Harvest code agreement reached

South Australian grain producers will be able to use either the Grassland Fire Danger Index (GFDI) or the new Fire Behaviour Index (FBI) under the Harvest Code of Practice during this harvest, after an agreement was reached between Grain Producers SA (GPSA), the State Government and SA Country Fire Service (SACFS).

The new FBI was introduced on September 1, as part of the new Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS), which changes the calculation methodology and key cut off value for grain harvest to cease at an FBI 40, where previously the index and cut off value was stipulated as a GFDI 35.

SA CFS Chief Officer Brett Loughlin said it is important to note, that while the AFDRS includes significant new information regarding a range of different vegetation types, the data informing decision making by grain producers whether to harvest or not due to weather conditions remains relatively consistent.

GPSA Chief Executive Officer Brad Perry said it was pleasing to see a common- sense approach is being taken this harvest with grain producers still able to use the GFDI of 35.

For grain producers using the new FBI, SACFS has made available an online fire behaviour calculator – AURORA. The calculator can be found on the CFS website and once installed can be adjusted from 10 metres to two metres for guidance on a decision to cease harvesting.

For further information please visit https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/plan-prepare/business- farms/farm-fire-safety-prevention/#grain