WA TODAY | Multi-billion hit coming to crop exports as mouse plague hits WA farmers

A growing mouse plague in Western Australia is now being linked to significant risks for grain production and export value, as pressure builds through seeding.

Reporting from WA Today highlights concerns the outbreak could deliver a multi-billion dollar hit to crop exports if not brought under control, with widespread activity across key grain growing regions.

Grain Producers Australia RD&E spokesperson Andrew Weidemann said the scale of the issue reflects how quickly mouse populations can impact the broader supply chain.

“When mouse numbers reach these levels, it’s not just a paddock issue, it starts to affect overall production and what we can deliver into export markets,” Mr Weidemann said.

“This is happening at seeding, when crops are most vulnerable, so the risk to yield and output is immediate.”

Mouse activity is being driven by favourable seasonal conditions and high levels of residual grain, increasing both population growth and the challenge of achieving effective control.

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