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Gippsland Ag News
 
Thursday, 30 September 2021
In this edition:
Coronavirus – (COVID-19)

Restrictions are currently in place across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Keep up to date with all the latest restrictions, permits and requirements at coronavirus.vic.gov.au.

What's your plan?
What's your plan? banner image

Do you have a plan to protect your farm business from the impacts of COVID-19?

How will your business continue if you or one of your workers needs to self-isolate?

Horticulture operations using seasonal workers have additional industry obligations.

Plan ahead and protect your business and workforce by ensuring you are up to date with COVID-19 restrictions and your farm has a COVIDSafe Plan are in place.

Visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au for information on:

Latest ag news
Bull soundness gives confidence for success
Bull image

Dr Jeff Cave
Senior Veterinary Officer

Imagine calling your vet to come and pregnancy test your herd of cows, only to find out most of them are not pregnant. What could you have done to prevent this scenario?

A pre-joining check of your bulls’ soundness and the state of his fertility levels may help prevent this disheartening situation.

Fertility is the ability of a bull to achieve, by natural service, a pregnancy rate of 60 per cent and 85 per cent in 50 normally cycling females, within three and six weeks of mating, respectively.

Your veterinarian will check a number of components of the bull to ensure this is possible.

Firstly, the bull needs to be physically examined for any faults with his legs, head, joints, feet, sheath and penis as any of these will affect his ability to serve a cow. His general health also needs to be clinically assessed.

Secondly, your veterinarian will check the bull’s scrotal circumference and inspect the bull’s testis for tone or resilience, as these are closely related to a bull’s fertility.

It is important to watch your bull during joining to determine his serving ability and his desire to serve cows.

Furthermore, your veterinarian will examine the bull’s semen under a microscope and analyse it for motility as well as looking at the morphology or structure of the individual sperm cells.

There is much more to it than putting your bull out with a herd of cows and expecting him to perform, you need to investigate and make sure your bull is up to the job.

For further advice please contact your local veterinarian.

Full strength: Victoria’s dairy sector leads the nation
Dairy Monitor Report banner

A new report has revealed that in 2020-21 Victoria’s nation-leading dairy farmers experienced the best financial returns in more than six years as the sector continues to innovate and excel.

Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas released the 2020-21 Dairy Farm Monitor report today, which shows the hard work and resilience of Victoria’s dairy farmers has paid off after experiencing some difficult years responding to recent dry conditions, low water allocations and market volatility.

Agriculture Victoria’s Dairy Farm Monitor project is a collaboration with Dairy Australia to provide critical insight for industry into how the sector is tracking.

The annual report is a comprehensive financial and production analysis of 80 Victorian dairy farm businesses in south-western Victoria, Gippsland and northern Victoria.

The quality benchmarking data in the report gives Victorian dairy farmers the ability to make comparisons and identify areas they could change to improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of their businesses.

While average dairy farm profits were up across most of the state, dairy farmers in Victoria’s north posted the best results, taking advantage of favourable seasonal conditions to record the highest profits this region has seen for 15 years.

Since the last report, farm cashflows have increased from the previous year, with 94 per cent of farms recording a positive return.

This financial rebound has enabled farmers to invest back into their businesses by repairing and upgrading infrastructure and machinery and improving pastures.

Victoria is a leading contributor to Australia’s dairy industry, accounting for 77 per cent of Australia's dairy exports valued at $2.1 billion.

The gross value of milk produced in Victoria is worth $2.7 billion (2018-19). The sector supports almost 10,000 jobs with more than half of these workers located in regional Victoria.

The 2020-21 Dairy Farm Monitor report is available on the Agriculture Victoria website.

Last chance to nominate for 2022 Rural Women’s Award
Rural Women's banner

The Victorian Government is calling on female leaders who are passionate about making a difference in rural and regional Victoria to apply for the 2022 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award acknowledges and celebrates the essential role women play in rural and regional businesses, industries and communities.

The Victorian winner will receive a $15,000 bursary to bring to life a project that benefits rural industries, businesses or communities, as well as an opportunity to take out the national award and a further $20,000 in project funding.

