• Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
• New mulesing regulations
• Yersiniosis – a possible cause of ill-thrift and scouring in your herd
• The Fast Break
• Fox bounty collection details
• Citrus supply chain video
• Game Management Authority appointments
• Farm Business Resilience Webinar Series
• Improving digital literacy and connectivity on-farm
• Need help controlling gorse?
• PhD fellowships in the dairy industry – apply now
• Young farmer business network
• What's on

The Victorian Government has announced further restrictions to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

From 11:59pm on 1 July, the following restricted postcodes moved to Stage 3 stay at home restrictions until at least 29 July:

• 3012 - Brooklyn, Kingsville, Maidstone, Tottenham, West Footscray
• 3021 - Albanvale, Kealba, Kings Park, St Albans
• 3032 - Ascot Vale, Highpoint City, Maribyrnong, Travancore
• 3038 - Keilor Downs, Keilor Lodge, Taylors Lakes, Watergardens
• 3042 - Airport West, Keilor Park, Niddrie
• 3046 - Glenroy, Hadfield, Oak Park
• 3047 - Broadmeadows, Dallas , Jacana
• 3055 - Brunswick south, Brunswick west, Moonee vale, Moreland west
• 3060 - Fawkner
• 3064 - Craigieburn, Donnybrook, Mickelham, Roxburgh Park, Kalkallo.

If you live outside these locations, there are only four reasons to come in:

• shopping for food and supplies
• care and caregiving
• exercise, and
• study or work – if you can’t do it from home.

In all activities, farmers are asked to be considerate. Be cautious. Use your common sense. And if you don’t have to do it – don’t.

Stay safe by maintaining good hygiene, keeping your distance from others and if you feel unwell stay home.

If you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) you should get tested.

More details about these restrictions is available at the Department of Health and Human Services coronavirus (COVID-19) website.

More information is also available on the Agriculture Victoria website.

Victorian producers are now required to administer a registered pain-relieving product if mulesing sheep.

The new provisions, which come into effect from 1 July 2020, have been introduced as part of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (POCTA) Regulations 2019.

The new requirement will ensure better animal welfare outcomes for Victorian sheep and will enhance the reputation of Victoria’s sheep industry.

Agriculture Victoria Program Manager Livestock Welfare Compliance, Rachael Holmes said only pain relief products that are registered for use on sheep by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) can be used when mulesing.

“Sheep producers are encouraged to seek advice from a veterinarian or animal health consultant regarding available treatment options for their own situation,” she said.

From 1 July, infringement notices and fines can be issued to anyone mulesing a sheep without providing pain relief.

Dr Holmes said as with any agricultural or veterinary chemicals used on farm, producers should keep records of the pain-relieving products used.

“Full records of any pain relief products used must be kept,” she said.

“Details should include the product trade name, species/location of animals, identification numbers/description, the date the treatment has been applied and the dose rate used.”

More information about farm chemical record keeping requirements can be found by searching the Agriculture Victoria website.

Dr Holmes said Victoria’s Code of Accepted Farming Practice for the Welfare of Sheep (Revision Number 2) was also available to provide a technical guide for those using mulesing as part of a flystrike management program.

“If undertaken, mulesing should only be done as part of an integrated approach to flystrike management including crutching and shearing, good worm control, strategic use of chemicals, genetic selection of sheep and paddock grazing management,” she said.

Details about the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 2019 are available from Agriculture Victoria – agriculture.vic.gov.au/animalwelfare.

Dr Jeff Cave - District Veterinary Officer

As we move into the winter months, ill-thrift and scouring in herds occurs relatively commonly, and multiple causes should to be considered. One possible cause of these signs is yersiniosis.

Yersiniosis is a bacterial infection that can infect cattle, sheep and goats.

This infection does not usually cause ill-health in livestock and may go unrecognised.

However, Yersinia bacteria can cause clinical problems if livestock are under stress or if there is damage to the gut wall due to other factors, such as a large worm burden.

In these situations, signs of ill-health are most commonly seen in younger livestock. Typically, there may be a history of ill-thrift and ongoing scouring that has not responded to drenching.

The good news is most stock recover from infection and become immune to this disease. Death can occur but treatment with antibiotics is often successful.

Steps can be taken to prevent losses from yersiniosis and other similar diseases.

Simply optimising pasture utilisation during these colder months, practicing good parasite control, and minimising stress will help protect livestock.

It is important to remember that other causes of ill-thrift and scouring can look like yersiniosis, so it is best to contact your veterinarian to investigate these cases.

For further information contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria animal health staff on 136 186.

The Fast Break for June gives you all your seasonal climate risk information in one hit.

