Farmers could be at risk of losing millions of dollars worth of pastures and crops if authorities don’t get on top of the looming locust plague this spring.

While authorities have promised their strategies are in place, the New South Wales Farmers’ Association is calling on all parties to be prepared.

Association President, Mal Peters, is urging farmers to do their bit to help control what has the potential to be the most serious locust plague outbreak in decades.

“We’ve worked with the government to make sure they’re ready and we will be monitoring the situation very carefully.

“Now farmers have got to do their bit to make sure they understand when they need to raise the red flag to alert authorities."

Mr Peters has urged farmers to attend a series of information meetings across the state to bring them up to speed.

“Our members have asked for these meetings and the Association is pleased to see them rolled out.

“These meetings will help farmers recognise the signs of an outbreak before it’s out of control.

"We don't want to be in the same position as with the last outbreak in Autumn where some farmers weren't sure what to do and who to notify.

"Locusts are best sprayed during the very early stages of their development, so we can't afford to waste any time," Mr Peters said.

The meetings are being co-ordinated by the Rural Land Protection Boards (RLPBs) and will target potential trouble-spots across the state.

"The Association will continue to keep a close eye on how things develop over the next few months, to ensure that the Department of Primary Industries, the Australian Plague Locust Commission and the RLPBs act immediately and work together when the locusts start hatching. 

"Further details can be obtained from the Association's Member Service Centre on 1300 794 000," Mr Peters concluded.