Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall has today announced a new series of mice management workshops for farmers contending with mice plague activity across parts of the State.
Mr Marshall said the series of 16 extra workshops followed nine earlier events which were fully subscribed and 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 our arsenal 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 and I'm pleased to see the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Local Land Services (LLS), the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), CSIRO and our community groups all coming together to help people manage the situation.
"For those who are unable to make a workshop, the NSW DPI will be broadcasting live from Molong this Friday so everyone can access the advice and ask questions in real time.
"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."
The workshops are being funded by the NSW Government and provided with operational support by the NSW DPI and LLS.
The workshops will explain how people can:
- Understand how many mice are present in their system
- Recognise early signs of a mouse problem
- Reduce numbers leading up to sowing
- Protect the crop during sowing
- Control in crop mouse numbers
- Manage general health implications
Workshops will be held from 12-26 May at Molong, Mullaley, Leadville, Ballimore, Cumnock, Junee, Young, Condobolin, Lake Cargelligo, Coleambally, Goolgowi, West Wyalong, Narrabri, Bingara, Croppa Creek and Moree.
For dates, locations and to secure your free tickets visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/mice
