COUNTRYMAN | Midwest grain farmers start to feel the impact of persistent mouse activity through the growing season
Grain growers in Western Australia's Mid West are reporting substantial crop damage and rising baiting costs following persistent mouse activity throughout the 2026 growing season, with some producers estimating crop losses of up to 50 per cent.
In an article published by Countryman, Mingenew grower Andrew Cosgrove detailed the financial and production impacts of the outbreak, including more than 2000 hectares requiring reseeding or fallowing and approximately $200,000 spent on aerial baiting operations alone.
The article also highlights the importance of early access to ZP50 mouse bait, which Grain Producers Australia (GPA) secured through an Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority emergency permit earlier this year.
Growers and agronomists raised concerns about the availability of ZP50 ahead of the 2027 season, warning that surviving mouse populations could continue breeding over summer and threaten crops at seeding.
GPA also provided an update on mouse activity nationally, noting persistent pressure in Western Australia, changing conditions in South Australia and an apparent reduction in the threat across New South Wales and Queensland.
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