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Barwon South-West Ag news
 
Thursday 17 October 2019
In this edition
  • Rabbit action network celebrates international accolade
  • New Rural Assistance Commissioner appointed
  • Profitable Stonefruit Network
  • The AgriFutures Rural Women's Award
  • Hay moisture levels increases fire risk
  • Livestock emissions and carbon neutrality
  • Extension for say on sheep and goat levy until 31 October
  • Leadership and mentoring program
  • Final fox and wild dog bounty collection
  • On-farm emergency water infrastructure rebate scheme
  • Look over the farm gate grants
  • What's on?
Rabbit action network celebrates international accolade
VRN logo
 

 

Members of the Victorian Rabbit Action Network gathered in Melbourne last week to celebrate their prestigious United Nations Award.

Award celebrations

Agriculture Victoria received a United Nations Public Service Award this year for its work with the Victorian Rabbit Action Network (VRAN) in ‘delivering more inclusive and equitable services to leave no one behind’.

Representatives from Agriculture Victoria and VRAN travelled to Azerbaijan in June to receive the award.

Over the last six years, the network has delivered an innovative and integrated approach to managing rabbits in partnership with community, to address the destructive and costly pest, the European rabbit.

Chair of the Victorian Rabbit Action Network, Gerald Leach, said the event was about the network coming together and celebrating this significant achievement.

“We share this award with the VRAN committee members, mentors, government agency staff and broader communities in recognition of their tireless work and energy in sharing our states rabbit problem and solutions,” Mr Leach said.

About 30 people including network members, mentors, key contributors, founding members and Agriculture Victoria staff gathered at the Melbourne Museum last week to celebrate the award.

Agriculture Victoria Acting Executive Director for Biosecurity Services Michael Rosier said it was proven that the most effective approach to manage pests was a suite of integrated management techniques owned and led by community who work in collaboration with one another.

“The network has shown exceptional leadership in being willing to take on an issue that knows no boundaries, and is incredibly invasive and costly to our agriculture,” Mr Rosier said.

Additionally, Mr Rosier acknowledged three of the VRAN committee members who had recently been accepted into the Academy of Community Engagement, recognising exceptional accomplishments in engagement.

“We’re recognising the great contributions of the community members to the network, and how their support and cooperation has helped make this network an international success.”

Since its establishment, VRAN has reached 6,000 people, covering more than 2.5 million hectares on public and private land. By the end of 2019, it is expected that a total of 10,000 people will have been engaged with the network.

For more information about the Victorian Rabbit Action Network, visit https://rabbitaction.com/

New Rural Assistance Commissioner appointed

The Victorian Government has appointed a new Rural Assistance Commissioner to engage with Victoria’s agricultural communities and provide advice to government on how they can best be supported into the future.

The former Victorian Farmers Federation President Peter Tuohey will take up the role to provide insight on the challenges and opportunities facing regional and rural communities.

Responding to ongoing drought and dry seasonal conditions, challenges within parts of the dairy industry and opportunities to boost Victoria’s agriculture output will be a key focus while Mr Tuohey engages with communities and workers across the sector.

The Commissioner will also focus on the rollout of the recently announced $31 million drought support package, and the impacts and needs of the dairy industry transition in northern Victoria.

Mr Tuohey will engage with farmers and rural communities to identify any immediate and emerging issues coming out of difficult seasonal conditions and industry transition, as well as informing what assistance might be needed in the future.

Alongside Mr Tuohey, the Victorian Government will continue to work with local governments, business groups, industry bodies and community organisations to make sure regional and rural Victorians are getting the support they need.

Profitable Stonefruit Network
Profitable Stonefruit Network

Check out what's new online with the Profitable Stonefruit Network.

Update on the canopy crop-load experiments

Plum Angeleno: Tatura trellis versus vase

Apricot Golden May: Tatura trellis versus vase

Virtual Orchard Tour: a look at tree structures of Palmette and Cordon

(In case you missed it) Stonefruit Research Roadshow 2019 wrap-up

**LINK HERE** http://www.hin.com.au/networks/profitable-stonefruit-research#tab__177176

AgriFutures Rural Women's Award

The AgriFutures™ Rural Women’s Award is Australia’s leading award acknowledging and supporting the essential role women play in rural industries, businesses and communities.

The award provides a platform to inspire and support Australian women to use and develop their skills to benefit their industries and communities.

Over the past two decades, the award has gained a significant profile, and is recognised as a program of influence among parliamentarians, industry, media and award alumni.

