Mice situation getting worse, farmers concerned about winter sowing: NSW Farmers president James Jackson

NSW Farmers is calling for an emergency use permit to be issued for the chemical zinc phosphide to treat seed, as well as financial assistance to help with mouse control efforts.

Farmers in many parts of regional NSW are telling of a drastic increase in numbers of the rodents, which are decimating crops, destroying stored hay and invading silos, sheds and homes, the organisation reports.

NSW Farmers president James Jackson says grain growers hold grave concerns about the winter crop planting season, which is due to start in the coming weeks.

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"Farmers need some more control options," Mr Jackson said.

"We are requesting that an Emergency Use Permit be issued for zinc phosphide to treat seed.

"This will allow farmers to have their own grain professionally treated, removing the biosecurity risks posed by using foreign seed.

"It will also reduce the cost of sourcing sterilised or de-vitalised grain by farmers using their own treated seed to be sown for winter cropping."

Mr Jackson said NSW Farmers was also seeking some financial assistance through a small grants program.

"Mouse control is very costly," he said.

"The severity of the current plague has resulted in the need for multiple aerial and ground bait applications in cropping regions.

"Potential options we are putting up include a rebate on rodenticide products or a subsidy for ground and aerial baiting.

"Action is needed now.

"This mice situation is only getting worse.

"Mice damage reports coming in from farmers and rural communities from the north, south and central west are increasing significantly."

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