Millewa dry seasons drop-in centre

Feeding stock and growing crops event in the Millewa

Irrigation support assists with critical decisions

Controlling serrated tussock in the North Central catchment

Irrigation, commodities and climate info sessions

Applications open: youth engagement grants

Weekly irrigation requirements

Young Farmer Business Network group on Facebook

All eyes on the skies for spring

Young farmer business network

From beekeepers to boat owners, check out the new biosecurity website

Look Over the Farm Gate funding

Fox bounty collection continues

What's On

Save the dates

Millewa farmers are invited to drop-in to the Millewa Resource Centre for a cuppa and chat with Agriculture Victoria staff.

Come along to find out more about livestock and soil management and other options to help you manage during dry seasonal conditions. 

Discussions can cover a range of topics including feed budgeting and rations, hay and crop decision making and soil management. 

Other services and supports can also be discussed including Rural Financial Counsellors, accessing the Farm Household Allowance and concessional loans programs.

Information packs covering Agriculture Victoria and other agency supports will be available.

Where: Millewa Resource Centre, Cullulleraine

Dates:  Thursday 19 September, Thursday 26 September and Tuesday 1 October

When:  12 - 3 pm

For more information about assistance available to help farmers manage during dry seasonal conditions call 136 186 or visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons

With dry conditions predicted to continue over the next few months Agriculture Victoria is holding a free community event in the Millewa to provide expert advice and information to assist farmers with their decision making.

Agriculture Victoria North West Dry Seasonal Conditions Coordinator Rob O’Shannessy said the event was open to all farmers from across the Millewa and would cover a range of topics to help guide them to make informed and early decisions.

“The event will look at feeding livestock and making decisions on livestock management, planning next year’s crops and managing your soils – with presentations from expert speakers from Agriculture Victoria and others organisations in the area,” Mr O’Shannessy said.

Where: Millewa Community Complex, Cullulleraine

Date: Wednesday, 18 September

When: 3 – 6 pm (followed by a free BBQ dinner)

RSVP: Please RSVP by Monday 16 September to Darryl Pearl on (03) 5036 4831 or darryl.pearl@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Mr O’Shannessy encouraged local farmers to find out about the other forms of assistance available to them from the Victorian Government, such as the $5,000 On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants Program, the On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme and the Farm Business Assistance Program.

He said one-on-one consultations can be booked with local Agriculture Victoria staff from the Irymple and Swan Hill offices to discuss individual farm needs.

For more information about assistance available to help farmers managing during dry seasonal conditions call 136 186, visit your local Agriculture Victoria office in Irymple or Swan Hill or go to agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons

Irrigators are reporting bigger crops, better prices and greater water savings after increasing the use of science and technology on their farms.

In a series of new videos just released, irrigators tell how support to introduce “cutting edge technology” has helped them.

“I think the incentive program really worked for me because with the training we were able to work out what to plant and what was suitable for our property … “.

**WATCH** Mallee grower from the Sunraysia irrigation district Domenic Sergi talk about his family’s journey towards increasing science and technology on their property.

For more information go here.

For more about Agriculture Victoria’s support for irrigators agriculture.vic.gov.au/irrigation or the incentives programs www.malleecma.vic.gov.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 this month and next. 

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 sheep's 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.

Do you live near Stanhope, Murrabit, Macorna or Katamatite? Want to find out the latest seasonal and long-term outlook for irrigation, commodities and climate in your area?

Then you need to attend one of our free information sessions coming up next week.

Agriculture Victoria Senior Irrigation Officer Rob O’Connor said the sessions will feature a number of expert speakers, as well as a local farmer.

“These sessions are all about giving farmers the latest information on what to expect for the next few months and in the long-term, to help them make more informed and early decisions," Mr O'Connor said.

“We will talk about the seasonal situation and outlook for water, grain, fodder and climate, as well the key drivers of long-term water availability will be outlined, including permanent plantation expansion and inter-valley trade.”

Mr O’Connor said the BoM’s long-term climate outlook will also be presented along with an explanation of what this means for water availability and irrigation requirements. 

There will be an opportunity to hear from a local farmer about plans for the season and managing for the long-term.

He said the speakers included:

• Colin Peace, Director, Jumbuck Ag
• Vernon Carr, Sector Lead – Horticulture, Agriculture Program, BoM
• Craig Feuerherdt, Business Development Manager, H2OX
• Mark Mitchell, Senior Policy Officer, DELWP.

