Forward this email | View in web browser
Barwon South-West Ag news
 
Thursday 7 May, 2020
In this edition:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
If you think you have coronavirus, get tested today

Farmers and producers are vital to all Victorian communities and play an important role during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

We are working closely with industry to ensure that the essential services provided by the agriculture sector continue to operate during the Stage 3 measures which have been implemented to combat the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The situation continues to change rapidly and we urge you to regularly check the Department of Health and Human Services website for the latest update: coronavirus.vic.gov.au.

More information including common questions and answers, advice for animal owners, commuting and accommodating seasonal contract workers during coronavirus and farm business FAQs is available on the Agriculture Victoria website.

Contacting us
entrance to Agriculture Victoria Irymple office near Mildura

We’re continuing to serve the community but you may need to contact us in different ways.

If you can do something online then this is the best way. You can also call us 136 186 for a range of information including how best to contact us.

Agriculture Victoria office receptions across the state are now closed in order to reduce face-to-face contact between staff and members of the community. The decision is in response to the latest advice to help prevent the further spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Please consider whether the activity you are contacting us about is necessary at this time. Visit the Department of Health and Humans Services website for the latest coronavirus (COVID-19) advice.

Latest news
Child safety on farms
child safety on farms

Children who live on farms are more likely to be injured or killed on the farm than their parents or other farm workers.

With children staying home amidst the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, children will be living, playing and sometimes working on their family farms.

During a time when families are staying home it is more important than ever to ensure children are always in safe areas and there are no serious injuries.

This can be achieved by creating safe play areas, appropriate farm tasks and having safety conversations with your children in your home.

The National Centre for Farmer Health has more information and several fact sheets available at https://www.farmerhealth.org.au/page/safety-centre/child-safety-on-farms and WorkSafe is also a great source - www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/children-farms.

Monitor your farm business performance
Livestock Farm Monitor excerpt

Agriculture Victoria is offering sheep and beef producers the opportunity to participate in the Victorian Livestock Farm Monitor Project (LFMP).

The LFMP has been collecting detailed physical and financial farm information from producers for 50 years and providing them with a thorough and independent report of their farm’s performance.

Participants have said they use the report’s data for such things as obtaining or extending loans or to make short, medium and long-term business decisions.

Farm Business Economist Sam Henty said for a farm business to achieve its goals it must first establish whether it can pay the bills, understand how efficiently it uses its resources and determine whether the owner is increasing their net worth.

“The Livestock Farm Monitor Project provides producers and decision makers with this information,” Mr Henty said.

“It’s a good opportunity to step back and look at your figures and input costs and review these elements.”

Participating producers will receive an annual individualised report with graphs and data from the reporting year.

“A participating farm business can use the results from this report to compare its performance over time and help identify the critical variables to inform and provide confidence for on-farm decision making.”

Data collection occurs in July and August each year, to coincide with the availability of data from the previous financial year.

Data collected includes farm income and costs for the financial year, trading and breeding details, feed input and production, fertiliser and labour inputs and a complete stock, feed, land and farm machinery inventory, including all farm assets and liabilities.

Limited places are available for individual farms and farm discussion groups across Victoria to participate in the 2019–20 LFMP.

There is no cost for participants, and all information is treated as strictly confidential.

Previous reports are available on the Agriculture Victoria website agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestockfarmmonitor

For further information, please contact Sam Henty on 0430 482 443 or sam.henty@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Young farmer scholarships open for applications

Young farmers across Victoria are being encouraged to take advantage of an opportunity to expand their skills, knowledge and agricultural expertise through the latest program backed by the Victorian Government.

Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes today launched this year’s Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarships, which allows successful applicants to access study and training, as well as invest in on-farm initiatives and further professional development.

The program offers scholarships of up to $10,000 to support training and study in areas such as business and risk management, genetics and pasture management development.

Once recipients complete their studies, they will receive further funding of up to $5000 to invest in putting their new skills into practice in fields such as professional development and business planning, or to invest in on-farm practices, equipment and technology.

