Millewa farmers get along to a drought drop-in near you

Drought grants

Millewa farmers encouraged to get feed tested

Tips to maximise potential of retained seed

Investing in the next generation of Victorian farmers

Small-scale and craft grants help agribusiness thrive

Future-proofing pasture grasses

Feeding livestock website

Got a dried fruit idea?

On-Farm Emergency Water rebate scheme

Boost your business: food innovation voucher stream

Water Market Watch app

Young farmer business network

Finding Australia's next generation of lamb leaders

Planning support for small-scale pig and poultry producers

What's On

Agriculture Victoria is holding a number of drought drop-ins and discussion groups across the Millewa throughout December. 

Agriculture Victoria Regional Manager Grains Northern, Belinda Pritchard said the sessions will be informal opportunities for farmers to sit down and get advice or receive assistance from the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) to complete grant applications.

Ms Pritchard said farmers can discuss their feed test results, developing a ration, stock containment areas and available drought support options including the On-Farm Drought Resilience Grant Program. 

This program provides a grant of up to $5000 (GST exclusive) per farm business to assist farmers implement on-farm infrastructure improvements and/or undertake business planning and advice activities.

For more information about assistance available to help Millewa and surrounds farmers manage during drought and dry seasonal conditions call 1800 318 115 or visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons.

This program is now open to assist eligible farm businesses to invest in on-farm drought preparedness and to seek business advice.

A grant of up to $5000 (GST exclusive) per farm business is available to assist eligible farm businesses to implement on-farm infrastructure improvements and or undertake business planning and advice activities.

The Scheme is available to eligible farm businesses in Far North West Victoria – Millewa.

Eligible dryland farm businesses located in the far north west corner of Victoria, generally known as the Millewa and surrounding areas.

This incorporates the following towns and locality areas in the Mildura Shire: Carwarp, Cullulleraine, Lindsay Point, Meringur, Merrinee, Neds Corner, Wargan and Werrimull.

It is also available to eligible farm businesses in the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District.

Eligible irrigation farm businesses, including those that have transitioned from irrigation production systems to dryland production since 1 July 2018, located in the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District (GMID).

For more information and to access the grant call Rural Finance on 1800 260 425 or visit ruralfinance.com.au

For more information about other drought and dry seasonal conditions support from Agriculture Victoria go to agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or call 136 186.

Agriculture Victoria is encouraging Millewa and surrounds farmers to undertake testing on feed supplies they produce or purchase during these dry seasonal conditions.

Agriculture Victoria Regional Manager Northern Grains Belinda Pritchard said testing your own feed and the feed you buy is important for stock health.

“Feed testing is simple, cost effective and will help determine a ration that meets the needs of your stock.

“It’s difficult to judge the quality of feed visually, so it’s important to have it analysed to get an objective measure so you can then estimate the value of the feed and how much of it you will need. 

"This can save you money and will ensure your stock get the nutrition they need.”

Ms Pritchard said Agriculture Victoria will be present at the Mallee Sustainable Farming Livestock Containment Feeding Field Day on Monday 25 November at Meringur and Carwarp.

She also reminded farmers that they can speak to Agriculture Victoria about organising a one-on-one consultation to discuss their specific needs and available drought assistance.

The $12 million On-Farm Drought Resilience Grant program is now available to eligible farmers in the region which provides a grant of up to $5,000 (GST exclusive) per farm business to assist them to implement on-farm infrastructure improvements and/or undertake business planning and advice activities.

This program is open to eligible Millewa and surrounds dryland farm businesses.

This incorporates the following towns and locality areas in the Mildura Shire: Carwarp, Cullulleraine, Lindsay Point, Meringur, Merrinee, Neds Corner, Wargan and Werrimull.

For more information and to access the grant call Rural Finance on 1800 260 425 or visit ruralfinance.com.au

For more information about assistance available to help farmers manage during drought and dry seasonal conditions or visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons.

Dry and hot seasonal conditions have resulted in small and shrivelled grain being harvested in many regions this season, and growers are reminded of some rules of thumb to adhere to when retaining seed following a tough year.

