Employee numbers at Horsham’s Grains Innovation Park are on the rise with more than 30 new starters to be officially welcomed at a luncheon today. 

The new staff based at the Horsham site have started roles with Agriculture Victoria, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and the Victorian Fisheries Authority.

Grains Innovation Park has also welcomed two new business tenants, the Grains Research and Development Corporation and the RSPCA.

Site Leader and Agriculture Victoria Research Director Traci Griffin said the last 12 months had seen employee numbers at Grains Innovation Park increase from 150 to over 170, acknowledging a few staff have left.

“This 170 plus does not include the influx of casual staff and seasonal workers we employ here throughout the year, including the very busy harvest and summer fire seasons,” she said.

The growth in employees is a fantastic scenario for the site and the region as the new starters are either locals taking up employment opportunities, or new residents moving to Horsham from across Victoria, Australia and internationally.

“They bring great social, cultural and economic benefits to the region.”  

Ms Griffin said most of the new staff had filled newly created roles, particularly within Agriculture Victoria.

“This is great news for our senior research leaders who have the opportunity to grow and expand the agricultural research and innovation projects they are involved in,” she said.

Ms Griffin said today's luncheon was held at Grains Innovation Park this Thursday to welcome the newcomers and to officially introduce them to their new colleagues.

“Partners and families were also been invited to attend and had the opportunity to tour the site,” she said.

“It has been an exciting and busy 12 months at Grains Innovation Park, however before it gets really hectic with the harvest and the fire season, we wanted to take the time to meet and welcome our new colleagues and friends.”

By Luise Sigel, Grains Pathology Services, Agriculture Victoria

Horsham’s Grains Innovation Park plays a vital role in protecting Victoria from exotic pests and diseases.

The CropSafe biosecurity project, based at the Grains Innovation Park, enables agronomists to act as ‘eyes in the field’ to identify and report on what pests and diseases are affecting crops.

Through CropSafe, Agriculture Victoria monitors seasonal disease issues and detects potential exotic incursions, utilising the skills of agronomists and consultants who are regularly out in the field.

Agronomists are provided with information and training on identifying endemic and exotic pests and diseases and when they spot something they cannot identify, or that is unusual, they send in a sample to CropSafe for diagnosis.

This taps into the local knowledge of agronomists and growers and increases the probability of detecting an exotic pest or disease.

For example, the 2016 Russian wheat aphid incursion demonstrated the success of the CropSafe network, with an agronomist within the network making the first detection.

This detection prompted subsequent survey work which was carried out by agronomists who sent in samples for expert identification by Agriculture Victoria.

CropSafe agronomists provide crucial surveillance information while carrying out routine crop inspections. In 2018 alone, the CropSafe network inspected two million hectares of crops in Victoria.

By working with industry, CropSafe can generate area of freedom claims for Victoria. This helps to provide the Victorian Grains industry with critical data needed to access and maintain important export markets.

For more information about CropSafe or to find out how to submit a suspect sample, go to agriculture.vic.gov.au/cropsafe.

Agriculture Victoria has delivered another successful workshop, this time targeting farmers looking to optimise ewe performance improve lambing on their farms.

More than 76 farmers flocked to Avoca and Edenhope last week to hear about practices they could employ to increase ewe and lamb health.

Engaging and interactive presentations from knowledgeable sheep experts prompted informative discussions and motivated attendees to consider adopting a range of the tips and ideas presented.

Well-respected farmer, consultant and industry advocate Tim Leeming opened the workshops by highlighting the costs associated with replacement and production losses when a ewe is not available to be joined in the following season.

He said maintain your ewes in appropriate body condition to achieve production targets and minimise health problems, the cost of replacing ewes is prohibitive given the current market conditions.

Mr Leeming emphasised the importance of following best practice weaning guidelines better enabling producers to drive the specific nutritional requirements of each class of animal.

He said the recommendation was to wean all lambs at 14 weeks from the start of lambing.

“At three months, milk provides only 10 per cent of the total food requirements and weaning onto high quality pasture has production benefits,” he said.

Rob Suter, a Senior Veterinary Officer with Agriculture Victoria who has almost 40 years’ experience researching lamb survival guidelines both in Australia and overseas, provided farmers with information on how to manage ewes to maximise early lamb survival. 

Dr Suter highlighted the role ewe nutrition plays in rearing more lambs.

