Don’t be a bright spark

GRAIN Producers SA is calling on growers to be aware of vegetation build up ahead of the coming grain harvest.

CEO Brad Perry said the biggest vegetation build-up in more than five years had created a heightened fire risk and producers should be aware of their responsibilities.

“Our Don’t Be a Bright Spark awareness campaign is aimed at putting the emphasis on fire prevention in grain producers’ hands,” Mr Perry said.

“If it’s too hot or too windy or the conditions feel dangerous to harvest in, we are saying, follow the steps in our campaign to prepare, maintain, monitor, be safe and communicate.

“If grain producers have any doubts about the harvest conditions, we encourage them to talk to their local SA Country Fire Service group officer or brigade captain as it is important to keep  communications open between grain producers and the CFS.

“Don’t Be a Bright Spark — prepare, maintain, monitor, be safe and communicate — is a simple but important message that builds on our education initiatives from previous years.”

Mr Perry said the persistent rain across the state had created a significant build-up of vegetation around cropping areas.

“Every day before you harvest, check the weather forecast, speak to neighbouring farmers about the conditions and check your machinery prior to and during harvest,” he said.

“Preparation includes establishing fire breaks across the property or in paddocks and, with so much vegetation growth this year, fire breaks really need to be closely looked at.”

GPSA continues to call on the CFS to delay the roll-out of the new Grain Harvest Code of Practice due to the short timeline provided to educate grain producers on the change from the Grassland Fire Danger Index of 35 to Fire Behaviour Index of 40 to cease harvesting.