorrow’s weeds are already here, and we know that some 20 new weeds naturalise in the environment each year. That’s one new weed every 18 days,” she said. ■ Download the new report: invasives.com.au/our‑publications Tools to help • How do I manageheifers pre‑joining toMLA Project Manager –Research & Development improve reproductive Grassfed Beef, Dr reproductive performance? A heifermanagement programNigel Tomkins, said theReproductive Performance is crucial for effective Tips & Tools were performance performance. Thispublication providesinsights on planning,developed based onfindings and insights from extensive northern beef from pre‑joining through projects, such as CashCow. Four new resources have been developed by to calving . MLA to help northern beef producers boost • What joining system “A major finding from MLA reproductive performance in their herds. should I use? Looks at research has been that The Tips & Tools publications guide producers joining options – controlled,reproductive loss is having in identifying issues in their breeding herds and restricted, segregated a large impact on the provide ways to address them. and continuous – and performance of northern explains the advantages beefs herds,” he said. Topics covered are: and disadvantages of each “The latest research • What females should system, and other points developments are being I sell? Examines why to consider. provided to beef producers selling the right females • What’s causing through the new Tips & is important and includes reproductive loss? Using Tools series, presented guidelines on weighing up a step‑by‑step approach as short, easy to read, market opportunities and to on‑farm diagnosis, step‑by‑step guides.” ■ specifications, the cost sample collection and of replacement heifers laboratory confirmation, Dr Nigel Tomkins and pregnancy rates in this helps producers E: ntomkins@mla.com.au first‑calf cows. determine causes of reproductiveloss and find mla.com.au/reproperf the most effective solution. 10