“To address the starvation mismothering and exposure complex, which accounts for 48 per cent of lamb loss, the ewe must not be disturbed and have enough feed on offer to keep her close to the birthing site for six hours,” he said.

Dr Suter also shared information on the common diseases of sheep, their clinical signs, causes and treatments.

Feedback from the participants at these workshops was overwhelmingly positive, with many indicating their intention to wean lambs earlier to ensure that ewes have adequate recovery period after lambing.

The workshop ‘whet the appetite’ of many attendees who indicated an eagerness for more opportunities to upskill.

The event highlighted the importance of ‘Lifetime Ewe Management’ courses which have been developed for wool and sheep producers aiming to maximise productivity by accurately measuring and managing the energy requirements and inputs of their ewe flock through the reproduction cycle.

For more information about ‘Lifetime Ewe Management’ go to: rist.edu.au.

One of Victoria’s most invasive weeds, serrated tussock, has recently been detected in the Hepburn and City of Ballarat shires.

Serrated tussock is classified as a regionally prohibited weed within the North Central Catchment, meaning small infestations are considered to be able to be eradicated.

Agriculture Victoria will be undertaking two surveillance projects across approximately 20 private properties, and on public land and roadsides in targeted areas during September and October. 

Agriculture Victoria Biosecurity Officer, Paige McDonald said the serrated tussock surveillance program is aimed at preventing the spread of serrated tussock across the region.

Serrated tussock poses a significant threat to north Victoria's primary production industry, as it is highly invasive and unpalatable to stock.

“Livestock are unable to digest the plant due to its high fibre and low protein content, resulting in a loss of condition and in extreme cases starvation.

A mature plant can produce more than 100,000 seeds, which can be dispersed up to 20 kilometres by wind, and other movement, including in sheeps’ wool, clothing, water, machinery and other vehicles, or as contaminants in hay and fodder.

“The involvement of all landholders in an integrated approach for serrated tussock control is the most effective way to achieve long term benefits

“Individual properties within the program area will be contacted and provided with information to assist with serrated tussock identification and control.

All landholders have a legal responsibility to manage declared noxious weeds on their property under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994.” Ms McDonald said.

Good farm hygiene practices are important in preventing the spread of serrated tussock into new areas.

Incorporating control of serrated tussock into your integrated pest management plan or farm management plan is vital to prevent economic and environmental impacts in your region.

For more information on serrated tussock and its management visit the Agriculture Victoria website or call the Customer Contact Centre on 136 186.

Jason Brand, from Agriculture Victoria, is one of the organisers of the Australian Pulse Conference, in October this year.

Croppers who want to be able to put their finger on the pulse of different crops should attend this year’s Australian Pulse Conference.

The event, which will be held in Horsham from October 15–17, will combine a field day and a conference program to give a snapshot of an important part of the cropping sector.

Agriculture Victoria is a gold sponsor of the event and senior research scientist Garry Rosewarne said it was appropriate that the district was the venue for this year’s event.

“The Wimmera is the centre of Victoria’s pulse growing industry and visitors will have the opportunity to not only hear the latest about the industry but also see it,” Dr Rosewarne said

The three-day event kicks off with the Southern Pulse Agronomy Field Day, an annual event which showcases pulse research as well as new varieties and agronomic practices. There is also the opportunity to visit Agriculture Victoria’s Grain Innovation Park.

The second and third days of the conference will cover important issues for the pulse industry. The call for abstracts centered around “Innovation leading to transformational change”.

Topic areas which will be addressed include pushing up yields, smart farms and remote sensing, expanding pulse production, accessing new markets and value-adding.

A number of keynote speakers from both Australia and overseas have been invited to make presentations, including Dr Judith Burstin from the French National Institute for Agricultural Research, and Nevin Rosaasen from Alberta Pulse, Canada. 

In addition to the impressive list of guest speakers, there will be poster presentations of key projects which could benefit the pulse industry.

The field days and conference program are balanced by social events which allow networking with a range of scientists, producers, researchers and marketers who share a common interest in the future of the pulse industry.

Croppers are encouraged to register, with various options available including a one-day pass or a three-day pass which includes access to the field day, a ticket to the conference welcome reception and a ticket to the conference dinner. There is also a discounted rate for students.

For more information and for registration, please go to https://apc2019.com.au/registration/

Livestock producers are being encouraged to assess how much on-farm stock water they have and how long it will last as we head into spring and summer.