To ensure young people continue to develop the skills they need to build successful careers in agriculture, the Victorian Government is investing $375,000 in the scholarship program over the next three years.

The Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarship program has successfully supported 63 young farmers to develop their skills across a range of agriculture sectors since 2015.

Applications for this year’s round of scholarships are now open to farmers aged 35 or under who have been working in farm businesses for at least three days a week for the past three months, with at least two years total experience on-farm.

As well as the scholarship program, the Government is supporting our next generation of farmers through a range of other programs, including the Young Farmer Business Bootcamps, Young Farmer Business Network and the Young Farmers Advisory Council.

To find out more about the program and to apply for a scholarship, visit vic.gov.au/youngfarmers.

Applications close on Sunday, 14 June.

Keeping backyard chooks
chooks

Dr Jeff Cave
District Veterinary Officer

Chickens can be a great addition to your garden, fulfilling various roles such as producing eggs, fertilising gardens and eating your food scraps.

The most trouble-free chickens to purchase are vaccinated hens at the point of lay (16 – 18 weeks) from a reliable commercial source.

Chickens need a well-drained and well-ventilated pen. Make sure the chicken pen is fox and wild bird proof and, unless the sides are attached to a wooden or concrete floor, dig them into the soil to a depth of at least a half a metre.

Part of the pen needs to be under cover, particularly where the chickens roost and lay. It works well if the chicken house/coop is located under a tree for shade.

The chicken coop should be north facing with an eve about a metre long to protect from the summer sun and the rain but to still let light in during winter. 

It is easier to manage the chickens if the chicken coop is high enough for you to stand up in. Cover the floor with sawdust or straw to form a deep litter with the chicken’s droppings.

Nesting boxes need to be off the ground, dark and have fresh, clean straw that should be replaced regularly. Ideally build the chicken coop with outside access to the nesting boxes.

Perches for roosting need to be wide enough for the chickens to comfortably stand on.

Commercial layer pellets or crumble that can be bought in 20 kgs bags at your local rural store are a satisfactory food source but chickens can be supplemented with food scraps. Don't feed more scraps than the chickens can consume, or the leftovers will attract vermin and create odours.

A round feeder is good for the pecking order as the weaker chicken can be on the other side of the circle and not beside the dominant chicken. Provide enough feed for no more than three days to prevent it from becoming stale.

An automatic chicken feeder is preferred; these are suitable for all backyard chicken flocks and the step-on mechanism helps prevent vermin, wild birds and rain from ruining the feed.

Chickens also need continual access to clean, fresh water.

Finally, monitor your chickens daily for their health, egg production, and food and water availability.

If you have more than 50 chickens, you are required to have a Property Identification Code (PIC) and also a unique egg stamp.

You can apply for a PIC online at http://agriculture.vic.gov.au.           

Additionally, you must either be in a recognised industry or commercial quality assurance program, or complete and follow Agriculture Victoria’s food safety management statement.

Check your local government requirements, as many have by-laws on flock size and housing.

For further advice please contact your local veterinarian or your Agriculture Victoria district veterinary or animal health officer on 136 186.

Soils community of practice newsletter
soils community of practice newsletter

“The earth is what we all have in common.” – Wendell Berry

In this edition:

  • Editorial
  • Feature article: Why do farmers adopt soil management practices?
  • Local news
  • National news
  • International news

**SUBSCRIBE** to the newsletter here.

Regional climate update webinar

Want to know more about the climate drivers for your region, how climate forecasts relate to the weather you see on farm and what the current forecast is for your region?

Agriculture Victoria is running a series of webinars in May where our Seasonal Risk Agronomist Dale Grey will take us through:

  • The climate drivers which affect your region
  • How models have performed for some recent climate events
  • The current regional forecast.