The four workshops will be held at:

Stanhope on Wednesday 18 September, 12.30 pm – 3 pm (lunch at start). Football Netball Clubrooms, Midland Highway.

Murrabit on Thursday 19 September, 9.30 am - 11.30 am (lunch after) Murrabit Golf Club, Kerang- Murrabit Road.

Macorna on Thursday 19 September, 12.30 pm – 3 pm (lunch at start) Recreation Reserve, Macorna South Road.

Katamatite on Friday 20 September, 9.30 am - 11.30 am at the Recreation Reserve, Foy St (lunch to follow)

To book contact Darren at the Agriculture Victoria office in Echuca on (03) 5482 1922 or email darren.carnie@agriculture.vic.gov.au  

For more information about managing during drought and dry seasonal conditions go to agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons

Agriculture Victoria 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.

Invasive Species Project Officer Lauren Hull said young people are under-represented in community efforts to manage pests and weeds.

"Looking after our environment is an intergenerational challenge, and it's important that young people are part of the conversation on how we reduce the impact of pests and weeds in our landscape."

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.

"We know that increasing young people's participation in community environmental projects has significant benefits and can bring fantastic new ideas to the invasive species challenge," Ms Hull said.

"But there are also barriers to young people getting involved such as a lack of awareness of the problem or of how they can make a difference.

"Bringing a youth-focus to community projects allows knowledge to be shared across generations, and helps young people develop the confidence to be part of the solution."

Victorian Landcarer and Corangamite farmer Kaye Rodden said boosting youth involvement was an opportunity to strengthen community-led approaches to invasive species management.

"The younger members of our community have so much to offer, they are energetic innovators and we need to find ways to make it attractive for them to be part of community-led projects such as this one focused on managing invasive species," Ms Rodden said.

"A healthy, pest free landscape needs a strong resilient community, and this relies on people of all ages being engaged and involved."

Applications for the grants program close 30 September 2019.

For more information visit the Weeds and Rabbits Project website.

It’s footy finals time, and while team selectors are deciding who to play and spectators are watching the skies deciding what to wear, it’s what happens over the next few months that will be crucial for the main game of farming.

In the latest Very Fast Break, Dale Grey summarises 12 climate models for Victoria and suggests which way they are pointing for spring https://bit.ly/2lzgeEW

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.

A new national biosecurity website - which will be a central hub for Australia’s biosecurity information - is about to be delivered by government, industry and environmental groups.

The beta site, beta.biosecurity.gov.au, lets users be involved in the website’s development.

Data and feedback collected during the beta phase will help shape the final website.

The final biosecurity.gov.au website will be released when builders are confident it meets user needs.

Be one of the first to explore beta.biosecurity.gov.au.

Your feedback will help shape what does and doesn’t work across the site to build a better service.

The website will provide information to the National Biosecurity Committee and its sub-committees, and website users can discover information about how to reduce biosecurity risks and how to report a concern.

The website is being developed based on personas, ranging from a beekeeper to a boat owner, an international traveller to a primary producer, and an animal owner to a pest and weed manager.

Visit beta.biosecurity.gov.au and provide feedback to help improve the site.

Loddon Mallee farmers and communities facing drought and dry conditions can apply for funding under the Look Over the Farm Gate Program.

Look Over the Farm Gate events let farmers take a break from the farm, reconnect, access professional support and participate in mental health training.

The program encourages 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 State Government.

It's managed by the VFF in partnership with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the Country Women’s Association, the Country Fire Authority, and The National Centre for Farmer Health.

For more information about eligibility and how to apply, visit the website.

Four free, cross-industry sessions will provide the latest on irrigation, commodities and climate settings and outlooks. There will also be an opportunity to hear from a local farmer about plans for the season and managing for the long-term.

TOPICS

Situation and outlook

• Water availability in the southern connected Murray-Darling Basin
• Climate, rainfall and inflows – three-month and long-term outlook
• Grain and fodder – availability and outlook
• Key drivers of future irrigation water availability - including permanent plantation expansion and inter-valley trade limits

Decision support

• Local farm case study

EXPERT SPEAKERS

• Colin Peace, Director, Jumbuck Ag
• Vernon Carr, Sector Lead – Horticulture, Agriculture Program, BoM
• Craig Feuerherdt, Business Development Manager, H2OX
• Mark Mitchell, Senior Policy Officer, DELWP.

