MEDIA RELEASE
17 October 2024
“Herbicide resistance is a growing problem for Australian farmers, but the real solution lies in diversifying our approach to weed control. By integrating alternative methods, we can reduce our dependence on chemicals, protect our crops, and improve the health of the environment. The future of farming is in innovation.”
– 2020 Nuffield Scholar, Mitchell Henderson
A Victorian grain farmer has taken global insights back to the Wimmera Mallee region in a bid to revolutionise how Australian farmers approach weed control, reducing costs and increasing sustainability.
Mitchell Henderson with Paul David, Virginia, United States
Mitchell Henderson, 2020 Nuffield Scholar, travelled to the USA, exploring cutting-edge weed management systems that could reduce reliance on herbicides and combat growing resistance issues. Supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), Mitchell’s research focuses on finding alternative methods to integrate into existing weed management strategies, including camera technology, cover cropping, flaming, and direct energy weeding systems.
“Weeds are costing producers an average of $113 per hectare in control measures, and yield losses from crop competition are adding another $33 per hectare. This is before considering the additional $187 million herbicide resistance is costing the industry. It’s a massive issue that demands a proactive approach,” Mitchell explains.
His travels across the USA, including visits to Texas, Kansas, and Virginia, allowed him to study innovative techniques such as laser and electrical weeding, weed chipping, and harvest weed seed control (HWSC) systems. Mitchell observed firsthand the potential of cover cropping, which has been used for thousands of years to suppress weed growth, and explored how AI and automation are enhancing weed control through precision targeting technologies.
Mitchell Henderson at Texas A&M, Agrilife Research, Texas, United States
“One of the most promising findings was the weed chipper developed by Australian researchers, which uses camera technology to target and remove weeds without full-scale cultivation. This, along with camera-equipped sprayers and precision tools, can reduce our reliance on herbicides and bring environmental and economic benefits.”
Mitchell notes that adopting these technologies not only reduces chemical usage but also opens new opportunities for Australian farmers to maintain a positive public perception and strengthen their social license to operate. He is passionate about encouraging Australian producers to explore new, alternative solutions and integrate them into their weed management systems.
“The future of farming is in innovation. As producers, we need to ask ourselves, ‘What else can we do?’ We can’t allow weeds to dictate our rotations or cripple our farming systems. It’s time to explore what’s out there and find what works for us.”
Mitchell’s report also highlights the importance of combining new technologies with traditional methods. From hand weeding to advanced laser systems, his research shows that there is no one-size-fits-all solution but a range of tools that can be tailored to fit into Integrated Weed Management (IWM) strategies.
Hand weeding in Iowa, United States
“This is not about going organic or abandoning chemicals altogether. It’s about reducing our dependency and improving the long-term sustainability and profitability of our farming systems,” he said.
Mitchell presented his research at the 2023 National Conference in Perth, Western Australia, and a link to his presentation can be found here
Mitchell Henderson's report can be found here
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