South Australian farmers fear a growing locust infestation could devastate what is shaping up to be the region’s best season in decades, with growers warning the insects are multiplying rapidly requiring urgent action.
Vast swarms have begun appearing across parts of the Riverland, with concerns the pests could soon move into crops and grazing land.
WATCH ABOVE: Riverland farmers inundated with plague proportions of locusts
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“We’re seeing some pretty thick patches starting and I think probably in three to four weeks they’ll get thicker,” farmer Steve Nitschke told 7NEWS.
Locusts are notorious for damaging agricultural and pastoral land, consuming vegetation and contaminating crops.
Nitschke, who has farmed through previous infestations, said he had not seen conditions this bad since 2010.
Riverland farmer Steve Nitschke may lose his crop to locusts Credit: 7NEWS
The timing could hardly be worse.
After years of challenging conditions, many growers are anticipating one of the strongest seasons in decades.
But farmers fear the outbreak could threaten both yields and grain quality.
“They can lay eggs and cause contamination of grain, which could be another major issue,” Nitschke said.
Growers say they are being left to battle the infestation alone while waiting for stronger intervention from authorities.
Farmers want support from the state government to battle locusts. Credit: 7NEWS
Opposition Leader Ashton Hurn said farmers were becoming increasingly frustrated.
“Farmers have been through the wringer, particularly here in the Riverland,” she told 7NEWS.
The debate has centred on aerial spraying, which is being used in other parts of South Australia but has not been deployed in the Riverland.
Primary Industries Minister Joe Szakacs said pest control measures needed to be carefully managed.
“We do need to be very careful about spraying in the Riverland. It’s a very important part of our food bowl,” he told 7NEWS.
Locusts are swarming prime SA crop Credit: 7NEWS
Nitschke said farmers were not calling for spraying in vineyards or horticultural areas.
“We’re not asking for aerial spraying to be done in the vineyards,” he said.
“It’s the national parks and adjoining reserves.”
The state government says support remains available through a chemical rebate scheme, which provides up to $35 a hectare to assist with pest control costs.
But Nitschke said money alone would not solve the problem.
“A lot of farmers haven’t got equipment to go out and spray in their scrub,” he said.
As the infestation grows, so too does the pressure on regional communities already dealing with the challenges of farming.
“Farming can be a good game, but it can be very sad some days when you see things like this,” Nitschke said.
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