July 3, 2009

Poor storage and chemicals have led to an increase of weevil infestation, ruining millions of dollars worth of grain in New South Wales.

 

Industry leaders said the infestation is the worst in their memory. The problem occurs across New South Wales, where triticale and barley are the worst hit.

 

There is a record volume of grain in storage due to uncertainty about marketing at harvest last year and farmers fear to lose a lot of money. 

 

Grain Growers Association (GGA) director Bruce Smith said many growers told him they were experiencing problems and the issue only came to light in the last couple of months as they emptied their storages.

 

Unsealed storages and a problem with chemicals not working long enough appeared to be the reason for weevil infestations, where only anecdotal evidence was pointing in the direction of the chemicals, according to Smith.