The Victorian Rural Women’s Network brings together women to connect, share skills and ideas and empower each other to step up, lead and succeed.

Applications for the 2022 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award close this Friday, 8 October.

For more information and eligibility criteria visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/support-and-resources.

Building boom for agriculture worker accommodation

The Victorian Government is investing in more accommodation for farm workers, with new facilities being built across the state.

Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas visited Boort Lakes Holiday Park in the state’s north to meet owner Wendy James and unveil new facilities for seasonal workers, which will boost accommodation for the region’s workforce for the upcoming harvest and for years to come.

Boort Lakes Holiday Park received $500,000 to build 16 new cabins and six ensuites for existing caravan sites, providing accommodation for up to 77 workers to support the region’s agriculture industry.

The development is part of the government’s Seasonal Workforce Accommodation Program (SWAP), which is providing financial support for 13 regional projects to deliver COVIDSafe accommodation, transport and support services for up to 2000 seasonal horticultural workers.

Nearby, Boundary Bend Olives received $62,000 to build 12 new caravan sites with toilet and shower facilities for its temporary on-farm caravan park, which workers benefitted from during this year’s olive harvest.

In the broader region, Mildura City Backpackers received $45,000 to create COVIDSafe kitchen facilities, doubling its worker accommodation. Nyah Village Caravan Park received a $109,000 grant to build five units for up to 12 workers. Building on both projects is complete and workers have started using the new facilities.

These projects are part of the Victorian Government’s $84 million package to support the state's agriculture industry as it continues to address seasonal workforce challenges, which has already increased accommodation facilities at 80 businesses in farming regions across the state.

The Victorian Government is investing in a range of programs to boost accommodation in rural and regional areas and tackle barriers to regional workforce attraction, including projects in the $2.7 billion Building Works package.

Livestock Biosecurity Grants – applications extended
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Eligible Victorian organisations in the cattle, sheep, goat, swine and honey bee industries now have until Friday 26 November to apply for funding through the Livestock Biosecurity Funds – Grant Program.

Grants are available to fund projects that prevent, monitor, and control diseases, thereby enhancing animal health, biosecurity and market access for the benefit of Victoria’s livestock industries.

Applications are invited from private sector businesses, universities and research institutions, co-operatives, government agencies and local government, and incorporated associations.

Any organisation looking to apply should consider the guidelines and eligibility criteria, review the relevant Statement of Strategic Intent, and complete the online application form.

NEW CLOSING DATE: Applications will close 11.59 pm on Friday 26 November 2021.

For more information, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestockbiosecurityfunds or call our Customer Contact Centre on 136 186.

eLearning with Agriculture Victoria
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A selection of online courses that can be undertaken at your own pace, at any time and from anywhere with an internet connection.

The Victorian Government understands that life can get busy and it isn’t always possible to attend courses in person.

eLearning provides an accessible and flexible option for learning and expanding your knowledge.

It enables you to enhance your skills without having to attend an event or workshop in person which could be a significant distance from home, or difficult to complete due to time constraints.

To access courses, you will need to create an account.

This will allow you full access to the courses and it will track your progress as you move through them.

Browse the range of courses that can be undertaken at your own pace, at any time and from anywhere with an internet connection.

This week’s eLearn in profile is: Glossary of Terms

Business management terminology can often be confusing and difficult to wrap your head around.

This Glossary of Terms resource contains helpful definitions for common terms that you will come across when running a farm business. This course is designed to be something that you can come back to any time you need a refresher.

Take a scroll through the glossary to get yourself familiar with some of the key financial terms you might come across in farm business management.

Make sure to check out what Glossie the Kelpie has to say  about overhead and variable costs.

Be on the front foot to protect your farm business

Agriculture Victoria is urging farmers to have a plan in place to protect their farm business from the impacts of COVID-19.

It was important that COVIDSafe Plans were up to date and that farmers had a plan for how their business would cope if they or one of their workers needed to self-isolate.

Particularly with the grains and horticulture harvest seasons approaching, producers want to avoid untimely disruptions to farm operations.

Our dairy farmers and livestock producers also need to consider how milking would continue and how animals could be cared for if they became unwell.

The agriculture sector is essential to keep the supermarket shelves stocked and food on Victorian tables.