DATES AND TIMES

Stanhope Wednesday 18 September
12.30 pm – 3 pm (lunch at start)
Football Netball Clubrooms
Midland Highway

Murrabit Thursday 19 September
9.30 am - 11.30 am (lunch after)
Murrabit Golf Club
Kerang- Murrabit Road

Macorna Thursday 19 September
12.30 pm – 3 pm (lunch at start)
Recreation Reserve
Macorna South Road

Katamatite Friday 20 September
9.30 am - 11.30 am (lunch after) Recreation Reserve, Foy St

For catering purposes please RSVP to Darren at the Echuca office on (03) 5482 1922 or email darren.carnie@agriculture.vic.gov.au

These small group workshops will run for one and a half days.

Participant numbers are limited to ensure active participation and discussion.

Many previous workshops have ‘sold-out’, so registration is essential to secure your place.

While the workshop content is targeted to experienced agronomists, interested growers are welcome to register online here.

Cost is $165 ($150 + GST) per workshop.

Applications are now open for the Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, a competitive annual grants program recognising and supporting young Australians aged 18-35 by funding projects that will benefit Australia's primary industries.

Since 2001, the Science and Innovation Awards have helped more than 250 young researchers, innovators and scientists turn their ideas into reality through more than $4 million in grant funding.

We invite you to put your hand up and be part of something big.
Are you eligible?

• Are you working or studying in an agriculture, fisheries or forestry related industry?
• Are you aged between 18 and 35?
• Do you have an original research project idea and need $22,000 to make it a reality?
• Check the full list of eligibility requirements on the website.

There are 11 industry category grants worth up to $22,000 (incl. GST) each. Interested?

Here's what to do next;

1. Go to GrantConnect and search for GO2850 for more info and the application form.
2. Check out our handy questions and answers for applicants.
3. Read the Science Awards partner profiles to learn more about what they are looking for.
4. Discover what projects were successful in the previous rounds.

Applications close Friday 4 October, visit the website for all the details.

Elmore Field Days, 1,  2 and 3 October

Agriculture Victoria exhibitors

Animal Health and Welfare

Dry seasons support

Grains

Land Health

Internet of Things

Office of the Chief Vet (CVO)

Irrigation extension

Guest exhibitors

DELWP Loddon Mallee

Murray Darling Basin Authority

National Centre for Farmer Health

Mineral Development Victoria

Goulburn Murray Queensland Fruit Fly project

TENT Talks

Dale Boyd, Seasonal Risk Agronomiast, Agriculture Victoria - Overview of Victoria’s soil moisture conditions with review of the season including some of the localised monitoring sites in northern Victoria that are both hay and grain crops

Tracey Hatherell, National Centre for Farmer Health - Farmer Health - Living Longer on the Land

Joanna Gangemi, Communications Officer Integrity Systems Company - Overview of the Integrity Systems Company and using the NLIS database

Mark Sloan, Industry Technology Officer (Sheep), Agriculture Victoria - On Farm IoT Trial Update

Rebecca Thompson, Project Officer Water Resource Strategy Division Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) - Water market watch app and water market transparency

See you at the giant Agriculture Victoria marquee site #349 https://www.elmorefielddays.com.au/

3rd Australian Pulse Conference, 16 and 17 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.

To register or view the program.

In a Nutshell - 5th Australian Almond Research & Development Forum and Field Day

30 - 31 October, Loxton (South Australia)

Australian almond industry partners and collaborating researchers will again take part in the R&D Forum and Field Day to present the latest updates on almond projects.

This event will include presentations by respected Australian researchers and experts on both days.

Speakers will address issues, technology advancements, technical information and scientific research outcomes.

This year we will continue the Field Day held on Thursday, at the Almond Centre of Excellence Experimental Orchard in Loxton, South Australia.

On Thursday the Field Day will involve speakers, machinery and equipment exhibition, machinery demonstration opportunities as well as networking with growers and industry in a casual, relaxed setting.

Read the preliminary program here.

Dried grape industry annual conference - Mildura

A date has been set for this year's Dried Fruits Australia Annual General Meeting and Grower Forum.

The half-day conference, which covers key issues affecting the dried grape industry, will be held on Thursday 31 October at Mildura Working Man's Club.

The members-only AGM will begin at 1 pm, and will be followed by the grower forum at 2 pm. The forum is open to anyone with an interest in the industry.

Four dried grape producer positions on the Dried Fruits Australia Board will be up for re-election at the AGM.

Current directors and new candidates will be able to apply.

Subscribe here to the 'Loddon Mallee Ag News' e-newsletter and share this link with your colleagues.