SA GROWERS INVITED TO ONLINE MOUSE PRESSURE AND BAIT PERMIT UPDATE

South Australian grain producers are being encouraged to join an online session this Friday, May 1 as mouse activity continues to build across the state. 

Grain Producers Australia (GPA) will host the session at 7pm (SA time), bringing together leading research and on-ground insights to support growers in managing the risk. 

GPA Southern Region Director Mark Schilling said the second online session for SA growers comes at a critical time amid seeding and the need to bait for mice. 

“Growers are seeing mouse activity consistently growing in parts of South Australia, and we know how quickly that can escalate during seeding and in early crop development stages post seeding,” Mr Schilling said. 

“This session is about making sure growers have the latest information and understand what tools are available, particularly as pressure starts to build.” 

Mr Schilling said it was important for GPA to inform and hear from SA growers to service its core function representing all Australian grain producers. 

The session will include an update on GPA’s work with the CSIRO and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) to apply to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) for an emergency permit for ZP50. 

GPA Research Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann will give insight into the emergency permit process and what information is being gathered from growers to support the application. 

“Access to effective control options is critical, particularly when mouse numbers rise at a time when crops are most vulnerable,” Mr Weidemann said. 

“We’re continuing to work through the formal process and this session is an opportunity to explain where things are at and what we need from growers.” 

CSIRO Research Officer Steve Henry will also join the session, providing the latest research insights on mouse populations and practical management strategies for growers heading into seeding. 

Mr Schilling said bringing research and grower experience together was key. 

“Having Steve join us ensures growers are hearing directly from the research side, alongside what we’re seeing on the ground and working through from a policy and access perspective,” he said. 

“We’d encourage growers to log on, ask questions and provide information to our online survey to support our emergency permit application process.” 

Session details: 

DATE: Friday May 1, 2026 

TIME: 7:00pm (ACST) 

ONLINE – REGISTER HERE 

ENDS 

Further Information: 

GPA Southern Region Director Mark Schilling: 0408 859 308 

GPA Research, Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann: 0428 504 544 

GPA Executive Officer Rachael Oxborrow: 0416 705 193