Paddock inspection first and best line of defence against locusts in State’s south

Farmers across the State’s south are being urged to inspect paddocks for locusts following a sharp rise in hatchings detected by the Hume, Murray and Riverina Rural Lands Protection Boards.

NSW Plague Locust Commissioner, Graeme Eggleston, today said locusts had been reported at Balldale, Brocklesby, Burrumbuttock, Pleasant Hills, Henty and Walla in the Hume RLPB.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and the Hume Rural Lands Protection Board are busy working with farmers to ensure locusts are detected and treated swiftly.

‘NSW mapping and predictions suggested these areas would be locust hot spots this spring and warmer temperatures have seen a spate in hatchings,’ Mr Eggleston said.

‘We are calling all farmers across the Hume, Murray and Riverina RLPBs to check their paddocks for hatchings and report any activity, no matter how big or small, to their RLPB office.

‘This will allow RLPBs to deploy chemical for farmers to treat banding locusts before they take to the wing.

‘This is our first and best line of defence.’

Mr Eggleston said given the quality of crops through the Hume RLPB and nearby districts it will be particularly important to treat locusts before they take to the wing and devastate cereal crops and pastures.

Landholders are encouraged to report all locust sightings to their Rural Lands Protection Board.

• Hume RLPB Albury Office on 02 6040 4210 or the Holbrook Office 02 6036 2733
• Murray RLPB Office 03 5886 1203
• Riverina RLPB Office 03 5881 1055

Media contact: Brett Fifield on 02 6391 3311 or 0427 029 511