As well as rainfall and soil moisture, The Fast Break also provides a snapshot of how ocean temperatures and pressure patterns will impact your patch.

Subscribe or download now at agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/weather-and-climate/newsletters/the-fast-break-victoria

Designated fox and wild dog bounty collection centres are now operating in line with physical distancing requirements including established drop off and exclusion zones.

During the suspension period, bounty participants were encouraged to continue to collect fox scalps and wild dog body parts on private properties as part of pest control activities, and to freeze or air dry them.

Hunters are encouraged to refresh their knowledge of the terms and conditions of the bounty to ensure what they submit is acceptable. Participants can submit entire fox scalps for a $10 reward and entire wild dog body parts for a $120 reward during scheduled collection times.

Colac collections (fox only) 23a Hugh Murray Drive, Colac East

Time: 1.30 – 3.30 pm

Dates:

• Tuesday 28 July
• Tuesday, 25 August
• Tuesday, 22 September
• Tuesday, 20 October

Geelong collections (fox only) 16 Cadman Terrace, North Geelong

Time: 9.30 – 11.30 am

Dates:

• Tuesday, 28 July
• Tuesday, 25 August
• Tuesday, 22 September
• Tuesday, 20 October

Hamilton collections (fox only)  Depot, Hamilton Centre, Research Station Road, Hamilton

Time: 1.30 - 3.30 pm

Dates:

• Wednesday, 29 July
• Wednesday, 26 August
• Wednesday, 23 September
• Wednesday, 21 October

Warrnambool collections (fox only)  703–711 Raglan Pde, Warrnambool

Time: 8.30 – 10.30 am

Dates:

• Wednesday, 29 July
• Wednesday, 26 August
• Wednesday, 23 September
• Wednesday, 21 October

For more information go to agriculture.vic.gov.au/bounty

Agriculture Victoria has partnered with Citrus Australia to trial traceability technologies along the citrus supply chain.

Consumers around the world are demanding more information on how and where their food is produced, and we are always proud to put the Victorian stamp on our quality produce.

Watch this new video to understand how improved traceability can make supply chains more efficient, strengthen Victoria’s reputation for premium food and fibre products and give consumers confidence they’re buying authentic Victorian grown produce.

This is the first of a series of videos following the trial from tree to table.

Check out the video here https://www.facebook.com/agriculturevictoria/videos/269719927596915

Three new board members have been appointed to the Game Management Authority (GMA), bringing new skills and experience to the independent regulator.

Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes recently announced the appointment of Dr Bronwyn Orr, Corrie Goodwin and Owen Cavanough for a term of three years. Ian Maxfield has also been reappointed to the GMA Board.

Dr Bronwyn Orr will bring significant animal welfare expertise to the GMA Board as a veterinarian with a Master of Science in International Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law. Dr Orr grew up in regional Queensland and is currently undertaking a Doctor of Philosophy, focusing on the health of hunting dogs.

Ms Goodwin brings additional expertise in land management and public administration to the GMA Board, adding to her extensive regulatory experience in the Australian Dairy Industry.

Aboriginal culture and identity knowledge is maintained, with new director Mr Cavanough also bringing practical experience in sustainable and responsible game hunting.

The new appointments bring the GMA Board membership to eight Directors, increasing diversity with country Victoria-based members, gender equality, and Aboriginal representation.

The GMA works with the community as an independent regulator overseeing game hunting in Victoria through education, research and enforcement to ensure game hunting is conducted in a responsible and sustainable way.

The GMA is continuing to adopt best practice approaches to managing deer, duck and quail hunting; investing in research and new technologies to ensure evidence-based regulation.

Victoria has more than 50,000 licensed game hunters who contribute to the economies of towns and regional centres across the state, supporting jobs both directly and indirectly.

The Victorian Budget 2019/20 delivered a $6 million funding boost to the GMA, which has increased staffing by almost 80 per cent, improved research and hunter engagement, and provided new equipment for officers.

The Victorian Government acknowledges the work of outgoing inaugural board members Deputy Chairperson Margaret Donnan and Mark Little for their leadership, hard work and oversight since the establishment of the GMA.

Agriculture Victoria is delivering a series of four webinars to improve farm business resilience, hosted by ORM managing consultant Matt McCarthy. Farmers and farm business managers should register for the webinars to identify how to safeguard their core business operations when unexpected situations occur. Register for each of the webinars below to attend or receive a link of the recorded event.

Webinar 4: Your Plan

Thursday 16 July, 1.30 pm

In this webinar, an expert panel from across agriculture will discuss how farmers have successfully built business resilience over the last decade, where are the main gaps, and how can farms build resilience into the future.

Register here

Want to know more about improving your digital literacy and connectivity? Need confidence to access technology to improve your on-farm decision making?

