NSW Farmers’ Association President Charles Armstrong says it’s in all landholder’s interest to report the presence of plague locusts on their land to their local Livestock Health and Pest Authority.

“There is a significant business threat from future swarms of these pests, and farmers really should be helping us all keep the threat under control,” he said.

The Australian Plague Locust Commission is reporting that locust migrations in the first half of February resulted in many swarms in the Far Northwest, Far Southwest, Southern Central West and Riverina regions of NSW.

“Widespread heavy rains during the first two weeks of February initiated swarm egg laying in these regions,” Mr Armstrong said.

“The Commission expects that if a high proportion of nymphs survive to fledging, there is the potential for a significant further widespread swarm infestation during April.

“There is also a risk of autumn egg laying in cropping regions of NSW with potential hatchings in spring,” he said.

Chemicals for control are available free of charge from local Livestock Health and Pest Authorities

“The NSW Farmers’ Association continues to work with Industry and Investment NSW , Livestock Health and Pest Authorities and the Australian Plague Locust Commission in a coordinated multi-agency response to locusts.

“We need every farmer’s assistance in this matter,” Mr Armstrong urged.

To report locust activity contact your local Livestock Health and Pest Authority office.