Tackling roadside weed resistance from both sides of the fence
ROADSIDE weeds are becoming an increasing challenge for grain growers across South Australia.
Weeds such as flaxleaf fleabane and feathertop Rhodes grass ignore fence lines, spread easily, and often carry stronger herbicide resistance than those found on-farm.
If left unmanaged, these weeds can quickly undermine even the best on-farm weed control efforts.
To tackle this growing issue, the Grains Research and Development Corporation has launched a new three-year project focused on collaboration.
Led by Cross Country Management, the NGN Roadside Weed Control — From Both Sides of the Fence project will develop practical, community-based approaches to reduce weed resistance and improve coordination among government agencies, councils, growers and landholders in the Yorke Peninsula and Alexandria regions.
“This project came about through roadside weeds being identified as a key priority at National Grower Network forums in Warooka and Langhorne Creek,” GRDC grower relations manager — south Rebekah Starick said.
“Given the complexity of managing these problem weeds, it was important to develop a solution that involved multiple stakeholders.
“This project will build on learnings from the Area Wide Weed Manage-ment project led by CSIRO and aims to demonstrate a sustainable way forward for roadside weed management.”
Cross Country Management principal consultant Paige Cross, a qualified agronomist and experienced facilitator, will lead the project.
She brings practical insight into weed control and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
“Effective weed control doesn’t stop at the farm gate,” Ms Cross said.
“By working from both sides of the fence, we can strengthen collaboration between councils, growers and government, ensuring roadside management supports, rather than undermines, on-farm efforts.”
The project will include workshops, stakeholder interviews and herbicide resistance testing, aiming to better understand roadside weed resistance, clarify roles and responsibilities, and test best-practice approaches that balance weed control, safety and environmental outcomes.
Findings will inform case studies and national recommendations.
Herbicide resistance testing will be led by Dr Peter Boutsalis of Plant Science Consulting, providing credible local data to guide practical action.
The project will also explore vegetation and management strategies that reduce weed spread while supporting biodiversity and soil health, in alignment with GRDC’s national Weed Management Initiative.
Consultation workshops will begin in early 2026.
Growers, councils, contractors and community members are encouraged to participate.
To register your interest, visit www.crosscountrymanagement.com.au or contact paige@crosscountrymanagement.com.au.