Each state and territory winner will receive a $10,000 bursary for innovative ideas and projects, access to professional development opportunities and alumni networks.

AgriFutures Australia is committed to the future growth and advancement of the award as a means of identifying, celebrating and empowering women.

The Rural Women’s Award is one of many AgriFutures Australia initiatives ensuring our rural industries prosper now, and into the future

Applications close 31 October.

For more information, click here

Hay moisture levels increases fire risk

Despite our best efforts, sometimes hay is baled too wet, which can lead to an increased risk of haystack fires. 

Reasons as to why hay may be baled too wet include: poor curing weather, nodes and seed heads still wrapped in the flag leaf sheath not being cured enough and incorrectly calibrated, or moisture meters used wrongly.

As a result, there is potential for forage that is to be baled, to be two to five per cent higher in moisture than it should be.

Large rectangular bales need to be about two per cent drier (12 – 14 per cent moisture) than large round bales (14 – 16 per cent) which themselves need to be two per cent drier than small square bales (16 – 18 per cent). 

This is due to their high density or large volume to surface area for the large rectangular and round bales respectively.

Leaving wide windrows behind a mower-conditioner, tedding immediately after mowing (tedders will substantially speed up curing), and using a form of hay preservative will all increase the curing rate of hay. 

While they add to the cost of hay making, if the forage is of high quality to begin with it will be well worth the additional expense.

Occasionally however, some of the hay will end up in the stack that hasn’t been cured well enough.

It will be vitally important to regularly monitor the stack from week one after baling for signs of heating.

These signs include:

  • dampness on the tops of bales
  • steam rising from the stack
  • moisture build-up on roofing iron or under tarped outside stack
  • corrosion on underside of tin roof
  • unusual odours (e.g. pipe tobacco, caramel, burning, musty)
  • sometimes the stack may slump in places.

Unfortunately, much of the heating will occur in the stack centre which is difficult to pick up. 

To try and get an idea on how hot a stack has become one approach is to use a crowbar pushed into the stack as far as possible.

After a couple of hours, remove the crowbar and feel how hot it is. 

A rough guideline as to the stack temperature is as follows:

  • < 50° Can handle the bar without discomfort. Check temperature daily
  • 50 – 60° Can handle the bar for a short time. Check temperature twice daily
  • 60 – 70° Can touch bar only briefly. Check temperature every two hours. Move
  • hay from top layers to improve air flow
  • >70° Bar too hot to hold. Potential for fire. Call 000 immediately. Avoid walking on top of stack.

Another alternative for a more accurate and easier monitoring can be achieved by using thermal couplings, which can be placed into various areas of the stack at stacking and can be monitored easily and regularly.

For more information about dry seasonal conditions head to agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons

Livestock emissions and carbon neutrality

When: 12 pm, Friday, 18 October

The COP21 Paris Agreement not only established the goal of limiting global temperature rise to 2°C, but also set the goal of net zero emissions from 2050.

In response, we are now seeing some governments, sub-national jurisdictions and multinational agribusiness and supply chains setting similar targets.

Meat and Livestock Australia has set a target of carbon neutral red-meat production by 2030.

Some recent studies have shown that livestock production can be carbon neutral, albeit initially just using carbon offsets in soil and trees.

While some options are emerging to dramatically reduce livestock methane, significant research is still required to deliver profitable and sustained low emissions livestock production systems.

This webinar will talk about carbon neutral livestock production, what this means, how it is assessed, the possible options available and how far we are from the likely target.

Presenter: Professor Richard Eckard

Richard Eckard is Professor and Director of Primary Industries Climate Challenges Centre in the Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne.

His research focuses on carbon farming and options for agriculture to respond to a changing climate.

He is a science advisor to Australian, New Zealand and United Kingdom governments, and United Nations FAO, on climate change adaptation, mitigation and carbon policy development in agriculture.

Richard leads a network within Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gasses and is a member of Greenhouse Gas and Animal Agriculture international science committee.

Richard has published over 145 peer reviewed papers, with 80 peer-reviewed papers, seven book chapters, and 80 conference papers on climate change, carbon farming and agriculture since 2010.

Please register online in advance.

Event password: Emissions2019

Event number: 570 991 127

The webinar will be recorded, so if you miss the live presentation you can watch it later at a time that suits you.

For more information about this webinar, contact Liz Hamilton at liz.hamilton@agriculture.vic.gov.au

To keep up to date on upcoming as well as previous climate risk related webinars, visit the Agriculture Victoria Weather and Climate webinar page: http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/weather-and-climate/climate-webinars

Extension for say on sheep and goat levy until 31 October

The closing date for input on the duty paid by sheep and goat producers has been extended until 31 October.

