Rural Home  Growing Grain for Mice  SA Country Hour  Mice are a
problem in grain paddocks  Caddie Brain  Usually farmers do
everything they can to keep mice out of their grain paddocks.
They're a pest that can eat seeds as they germinate and later on
eat the maturing grain.  But without realising it, farmers could
be growing grain, specifically for mice.  Wheat from south east
Australia is used to make mouse pellets, that mice in scientific
experiments eat.  Ridley AgriProducts St Arnaud site manager
Shane Coleman says they make 11 tonnes a week of mouse pellets.
He says the staff take pride in any scientific breakthroughs.
"The fellas here, they get quite pleased, happy and excited
because of the production they've put into it.  "If they see a
research breakthrough they think, 'Well I made that feed, that
contributed to the research.  "They're very happy with
themselves."  Mr Coleman says it's important they produce a
consistent product, because any changes in the animals' diet can
affect research results