GRAIN CENTRAL | GPA warns growers to watch for locusts as spring nears

Grain growers across South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria are being urged to keep watch for Australian plague locusts as conditions point to an increased risk this spring.

Grain Central reported on GPA's warning, with hatching expected to begin in parts of south-eastern Australia from mid-September and the potential for damaging numbers to coincide with critical stages of winter crop development.

GPA Chair and New South Wales grain producer Matthew Madden said the developing threat required a coordinated response across state borders.

"Locusts do not respect farm or state boundaries, and the conditions that supported increased activity during autumn were widespread," he said.

"A significant outbreak could cause serious damage to grain crops and pastures, adding another risk for farming businesses already managing seasonal and market pressures."

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