Agriculture Victoria is encouraging producers to inspect their water storages and start making plans leading up to peak demands from livestock over summer.

Land Management Extension Officer Kerri Goschnick said the prolonged dry period has impacted a number of on-farm dams that require further rainfall and run-off to fill.

“The biggest loss of water from your storages through evaporation occurs between October and March each year. When dams levels are quite low, water quality can be quite poor which in turn can affect livestock health” Mr Goschnick said.

Mr Goschnick said knowledge of stock drinking water requirements and potential sources of water were important for planning both annual and daily supply needs.

“Other farm water options can be investigated for your circumstances before levels become critical, such as stream extraction, groundwater, desalination and reticulated systems.

“Planning now will help you make informed decisions for the next three months and you can project this planning out six to twelve months or longer if there is little or no runoff,” he said.

“Weather forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology are currently forecasting a relatively low chance of exceeding median rainfall across most of Victoria for the next three months, so it is a good time to also reconsider stock numbers while prices are good.

“On the bright side, if the next thunderstorm dumps 50 mm or more of rain, then your storages could be full in a matter of hours. All the same, it’s important to do the planning now to mitigate this potential risk.”

Agriculture Victoria has produced a booklet – Managing Farm Water Supplies – which covers farm water planning including farm water balance, stock water requirements, water quality, water testing, calculating dam volume and capturing rainfall from roof areas.

The booklet can be accessed by visiting https://bit.ly/2UPsdL4 or by contacting Agriculture Victoria customer service on 136 186.

Our research scientists have put together this great animation on growing better bean crops on acid soils.

This animation shows how the combination of newly developed acid tolerant rhizobia can be used in conjunction with lime, in a systems approach, to improve nitrogen fixation and yield of faba bean crops.

Watch this short clip on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/zGXWR1jHw-g

The Victorian Rural Women’s Network is encouraging women in rural communities to take part in Country Cuppas, an initiative to celebrate the International Day of Rural Women on Tuesday 15 October.

Country Cuppas has been established to make it easier for women living in rural communities to connect with each other over a cup of tea, long lunch or dinner. It’s a great opportunity to forge new connections and strengthen old ones, share ideas and experiences and create lasting networks.

Victorian Rural Women’s Network Coordinator, Jasmine Glover, said Country Cuppas provides a valuable opportunity for women to connect with one another, share knowledge and build friendships.

“For Victorian women living in rural areas, strong connections are vital to professional success and personal wellbeing,” she said.

“Whether you’re a working woman, a young farmer, a community advocate, or a stay-at-home mum, you need a community – which is exactly what Country Cuppas provides..

“Country cuppas is an opportunity to gather new friends and old and I strongly encourage all women in rural areas to host a casual Country Cuppa, in whatever way suits them best, to celebrate the International Day of Rural Women.”

Country Cuppas gatherings can take place at any home or venue across Victoria, on Tuesday 15 October or the weekend prior, to coincide with the International Day of Rural Women.

Registered hosts will receive an event pack from the Victorian Rural Women’s Network with support materials, including promotional resources, tips and tricks for how to host a successful event and Victorian Rural Women’s Network mugs.

The Victorian Rural Women’s Network (VRWN) is a supportive and inclusive group of rural and regional Victorian women who connect, share skills and ideas and empower each other to step up, lead and succeed.

To get involved in Country Cuppas, you can register to host your event here

For more information about the International Day of Rural Women, visit the Victorian Rural Women’s Network website. 

The State Government is inviting Victorians to provide feedback on proposed new regulations to prevent cruelty to animals in Victoria.

Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes announced the opening of consultation on the proposed Prevention of Cruelty to Animal (POCTA) Regulations 2019, which will make improvements on important animal welfare issues including:

• Animal transportation and tethering requirements
• Use of pain relief for mulesing of sheep
• Sale and use of wildlife-safe fruit netting
• Sale and use of electronic devices
• Approvals and other processes related to the use of traps
• Operational and administrative processes for rodeos
• Scientific procedure record-keeping, the sourcing of animals, and training of Animal Ethic Committee members.

The POCTA Regulations aim to protect the welfare of animals in Victoria by supporting the state’s primary animal welfare legislation to prevent, or minimise, harm through regulation of specific activities.

The proposed new regulations and associated Regulatory Impact Statement can be viewed on the Engage Victoria website.

