Canola field selfies: Australian farmers warn tourists against ‘dangerous’ social media trend

The social media trend of tourists taking selfies in canola fields is a real concern for farmers in NSW, particularly with the threat of foot and mouth disease. Photograph: lovleah/Getty Images/iStockphoto

A social media trend where eager tourists drive out to flowering canola fields, jump fences and seek out the perfect selfie is becoming “dangerous” and a growing biosecurity risk for farmers.

Two weeks ago, Tim Condon was driving over the crest of a hill at about 90km/h near Harden–Murrumburrah in southern New South Wales when he had to slam on the brakes. He said two cars of families with little kids were spread out across the road taking photos of the canola.