• Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
• Finalise your livestock fire plan now
• Backing agriculture for Victoria’s strong future
• Be wise and report the floating water weed
• Dairy Transition Survey – closing 30 November
• Growers given easy access to crop variety disease ratings
• Ask the researcher forum – genetic improvement
• Animal welfare fund grants – round 9 applications are now open
• Horticulture guidelines for seasonal workers
• Do you need seasonal workforce assistance?
• A new Animal Welfare Act for Victoria
• What's on?
• Climate webinars

Victorian Border Crossing Update

From 11.59 pm on 21 November, permits are required for everyone arriving in Victoria who lives in or has travelled through South Australia. For more information and to apply for a Victorian Border Crossing Permit, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au

Update: safely reopening Victoria

The coronavirus (COVID-19) roadmap for reopening provides steps on easing restrictions, dependent on how many active coronavirus (COVID-19) cases are in the community and public health advice.

From 11.59 pm on 22 November, changes are being made to restrictions across Victoria. Read the Premier’s statement or visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au for more details.

COVIDSafe Plans are required for all Victorian businesses

It is mandatory for every Victorian business to have a COVIDSafe Plan.

To ensure compliance, random spot checks are underway.

Your COVIDSafe Plan must set out:

• your actions to help prevent the introduction of coronavirus (COVID-19) in your workplace
• the level of face covering or personal protective equipment (PPE) required for your workforce
• how you will prepare for, and respond to, a suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in your workplace
• this plan must demonstrate how you will meet all the requirements set out by the Victorian Government. Some higher-risk industries or workplaces have additional requirements of employers and employees.

Businesses must review and update their COVIDSafe Plans routinely, especially when restrictions or public health advice changes. Organisations with multiple worksites must complete a COVIDSafe Plan for each worksite.

If you own a business in a high-risk industry, you must have a High Risk COVIDSafe plan.

In both metropolitan Melbourne and in regional Victoria, your business is operating in a high-risk industry and requires a High Risk COVIDSafe Plan if you are: 

• an abattoir or meat processing facility
• a seafood processing facility
• a poultry processing facility
• in seasonal horticultural work.

For more information and for templates and guidance on how to create your COVIDSafe Plan, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au.

Victorian primary producers are more aware than most, particularly after the devastating 2019/20 bushfires, of the importance of being prepared and having a plan in place for their livestock.

Effects faced include:

• damaged fencing and other infrastructure
• facilities and supplementary feed stores
• burnt pastures and
• devastating loss of thousands of sheep and cattle.

Producers were also required to move around 160,000 livestock to alternative locations across Victoria and interstate urgently both prior to, during and post the bushfires.

Now is the time for livestock owners to get prepared and have a clear strategy to apply in the possibility of a fire emergency on their farm.

A key factor in minimising the threat to livestock during a bushfire or on extreme fire danger days, is to identify safer areas on-farm where livestock can be moved to.

The area you choose will depend on the type of livestock and their expected behaviour during a bushfire.

To reduce potential injury and death to livestock you should consider relocating stock to designated low risk areas during days of high fire danger and Total Fire Bans. Low risk areas include:

• ploughed paddocks, areas cultivated and kept free of combustible vegetation
• bared-out paddocks, provided they are well defended by fire breaks
• irrigated paddocks or paddocks containing green summer crops (green feed does not burn easily)
• stockyards that can be wet in advance— however, the yards must be well defended as the fire front passes.

All low risk areas should have sufficient drinking water to enable stock to remain in the area for extended periods of high fire risk and high temperatures, be protected by firebreaks and be free of leaf, twigs and bark build-up.

Areas where there are dams and swamps are another possible option.

For more information see stock containment areas for emergencies.

Stockyards have been known to successfully hold livestock during a bushfire, if protected by a firebreak.

If this is your preferred option, consider using a sprinkler system, similar to stock being held together on a hot day, they can suffer heat stress.

Horses should not be locked up in small areas or stables but moved to an open paddock with minimal vegetation, so they can move freely.

Horses are good at moving themselves to safe open areas and usually suffer minimal burns if left to do so.

If equipment such as rugs, halters and flyveils remain on horses, the plastic may melt, and metal buckles can burn the animal.

Therefore consider using rope halters for easier handling and management.