This grain can be susceptible to poor germination and low vigour (ability to push through the soil following germination) so extra care is needed and sowing rates in 2020 may need to be adjusted.

Frost may have also affected grains in some areas, causing a lower hectolitre weight and higher screenings – the material that is removed when grain is cleaned.

Josh Johnson, GRDC manager agronomy, soils and farming systems – west, advised growers to select their cleanest paddocks from which to retain seed, from both a weeds and seed purity standpoint.

“Paddock selection for a seed crop is generally determined before the season and, barring any crop failures, should not change during harvest,” Mr Johnson said.

“If you are grading seed, take the largest seed size possible to get the required amount for seeding.”

Mr Johnson said that while a laboratory seed test for germination and seedborne diseases should be carried out before sowing, growers could also conduct a simple on-farm test after harvest to ensure they retained enough viable seed to achieve acceptable plant populations the following season.

“This on-farm test involves collecting and counting seed from each lot to be planted, putting the seed between moist paper towels placed in a sealed plastic bag, leaving them for five to seven days in a warm place and then calculating the germination percentage after counting the number of seeds that have not germinated,” he said.

Information about factors affecting grain crop seed germination, how to carry out on-farm tests and laboratory testing services is available on the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website. Helpful tips are also available on the GRDC Stored Grain Information Hub.

The GRDC Stored Grain Information Hub states that if on-farm tests reveal poor germination rates, growers could decide to pay to buy in seed, but if rates were satisfactory, test results could be used to guide how much extra seed to keep.

Factors influencing how much seed needs to be retained for sowing include:

• Germination rate tested at harvest
• Further decline in germination between harvest and sowing
• Screenings, foreign and small seeds lost at cleaning
• Allowance for seeds that germinate but don’t emerge
• Seed weight (grams per 1000 seeds)
• Buffer to allow for change of plans in planting area.

Mr Johnson said that once seed had been graded, correct storage was needed to ensure the viability of seed for the following season.

“This includes ensuring storage temperatures are cool, using aeration in the silo and making sure the seed has low grain moisture content,” he said.

“Monthly monitoring of the stored seed is advised, as is prompt fumigation if any pests are detected.”

More information about correct storage for retained seed is available in a GRDC Storing planting seed video and information about frost damaged crop salvage options and seed retention is available in a GRDC podcast.

The GRDC Updates paper Testing of farm-retained and carryover seed also contains information and stresses that while seed is a relatively low-cost input on a per hectare basis, it is essential in setting up a paddock for profit or loss.

Thirteen young farmers from across Victoria have received the State Government’s Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarships, supporting the state’s future agriculture leaders to shine.

Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes this week announced the winners of the fifth round of scholarships, celebrating young farmers from around Victoria across diverse agriculture sectors including goat dairy, cropping, chestnuts and livestock.

Upskill and Invest Young Farmer Scholarships are worth up to $10,000 per farmer – with $5000 to upskill through training and study in areas like farm management, financial literacy, product development or innovative farming techniques, making sure the next generation of farming leaders are developing world-class skills.

Once they complete their studies, recipients are eligible for an additional funding boost of up to $5000 to invest on-farm or in professional development – putting their new skills into practice and boosting their businesses.

To date, the scholarship program has seen 63 young recipients go from strength to strength in their careers – and is an important part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to grow the state’s agriculture sector to $20 billion by 2030.

The successful recipients include:

• Sophia Christoe, dairy (goat), Mount Alexander
• Hannah Dowsett, livestock (mixed), Wellington
• Bridget Doyle, livestock (beef), Benalla
• Clay Gowers, cropping, Mildura
• Edward Guthridge, dairy, Corangamite
• Jackson Keane, horticulture (garlic) and livestock (sheep), Macedon Ranges
• Jessica Knight, dairy, Wellington
• Nicola Letts, horticulture (chestnuts) and livestock (pigs) Alpine
• Andrew Murphy, dairy, Campaspe
• Joseph Sutherland, livestock (sheep), Southern Grampians
• Joseph Watts, cropping and livestock (sheep), Buloke
• Dallas Willersdorf, livestock (sheep) and grains, Mildura
• Rebekah Winter, dairy, Colac-Otway.

