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THE WEST AUSTRALIAN | Mid West Farmers struggling to beat the mouse plague as APVMA won't allow stronger poisons
Grain producers in Western Australia’s Mid West are struggling to control rising mouse numbers, with calls growing for access to stronger bait options. The West Australian reported that were growers facing sustained pressure from high mouse populations, with concerns current control measures are not delivering consistent results in paddocks. The situation is being compounded by the inability to access higher-strength bait, with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicin
Apr 29


ABC SA COUNTRY HOUR | SA online session for mice affected growers
ABC Country Hour South Australia has highlighted an online information session being run by Grain Producers Australia. The session will be held on Friday May 1 and will give growers insight into the current mouse activity conditions and baiting updates.
Apr 29


STOCK JOURNAL | SA growers call for access to higher strength bait as mouse activity rises
Grain producers in South Australia are calling for access to higher-strength mouse bait, as activity increases across key cropping regions. Reporting from Stock Journal highlights growing concern that current bait options are not delivering consistent control, with growers seeking access to ZP50 through an emergency permit process. Grain Producers Australia RD&E spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said the push reflects what growers are seeing on the ground. “Growers are seeing mou
Apr 28


MSN AUSTRALIA | Fears of fresh mouse plague as farmers share videos
New footage of large mouse populations is raising fresh concerns about the scale and spread of the current outbreak across Australia’s grain regions. Reports show mice moving in large numbers from Western Australia into South Australia, with growers sharing videos of heavy infestations impacting paddocks and infrastructure. Grain Producers Australia RD&E spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said the situation is another blow for growers already managing multiple pressures. “This is
Apr 28


FARM WEEKLY | 'Worse than 2021': growers push for ZP50 bait to battle mouse plague
Mouse populations in Western Australia are now being reported above levels seen during the 2021 eastern states plague, raising serious concern as seeding continues. Coverage from Farm Weekly highlights extreme densities across the grainbelt, with reports of thousands of mice per hectare and activity well beyond recognised plague thresholds. Grain Producers Australia RD&E spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said the scale of the outbreak is creating real pressure at a critical point
Apr 27


RADIO NATIONAL BREAKFAST | Looming mouse plague a challenge for winter seeding
As many farmers prepare to sow winter crops around ANZAC Day, pressures from global conflict and growing mouse numbers are looming. Grain Producers Australia Research, Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann spoke to Radio National Breakfast and explained current conditions around the country.
Apr 27


WA TODAY | Multi-billion hit coming to crop exports as mouse plague hits WA farmers
A growing mouse plague in Western Australia is now being linked to significant risks for grain production and export value, as pressure builds through seeding. Reporting from WA Today highlights concerns the outbreak could deliver a multi-billion dollar hit to crop exports if not brought under control, with widespread activity across key grain growing regions. Grain Producers Australia RD&E spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said the scale of the issue reflects how quickly mouse p
Apr 27


NEWS.COM.AU | Industry experts support reinstating older fuel refineries in Australia
Industry voices are calling for greater investment in domestic fuel refining, following the fire at the Viva Energy Geelong Refinery and ongoing global supply pressures. A video report from News.com.au highlights growing support from industry experts to strengthen Australia’s refining capability, with concerns the country’s reliance on imports leaves it exposed during disruptions. Australia now operates just two refineries, with the Ampol Lytton Oil Refinery the only other do
Apr 25


GRAIN CENTRAL | Applications for ZP50 mouse bait lodged as clock ticks
Applications for emergency access to higher-strength mouse bait have been lodged, as mouse numbers continue to build across key grain regions. Reporting from Grain Central shows the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority is assessing requests to allow use of ZP50, which doubles the zinc phosphide dose currently available under ZP25. The applications come as seeding gets underway in South Australia and Western Australia, with strong mouse activity already bei
Apr 24


THE WEEKLY TIMES | Growers on alert as mouse numbers build
Grain producers are managing increasing mouse activity across key cropping regions, with numbers continuing to rise through seeding. Coverage in The Weekly Times points to growers already taking action at sowing, as conditions support rapid population growth and heighten the risk to emerging crops. Grain Producers Australia RD&E spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said the challenge is not just the presence of mice, but how quickly numbers can escalate. “Mice can turn from manageab
Apr 24