If you need help registering or would like more information call Sarah Clack on 0417 316 345 or email sarah.clack@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Goulburn Murray Irrigation District
Tuesday 12 May
12 – 1 pm
Register or join at: https://ecodev.webex.com/ecodev/onstage/g.php?MTID=e1645c142ca175afc0bba4d70ff596992

North East Victoria
Wednesday 13 May
12 – 1 pm
Register or join at: https://ecodev.webex.com/ecodev/onstage/g.php?MTID=e55612f5c64beff757bd62e687c904d46

South West Victoria
Thursday 14 May
12 – 1 pm
Register or join at: https://ecodev.webex.com/ecodev/onstage/g.php?MTID=ec6c5434df66c8d3c7af4823ea620f880

For more information about drought and dry seasonal conditions support call 136 186 or visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons.

The Occasional Counsellor webinars for service providers
The Occasional Counsellor TM

Agriculture Victoria is hosting two The Occasional Counsellor ™ webinars run by David Cherry, a clinical and forensic psychologist with 40 years’ experience.

The webinar is for service providers who aren’t employed in a counselling role but are called upon to give others emotional support, for example, those experiencing the impact of prolonged dry seasonal conditions.

The focus of the workshop is on teaching participants strategies for assisting individuals who are sad, upset, bewildered, confused, angry or depressed while clearly remaining in their role.

The workshop will cover:

  • skills of the helper, including the importance of empathy and when not to empathise
  • understanding professional boundaries, including understanding your role and the limits of your role
  • the difference between emotional support and counselling
  • simple, practical strategies for supporting individuals who may be acutely emotionally distressed, including making appropriate referrals, while keeping yourself safe and remaining in your role
  • self-care for the worker

Date: Tuesday 26 May
Time: 10 am to 1 pm

Date: Thursday 28 May
Time: 10 am to 1 pm

Where: Online using a Webex link that will be provided.

Register online: https://agriculturevictoriaevents.eventbrite.com.au

Or contact Sarah Clack 0417 316 345 or sarah.clack@agriculture.vic.gov.au if you need help registering.

RSVP: essential as places are limited.

For more information about assistance available to help farmers manage during drought conditions call 136 186 or visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons.

This event is delivered by Agriculture Victoria and funded by the Victorian Government’s 2019 - 20 drought support package.

Early-sown canola may escape blackleg clutches
canola budding

Canola crops sown early in warm conditions over recent weeks may escape potentially severe blackleg disease during the growing season.

Many crops are being sown earlier than usual this year following decent summer and early autumn rains.

Marcroft Grains Pathology principal Steve Marcroft, who is co-ordinator of the Grains Research and Development Corporation’s (GRDC) National Canola Pathology Program investment, said crops sown before 30 April into warm conditions that allowed them to quickly progress through the seedling growth stage are at the lowest risk of developing blackleg.

“Crops sown from May onwards are likely to face more disease pressure from blackleg, with crops sown from June onwards at the highest risk.”

This advice is contained in the GRDC Blackleg Management Guide autumn 2020 edition which also features the latest blackleg ratings for canola cultivars.

Dr Marcroft said results from the latest blackleg screenings of canola cultivars have been factored into the updated ratings for 2020.

Blackleg ratings can change from year-to-year if the fungus overcomes cultivar resistance.

Leptosphaeria maculans, the causal agent of blackleg disease, is a sexually reproducing pathogen that may overcome cultivar resistance genes.

Fungal spores are released from canola stubble and spread extensively via wind and rain splash. The impact is more severe in areas of intensive canola production.

“Blackleg can cause severe yield loss, but can be successfully managed,” Dr Marcroft said.

“Growers are advised to closely follow the recommended strategies for reducing the risk of disease which are contained in the GRDC Blackleg Management Guide.”

The guide, available at https://grdc.com.au/GRDC-FS-BlacklegManagementGuide, can be used by growers to determine whether they are in a high-risk situation and the best management practices to reduce or prevent yield loss from blackleg.

The guide also emphasises that fungicides will only provide an economic return if a crop is at high risk of yield loss.

“Fungicides complement other management practices,” Dr Marcroft said.

