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Tony Burfield
Sustainable Farming Extension Officer
Tony Burfield has been working with the vegetable industry for the past eight years on improving pest control through Integrated Pest Management practices (IPM). Most of this work has been carried out with the greenhouse growers at Virginia. During this time Tony has developed a range of information resources and networks of experts to assist growers with some of their persistent crop health challenges.
Current work:
- Recruiting grower groups for pest and disease prevention planning and implementation. Workshops and pest and disease prevention farm planning reviews are free (summer-autumn 2009).
- Under the Compost For Soils program the use of compost to improve soil and plant health and reduce pest and disease losses has been encouraged. SARDI research programs are generating information and demonstrations through farm trials using high rates of good quality compost in greenhouses and field crops. Excellent results with strong cost-benefits are being achieved in yield and quality improvements.
- Assisting information output from a SARDI Basic Hydroponic systems program.
- Recently co-ordinated training and support for computer based small business accounting and cost analysis. The consultant is available at very reasonable rates.
Details on available IPM and Compost For Soils farm management resources follow.
Assistance with crop health issues
You can contact Tony about various farming issues related to IPM and compost for further help to:
- Identify relevant information packages for self-help
- Seek more detailed assistance on a pest or disease issue
- Schedule a farm visit to review management of persistent pest problems/facilitate referral to relevant growers/consultants/researchers
- Access diagnostic services for Entomology (insect) and Pathology (plant disease) and Soils – fees apply
- Register for training in IPM, soil health, basic hydroponic systems or basic business management
Desk phone: (08) 8303 9580
Mobile: 0401 120 857
Email: tony.burfield@sa.gov.au