Sheep and goat producers and industry are invited to have their say on the future amount of the state’s sheep and goat duty, which is under review.

The duty, charged on the sale of sheep and goats in Victoria, was set at 12 cents in 1999 and has remained at that rate since.

Currently, the funds support projects and program benefitting industry, such as raising awareness of biosecurity practices. The Sheep and Goat Compensation Advisory Committee makes recommendations to the Minister for Agriculture about expenditure. The fund also allows for compensation to be paid to producers for sheep and goats in the circumstance they are affected by a declared endemic disease.

This review comes on the back of the sheep and goat industry going through major reform, having transitioned from a mob-based identification process to an electronic identification system over the last few years.

There are six options provided for the ongoing sheep and goat duty amount.

For more information on the consultation and to submit your feedback, visit here.

Leadership and mentoring program
Leadership and Mentoring Program Apply Now

Do you want to improve your leadership skills? The Victorian Rural Women’s Network offers funded places for eligible rural Victorian women on highly regarded leadership and mentoring programs.

Funded places are available to Victorian-based rural women who are connected to agriculture or the agriculture supply chain.

The network is proud to partner with four program providers:

  • Victorian Office for Women
  • The Observership Program
  • Regional Leadership
  • Leadership Victoria.

Which program is for you? The Victorian Rural Women’s Leadership and Mentoring Program is designed for rural Victorian women at every stage of their leadership journey, from emerging to experienced leaders.

In 2020, funded places will be available on five programs. Applications are open now for the 2020 intake.

For more information and details see here.

Final fox and wild dog bounty collection

The Victorian Government’s fox and wild dog bounty has resumed and will continue in the North-East and Goulburn Broken regions until October. Eligible participants can submit entire fox scalps for a $10 reward during scheduled collection times.

For full details on bounty collection go to the Agriculture Victoria website, agriculture.vic.gov.au/bounty, or call the Customer Service Centre on 136 186

 
 

Broadford (Fox only)
5 Mollinson Street, Broadford
Thursday 17 October 10.30 am – 12.30 pm

On-farm emergency water infrastructure rebate scheme

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 the following local government areas: Benalla, Campaspe, East Gippsland, Gannawarra, Greater Bendigo, Greater Shepparton, Loddon, Moira, Strathbogie, Swan Hill, Wellington, Northern Grampians, Mildura, Wodonga, Alpine, Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack, Towong, Buloke, Horsham, and Indigo.

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

Look Over the Farm Gate grants

Farmers and communities facing drought and dry conditions across northern and north west Victoria should apply now for funding under the Look Over the Farm Gate Program.

Look Over the Farm Gate events are an opportunity for farmers to take a break from the farm, reconnect with their community, access professional support and participate in mental health training.

You know what your community needs, so we encourage community groups to think creatively about what single event or series of events would be most effective.

It could be anything from a barbeque and comedy night, regular fitness meet-ups in the park, or a family movie night.

Look Over the Farm Gate is a mental health and wellbeing initiative funded by the Victorian Government and managed by the Victorian Farmers Federation in partnership with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Country Women’s Association, Country Fire Authority, and National Centre for Farmer Health.

Applications are still being accepted for events and are assessed on a first in best dressed basis.

For more information about eligibility and how to apply, visit the website at lookoverthefarmgate.org.au

What's on?
Ky NLIS workshop
Kyabram NLIS Database Workshop

Agriculture Victoria is conducting hands-on workshops for producers using the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) database. There will be a workshop at Kyabram Fauna Park on Thursday, 31 October from 10am – 3pm.

Participants will learn how to update their Property Identification Code (PIC) details, complete a Property-to-Property (P2P) transfer and use the database features.

Topics will include

  • Setting up, navigating and using the NLIS database
  • Updating your Property Identification Code (PIC) details
  • Completing Property-to-Property (P2P) transfers on the NLIS database

Sessions include catering, please provide dietary requirements at registration.

To book your free tickets online, go to http://agriculturevictoriaevents.eventbrite.com then select NLIS Database Practical Workshop - Kyabram.

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

Numbers are limited to allow for a hands-on practical session, so be quick to secure a spot!

Please arrive from 9.30 am to allow time to set up your laptop and get connected. Computers will be provided on the day or you can bring along your own laptop. Participants are required to set up their NLIS account prior to attending the workshop, information will be provided at registration.

