Incorrect weed and water quality management can affect the productivity of working farms according to the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI).

DPI agronomist Tony Cox said the field day provided information on how to manage a range of rural issues.

He said people need to have an understanding of how their land management can affect nearby properties.

“It could lead to a loss of productivity and a decrease in biodiversity and ecosystem function,” Mr Cox said.

“You need to recognise what you’ve got because you can’t manage it if you don’t know what you’ve got,” he said.

The course covered a range of topics including pasture production for livestock, water quality and dam biodiversity, weed management, planting trees, shrubs and grasses and fire risk management.

Mr Cox said the free course was offered due to a large number of newcomers seeking information on managing their land.

Landholder Lis Arundell attended the field day and said she wanted to learn “how to run” the 100 acre property her and husband Mark recently purchased.

Having moved to the area from Perth, Mrs Arundell said the information day was beneficial.

“We want to know what stock to put on it and how to recognise and manage weeds,” she said.

While the number of attendees was small at this week’s session, Mr Cox said he expects the further three field days scheduled for 2012 will attract greater numbers.

For information on upcoming courses contact tony Cox at the Orange Agricultural Institute on 0427 259 691.

nadine.morton@ruralpress.c om