29 Jan 2013

More Chilean needle grass found in Canterbury

8:48 am on 29 January 2013

Biosecurity staff in Canterbury have found another hill country site infested with Chilean needle grass.

The invasive grass now covers 280 hectares of North Canterbury land and threatens the viability of sheep farming in these areas, due its sharp needle-like head which can cause wool, meat and pelt damage.

Environment Canterbury says only a few plants were discovered at the site and due to its early intervention the infestation has been controlled.