Small-scale pig and poultry workshops
Piglets

Agriculture Victoria is hosting a series of free workshops to help new and existing small-scale pig and poultry producers prepare a land use planning permit application.

Attending participants will be eligible for the supporting grants program offering up to $3,000 for expenses related to on-farm works, consultancy, or training that supports the preparation of a land use planning permit application.

These workshops will provide information and advice on:

  • Planning requirements
  • Property development, locality and nutrient management plans and
  • Identification of site improvements needed to support planning permit applications.

Locations

  • Lismore Thursday, 7 November
  • Benalla Tuesday 12 November
  • Broadford Tuesday 19 November.

Webinar (Online) Thursday 21 and 28 November 12.30 – 2.30pm (must attend both dates to qualify)

Face-to-face workshops run 9:15am – 3pm.

Lunch will be provided, so please indicate any dietary allergies on registering.

If these locations do not suit your needs, be sure to register an expression of interest (link below) so we can hold our next workshops at a location convenient to you.

Pre-workshop preparation
Agriculture Victoria may contact registered participants to determine property specific details prior to the workshop. This will allow us to provide participants with farm maps and/or aerial images.

Please register via Eventbrite at: https://agvic-pig-poultry.eventbrite.com.au

For more information email Ann McDowell at ann.mcdowell@agriculture.vic.gov.au or 0436 934 343.

NLIS Database – two-part webinar 11 and 18 November

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

Participants will learn how to complete a Property-to-Property (P2P) transfer and use the database features.

Topics include: Setting up, navigating and using the NLIS database and Completing Property-to-Property (P2P) transfers on the NLIS database.

Book your free tickets online at:
http://agriculturevictoriaevents.eventbrite.com then select ‘NLIS Database Practical Workshop – Webinar’

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

Numbers are limited to allow for an interactive session, so be quick to secure a spot!

GrazFert – nutrient planning for farmers
GrazFert Program - Ovens / King Valley region

GrazFert is a farm nutrient management program that enables livestock farmers to make better fertiliser decisions.

It provides an opportunity for farmers to access independent support and advice to optimise their soil management with information on interpreting soil tests, minimising nutrient losses, reducing soil acidity and maximising the economic returns from fertiliser and lime inputs.

What’s involved:

  • Farm visit to collect two soil samples to assess a range of soil parameters including nutrients, pH and cationexchange capacity
  • Preparation of a nutrient management plan by Agriculture Victoria staff
  • Attendance at two local workshops focused on soil test interpretation and nutrient budgeting.

To learn more about the GrazFert program, check out the video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4qr7N_UYTsw

COST $150 per farm business (maximum of 10 businesses/program)

Dates

Soil sampling: Commencing October

Workshop 1: Soil test interpretation November/December

Workshop 2: Nutrient budgeting February/March 2020

Location 

Ovens and King Valley workshop venue to be confirmed

Register 

Please register your interest by contacting Ian Gamble, Agriculture Victoria Rutherglen on 0437 362 620 or at ian.gamble@agriculture.vic.gov.au

This project is supported by North East CMA, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare program and Agriculture Victoria.

NRM Regions Knowledge Conference

NRM Regions Australia, along with North East Catchment Management Authority, is pleased to host Australia’s 7th National NRM Knowledge Conference. Our conference theme and question is: Creating Resilience through Natural Resource Management – how do we do it?

Here is your opportunity to engage with people working in the NRM sector from across Australia. Whether you work for NRM regional organisations, R&D organisations, territory, state and national agencies, NGOs or you are active in your local community we would love to see you in Wodonga. You will have the opportunity to hear the latest news from our research institutes and our partner government agencies and to contribute to the future direction of NRM in Australia.

We’re planning a highly interactive conference with very different types of sessions. Our aim for the conference is to identify a shared future for Australian natural resource management – and actions we will collectively pursue to address the Conference theme.

National NRM Knowledge Conferences have been held regularly over the past 15 years and provide an opportunity for NRM practitioners to share knowledge and build national networks with other practitioners, NRM regional organisations, individuals, government and non-government agencies.

To register, click here

Grain storage webinars

A series of free-of-charge grain storage webinars from the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) will provide growers with convenient, timely and relevant information and advice about all aspects of storing grain on-farm.

One webinar will be held every month for the remainder of 2019 – each being 30 minutes and focused on different topics.

12 November – grain protectants
10 December – aeration cooling

For more information and to register, go to storedgrain.com.au/event/webinar-planning-storage or contact Amy Harwood via amy.harwood@bcg.org.au or 0456 979 561.

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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.

A full list of our 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.

 

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