GROWERS URGED TO REPORT MOUSE PRESSURE TO SUPPORT EMERGENCY PERMIT APPLICATION

Grain growers in Western Australia and South Australia are being urged to provide on-ground evidence of mouse activity after applying ZP25 mouse bait to assist an emergency permit application for use of ZP50 mouse bait.

Grain Producers Australia (GPA), WAFarmers and WA Grains Group are jointly encouraging growers to assist with the application to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).

This move comes as mouse numbers continue to build in parts of Western Australia and South Australia raising concerns about crop establishment and early-season losses.

GPA Research Development and Extension Spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said growers needed access to the higher dose zinc phosphate mouse bait to ensure consistent control of mice during this period of higher mouse pressure.

“Mouse activity is building at a critical time for grain producers during seeding and early crop development,” Mr Weidemann said.

“Growers currently have access to ZP25, but feedback from growers and evidence from research is that this strength bait does not convert to adequate control in the paddock.

“ZP50 requires mice to consume less of the baited grains to ensure a lethal dose, which is particularly important when mice have high amounts of background food available.

“An emergency permit application supported by evidence from growers is important as we appeal to the APVMA.”

WAFarmers Grains Section President Mark Fowler said the strength of the application would depend on the quality of information coming directly from growers.

“Growers are seeing increasing mouse activity across key grain growing regions, and there is real concern about what that means for early crop establishment, critical plant density and grain loss later in the season,” Mr Fowler said.

“We need growers to go beyond general observations and provide specific details about what they are seeing and how current baiting is performing.

“That includes what’s happening in the paddock, what food sources are present, and whether ZP25 is achieving

control.”

WA Grains Group Chair Alastair Falconer said timely access to effective control options would depend on demonstrating both the scale of the problem and the limitations of current tools.

“Seeding is one of the most important windows in the season, and growers need confidence they have tools that will actually work,” Mr Falconer said.

“We’re asking growers to provide practical, comparable information, particularly where they have experience using both ZP25 and ZP50 or can demonstrate where control is falling short.

“This is about building a clear, evidence-based case that reflects real farming conditions."

The organisations are asking growers to submit structured information to support the application, including:

• Date of application or observed activity 

• Soil type and paddock history, including previous crop 

• Stubble levels and ground cover (harvested or bare ground) 

• Estimated food availability on the ground (grain per square metre or equivalent) 

• Mouse activity indicators, including chew card results where available 

• Any observed impacts on non-target or native animals 

• A comparison of control outcomes between ZP25 and ZP50, where relevant 

GPA plays an important role assisting the coordination, management and delivery of industry minor use and emergency permits that help grain producers control various pests, weeds and diseases more effectively.

These permits are issued by the APVMA under the national regulator’s minor and emergency use program and give growers timely and strategic access to the tools they need to manage damaging pests, weeds and diseases, and ensure their farming businesses remain profitable and sustainable.

GPA’s coordination role as the permit holder is managed through a services agreement with Grains Australia and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) also plays a key role investing in research and development that informs technical expertise and generates data for the issuing and maintenance of these permits. 

This agreement forms part of the ongoing strategic management and consolidation of industry good functions, driven through Grains Australia, to increase productivity and performance – especially boosting grain market access and value to growers.

“Growers know their systems and conditions better than anyone,” Mr Weidemann said.

“That level of detail matters when it comes to regulatory decisions.

“The more specific and practical the evidence, the stronger the case we can put forward.”

Growers can complete the ZP50 Mouse Bait Comparison Information recording sheet via:

• An online survey HERE

• By printing and submitting an image of the completed record via email to admin@grainproducers.com.au DOWNLOAD HERE

ENDS

Further Information:

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

WAFarmers Grains Section President Mark Fowler: 0429 856 050

WA Grains Group Chair Alastair Falconer: 0428 523 220

GPA Executive Officer Rachael Oxborrow: 0416 705 193