“Growers should never rely solely on fungicides to control disease as this poses a high risk for development of resistance.”

The BlacklegCM blackleg management app has also been updated with the latest disease ratings.

The app, a GRDC investment, provides growers with a tool that can forecast the likelihood and severity of the disease, associated yield loss and economic returns on a paddock-by-paddock basis.

Dr Marcroft said the tool provides growers and advisers with “an interactive interface” to explore and compare the economic outcomes of different management strategies for blackleg, which can cause up to 90 per cent yield loss where a cultivar’s blackleg resistance has been overcome.

The app, available for use on iPads and tablets via the App Store and Google Play, is an extension of the Blackleg Management Guide which is updated twice a year to reflect any changes in the resistance status of individual cultivars.

“BlacklegCM assists growers to manage blackleg by integrating the information provided in the Blackleg Management Guide and producing a predicted economic outcome,” Dr Marcroft said.

“It can be modified to account for some of the major factors that relate to risk of yield loss due to blackleg in a particular paddock.

"It allows the user to compare the likely relative profitability of different disease management strategies, including paddock selection, cultivar choice, seed dressing, banded fungicide and sprayed fungicide.”

BlacklegCM factors in costs, yield benefits and grain prices to give the best case, worst case and most likely estimates of economic return.

It also accounts for the major factors that influence blackleg severity and can be used during the growing season to assist with foliar fungicide application decisions.

Dr Marcroft said the severity of blackleg disease in 2020 will be dependent on seasonal conditions.

To further assist growers in determining the level of risk in their area, the GRDC-supported National Variety Trials (NVT) Online website, www.nvtonline.com.au, provides the latest information from blackleg monitoring sites across Australia.

Representative cultivars from all blackleg resistance groups are sown in trial sites in every canola-producing region and monitored for blackleg severity.

This data provides regional information on the effectiveness of each blackleg resistance group.

Comprehensive information on management of canola diseases can be found in the GRDC’s Diseases of Canola and Their Management: The Back Pocket Guide, available https://grdc.com.au/GRDC-BPG-CanolaDiseases.

Videos featuring Dr Marcroft diagnosing and explaining how to control blackleg upper canopy infection can be found at https://bit.ly/2VHwBNZ and https://bit.ly/2Kk3xqs respectively, while a podcast on upper canopy infection can be downloaded via https://bit.ly/2KikMsb.

Young farmer business network
Young Farmer business network

Young Farmers of Victoria – this is your network to talk about farm business management with other like-minded young farmers through social media, articles, online and face to face forums.

Click here to join and learn more about the Young Farmer Business Network Facebook group.

PhD research fellowships on offer
apply now more than 30 phd research fellowships on offer

In partnership with the University of Melbourne, Agriculture Victoria is offering 32 PhD research fellowships in the grains, dairy and horticulture industries.

The fellowships will be based across Victoria at the department’s world-renowned research centres. Successful candidates will be rewarded with a $33,000 per annum scholarship, access to state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities for professional development and overseas travel.

To find out more visit the Agriculture Victoria website.

Managing dry conditions
access up to $5000 for on-farm drought infrastrcuture to improve mobile phone connectivity, weed control or soil moisture probes.
On-Farm Drought Resilience Grants program expanded

Jaclyn Symes, Minister for Agriculture has announced changes to the On-Farm Drought Resilience Grants program.

The maximum value of the On-Farm Drought Resilience Grants has increased from $5000 to $10,000 to boost farmers’ access to professional services while still enabling farmers to invest in drought preparedness infrastructure.

Eligible farm businesses can now apply for:

  • up to $5000 for business decision making activities (with no-contribution required)
  • up to $5000 for infrastructure investments (with at least 50 per cent co-contribution required).
  • There are three new eligible infrastructure investments under the resilience grants:
  • technologies to improve mobile phone connectivity
  • weed control (e.g., purchase of registered herbicide)
  • soil moisture probes (as an explicit investment under soil moisture monitoring activities)

For more information and to access the On-Farm Drought Resilience Grants program, call Rural Finance on 1800 260 425 or visit ruralfinance.com.au.