Applications for the 2020 Young Farmers Scholarships will open in mid-2020, with farmers aged 35 or under encouraged to apply.

To find out more about the scholarships program, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/youngfarmers

The State Government is supporting Victorian small-scale agricultural businesses to grow – boosting jobs, attracting visitors and making sure regional communities are vibrant destinations to live and visit.

The government is encouraging small-scale and craft agribusinesses across Victoria to apply for the Small-Scale and Craft Program.

Two streams of funding are available under the $10 million program:

• Small-Scale and Craft Business Development grants of up to $25,000 for projects that support eligible small-scale and craft producers to scale up, expand their operations and diversify their products
• Job Creation and Economic Development grants of between $25,000-$200,000 for eligible small-scale and craft agribusinesses to deliver significant projects that deliver benefits to the community and generate jobs.

Projects involving multiple businesses are encouraged to apply.

The Small-Scale and Craft Program is a four-year program that builds on the Artisanal Sector Program to support businesses looking to scale-up operations, diversify product lines and expand outreach.

Applications for Small-Scale and Craft Business Development grants close on 6 December.

Expressions of interest for Job Creation and Economic Development grants close on 31 December.

For more information and to apply for a grant, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture.

Australia’s red meat industry is set to benefit from new pasture grass research focused on increasing its production and profitability and helping to safeguard it in a changing climate.

Agriculture Victoria research scientists have generated the world’s first genomic reference for the pasture grass Phalaris, a perennial grass commonly used in Australia’s red meat industry because it is persistent and supports high levels of animal production.

Until now very little has been known about the genetic makeup of Phalaris, partly due to its complexity, and this has limited its genetic improvement.

Agriculture Victoria research scientists generated DNA sequences for more than 56,000 genes from the Phalaris genome using its next generation sequencing and advanced scientific computing capabilities.

Within the Phalaris genes more than half a million individual DNA markers were identified, including those than control important traits such as yield, persistence and seed retention.

Agriculture Victoria research scientist Dr Noel Cogan said the research enabled pasture breeders and industry to develop elite pasture varieties using genomic selection.

“This research provides the basis for a genomic breeding program in Phalaris that can create superior varieties for Australia’s red meat industry,” Dr Cogan said.

“We have set the scene for Phalaris to join the ranks of other key livestock and plant species, like perennial ryegrass, that are experiencing significant rates of genetic gain and improvements.”

Dr Cogan said this research could be used to future-proof Victoria’s red meat industry in a changing climate.

“Phalaris could become hugely valuable due to its persistence and ability to adapt to hotter temperatures.

“In what is by far the largest contribution to genomic research in Phalaris in the world, our research has set the basis for a modern Phalaris breeding program using genomic selection approaches – it is now for industry to take the next step.”

Agriculture Victoria conducted this research at AgriBio, the Centre for AgriBioscience in Victoria – Australia’s premier state-of-the-art agribioscience facility.

This research was a collaboration between Agriculture Victoria, the University of Melbourne and the CSIRO.

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 FeedLivestock website and can be downloaded or viewed in whole or as individual chapters on any device.

Other key features of the website, include;

- tools and calculators
- sheep resources
- beef resources
- climate information
- unusual feeds
- stock water information

Do you have an idea to boost production or increase efficiency on the block?

Applications are now open for the 2019 Dried Fruits Australia Innovation Grants.

DFA members can apply for up to $3000 in funding for projects designed to advance Australia’s dried grape industry.

Applications close Wednesday 4 December. Contact us for an application form on 03 5023 5174 or at admin@driedfruitsaustralia.org.au.

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

The vouchers and associated Food Innovation Network will deliver on the Victorian Food and Fibre Sector strategy.

Round 4 of Boost Your Business closes Sunday 22 December 2019.

**APPLY NOW**

At a glance

• Potential assistance
• Up to $10,000 for early stage feasibility and testing
• Up to $50,000 for process innovation, product development and research and development

Eligibility

Applicant businesses must be a small to medium enterprise with an operating presence in Victoria and be registered as members of the Food Innovation Network.

Stay up-to-date with the Victorian water market with the water market watch app.

