Waging a war against invasive pasture weeds and thistles was a highlight in 2008 for Clutha Agricultural Development Board projects manager Malcolm Deverson, who will tell this week's annual meeting the battle is set to continue this year and beyond.
The sustainable farming fund project, to tackle and win the battle to control the Californian thistle, attracted media coverage but also seemed to be working effectively at selected sites around the district.
Seven sites in South Otago, Southland and Wanganui received green thistle beetles in the first release in late 2007 and early last year.
Searches this summer found evidence those beetles had established themselves at six of the seven locations.
"Searchers found the beetles themselves, larvae or the distinctive transparent windows which are evidence of feeding. It is very unusual to find such evidence of establishment so early in a biocontrol programme," Mr Deverson reports.
The group secured an extension of the biocontrol programme until June this year and he hopes, by then, a significant number of sites for both agents will allow it to do even more work in the fight against the invasive thistle.
The board's annual meeting will be held at the South Otago Town and Country Club on Wednesday from 6pm.
The gathering will start with a review of the 2008 year, election of the executive and presentations.
Rural Livestock chairman and real estate manager John Faulks will talk about the present financial situation and farming in tough economic times.
