Locust History in Australia

Effects on Agriculture

The Argus, Monday 13 December 1886, page 6. 'The Locust Plague' reports from Horsham and Sandhurst (Bendigo Vic.). http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11582853

The Sydney Morning Herald, Saturday 6 December 1890, page 6. Crops not badly damaged. Fruit, vegetable and flower gardens damaged (Moama NSW, 1890) http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13770035

The Argus, Tuesday 6 December 1904, page 6. Grasshoppers damaged some vineyards, gardens and lucerne. Many other crops were 'far too advanced'. (Katamatite, Mitiamo, Nathalia and Rochester Vic.) http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10353758

The Canberra Times, Monday 24 November 1930, page 2. Oats and grass crops damaged (Moulamein, Thyra, Bunnaloo, Tatalia NSW and Rochester Vic.) http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2347493

The Argus, Tuesday 27 November 1934, page 3. 'No damage to crops' (Nhill Vic.) http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10996635

The Argus, Tuesday 27 November 1934, page 3. 'Other Reports' (Pyramid Hill) http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10996623

"Other Reports
PYRAMID HILL, Monday. - Swarms of grasshoppers on the wing, but flying in no particular direction, are reported in the Mologa district, a few miles south of Pyramid Hill. They are damaging lucerne and other green fodder. The wheat in the district is just too advanced in growth to suffer much damage, and only a few green shoots here and there have been eaten. Damage has also been done by grasshoppers in the Loddon Vale and Durham Ox districts, particularly near the Loddon River. A few of the grasshoppers seen in that area are in the hopper stage."

The Argus, Friday 21 December 1934, page 4.
Market gardens, tomato and vegetable crops, lawns, flower gardens and grape vines were damaged. Crops and grass far too advanced. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11002559

The Argus, Friday 28 December 1934, page 11. Lucerne and irrigated pastures damaged. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11003758

Some reports of damage were admitted to be exaggerated

The Argus, Tuesday 27 November 1934, page 3. 'Panicky Statements - Merbein Vines Undamaged' (Mildura Vic.) http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10996634

The Argus, Friday 28 December 1934, page 11. 'Damage by Grasshoppers. Losses of Pastures. No General Shortage Expected.' http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11003758

"Concern has been expressed at the damage caused by grasshoppers to pastures and lucerne in the northern irrigation areas. It has been suggested that there may be a shortage of feed, and that farmers may be compelled to market their stock. Although the outlook is somewhat obscure, the position at present does not offer any cause for alarm. In Victoria, particularly in southern districts, there is abundant feed, and the carrying capacity of the State is much more than normal. There need be no fears of dumping stock. Losses of feed suffered affect individual farmers severely; but the loss to the State generally does not appear to be of great economic significance."

The Argus, Tuesday 29 January 1935, page 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11010831

"Menace Ends at Shepparton
SHEPPARTON, Monday. - Up till Saturday more than 19 tons of poison bait for grasshoppers had been distributed free among landowners. Although large areas have not been treated, the danger is now considered to be past. The actual damage done by the pest is surprisingly slight."

Also See:

Balance of Nature

Historical Control Methods