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🇦🇺 Australia /Environment & Climate

Plague locusts a 'ticking time bomb' for Victorian farmers

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • Locust numbers in Victoria, Australia, are at their highest in 15 years, raising concerns for farmers.
  • Recent egg-laying suggests a potential for large swarms this spring due to favorable weather conditions.
  • Farmers fear a repeat of past plagues that devastated crops.

Plague locust numbers in Victoria's north-west have reached their highest level in 15 years, creating a "ticking time bomb" scenario for local farmers. Concerns are mounting as recent egg-laying indicates a high probability of significant swarms emerging this spring, fueled by favorable weather conditions including ample rain and green feed.

It's just been a really good season for locusts with all the rain and the green feed

— Kyla FinlayVictoria's plague locust commissioner explained the favorable conditions contributing to the high locust numbers.

Kyla Finlay, Victoria's plague locust commissioner, confirmed the elevated adult locust numbers and localized swarms. "It's just been a really good season for locusts with all the rain and the green feed," she stated. These adult locusts are currently laying eggs, prompting anxiety among farmers about the potential impact when warmer weather arrives.

We know they've laid up on the river country, adjacent to the [Murray River]. There's hard red flats up there and they love that sort of ground

— Ron HardsA cropping farmer described the areas where locust eggs have been laid, expressing concern.

Cropping farmer Ron Hards expressed his worry, particularly about eggs laid in areas north of his property along the Murray River. "We know they've laid up on the river country, adjacent to the [Murray River]. There's hard red flats up there and they love that sort of ground," Hards explained. He described the situation as a "waiting game," anticipating that the eggs will hatch after rain and in warm weather, potentially leading to widespread devastation.

I think it's a ticking time bomb.

— Ron HardsThe farmer expressed his anxiety about the potential locust plague.

Victoria has not experienced a major locust plague since 2010-11, a period also characterized by exceptionally good weather. During that time, locusts migrated from New South Wales as far south as Melbourne. Locusts are known for their rapid multiplication and ability to migrate over vast distances, capable of destroying pastures, crops, and gardens almost overnight. "The nymphs can band together and march across the landscape and you can often see that from the air," Finlay noted.

The nymphs can band together and march across the landscape and you can often see that from the air

— Kyla FinlayThe plague locust commissioner described the destructive behavior of locust nymphs.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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