However, businesses should continue to implement the six principles of COVIDSafe workplaces to protect themselves and their workers, and to reduce the risk of COVID-19 impacting their business.

Measures such as maintaining physical distancing, practicing good hygiene, keeping records and creating workforce bubbles will help to keep farmers and farm workers safe, and the business to keep operating.

Details about the six principles of COVIDSafe workplaces can be found at coronavirus.vic.gov.au.

With state border restrictions in place in many places across the country, farmers and farm workers needing to travel should make sure they had their required travel and authorised worker permits before they left home.

Information about the Victorian Travel Permit System can be found online.

Keep up to date with all the latest restrictions and requirements at coronavirus.vic.gov.au.

Join the virtual AgriFutures Rural Women's Award national announcement

The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award National Winner and Runner Up will now be announced via a live virtual National Announcement event on Wednesday, 20 October 2021 from 12.30 until 2 pm.

The online festivities will be hosted by the 2019 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award National Winner, Jo Palmer.

The National Winner and Runner Up announcement has moved to a day-time event to encourage Australia-wide online viewing and to cater for different time zones.

Register for FREE to join the virtual National Announcement, alongside viewers from right across Australia.

You will be sent a link to the live stream.

My Rain Gauge is Busted podcast
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Seasonal forecast models can be tricky and confusing at times, coming in all different shapes and sizes.

That’s why we recently asked seasonal risk agronomist Dale Grey to take us through the different models he’s analysed over the years.

To listen search 'My Rain Gauge is Busted' wherever you usually get your podcasts or listen here: https://go.vic.gov.au/31cuNY

The Ag Recovery Team is here to help
the ag recovery team is here to help

Agriculture Victoria’s Ag Recovery Team is here to support growers in the horticulture industry affected by the June storms and floods across Victoria.

Phone 0427 694 185 or email recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au or visit the Agriculture Victoria website agriculture.vic.gov.au

Fox and wild dog bounty
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Victorian Fox and Wild Dog Bounty collections have resumed in the majority of regional Victoria.

Check the website for the North East and Goulburn Broken collection schedule.

If you are attending a collection centre, you must comply with COVIDSafe principles including using the QR code to check-in, physical distancing, good hygiene practices and wearing a face mask indoors and outdoors (unless you have a lawful reason not to).  agriculture.vic.gov.au/bounty

Season two of ‘AgVic Talk’ - latest episodes

The new season of the ‘AgVic Talk’ podcast series highlights personal stories of people who have overcome daily challenges.

You’ll hear from a diverse range of people, including rural women and young farmers about how they recover, grow, modernise, protect and promote Victorian agriculture.

Subscribe to AgVic Talk

You can subscribe and listen to AgVic Talk wherever you get your podcasts.

North East Victoria Rural Skills Connect program
Rural skills connect advert
 

The Rural Skill Connect Program provides pathways for farmers, family members or farmworkers in North East Victoria to acquire new skills and qualifications to strengthen employment prospects for the future.

Services offered include identifying the type of relevant training and employment opportunities, provide subsidised training opportunities and provide liaison between potential employees and employers.

Rural Skills Connect can refer participants directly to other professional service providers.

A wide range of skill sets exists amongst farmers, their families or farm workers and are easily transferable and are highly valued in other industries.

Gaining recognition or expanding current skills can increase confidence and can open up a wide range of employment opportunities.

Contact us to learn more about this no-cost program.

AgBiz Assist Ltd t/as Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria-North East is supported by the Victorian Government.

What's on?

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.

Livestock webinar - managing CovidSafe practices this shearing season
Fleece image

Join the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) and Agriculture Victoria for a webinar for livestock businesses on managing CovidSafe practices for the upcoming shearing season.

Monday, 4 October  7 – 8 pm

The evening will host speakers addressing topics such as:

  • Managing COVID in the workplace; tips for your operation, what happens if someone tests positive or is a close contact
  • Your obligations as an employer
  • Requirements for COVIDSafe plans, QR codes, worker permits, border permits.

Register now 

This webinar will be online and registration is essential.

