From Weeds to Wins: Building Partnerships in Sticky Nightshade Management in the Central Tablelands | Sarah Pearson
Tracks
| Thursday, August 7, 2025 |
| 1:10 PM - 1:30 PM |
| Parthenium Theatre |
Speaker
Miss Sarah Pearson
Project Manager
Bullseye Ag
From Weeds to Wins: Building Partnerships in Sticky Nightshade Management in the Central Tablelands | Sarah Pearson
Abstract
The Cadia District Sticky Nightshade Community Spray Program was established to address the growing problem of sticky nightshade (Solanum sisymbriifolium) infestations across the central tablelands. Initially, farmers and landholders struggled to both identify and manage the highly invasive weed, which threatened productive agricultural land and native ecosystems.
Recognizing the need for a coordinated response, the program was developed in collaboration with local landowners, agricultural specialists, and key stakeholders, including Cadia Valley Operations and Bullseye Ag. The initiative sought to provide landholders with structured support, technical expertise, and effective herbicide application strategies to combat the spread of the weed.
Now in the third year and spanning just over 30,000 ha the program has evolved by fostering stronger stakeholder engagement and community relations. By prioritizing collaboration and knowledge-sharing, it has strengthened connections between local farmers, research institutions, and government agencies. Regular meetings, field days, and training sessions provide participants with the latest research on sticky nightshade management while encouraging feedback and dialogue.
Additionally, the program has improved communication channels between Cadia Valley Operations and the wider farming community, ensuring transparency in project goals and environmental outcomes.
A key component of the program’s success has been the emphasis on maintaining management autonomy with participants, by incorporating community-driven monitoring and adaptive management strategies, stakeholders remain actively engaged in decision-making.
Ultimately, the Cadia District Sticky Nightshade Community Spray Program has transformed from a reactive weed control effort into a proactive community-led initiative, strengthening relationships between landholders, industry partners, and environmental organizations. Through continued collaboration and engagement, the program remains a critical tool in managing sticky nightshade while fostering a more resilient agricultural landscape
Recognizing the need for a coordinated response, the program was developed in collaboration with local landowners, agricultural specialists, and key stakeholders, including Cadia Valley Operations and Bullseye Ag. The initiative sought to provide landholders with structured support, technical expertise, and effective herbicide application strategies to combat the spread of the weed.
Now in the third year and spanning just over 30,000 ha the program has evolved by fostering stronger stakeholder engagement and community relations. By prioritizing collaboration and knowledge-sharing, it has strengthened connections between local farmers, research institutions, and government agencies. Regular meetings, field days, and training sessions provide participants with the latest research on sticky nightshade management while encouraging feedback and dialogue.
Additionally, the program has improved communication channels between Cadia Valley Operations and the wider farming community, ensuring transparency in project goals and environmental outcomes.
A key component of the program’s success has been the emphasis on maintaining management autonomy with participants, by incorporating community-driven monitoring and adaptive management strategies, stakeholders remain actively engaged in decision-making.
Ultimately, the Cadia District Sticky Nightshade Community Spray Program has transformed from a reactive weed control effort into a proactive community-led initiative, strengthening relationships between landholders, industry partners, and environmental organizations. Through continued collaboration and engagement, the program remains a critical tool in managing sticky nightshade while fostering a more resilient agricultural landscape
Biography
Sarah is the project Manager for the "Cadia District Sticky Nightshade spray program"
She has extensive experience across various agricultural sectors, including over a decade in the cotton industry, plant breeding, and commodity export. Her focus is on cultivating long-term relationships with landowners in the central tableland's region, ensuring effective communication and long-term infestation management.
