AS Victoria faces what could be the largest locust plague in 75 years, the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is reminding small landholders they have an important role to play.

To update landholders on the present locust situation - and to provide information about their biology and potential impacts - the DPI is running a meeting in Kilmore on Wednesday.

The meeting is being organised by DPI, Kilmore Pastoral and Mitchell Shire Council and will be led by the DPI’s David Stewart and Melissa Neal.

Mr Stewart said the meeting was called to meet the specific needs of smaller landholders.

“While we cannot completely eliminate the locust threat, a collaborative approach with public and private landholders - including small landholders working together - can reduce the effect on vital food production areas, the natural environment and rural communities,” Mr Stewart said.

“We will outline what DPI is doing and what you can do to prepare for and respond to locusts this season. We will also outline where to go for more information and available assistance for landholders.”

Kilmore Pastoral owner Geoff Dennis also urged local landholders to register for the meeting to find out what can be done to help minimise the effect of locusts this season.

“We are trying to make sure all farmers are aware, as we only really have a few weeks to prepare,” Mr Dennis said.

“If the weather turns warm it (locust spread) may come to fruition a bit early. We want to make sure everyone is organised and prepared.”

The DPI has also begun its locust management plan and is working with landholders, local government and industry to reduce the impact of Australian Plague Locusts this spring.

Meetings are being held with farmers, industry, local government, water authorities and chemical suppliers in preparation for a collaborative response to the locust threat.

The Kilmore meeting will be held at 7pm tomorrow at the Kilmore racecourse.

Local land managers who would like to attend should register with Kilmore Pastoral on 5782 1044.