South Australian Farmers Brace for Mouse Boom

0:00South Australian grain farmers are on high alert for a mouse boom heading into the 2026 seeding season. The CSIRO's latest forecast points to surging rodent numbers across key spots, like the Adelaide Plains, York Peninsula, and Air Peninsula. Grain producers SA is urging everyone to scout their paddocks right now for signs of trouble. Earlier this week, GPSA CEO Brad Perry stressed the need to stay proactive. Even just two or three active burls per 100 square meters signals, it's time to gear up before planting. Monitoring early can head off big losses from these pests, chowing down on crops. Farmers have been hit hard by mice in past outbreaks, wiping out yields and profits. That's why groups like GPSA are pushing for better tools. They're teaming up with Persa, GRDC, and CSIRO to tackle barriers around stronger baits, since surveys shows nink phosphide at 50 grams per kilogram, works best but access is limited right now.

1:00Meanwhile, experts recommend clearing spilled grain to starve out breeding spots and boost bait success. Order two cards from GRDC to count mice visually and bait as soon as numbers spike at or after sowing. Only 25 grams per kilogram zink phosphide baits are fully registered for now. Keep eyes peeled and log sightings on the CSIRO's mouse alert tracker to stay ahead of the curve as this unfolds across the state. That wraps Adelaide news today brought to you with AI. I'm Corey with the story.