It’s crucial not to open gates that may allow stock access to public roadways, as any animals will be a hazard to traffic in smoky conditions.

On days of extreme fire danger or on the day before, stock should be moved into lower risk areas on-farm, or to a safer property.

Agriculture Victoria advises livestock owners to act early and not get caught trying to move stock as a bushfire approaches, listen to weather forecasts and observe your own environment to help you decide when to put your plan into action.

For further assistance on preparing a farm and livestock bushfire plan see the emergency management pages or contact the Agriculture Victoria Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

The Victorian Government is backing a stronger, more innovative and sustainable agriculture industry with a new strategy to drive Victoria’s recovery from coronavirus and bolster the economy.

Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes recently announced the Victorian Budget 2020/21 will provide $65 million to support a strategy that responds to the challenges facing our farmers and positions Victorian agriculture for future growth.

A key focus of the strategy will be the modernisation of Victorian agriculture.

This includes $15 million to access leading AgTech, innovative farming methods and new skills so farmers have the tools and expertise they need to deliver more high-quality products to more local and global consumers, and enjoy even better returns.

Help for our farmers to expand their export potential will be provided through $20 million for the Food to Market and Pathways to Export programs, which will support infrastructure and business development projects and dedicated agriculture export resources for Victorian farmers.

The strategy will also focus on protecting the future of the industry by helping farmers respond and adapt to climate change.

Underpinning these objectives is a $30 million investment to extend the Agriculture Energy Investment Plan, which helps farmers reduce their energy costs, and be more energy efficient and productive.

The plan has been extremely popular, with farmers across Victoria benefitting from more than $11 million in grants awarded this year for energy efficiency investments and own-generation technology.

The government is continuing to support the industry as it recovers from the coronavirus pandemic, drought and bushfires.

Through the strategy, farmers and businesses will be helped to build resilience and take advantage of opportunities to strengthen supply chains and local manufacturing.

The strategy will build on existing work including Victoria's world-class agricultural research capacity, the On-Farm Internet of Things trials, new SmartFarms and Small-Scale and Craft Program.

The government will work in partnership with industry to ensure this work aligns with their future plans, building on the regular engagement with our industry reference group since March.

There will be opportunities for everyone to share their views and details on how to do this will be available soon.

Agriculture Victoria is encouraging Swan Hill and Mildura district residents to report sightings of the State prohibited weed, water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), following recent detections in the area.

Leading Biosecurity Officer Kaitlin Wright said water hyacinth is one of the world’s worst aquatic weeds. An infestation can double in size within two weeks, devastating natural waterways and impacting heavily on aquatic flora and fauna.

"Water hyacinth can be identified by its purple flower spikes in summer and thick, fleshy round leaves that sit on the water’s surface. It has dark feathery roots that trail in the water below and one plant is capable of producing 3000 seeds in one season," Ms Wright said.

The plant has been illegally sold at some regional markets and online in the past and Agriculture Victoria is concerned that some residents may have innocently bought the ‘pretty but nasty’ plants for their fish tanks, ponds or dams.

Recently residents on the properties where detections occurred, were surprised they had such a dangerous weed in their backyard, until made aware by Biosecurity officers.

"It’s vital that people report any sightings of water hyacinth. Even if you purchased this plant without knowing it was such an invasive weed. This will assist Agriculture Victoria to protect our waterways, such as the Murray River, Kerang Wetlands and Riverland Wetlands," she said.

"Please don’t try to control or dispose of the weed yourself. Contact Agriculture Victoria for the safe and secure disposal of plants."

In Victoria, this highly invasive aquatic species is a State prohibited weed under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 and managed with the aim of eradication from the State.

Agriculture Victorian encourages anyone who thinks they have water hyacinth or have seen it offered for sale, to report it on 136 186 or Weed.Spotters@agriculture.vic.gov.au.

We are conducting a survey to look at the motivations and drivers of dairy farmers transitioning to intensive farming systems (zero grazing).

We are keen to hear from dairy farmers who are planning or have transitioned to an intensive farming system.

The survey closes on 30 November and will inform a project looking to support farmers during the transition process.

If this sounds like you we would appreciate you taking the time to complete the survey here.

A new tool is providing grain growers across the nation with instant access to the latest disease ratings for crop varieties tested through the Grains Research and Development Corporation’s (GRDC) National Variety Trials (NVT).

