Locust plague brings need for responsible chemical use

It is reminding producers that many of the chemical control options on offer against locusts will require grain and livestock producers to adhere to strict withholding periods (WHPs) and export intervals (EIs).

During 2008–2009 Australia exported 67 per cent of its total beef production, with an export value of $5 billon and 62 per cent of its sheepmeat production, with an export value of $1.46 billion.

With this in mind, it is important to remain focussed on the bigger picture as locusts start to emerge according to MLA's manager for production integrity and assurance, Patrick Hutchinson.

“It is critical to carry out best-practice management to protect our agricultural industries as a whole,” he said.

Mr Hutchinson said this extends past chemical choice and encompasses sound record keeping.

“In particular grain and livestock producers need to ensure they are vigilant in filling out their vendor declaration forms when selling any feed grain or oilseeds, fodder or moving or selling livestock that may have been affected by locust control chemicals.”

Livestock can become exposed to chemicals by:

• direct overspraying of livestock;

• grazing pastures or crops that have been sprayed or onto which spray has drifted; and

• consuming fodder (hay, silage or grain) that has been sprayed directly or exposed to spray drift.

Regardless of the choice of chemical Mr Hutchinson urges farmers to always check and observe the relevant withholding periods (WHPs) and export intervals (EIs), to keep records of any spraying activities and fill in appropriate vendor declarations correctly when selling stock or supplying feed to other producers.

* For further information on the management of crops, pastures and livestock affected by locust control programs visit www.safemeat.com.au. For more information on vendor declarations or to download livestock feed and fodder declarations go to www.mla.com.au/feeddecs.