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The Victorian Farmers Federation and the Country Fire Authority are working with local volunteers and farmers to trial a new grain harvesting code of practice.
The VFF/CFA grain harvesting code of practice is based on the South Australian code, which prohibits harvesting when conditions reach 35 on the grassfire danger index. The trial of the grain harvesting guide by local CFA groups around Warracknabeal over harvest this year is a voluntary one, with all harvesters choosing to opt in if they want to contribute to the pilot and test the guide.
The guide uses the Grassland Fire Danger Index (GFDI) model to give growers parameters about when they should stop harvesting. The GFDI takes into account average wind speed, temperature and relative humidity, and the code has a sliding scale which calculates a figure, and stipulates grain harvest should be suspended when this figure exceeds 35.
The guide is supported by a brochure that outlines the GFDI and the potential fire spread under certain conditions, as well as including recommended practices for grain harvesters during the Fire Danger Period, and on high risk days. A simple ‘dashboard sticker’ is also provided as a quick calculator for when local condition reach the point where it is recommended that grain harvesting cease. The aim of this trial is to provide a more common sense approach to grain harvesting that takes into account local conditions – rather than a blanket ban on harvesting on Total Fire Ban days.
VFBV was provided a small window of opportunity with a three week consultation period in which to collect and provide feedback to CFA on the proposal before it was introduced. VFBV field officers worked with District Council members to seek input from brigades who may be affected by the proposal. Good feedback was received from brigades and groups across the State, with some positive suggestions on improvements to the draft proposal. This feedback was compiled by VFBV and provided back to CFA to inform the final grain harvesting code of conduct.
On October 31, VFF Grains President Brett Hosking and CFA Chief Officer Euan Ferguson launched the trial at Cannum Fire Station near Warracknabeal, with local VFF and CFA members. VFF Grains President Brett Hosking said “the advantage of this scheme is that it provides a straightforward, user-friendly, and objective way for growers to manage potential fire risk on their individual properties and uses data which most growers would have on hand”.
CFA Chief Officer Euan Ferguson said “research is telling us that fires which start during harvesting can and do occur. We want to do everything we can to prevent costly fires in equipment and in valuable grain crops at this crucial time of year. If farmers can consider suspending harvesting during the few hours of highest fire danger we should see a reduction in fire starts. Last season was busy. Early indications suggest that the fire season may be 2 to 3 weeks earlier than in past years. It’s so important that we’re all well prepared across the state.”
The trial will continue throughout the summer harvest period within these groups in District 17, with an assessment of the trial expected at the end of the season. VFBV will continue to advocate for volunteers to have sufficient time to comment as part of the assessment process at the end of the trial period, before decisions are made post trial.