Farmers are encouraged to apply early to ensure they do not miss out on funding.

Dry seasons hotline

Millewa and Carwarp district farmers can contact Agriculture Victoria on 1800 318 115 for dry seasonal conditions information and advice.

You may have questions about:

  • feed budgeting
  • stock containment areas
  • feed testing
  • livestock requirements
  • biosecurity
  • soil management

Our staff can also discuss other available support including grants.

Services and advice during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

Drought and dry seasons affected farmers in the Millewa-Carwarp region, the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District (GMID) and East and Central Gippsland are encouraged to sign-up for a free program to build their farm business skills.

Meridian Agriculture Farm Business Consultant Paul Blackshaw said a deep understanding of your farm business is important, especially when recovering from significant impacts, such as drought.

“This free program will commence with a two-hour webinar which will focus on the basics of farm business management and simple ways of identifying the current farm business position (analysis of recent financial performance, balance sheet and cash flow).

“We will also look at a SWOT analysis, the importance of evidence-based decision making, developing a fair and realistic cash flow budget, including relevant scenarios and strategic, tactical and operational planning.”

Mr Blackshaw said farmers who take part in the initial webinar will also be offered the opportunity to participate in individual remotely delivered sessions.

“During these one-on-one (remotely delivered) sessions we will explore basic historic and current financial performance of the farm business with the participant, as well as discussing their current strategic, tactical and operational plan, and assisting them to develop a cash flow budget for their business or review a current cash flow budget.”

Mr Blackshaw said there is no cost to participate in the program, but registrations are required. Ideally farmers will participate in the webinar focused in their region, however this isn’t essential.

Millewa-Carwarp region (North-West Victoria)

  • Webinar 1: Tuesday 12 May, 2 to 4 pm
  • Webinar 2: Wednesday 13 May, 7 to 9 pm

Goulburn Murray Irrigation District (GMID)

  • Webinar 1: Monday 18 May, 2 to 4 pm
  • Webinar 2: Tuesday 19 May, 7 to 9 pm

For more information and to register, please contact Yendon at Meridian Agriculture on (03) 5341 6100 or email: info@meridian-ag.com.au or Paul Blackshaw on 0427 546 643 or email: pblackshaw@meridian-ag.com.au

For more information about drought and dry seasonal conditions support and advice go to agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons.

This event is delivered by Agriculture Victoria and funded by the Victorian Government 2019-20 drought support package.

Dry seasons support
Support for Victorian farmers continues

Agriculture Victoria remains available to assist Victorian farmers. We want to reassure farmers, particularly those impacted by bushfires and drought, that we will continue to provide support services to you and your farming business. However, the way we are doing this during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has changed.

What are we doing differently?

We are moving from our usual face-to-face client contact to other alternatives. This means we might call you on the phone, send you information via post or email, invite you to a video or teleconference, or even a webinar.

Our technical support remains available to help landholders affected by fires and drought in East and Central Gippsland, North East, Millewa and the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District. 

Farmers can call us to access information tailored specifically to their needs on a range of topics including:

  • feed planning and pasture recovery
  • supplying feed and water to livestock
  • land and farm water management
  • general technical information
  • other assistance available and grants programs

Farmers affected by drought and bushfire

For support in bushfire-affected areas contact our Agriculture

Recovery Managers:

  • Gippsland – Keren Walker on (03) 5159 5118
  • North East – Kylie Macreadie on 0428 975 728

For support in drought-affected areas contact our Dry Seasonal Conditions Coordinators:

  • Millewa – Sue McConnell on 0418 572 087
  • Northern – Mick Bretherton on 0428 346 209
  • East and Central Gippsland – Nick Dudley on 0428 562 139.

Or email us at Drought.Support@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Farmers can also continue to call our Customer Service Centre on 136 186 and access the website anytime at – agriculture.vic.gov.au

There are many other agencies providing assistance too – this includes the Rural Financial Counselling Service:

  • in Gippsland call 1300 834 775
  • in the North East call 1300 834 775.

