JOURNALIST: Karina Natt
FOR some growers, mice caused a yield loss of up to two tonnes per hectare in the 2011-12 season and, while current numbers are at far lower levels than this time last year the situation could change in autumn. 
Biosecurity SA research officer Greg Mutze said from spring to mid-summer mice numbers are always going up, but can stagnate during the high temperatures.
“The bit of a build-up seen so far is normal and it doesn’t tell us what we can expect in autumn,” he said.
“We’ve not heard anything to suggest there is a dramatic increase in numbers yet, but that doesn’t mean it’s not happening.”
Mr Mutze said mice numbers are nowhere near the levels seen in previous seasons so it is likely they will be less problematic.
“There still could be a high carryover though,” he said.
“Farmers should be making sure summer weed control is in place, if summer weeds get away it will provide a fresh seed source making a big difference to mice.
For the full report, see the print issue of this week's YP Country Times.