The NVT Disease Ratings resource, available via one easy click at www.nvtonline.com.au/crop-disease/, contains information relating to a multitude of disease resistance and tolerance ratings for hundreds of cereal, pulse and oilseed varieties.

GRDC NVT Systems Manager, Neale Sutton, said NVT Disease Ratings is a self-contained platform enabling growers and advisers to quickly search for ratings for relevant varieties.

“Disease ratings can change from one season to the next, so this resource is constantly updated to ensure growers have at their disposal the very latest information to support their variety decisions,” Mr Sutton said.

“It is important that growers check the disease ratings each year for any changes from the previous season – ahead of sowing and during the season so they can enact appropriate disease management.”

Mr Sutton said NVT Disease Ratings users can search by crop type (wheat, barley, lupin, canola, chickpea, field pea, oat, triticale, faba bean and lentil), state, variety and resistance/tolerance.

“This new tool also provides information about the breeder and the year of release for every variety listed.”

The information contained in the NVT Disease Ratings tool is sourced through the NVT program of comparative crop variety testing which includes pathology investments that determine disease resistance ratings to enhance varietal data and information provided to growers and advisers.

These ratings are also included in the state sowing guides that are published every year.

Meanwhile, the latest 2020 NVT data will be available early in 2021 via the NVT Online website at www.nvtonline.com.au which hosts the NVT Disease Ratings and numerous other tools and resources.

Did you know the amount of milk each cow in Australia produces has doubled since 1970?

This would not be possible without research into better breeding and how to use feed more efficiently.

Next week join research scientist Professor Jennie Pryce and WestVic Dairy extension officer Debbie Twiss as they discuss and answer questions about genetic improvement.

The virtual forum will be held at 12.30pm on Wednesday 2 December.

To register go to Dairy Australia’s website: https://tinyurl.com/ATRNGI

You can also read more about Professor Pryce’s work in the latest edition of Dairy Innovation News (PDF) at https://tinyurl.com/DINOCT20

The Victorian Government is offering $750,000 in grant funding to not-for-profit and community organisations who rehome pets or provide low-cost veterinary services.

Animal shelters, foster carers, not-for-profit and community vet clinics are encouraged to apply for funding.

Eligible organisations wishing to invest in infrastructure, programs and activities that align with the below areas and demonstrate a benefit to companion animal welfare in Victoria will be considered for funding:

• Improvement in the rates of reuniting companion animals to their owners and re-homing of companion animals
• Services, systems or equipment which improve the efficiency and effectiveness of foster care, Community Foster Care Networks, or community and not-for-profit veterinary clinics
• Upgrade or extension of current shelter, foster care or low-cost veterinary clinic facilities to improve the welfare of companion animals
• Establishment of new, low-cost veterinary clinics in areas of need in Victoria
• Education programs on responsible ownership of animals, including consideration of ethics, sentience and duty of care.

Only one grant application will be permitted per organisation.

Applicants are encouraged to read the round 9 program guidelines prior to commencing an application.

Online applications for round 9 grant funding are now open and close Saturday 12 December 2020 at midnight.

Apply here.

For more information about the program contact pet.welfare@agriculture.vic.gov.au.

Did you know that all Victorian farm businesses and labour hire agencies involved in seasonal horticulture (fruit and vegetables) must have a Seasonal Horticulture Workers COVIDSafe Plan?

Seasonal Horticulture Workers Guidelines and a Seasonal Horticulture Workers COVIDSafe Plan are available to help make seasonal horticulture workplaces COVIDSafe. 

For the Seasonal Horticulture Industry Guidelines, visit:
coronavirus.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-sector-guidance-agriculture-forestry-and-fishing#industry-guidelines

For the COVIDSafe Plan, visit: coronavirus.vic.gov.au/high-risk-covidsafe-plan#seasonal-horticulture

For more information and support visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/agworkforceplan

If you’re a vegetable, fruit, berry, grape or grains producer, the Victorian Government can provide you with the support you need to find workers for this season’s harvest.

The Victorian Government can connect you with jobseekers, provide assistance with worker accommodation and transport, as well as support you to help make your business COVIDSafe.

Seasonal Workforce Coordinators and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) Engagement Officers are available in horticulture production areas, working on the ground with farmers, employers and labour-hire companies to help address workforce needs.