Rural Finance is administering many grants programs for drought and bushfire impacted farmers. Give them a call on 1800 260 425 or access online anytime at ruralfinance.com.au   

Dairy support

The Dedicated Dairy Support Program is available to dairy farmers in the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District who are considering structural or significant changes to their business.

Decisions could include leaving the industry, scaling back (or up), family succession or transitions to other enterprises.

For more information go to agbizassist.org.au, call 1300 834 775 or email dairysupport@agbizassist.org.au.

Bushfire Recovery Victoria is also a great service to connect you with recovery services and information from the whole of the Victorian Government. Call them on 1800 560 760 or visit at www.vic.gov.au/bushfire-recovery-victoria

CWA Drought Relief Program

The CWA of Victoria’s Drought Relief Program has been provided a funding boost by the Victorian Government for the provision of household financial relief.

A grant payment of up to $3000 per individual applicant and/or household is available for farming families, farm workers and contractors that are drought-affected and reliant on farming as their primary source of income.

This program is being funded through the Victorian Government’s Farmers’ Drought Fund - Household Financial Relief program.

To access an application form or to find out more go to cwaofvic.org.au or email drought@cwaofvic.org.au.

On-farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate

The On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme is now available for the purchase and installation of emergency water infrastructure for livestock.

The scheme is available to eligible farm businesses in a number of local government areas, including Campaspe, Gannawarra, Greater Bendigo, Greater Shepparton, Loddon, Strathbogie, Swan Hill, Mildura and Buloke.

Farm businesses outside of the above local government areas can make an application if they can demonstrate a critical water need for livestock resulting from current seasonal conditions.

These applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

The scheme is available for water infrastructure purchased since 1 July 2018 – guidelines and application details can be obtained from Rural Finance, call 1800 260 425 or visit ruralfinance.com.au.

Feeding livestock website
feeding livestock website

Did you know that the Agriculture Victoria’s Beef and Sheep Drought Feeding and Management online books have a new home?

They are housed and updated on the Feeding Livestock website and can be downloaded or viewed in whole or as individual chapters on any device.

Other key features of the website, include:

Upcoming webinars
Resilience webinar series

Five free 45-minute webinars on resilience thinking will be held during May and June 2020 for interested community members. In these turbulent times, resilience has become one of the most important capacities to build in communities, businesses, individuals and ecosystems alike.

  • Tuesday 12 May 10 - 10.45 am - Social-ecological systems' - people and place
  • Tuesday 19 May - 10 - 10.45 am - How social-ecological systems change
  • Tuesday 26 May - 10 - 10.45 am - Resilience and planning for regional-scale change

Register now. Places are limited. To register for one of the webinars please visit www.gbcma.vic.gov.au

For further details or queries contact Ashley Rogers at
ashleyr@gbcma.vic.gov.au or 0488 196 216.

The webinars are free thanks to funding from the Victorian Government’s Our Catchments, Our Communities Program and the Goulburn Broken CMA.

climate webinars
Regional climate webinar – GMID

Want to know more about the climate drivers for your region, how climate forecasts relate to the weather you see on farm and what the current forecast is for your region?

Agriculture Victoria Seasonal Risk Agronomist Dale Grey will take us through:

  • The climate drivers which affect your region
  • How models have performed for some recent climate events
  • The current regional forecast

Dale has been working in seasonal climate risk for over 14 years. Over this time he has built a national profile for expertise in explaining climate drivers and climatic model predictions, including rainfall and temperature, for the agriculture sector.

If you need help registering or would like more information please contact Sarah Clack, Agriculture Victoria, telephone: 0417 316 345; or email: sarah.clack@agriculture.vic.gov.au

For more information about drought and dry seasonal conditions support call 136 186 or visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons

Goulburn Murray Irrigation District
Tuesday 12 May
12 – 1 pm
Register or join at: https://ecodev.webex.com/ecodev/onstage/g.php?MTID=e1645c142ca175afc0bba4d70ff596992

Farm weather stations and what they can do

**LATEST RECORDING**

Agbyte Ag Technologist Leighton Wilksch on Farm weather stations and what they can do.

