Biosecurity in Crop Production

Reduction of pest movement in crop production (both grains and oilseeds) is good business for everyone involved. Crop biosecurity refers to the management practices that can help to minimize, control the introduction or multiplication of pests in crops. 
 
The concern with introducing or increasing pest populations (ex: weed, insect, disease, nematode, etc.) is the long-term negative effect on the farm's productivity.
 
Though producers are responsible for their operations, others working on agricultural lands have responsibilities to reduce pest movement. 
 
The following sections discuss biosecurity protocols and explain the responsibilities of the different groups who may be involved with a farm operation. 
 
 

Biosecurity Protocols 

For Landowners/Occupants

  • Assess risks associated with your operation for pest introduction and movement around farm. This could include equipment cleaning between fields, increased crop scouting, proper pest identification and learning more about new pest threats.
  • Develop protocols that will reduce the potential of pest introduction and spread between fields and properties.
  • Implement protocols and management practices in your operation.  
  • Communicate with other groups working on your property about your protocols and expectations.
 

For Agricultural Retail, Custom Equipment Operators and Service Provider Industries

(pesticide/fertilizer retailers, pesticide applicators, custom harvesters/balers/manure haulers, custom equipment leasing, consulting agronomists, Manitoba Hydro, MTS, etc.)

  • Develop and implement protocols that pertain to the activities and services you conduct on producers fields. This can prevent the establishment of pests and/or minimize pest spread between fields and properties. Protocols could include:
    • equipment cleaning between fields
    • avoid equipment traffic on fields during wet conditions
    • increased communication with clients on their expectations
  • Communicate and educate clients and industry about biosecurity and the threat that pest movement represents to Manitoba crop production.

For Energy, Construction, Water Management, Transportation Industry and Municipal Work on Agricultural Land

  • Develop and implement protocols to prevent pest movement and establishment to other fields and properties.  Protocols could include:
    • equipment cleaning between fields
    • avoid equipment traffic on fields during wet conditions
    • increased communication with clients on their expectations
  • Communicate and educate clients and industry about biosecurity and the threat that pest movement represents to Manitoba crop production.

For Private and Public Agronomists

  • Conduct field surveys for crop pests, publically reporting on current pest levels and the discovery of new pest.
  • Provide consultation, extension information and training on how to identify and control pests. Share best management practices with researchers, other government bodies, industry and producers. 
  • Educate producers about the Biosecurity Calculator.
  • Educate the agriculture industry, oil industry and general public about biosecurity and the threat that pest introduction, multiplication and movement represents to Manitoba crop production.
  • Educate agricultural retail industry, environmental companies, tile drainage/water management, custom applicators, petroleum, construction and transportation industries, and landscaping companies about equipment sanitation requirements and pest spread within and between fields and municipalities.
 

For Agricultural Researchers

  • Assess the risks associated with your activities for pest introduction and movement between fields where research is occurring. 
  • Develop protocols that will reduce the potential of pest introduction and spread between fields and properties (ex: cleaning equipment between fields, training on non-target pest identification).
  • Communicate with the producer cooperator or field station manager about their expectations on biosecurity and discuss the management activities to be implemented. Discuss protocols with staff so they understand the expectations.
  • Provide consultation, extension and training on pest identification and best management practices for control with researchers, other government bodies, industry and producers.

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