Swarming locusts sweeping across parts of the Riverina in the State’s south are adding to the pain felt by drought stricken farmers, Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald said today.

Minister Macdonald said locusts have been reported across the Wagga Wagga and Junee districts and areas near Albury including Culcairn, Henty and Brocklesby.

"There are already reports some early sown winter crops, including some irrigated, have been invaded by locusts," he said.

"Fortunately as temperatures begin to cool as we head towards winter, locust activity will decrease, so there is less chance of damage to emerging crops.

"Our focus is now getting ready for spring, when the egg hatching begins.

"The Department of Primary Industries and Rural Lands Protection Boards are now working on a locust action plan, in consultation with NSW Farmers’, which includes surveillance, forecast chemical requirements, mapping and a communications campaign.

"Farmers with effected crops and pastures are being urged to contact their Rural Lands Protection Board (RLPB) to seek advice on best control measures.

"Landholders must be vigilant during autumn and report egg bed locations and locust activity. The more information authorities have, the better placed they will be to respond when hatchings occur."

Locust facts:

• The Australian plague locust has a large dark spot on the tip of the hind wings and red hind legs. The adult body colour of the locust is variable and can be grey, brown or green.
• Locusts lay their eggs in the soil, preferring to lay in hard red clay soils. The female drills a hole in the ground and lays about 50 eggs.
• The nymphs or young, have five growth stages or instars. The most effect time to control the locust is in the 2nd or 3rd instar growth stage, when the locusts band together, just before they take wing.
• Airborne locusts are extremely difficult to control and able to migrate.

For more information visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/agriculture/pests-weeds/insects/general/locusts

Media contact: Lyndall Derrig 0400 462 447