In this webinar, Mr Wilksch covered;

  • how to collect and interpret weather data
  • how to monitor fire danger, what to consider with soil probes
  • measuring and managing inversions

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Based on Yorke Peninsula, Mr Wilksch provides weather, soil moisture and crop monitoring hardware and solutions (backed up with agronomic service) across South Australia and Victoria. He has over 20 years' experience in the dryland broadacre market, being a research agronomist for Landmark before starting his business Agbyte in 2009. Agbyte provides innovative solutions for decision-making based around weather that enable users to intuitively decipher data to assist them with farm management.

This webinar was recorded on Thursday, 7 May at 12 pm (AEST).

Recordings of other recent climate webinars are available on the climate webinar page on the Agriculture Victoria website.

Recordings of other recent climate webinars are now available.

Visit our climate webinar page on the Agriculture Victoria website for more information.

Financial literacy for farm business decision-making
financial literacy for farm business decision-making

Drought and dry seasons affected farmers in the Millewa-Carwarp region, Goulburn Murray Irrigation District (GMID) and East and Central Gippsland are encouraged to sign-up for a free program to build their farm business skills.

  • Millewa-Carwarp region (North-West) - Webinar 1 - Tuesday 12 May - 2 to 4 pm
  • Millewa-Carwarp region (North-West) - Webinar 2 - Wednesday 13 May - 7 to 9 pm
  • Goulburn Murray Irrigation District (GMID) - Webinar 1 - Monday 18 May - 2 to 4 pm
  • Goulburn Murray Irrigation District (GMID) - Webinar 2 - Tuesday 19 May - 7 to 9 pm

For more information and to register, please contact Yendon at Meridian Agriculture on (03) 5341 6100 or email: info@meridian-ag.com.au or Paul Blackshaw on 0427 546 643 or email: pblackshaw@meridian-ag.com.au

For more information about drought and dry seasonal conditions support and advice go to agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons.

This event is delivered by Agriculture Victoria and funded by the Victorian Government 2019-20 drought support package.

Autumn grazing management webinar/phone seminar – 13 May

Join us for in interactive webinar on autumn grazing management.
Presented by Fiona Baker, Agriculture Victoria Beef Extension Officer, Ellinbank.

Topics covered:

  • How do I determine if my pastures are ready for grazing?
  • How much rest should pastures be given?
  • What’s the best grazing strategy to aim for?
  • How long can I leave stock in the paddock for?

Date: Wednesday 13 May

Time: 7.30 to 8.30 pm

Register online here

For enquiries contact Tess McDougall via email at tess.mcdougall@agriculture.vic.gov.au or 0409 841 492.

NLIS database management webinars
know your NLIS requirements

Monday 18 and 25 May
12.30  – 1.30pm

Book online at Eventbrite – select 'NLIS Database Webinar'

Agriculture Victoria is delivering a two-part webinar for livestock producers using the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) database.

Participants will learn about the national traceability system, how to complete a Property-to-Property (P2P) transfer and use the NLIS database features.

Topics include:

  • Overview of the traceability system
  • Setting up, navigating and using the NLIS database
  • Completing Property-to-Property (P2P) transfers on the database

Participants are required to set up their NLIS account prior to attending the webinar.

Further information on how to do this and how to join the webinar will be provided at registration.

For more information or if you have trouble registering, please call (03) 5761 1647.

Planning and designing a five-star water supply - 20 May

Join us for in interactive webinar on autumn grazing management.
Presented by Clem Sturmfels, Agriculture Victoria Land Management Extension officer, Ararat.

Topics covered:

  • Planning for the future
  • Stock water requirements
  • Climate impacts
  • Basic design

Date: Wednesday 20 May

Time: 7.30 to 8.30 pm

Register online here

For enquiries contact Tess McDougall via email at tess.mcdougall@agriculture.vic.gov.au or 0409 841 492.

