Are you at risk of RLEM damage next autumn?

There are many factors which determine whether a paddock will be at risk of RLEM attack.
The RLEM Risk Calculator can help you determine whether you are at a high, medium or low risk of RLEM attack.

Below is an explanation of the factors which determine the level of risk of RLEM attack: 

• If the paddock and surrounding areas have RLEM in spring and the develop of diapause eggs is not prevented, say through spraying on your Timerite® date, then the paddock has a high risk of RLEM attack the following spring.
• Plant varieties vary in their tolerance and susceptibility to RLEM attack. High risk varieties include subterranean clover, other legumes and canola. Annual legumes are particularly susceptible as RLEM can severely reduce seed production and seedling establishment which annual legumes rely on for ongoing pasture production.
• RLEM are just like sheep, in that the more feed available, the higher the numbers of mites that can be supported. Tall pastures can support higher numbers of mites than short pastures. Large populations can build up in pasture higher than 15cm. It is therefore important to manage your grazing so that you maximise the amount of feed going into your sheep and minimising the amount supporting RLEM populations.
• Broad leafed weeds such as cape weed and ox-tongue harbour RLEM. They can support large numbers of mites, allowing large populations to build up during the year, which can have a huge impact on pasture and crop seed production at the end of the season as well as ongoing plant attack.

Determine your RLEM risk level using the RLEM Risk Calculator.

Then read about the Management Options available to minimise your RLEM attack and ongoing risk level.