Farmers can register their Business workforce requirements at the Victorian Government’s Working for Victoria - the online platform which matches jobseekers with employers.

Visit vic.gov.au/workingforvictoria

To support Victorian agribusinesses through the upcoming summer harvest, applications for Business Adaptation Grants, and support for worker induction and retraining are open until the end of 2020.

For more information visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/agworkforceplan

The Victorian Government has committed to modernising Victoria's animal welfare laws.

Proposals for a new animal welfare Act have been released for public feedback.

The new Act would replace the current Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.

The Directions Paper sets out proposed high-level policy approaches for the new Act.

The proposals aim to achieve three key objectives:

• Improve the safeguarding of animal welfare – such as by setting minimum standards of care for animals in Victorian legislation for the first time.
• Provide a simplified and flexible legislative framework – making it easier for people to understand how animals must be treated and to enable the law to be more easily adapted in response to developments in animal science or industry practices and technologies and changing expectations for animal welfare. Proposals also aim to cut red tape for our food and fibre producers.
• Provide a better compliance and enforcement model – to enable earlier intervention to better safeguard animal welfare, as well as improve options to respond when people don’t treat animals as they should.

Submit your feedback

Read the proposals for the new animal welfare Act, complete the survey or download a submission on the Engage Victoria website.

The survey and submissions are open until 14 December 2020.

Details about Agriculture Victoria events can now be found in one spot on our website. Log on to agriculture.vic.gov.au/events to find out what's on.

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

For more information or if you have trouble registering call (03) 5761 1647. Numbers are limited to allow for an interactive session, so be quick to secure a spot.

After bushfire, our ecosystems are at their most vulnerable to weed invasion.

Help us support indigenous flora and fauna by managing weeds in bushfire affected areas.

This webinar series focuses on sharing practical knowledge so everyone can contribute to bushfire recovery.

Free webinars Wednesdays 10.30 am to 12.15 pm, 25 November to 16 December.

Register for these online webinars and learn how you can help indigenous species through weed management: https://tinyurl.com/WeedsAfterFire

Webinar 2: Wednesday 2 December – Prioritisation of weeds after fire

Speakers will cover different ways of working out where to start and which weeds to treat first after fire. There will be some great examples of mapping technology, prioritisation tools, including consideration of early invader weeds.

Webinar 3: Wednesday 9 December – Collaborative projects -weed management after fire

We have a fabulous range of case studies looking at different approaches to protect biodiversity.

Webinar 4: Wednesday 16 December – Weed identification and recording after fire

Learn about identification of environmental weeds, some of the latest technology and tools to assist with identification, and where to put records of what is spreading where.

27 November 2020: Hort Innovation Annual General Meeting

Hort Innovation's AGM will be held virtually, with members able to take part via web link or phone.

Members will use their voting entitlements to elect one or more directors to the board, and vote on other matters affecting the company.

All Hort Innovation members that pay a statutory or voluntary horticulture levy have the right to apply for voting entitlements for this year’s AGM, and for any other general meeting of members called between 1 October 2020 and 30 September 2021.

This is done by submitting an Annual Levy Return form.

30 November – 1 December 2020: AgTech Summit

The AgTech Summit will return for its third instalment.

This event is fully virtual, delivered via a live stream and interactive meeting rooms.

Gathering the industry's key stakeholders, the summit will draw on the key issues facing the sector and the growing demand for technological advancement in agriculture.

Year to year climate variability is a major source of risk to grain grower profitability, which is why the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) teamed up with Agriculture Victoria in 2018 to deliver a new ‘Using seasonal forecast information and tools" project for the Southern GRDC Region.

This project has extended the successful seasonal forecast commentary ‘The Break’ products to also include South Australia, Tasmania and southern NSW.

Join this webinar to hear about what has been done during the 3 years of this project, see the new forecast products, local climate tools, training workshops and hear insights into how the project has been working with the grains industry to improve the way we can communicate and use seasonal climate forecast information in southeast Australia.

Presenters

• Graeme Anderson, Agriculture Victoria
• Randall Wilksch, GRDC, SA
• Mark Stanley, Regional Connections Pty Ltd
• Dale Grey, Agriculture Victoria
• Jemma Pearl, Agriculture Victoria.

Monday 30 November, 12 - 1 pm

Cost: Free

Register to attend.

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