Digital Opportunities Roadshow
digital opportunities roadshow

The Victorian Government in partnership with Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is delivering ONLINE workshops in regional Victoria to provide small businesses with practical actions and tips on how to make the most of the digital economy and reduce cybersecurity risks.

By registering for these FREE ONLINE workshops, small businesses will develop digital skills across a range of areas.

The following topics will be covered:

  • developing an online presence,
  • understanding and using digital tools and
  • managing your cybersecurity and safety plan

The workshop will assist small business in developing a fit-for purpose online presence and identifying online goals.

It will give practical advice on how businesses can operate in a digital economy, understand and use the digital tools and services that are available.

Guidance will be provided on how to manage cybersecurity and safety to help small businesses invest time in developing a practical cybersecurity plan.

Workshops taking place in the Loddon Mallee region include;

  • Swan Hill – 26 May
  • Cohuna - 1 June

For more information and a complete listing of events in all regions use the below link: www.business.vic.gov.au/digitalroadshow

Sustaining our food supply
sustaining our food supply

2 June, 1:30 (AEST)

Keen to hear the latest research into actions we can take to build the resilience of Melbourne’s fresh food supply?

Why we should protect farmland on the city fringe and ensure secure water sources?

And some practical ways in which consumers and households can help sustain our local food supply?

Join the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Melbourne for an insightful online conversation with Dr Rachel Carey, lead of the Foodprint Melbourne research project.

Understand more about:

  • The characteristics that make up Melbourne’s ‘foodbowl’ and a resilient food system
  • What the shocks and stressors to Melbourne’s food supply are
  • Suggestions for policy makers to make our locally produced food system more sustainable
  • Tips for each of us as consumers to help support local food producers and make our food system more resilient

The conversation will be facilitated by Dr Jennifer Henry, alum of the School of Agriculture and Food (BAgr(Hons) 1990, PhD 2001).

To join us for this informative online event, please RSVP here.

Further information is available in a recent article published by Dr Carey entitled Our food supply has problems with equity, not quantity, and discusses how shocks to our food supply, like COVID-19, provide an opportunity to transform our food systems in a way that is healthier, more sustainable and equitable.

Goat producers guide to the NLIS database

Tuesday 2 and 9 June
12.30  – 1.30 pm

Book online at Eventbrite – select 'NLIS Database Webinar for Goat Producers'

Agriculture Victoria is delivering a two-part webinar for goat producers using the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) database.

Participants will learn about the Victorian goat traceability system, how to complete a Property-to-Property (P2P) transfer and use the NLIS database features.

Topics include:

  • Traceability system overview
  • Purchasing electronic NLIS tags for goats
  • Setting up, navigating and using the NLIS database
  • Completing Property-to-Property (P2P) transfers on the NLIS database

Participants are required to set up their NLIS account prior to attending the webinar. Further information on how to do this and how to join the webinar will be provided at registration.

For more information, or if you have trouble registering, please call (03) 5761 1647.

Subscribe to Loddon Mallee Ag News

Enjoying the Loddon Mallee Ag News? Then why not forward to a friend or subscribe yourself.

It's easy – simply click this link.

Contacting Agriculture Victoria

Call 136 186 from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call (except for mobiles and public telephones).

If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment contact the National Relay Service on 133 677 or www.relayservice.gov.au.

All contact points can be found at: agriculture.vic.gov.au/about-us/contact-us.

Don't forget to check out Agriculture Victoria's social media sites for up-to-date information and news.

 

 

'Like' our Agriculture Victoria Facebook page.

 

Follow us on Twitter @VicGovAg

 

Subscribe to the Agriculture Victoria YouTube channel. 

 
 

Privacy | Email: deb.banks@ecodev.vic.gov.au

 
Unsubscribe
 
 

If you would like to subscribe, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/about-us/media-centre

This newsletter is distributed by the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions.