The fightback against the damaging mouse plague is ramping up.
Narrabri Shire farmers and residents will be able to learn more about ways to combat the plague, the actions they can take and the health implications at a mouse control workshop on Tuesday.
Mouse plague management workshops for farmers contending with mice plague activity are being held across parts of the state.
CSIRO mouse expert Steve Henry will address the Narrabri meeting and talk to the audience about mouse management methods.
The mouse plague shows no signs of abating and the cost to farmers in lost crops, stored grain and in control measures is high.
NSW Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall said a series of 16 extra workshops followed nine earlier events which were fully subscribed were very well received by producers, looking to strengthen their on-farm mice management programs.
“It is critical farmers have access to the best tools and information to manage mice and that’s exactly what we’re giving them,” Mr Marshall said.
“To help achieve this, we have secured Australia’s leading mice expert, Steve Henry from the CSRIO, to provide in-person advice to landholders. Steve is a powerful asset in ouarsenal who has been researching mice for over 25 years.
“We know from reports right across the state that having access to the latest mice management techniques and baiting advice can make a real impact on the ground which is critical as landholders prepare for winter sowing.
“Each workshop is being hosted by the local community.
“The NSW government is also working with relevant stakeholders to ensure there is no shortages of baiting products, which has become a real concern in NSW and across Australia.”
Mr Marshall said the government was also looking at what new tools may be available for mice control into the future.
“At present, the only mice control measure farmers have access to is poisoning through baiting and, as we’ve seen recently, that can have varying degrees of success,” Mr Marshall said.
“In the medium to long-term, we’re looking to have a wider variety and more effective tools for our primary producers to tackle mice plagues.
“Biological controls have been successfully implemented for other pests and given the challenge mice present, I have asked my department to investigate what future biological controls for mice might look like.”
Read more stories like this:
- Advice on mice from Lesley Price
- War on mice is ramped up
- Growers urged to check crops for mice damage