The new regulations will replace the existing regulations, which expire on 15 December.

Consultation is open until Thursday, 26 September.

For more information, visit engage.vic.gov.au/prevention-cruelty-animals-draft-regulations-2019.

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

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 at: engage.vic.gov.au/sheep-and-goat-duty-review.

The Weeds and Rabbits Project is keen to encourage more young people to connect with their local community and natural environment through invasive pest and weed management.

Grants of up to $15,000 are available to support projects that will increase youth interest, engagement and skills in invasive species management in Victoria.

The grant program is open to community groups, education providers and local councils, with a focus on projects that connect with young people and develop their skills, and therefore deliver broader benefits for local communities.

Young people are under-represented in invasive species management, yet they have much to offer by way of passion and interest in improving our landscapes.

Land management is an inter-generational issue, and managing pests and weeds is a crucial part of enhancing our agricultural and natural landscapes. It is important that diverse voices and interests are part of the conversation about how to address the challenge of invasive species.

The program aims to increase young people’s participation in community environmental projects and encourage new ideas and innovations in the invasive species challenge. Funding can be used to support the engagement of young people in existing groups and initiatives, or to develop new youth-focused initiatives.

Applications for the grants program close Monday 30 September 2019.

For more information visit the Weeds and Rabbits Project website.

Agriculture Victoria researcher Dr Josh Fanning is calling on growers and agronomists to send in pulse and oilseed samples from crops where disease is suspected.

New disease sampling kits have been developed making the collection of plant samples easier. The disease samples will help to ensure researchers are using current samples that are regionally relevant.

Dr Fanning said since diseases change from one season to the next it is important that research and breeding programs have access to the latest samples.

"The information generated from these samples ensures growers have access to current information on the resistance of each variety and researchers can continue to improve disease resistance in new pulse varieties," he said.

"We have recently received a few reports of sclorotinia in lentil and chickpea crops and samples would be appreciated."

Crop samples with suspected soil-borne diseases are also sought as part of the National Soil-borne Disease project being run by Agriculture Victoria in partnership with the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).

Growers and agronomists are being asked to report crops exhibiting poor thrift so that they can be tested for root disease.

Dr Fanning said some of the soil-borne diseases the project was targeting included rhizoctonia and root lesion nematodes.

“In general, we don’t know which soil-borne diseases are causing losses in pulses and oilseeds,” he said.

"The results of the disease testing would enable researchers to undertake research into management strategies for the priority diseases.

“Growers and agronomists are being urged to get in touch if they suspect root disease or have seen it previously in particular areas.”

“We have sampling kits that we will send to agronomists which include instructions on how to collect the samples and a replied paid envelope. If growers don’t have an agronomist, they can contact us, and we can collect the sample with them.”

If you are able to help, please contact Joshua Fanning at Agriculture Victoria on (03) 4344 3335 or email joshua.fanning@agriculture.vic.gov.au to request a sampling kit.

The latest in agricultural chemicals will be given an update at Lubeck on 3 October.

Guest speakers include:

• Neil Harrison, Agriculture Chemical Standards officer at Ballarat who will speak on spray records and residue in grain
• Tyler's Rural agronomist Brad Jackson, who will speak on nozzle options to reduce the risk of spray drift.

There will also be the chance to meet the new Yarrilinks Landcare facilitator, Yonie Tiljak.

The event will include a free breakfast at 8.30am with the meeting to run from 9am to 10.30 am. The update will be held at the Lubeck Memorial Hall, 12 Wal Wall Road on 3 October.

For further details and to help with catering click here or call Peter Taylor on 0429 986 721 or Nathan Gellatly on 0429 944 299.

Are you interested in learning more about grain storage?

Join the GRDC Grain Storage extension team for a series of 30-inute webinars to discuss the latest information and management advice to ensure your grain quality.

GRDC Grain Storage Webinar Series 2019
8 October 10 am – 10.30am
 

To register, click here or contact Amy Harwood amy.harwood@bcg.org.au  or 0456 979 561.

Agriculture Victoria will host the third Australian Pulse Conference in Horsham this October.

Please join us on what will be an exciting journey into pulse research and development – linking cutting edge technological research to improved profitability for growers and providing healthy options for human consumption – taste and technology.

This event will begin with the annual Southern Pulse Agronomy field day on Tuesday, 15 October (details below). 

To register or view the program visit: https://apc2019.com.au.

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