ABC ONLINE | Mouse plague fears deepen as chemical regulator rejects CSIRO bait research
A growing divide between research and regulation is shaping the response to rising mouse numbers across Australia’s grain regions. Reporting from ABC News highlights calls from growers and industry for access to higher-strength zinc phosphide bait, as mouse populations surge in Western Australia. Grain producers say current bait rates are not delivering consistent control, with many pushing for an emergency permit to allow a stronger formulation. However, the Australian Pesti
Apr 23


SBS NEWS | 'Ultimate breeding machines': The rodent boom is back - and Aussie farmers are scrambling
Rising mouse numbers across key grain growing regions are again putting pressure on growers, with conditions favouring rapid population growth. Reporting from SBS News highlights how strong seasons and abundant grain are driving increased mouse activity, particularly in Western and South Australia. Grain Producers Australia RD&E spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said the current situation reflects broader changes in farming systems and seasonal conditions. “It’s a direct conseque
Apr 23


YAHOO! NEWS | Australian farmers warned of looming mouse plague: 'Like a horror story'
Australian grain producers are being warned of a looming mouse outbreak, with rising populations already being reported across key cropping regions. Reports highlight increasing activity in both Western Australia and South Australia, with conditions favouring rapid population growth and the risk of significant crop damage during seeding. Grain Producers Australia RD&E spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said the situation is adding to an already complex operating environment for gr
Apr 22


THE GUARDIAN | Mouse plague hits WA grain farmers as numbers surge in SA
rain producers in Western Australia are dealing with mouse numbers well into plague levels, with activity also building across parts of South Australia. Reporting from The Guardian highlights densities of up to 3,000–4,000 burrows per hectare in parts of WA, far exceeding the 800 mice per hectare threshold considered a plague. Grain Producers Australia RD&E spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said the scale and spread of activity is creating significant pressure heading into seedin
Apr 22


FARM ONLINE | Critics question government diesel plan as Geelong refinery output drops
A fire at the Viva Energy Geelong Refinery has raised fresh concerns about Australia’s fuel system, as grain producers move into a critical phase of the season. Farm Online reported that the refinery, one of only two in Australia alongside the Ampol Lytton Oil Refinery, is operating at reduced capacity following the incident, with petrol production impacted and diesel continuing at lower levels. Grain Producers Australia RD&E spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said the incident hi
Apr 17


BLOOMBERG | First war, then fire: Australia's fuel crisis set to hit harder
A fire at the Viva Energy Geelong Refinery is expected to weigh on Australia’s fuel supply at a time of heightened global pressure. The Bloomberg report highlights the incident as a setback for efforts to manage fuel availability, with reduced refinery output adding to existing supply constraints. Grain Producers Australia RD&E spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said the fire reinforces broader concerns about the reliability of fuel supply into Australia. “This incident comes at a
Apr 17


QUEENSLAND COUNTRY LIFE | Likely cause of 'ferocious' oil refinery fire revealed, as blaze continues
A fire at the Viva Energy Geelong Refinery has again put a spotlight on Australia’s fuel security, as grain producers head into seeding. The refinery, one of only two in the country alongside the Ampol Lytton Oil Refinery, experienced explosions and a major blaze late Wednesday, likely caused by equipment failure. Queensland Country Life reported that petrol production is expected to be impacted in the short term, although supply gaps are expected to be covered by imports. GP
Apr 16


COUNTRYMAN | Ex-Cattle Council chief Duncan Bremner takes reigns of Grain Producers Australia
Grain industry representative group Grain Producers Australia is welcoming a new chief executive officer in Duncan Bremner to the stable later this month. Countryman reported that the appointment of the former Cattle Council chief follows GPA's previous chief executive Colin Bettles leaving the role in late 2025.
Apr 14


STOCK & LAND | Underwriting deal: federal fuel program to direct supply to farmers in need
Farm leaders have welcomed a new Federal Government fuel underwriting program aimed at boosting supply and directing diesel to regions under pressure, as global disruptions continue to tighten availability. Stock & Land reported that the plan allows refiners to purchase fuel with reduced commercial risk, with government able to prioritise where supply is sent, including regional Australia. Grain Producers Australia Chair Barry Large said the move comes at a critical time for
Apr 9


FARM ONLINE | 'Absolute plague proportions' as pre-seeding mouse numbers rise ominously
Rising mouse activity across Western Australia, South Australia and parts of Victoria is putting growers on alert ahead of seeding, with conditions supporting rapid population growth. Farm Online reported that CSIRO monitoring has highlighted high numbers in WA, with emerging pressure in southern regions, reinforcing the need for early action before crops are sown. Grain Producers Australia RD&E spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said on-farm monitoring is critical at this stage.
Apr 8
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