CONNECTIVITY WEBINARS

Join extensionAUS and Agriculture Victoria for a series of webinars which will provide a unique opportunity for you to address on-farm connectivity issues and help you to understand available digital technology - how to measure it and how to make it work as best as possible for you and your business.

WEBINAR DATES AND TIMES

Webinar 1 – On-farm connectivity

Tuesday 21 July
1.30 – 2.30 pm

Register or join at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89710895573

Webinar 2 - Getting the most out of video meeting software

Tuesday 28 July
1.30 – 2.30 pm

Register or join at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86270444624

Webinar 3 - Internet of Things (IoT)

Tuesday 4 August
1.30 – 2.30 pm

Register or join at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89327853496

Webinar 4 – Online networking to better communicate on-farm and service farm businesses

Tuesday 11 August
1.30 – 2.30 pm

Register or join at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84433966881

Contact: If you need help registering please contact Gavin Beever, Cumbre Consultants on 0438 234 886 or gavin@cumbre.com.au

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY AUDIT

An opportunity exists to participate in an on-farm digital technology audit conducted by phone by Agriculture Victoria, to understand the technology you already have available on-farm and how you can improve its efficiency.

Participants will be asked to identify what type of internet connectivity they have, where they have access to WiFi and how they use technology on their farm.

Participants will have time to prepare for the audit and will receive a property map and report of results.

REGISTRATION

To register for the audit please book a time at https://bit.ly/2VbBXBK

Contact: If you need help registering or would like more information please contact Andy Clark,

Agriculture Victoria, on 0436 804 656 or andy.clark@agriculture.vic.gov.au

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

Preference will be given to participants from Central and East Gippsland, the GMID and the Millewa region of North-West Victoria.

In partnership with the University of Melbourne, Agriculture Victoria is offering 17 PhD research fellowships in the dairy industry.

Based at our world-renowned research centres at Ellinbank and Hamilton, successful applicants 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 https://go.vic.gov.au/wyePVD

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.

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.

Fertility is a significant driver of profitability in beef breeding enterprises. Join us for a discussion on how bulls can be the missing link in herd fertility and how management decisions can ramp up fertility to the next level and improve profitability

PRESENTER: Dr Shane Thomson, Holbrook Veterinary Centre. Shane is a veterinarian and partner at the Holbrook Veterinary Centre which specialises in production and breeding services to the beef industry.

DATE: Wednesday 15 July

TIME: 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm

VENUE: Online or via phone

For those unable to join the webinar platform, a phone service is available, the details are on the registration page.

A recording of this event will be available afterwards.

REGISTER ONLINE:

Click the link to register: https://login.redbackconferencing.com.au/landers/page/6ea123

Click the above link to also register for the post event recording.

For further information or if you have any problems registering please contact Cathy Mulligan at cathy.mulligan@agriculture.vic.gov.au or 0438 341 970

Do you want to know more about all the pain relief options for livestock?

Join us for a free webinar with one of Australia’s leading cattle and sheep vets, Dr Andrew Whale.

Over the last few years it seems the options for pain relief within the livestock industry has exploded, resulting in confusion as to what’s best for your operation.

Andrew will take you through the range of different products available how to use them and when to use them?

WHAT: Pain relief in livestock. What's the best fit for my operation?

WHEN: Thursday 9th of July 2020

TIME: 8.00 – 9.00pm

WHERE: Online - wherever you like!

COST: Free

To register follow the link: https://bit.ly/2BHMfm0

PRESENTER AND TOPIC: Dr Anna Thomson, Research Scientist, Animal Production Sciences, Ellinbank – Multi-species forages as alternatives to perennial ryegrass: Beyond white clover!

DATE: Wednesday 15 July
TIME: 12.30 pm

REGISTER: https://bit.ly/2VySIGZ

Grassland is a crucial resource for the ruminant livestock industries within the agricultural sector. In most temperate regions globally, this land is predominantly sown with ryegrass: a high yielding species that can provide good quality forage but is reliant upon the application of sufficient nitrogen fertiliser, and susceptible to drought.

Nitrogen fertiliser is expensive and has a high carbon and nitrogen footprint. Therefore, multiple research projects in recent years have investigated the replacement of monoculture pastures with mixed-species leys. Their aim has been to achieve acceptable yields of good quality forage for livestock production whilst having a positive and long term impact on the environment.

In this webinar, Anna Thomson, who previously worked at the University of Reading (UK) before joining the Ellinbank team, will discuss her previous research into mixed-species pastures as part of a collaborative five-year study: ‘The DiverseForage Project’ and also summarise the findings of other notable European studies on this subject matter.

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