The NSW Government has launched an innovative new monitoring tool to help farmers manage mice population numbers and provide a live snapshot of on-farm rodent activity across the state.
Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall encouraged farmers throughout NSW to use the online tool to report mouse activity and crop damage to assist their fellow landholders to respond quickly to increasing populations through spring.
“By asking farmers to use mouse chew cards once a week and record their results by filling out a quick online form, not only can we closely track any rise in numbers, but also see what level of damage is occurring in particular crops.
“These results are then fed into an online dashboard so farmers can see when populations are increasing in their area, which will help them quickly respond with targeted baiting programs.
The monitoring tool has been successfully trialed in the state’s northwest since July and was developed in collaboration with CottonInfo and the CSIRO.
Farmers can find the form, dashboard, and instructions on how to report their own mouse activity on the Local Land Services website at www.lls.nsw.gov.au/mice.
For more information visit www.nsw.gov.au/mice.