PDS: Less Mites, More Feed: Improving management of redlegged earth mites on pastures across Victoria
| Project start date: | 20 December 2022 |
| Project end date: | 30 July 2026 |
| Project status: | In progress |
| Livestock species: | Grass-fed Cattle, Sheep, Lamb |
| Relevant regions: | Southern Australia, Victoria |
| Site location: | Western & Northern Victoria: Mt Cole Creek, Wanalta, |
Summary
This producer demonstration site project aims to demonstrate that online decision-aid tools for RLEM management can help producers optimise pasture establishment and production in established pastures while reducing pasture production costs and unnecessary chemical use.
Producers involved in this project will be shown the latest tools and technology for managing pasture pests, with a focus on Red legged earth mite (RLEM). The tools are newly developed as a result from a research partnership between MLA, GRDC and Cesar Australia.
Objectives
By December 2025, in four pasture demonstration sites within two different growing regions of Victoria, engaging 15 core producers and 90 observer producers, the consultant will:
- Demonstrate to over 90 core and observer producers the use of readily available online decision-aid tools for best practice management of RLEM in a commercial setting across two (I and II) different growing regions and four (1-4) demonstration sites in Victoria (I.North Central and II.South Western). Note this is not research, but the extension of research findings from an ongoing GRDC/MLA co-investment.
- Evaluate the success of the decision-aid tools in reducing the density of RLEM, as well as potentially increasing the diversity and abundance of beneficial insect and mite species, as measured by Cesar Australia on site monitoring days during the Autumn to Winter growing season at each demonstration site.
- Demonstrate and increase the skills of 100% of the core producers and 75% of the observer producers in the data collection and recording of pasture insect species and herbage information for the demonstration sites during one of the Cesar Australia site monitoring days.
- Conduct a cost-benefit analysis to determine the relative economic performance of the novel approach of managing RLEM (i.e. implementing the decision-aid tools in treatment vs. control plots).
- Increase the knowledge and use of the decision-aid tools by 100% of the core producers and 75% of the observer producers.
- Increase the skills and confidence in identifying pasture insect and mite pests (and associated damage), and beneficial insects in 100% of the core producers and 75% of the observer producers via an interactive workshop hosted by Cesar Australia.
- Increase the use of the decision-aid tools (quantified via online web traffic analytics) which will lead to reduced use of pesticide chemicals by 100% of the core producers and 75% of the observer producers.
- By the end of the project, 100% of core producers and 75% of observer producers have adopted an integrated approach to pasture pest management that utilises the three demonstrated decision-aid tools (TimeRite, the hatch timing tool and seasonal risk calculator).
- Conduct a final seminar and develop a legacy Factsheet showcasing the findings from the demonstration sites that further encourages producers to adopt the demonstrated decision-aid tools for RLEM best practice management
Progress
Red-legged earth mite (RLEM) causes widespread damage to pastures in Victoria, leading to lost feed, higher costs and unnecessary insecticide use. Many producers find RLEM difficult to identify and manage, particularly due to the need for accurate timing of control. This project aimed to demonstrate practical tools that help producers make better and more timely decisions about when and if control is required, reducing pasture losses and improving management confidence.
The Producer Demonstration Site (PDS) project was delivered between 2023 -2025 across four pasture demonstration sites in two Victorian growing regions. Producers were shown how to use three online decision-aid tools to guide monitoring and timing of RLEM control. Pasture growth, pest levels and producer knowledge were assessed through on-farm monitoring, field days and surveys conducted at the start and end of the project.
The project showed that producers using the tools reported greater awareness of RLEM risk and improved confidence in making timely management decisions. At some demonstration sites, timely control was associated with reduced RLEM numbers and, improved pasture growth during autumn, with one site recording complete control. Surveys showed that 100% of core producers increased their knowledge in managing RLEM and found the project useful.
The project demonstrated potential benefits to the red meat industry by supporting improved pasture protection, more targeted chemical use and supporting more profitable and sustainable grazing systems.
