THE state's leading farming authorities and science experts will be helping producers prepare for a potential explosion of mice numbers this spring via a free webinar.
Hosted by experts from the CSIRO, NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and Local Land Services (LLS), Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), Grain Producers Australia (GPA), and NSW Farmers, Tuesday's Farming Forum on Mice will give producers the tools to limit damage caused by the pests.
The forum will cover available assistance currently available, the latest mouse population forecasts, mouse control and management advice, zinc phosphide supply, mouse bait availability and supply, as well as allowing producers to ask questions.
NSW Agriculture Minister and Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall said the forum was part of the state government's $150 million support package to help battle the vermin.
"This forum is about bringing key government, industry and manufacturing representatives together ahead of what will be a spring surge in mouse numbers to ensure everything that can be done to tackle this problem is done," Mr Marshall said.
"We need government, researchers, industry and bait manufacturers all on the same page and lined up behind our farmers.
"This forum will ensure we are working together to do absolutely everything possible to keep these vermin out of our crops.
"This harvest is a crucial step in the continued recovery of our ag sector from the lingering impacts of drought, floods, bushfires and COVID-19, and I am committed to ensuring every farmer in NSW has access to the right information and tools to protect their crops this season."
The forum comes after NSW Farmers helped cut down the red tape involved in producers accessing funds to help combat mice via the Rural Assistance Authority (RAA).
"We worked hard to secure this funding from the state government, and I would encourage anyone who's had trouble in the past to reach out to the RAA and try again," NSW Farmers vice president Xavier Martin said.
"I don't want anyone to self-assess or not take up this support because they think it's too hard - NSW Farmers has been talking to primary producers about the challenges and we're thankful the RAA has listened."
The zinc phosphide rebate for primary producers program involves a one-off rebate to assist primary producers in eligible local government areas experiencing financial hardship due to the mouse plague.
Earlier this year NSW Farmers secured a $150 million package from the NSW Government, with estimates the mouse plague would chew a billion-dollar hole in the farmgate value of winter crops.
A NSW Farmers survey found a third of respondents estimated losses between $50,000 and $150,000, with a loss of stored grain and fodder having the greatest financial impact.
The one-hour forum will be held via Zoom from 3pm, Tuesday, 21 September 2021 and is open to the public.
To register visit: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/mice
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