Grain growers and advisers could learn about the impact of high mouse numbers on crops in spring during a series of forums in early August. 

Agriculture Victoria land management extension officer Felicity Pritchard said large numbers of mice swept through the area in autumn. 

“We are running these forums to help growers learn how to monitor and manage mouse populations in established crops,” Ms Pritchard said. 

“Growers and advisers in the Wimmera and Southern Mallee are reporting continued mouse activity through winter. 

“These forums will help growers be on the front foot. 

“They will help growers prepare for the possibility of moderate to high mouse activity in spring.” 

A keynote speaker at the forums will be Professor Linton Staples from Animal Control Technologies.

She will speak about a potential increase in breeding activity when the weather warms up and crops begin to mature. 

Ms Pritchard also said moderate mouse numbers could still cause significant damage to crops in spring, depending on the growth stage of the crop. 

“Mice can reduce crop yields as they chew growing stems and nodes,” she said. 

“They can drop seed heads by chewing through the top node at flowering and also damage maturing heads and pods. 

“Crop damage in spring can be insidious and may not be noticed without monitoring and the key to preventing crop damage is recognising and treating infestations early.” 

Farmers were encouraged to record their observations on mouse populations on the MouseAlert app, so the CSIRO could track trends in mouse populations.

Information sessions at Hopetoun, August 7, Taylor’s Lake, August 8, and Kaniva and Kalkee, August 9. Details on 5083 2205 or 0429 884 207.