This app shows authoritative Victorian government water market data and will send you notifications directly from the Victorian Water Register.

The app lets you select data you’re interested in to set up a notification sent to your mobile phone or device.

WHAT DATA DOES THE APP SHOW?

The water market watch app shows current Victorian Water Register data about:

• Seasonal determinations – all systems with water shares
• Trade limits – all systems with water shares
• Spill determinations – Goulburn, Campaspe and Murray
• Allocation market price – weekly median price for the Goulburn and Murray systems

You can set up multiple notifications about these data topics.

The app shows current data about the Victorian water market. For more detailed data and historical trends, please visit www.waterregister.vic.gov.au

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.

Are you, or do you know someone, aged 18 –35 years who is passionate about the Australian sheep and lamb industry?

Well, we'd like to let them know that the LambEx 2020 Young Guns competition is open!

Six finalists will be selected from round one of the LambEx 2020 Young Guns competition to attend the conference in Melbourne, receive travel assistance up to $800, and will be provided with professional development opportunities during the event.

Entering the competition is easy! LambEx wants to hear your vision on how to connect the Australian sheep and lamb industry with city consumers.

Simply capture your vision in three minutes or less using any digital medium(s) including (but not limited to) video, photography with voice overlay, digital storytelling, graphics, animation, GoPro etc.

Unleash your creativity over the coming months to prepare and submit your entry by 31 January 2020.

For information go to: https://lambex.com.au/lambex-young-guns/

Provides Victorian small-scale pig and poultry producers with funding of up to $3,000 to help them with the costs related to obtaining a land use planning permit.

Who can apply:

At a minimum, you must:

• have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
• be seeking a land use planning permit for an existing or proposed small-scale pig or poultry farm located in Victoria
• complete a small-scale pig and poultry planning workshop prior to applying for the grant program

Other eligibility requirements may apply.

Deadline to apply: Applications close: 31 May 2020

Applications will remain open until 31 May 2020, or when the funding allocation is expended, whichever occurs first.

Contact information: 13 61 86 or psai@ecodev.vic.gov.au

APPLY HERE: Planning Support Program for Small-Scale Pig and Poultry Producers VIC

Agriculture Victoria will cancel workshops on Code Red fire danger days

A series of free grain storage webinars delivered by 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.

The next webinar scheduled is:

• 10 December – aeration cooling

Click here for more information and to register or contact Amy Harwood via amy.harwood@bcg.org.au or 0456 979 561.

Agriculture Victoria is running a Young Farmer Business Bootcamp in Kerang.

The two day bootcamp is suited to those who are young or new to managing a farm business and wanting to forge a long and successful career in beef, sheep and mixed farming enterprises by developing the skills required to respond to risks, such as dry seasonal conditions.

The bootcamp is delivered over two days - Wednesday 12 and Wednesday 19 Feburary 2020.

Participants can expect to improve their understanding of profit and loss and cash flow budgeting, balance sheets and gross margins, planning for and managing risks and financial planning and analysis.

The bootcamps will be delivered by Tristan Wardley, Farm Business Economist, Agriculture Victoria.

FAQs

Do I need to attend both days?

Yes, this is a two day program.

What can I bring into the event?

Course materials are provided.

Date and time: Wednesday 12 February, 2020, 9 am to 4 pm

LocationL Agriculture Victoria's Kerang office, 26 Wellington Street, Kerang.

**REGISTER HERE**

If you are unable to register using eventbrite or would like further information, please contact Sarah Wallis on (03) 5761 1573.

GRDC Grains Research Update (Bendigo)

The GRDC Grains Research Update Events are for agronomists, consultants, researchers and growers to see and discuss the latest in research and to network with their peers about how to apply new and relevant information to the latest farming systems.

Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 February, 2020

Ulumbarra Theatre
10 Gaol Road, Bendigo

The GRDC Farm Business Update events drive innovation and adoption of improved farm business management practices across the grains industry.

Wednesday 11 March, 2020

Town Hall Performing Arts Centre

57 McCallum Street, Swan Hill

9.30 am to 3.15 pm (Doors Open At 9 am)

Speakers and Topics coming soon

Register Now

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