GRAIN GROWERS URGED TO PREPARE FOR INCREASED LOCUST PLAGUE RISK

Grain Producers Australia is urging growers across South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria to remain alert as the risk of locust plague activity increases heading into spring.

Locust populations increased substantially across inland eastern Australia during autumn following heavy rainfall, good soil moisture and favourable breeding conditions.

The Australian Plague Locust Commission has identified a moderate to high likelihood of a widespread infestation developing in spring, with medium to high-density nymphs and bands expected to begin hatching in parts of south-eastern Australia from mid-September.

GPA Chair and New South Wales grain producer Matthew Madden said the developing risk needed 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,” Mr Madden 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.

“Growers need clear and timely information as the situation develops, backed by coordination between state and federal agencies and the Australian Plague Locust Commission.”

In New South Wales, adult locust numbers have been above usual levels across parts of the state following favourable seasonal conditions. Locusts laid eggs during autumn, which can remain dormant in the soil over winter before hatching in spring.

Mr Madden, who farms near Moree, said growers would be closely watching the seasonal outlook and any movement in locust populations.

“Spring is an important period for winter crops, and damage at key stages of crop development can have a direct impact on yield,” he said.

“Good surveillance across farming regions will help build an accurate picture of the threat and give growers the best available information for their businesses.”

In South Australia, activity has increased particularly in the eastern Mallee and northern pastoral regions. PIRSA has identified a moderate to high risk of regional infestations developing in parts of the state during spring.

GPA Deputy Chair and South Australian grain producer Mark Schilling said the potential movement of locust populations from pastoral districts into cropping areas was a concern.

“Seasonal conditions have provided green feed and suitable breeding habitat across parts of South Australia, including areas adjoining important grain-producing regions,” Mr Schilling said.

“The eastern Mallee, Riverland and Murraylands will be watching closely, but growers across the state need access to current information as conditions change.

“Strong communication between growers, agronomists, industry and government will be essential if activity increases during spring.”

In Victoria, the Mallee has a moderate to high chance of high locust numbers, with hatching expected from mid-September. The Wimmera and Grampians have a low to moderate chance of high numbers, with hatching expected from late September.

GPA Southern Region Director and Victorian grain producer Andrew Weidemann said the timing could coincide with a critical period for grain crops.

“By mid to late September, many winter crops will be moving through flowering and grain development, when protecting yield potential is particularly important,” Mr Weidemann said.

“Growers have dealt with locust threats before and understand how quickly conditions can change once hatching begins.

“The priority is ensuring growers receive accurate local forecasts and that government response arrangements are ready if locust numbers build.”

What growers should do

Growers and land managers should:

• regularly inspect crops, pastures, roadsides and likely egg-laying areas

• watch for hatching and dense, coordinated bands of juvenile locusts moving across the ground

• report egg-laying, hatching, hopper bands, high-density activity or adult swarms promptly

• prepare spray equipment, chemical supplies and management plans before hatching begins

• coordinate monitoring with neighbours, agronomists and local authorities

• use only APVMA-registered or permitted products and observe all label directions, withholding periods and grazing restrictions.

  
  

The most effective time to control Australian plague locusts is generally around two weeks after hatching, when young locusts begin forming bands but cannot yet fly. Adult swarms are highly mobile and much harder to control.

Growers should seek advice from their relevant state authority, agronomist or chemical adviser before undertaking control.

Reporting locust activity

South Australia

Report activity to PIRSA using its online plant pest reporting form or call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

Further information: PIRSA Australian plague locust update

New South Wales

Landholders and land managers have a legal responsibility to report actual or suspected locust activity within one business day. Contact Local Land Services on 1300 795 299.

Further information: NSW Government locust advice

Victoria

Report locust activity through Agriculture Victoria’s online reporting form or call 136 186.

Further information: Agriculture Victoria situation update

Early reporting helps authorities confirm where locusts are active, improve forecasts and coordinate control before hopper bands develop into damaging swarms.

ENDS

Further information:

GPA Chair Matthew Madden: 0457 731 210

GPA Deputy Chair Mark Schilling: 0408 859 308

GPA Southern Region Director Andrew Weidemann: 0428 504 544

GPA Executive Officer Rachael Oxborrow: 0416 705 193