If you have any enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact:
Jacinta Pretty on 0455 075 010 or jpretty@vff.org.au

Webinar – Prepare Your Property
Hay in field image

Livestock producers in North East Victoria and East Gippsland are enjoying a good spring. In the midst of these great conditions, now is the best time to be asking, are you prepared for the coming fire season.

What’s the best way to prepare your property for the fire season? How do you prevent a haystack fire? Do you have a plan to stay and defend your property, or will you leave?  

Agriculture Victoria is hosting Prepare Your Property, top tips to get your farm ready for the coming fire season, two webinars for landholders in East Gippsland and Victoria’s North East.

These webinars will feature local CFA representatives who will provide timely reminders on how to get your property ready for the fire season, while local landholders will discuss their first-hand experience of bushfire and preparing their farms to minimise the risk and damage from future events.

The presentations will be followed with a short Q&A session.

Presenters for the north east webinar

  • Peter Dedman: Commander – Strathbogie Catchment Officer, CFA Fire and Emergency Management
  • Michael Gadd – The Glen Pastoral, Walwa.

Topics

  • What is the fire season looking like?
  • Minimising the risk of fire
  • Preventing haystack fires
  • Managing the impact of fire
  • Agriculture Victoria resources.

When:  Tuesday, 12 October , 7.30 – 8.30 pm
Cost:    free
RSVP:   Register for your region by 5 pm, Tuesday 12 October at: https://prepare_your_property.eventbrite.com.au

For more information or help with registration please contact Paul Simpson on 0455 750 605 or paul.simpson@agriculture.vic.au

Webinar – a look at LOOC-C, Carbon Abatement Calculator
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Landscape Opportunity and Options for Carbon abatement Calculator

With increasing interest in carbon abatement in agriculture, the CSIRO has developed a landscape options and opportunities for carbon abatement calculator.

Date: Tuesday 12 October

Time: 12 – 1 pm 

Cost: Free

Register online

In this webinar, LOOC-C team member Dr Stephen Roxburgh will provide an introduction to this tool and explain some of the background to it.

LOOC-C estimates carbon abatement via an emission factor database, giving producers information to assess potential changes to carbon by undertaking various tree or soil carbon activities on their land.

By visiting https://looc-c.farm/ you can use the map interface to select a potential project area and help start the conversation of carbon abatement options for your farm business.

Presenter – Dr Stephen Roxburgh, LOOC-C program leader, CSIRO

Stephen is a recognised leader in terrestrial plant ecology and greenhouse gas accounting, with over 20 years' experience in the field measurement and computer modelling of forest growth and carbon cycling. He currently leads the Natural Capital group within CSIRO.

Young Farmer Business Bootcamp in the Upper Murray
Bootcamp banner

Agriculture Victoria will be running their popular program, Young Farmer Business Bootcamp, in the Upper Murray next month.

Agriculture Victoria is excited to announce a two-day business bootcamp to be run on Friday 8 and 15 October for those who are young or new to managing a farm business and wanting to establish a long and successful career in beef, sheep or mixed farming enterprises.

The Young Farmer Business Bootcamp will be held over two days between 9 am and 3.30 pm, with lunch and refreshments provided: Friday 8 and 15 October.

The bootcamp will be delivered by Paul Blackshaw, Farm Business Advisor with Meridian Agriculture.

Register now at https://uppermurraybusinessbootcamp.eventbrite.com.au for the free Upper Murray Young Farmer Business bootcamp.

This event will be conducted in accordance with our COVID Safe Plan and under the directions of the Chief Health Officer, with registrations limited.

For more information contact the Agriculture Recovery Team on 0428 975 728 or paul.simpson@agriculture.vic.gov.au

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Contacting Agriculture Victoria

Call 136 186 from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call (except for mobiles and public telephones).

If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment contact the National Relay Service on 133 677 or www.relayservice.gov.au.

All contact points can be found at: agriculture.vic.gov.au/about/contact-us.

Don't forget to check out Agriculture Victoria's social media sites for up-to-date information and news.

 

 

'Like' our Agriculture Victoria Facebook page.

 

Follow us on Twitter @VicGovAg

 

Subscribe to the Agriculture Victoria YouTube channel. 

 
 

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