• On-farm water planning avoid a dry argument
• Dairy farm monitor shows mixed results across the state
• Soil moisture monitoring results show drying profile
• Webinar on climate change report
• Time to watch the skies, the footy and the Very Fast Break
• Using potassium fertiliser in spring
• Wimmera site for Sothern Pulse Field Day
• Landcare grants for weeds, workshops and trails
• Snakes on the move in north-east Victoria
• High beef slaughter rates include more females
• From bee keepers to boat owners, check out the new biosecurity website
• Time for a cuppa for rural women
• Feedback on new cruelty regulations sought
• Grants for young people for weeds and rabbits
• Extension for say on sheep and goat levy until 31 October
• Leadership and mentoring program
• October dates for fox and wild dog bounty
• Science and innovation awards in agriculture
• On-farm emergency water infrastructure rebate scheme
• Look over the farm gate grants
• What's on?

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 dam 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  at North Central or North East offices or customer service on 136186.

Variability in farm profits and strategies to respond to high costs and seasonal conditions are revealed in the 75 farm survey results of the 2018-19 Dairy Farm Monitor Project. 

The Dairy Farm Monitor Project provides annual farm level data related to profit and production in Victoria. The latest report is the thirteenth to be produced in collaboration with Dairy Australia. 

The top performing farms in the project have shown timely decision making combined with a business analysis approach were key strategies to managing the dry conditions throughout the 2018-19 financial year. 

While profits were mixed across the regions, the project reported average earnings before interest and tax were $85,000 in 2018-19, half of the level set the year before.

When interest and lease costs are considered, average net farm income across the state fell to $24,000, the fourth lowest in the 13-years of the project.

Agriculture Victoria’s Farm Business Economist Claire Waterman said there was a significant variation in profitability across the three dairy regions of Victoria.  

“The dry conditions have led to a 20 per cent increase in variable costs as a result of higher irrigation water, concentrates and fodder prices,” Ms Waterman said. “Farmers also spent more on making homegrown feed, including fertiliser, hay and silage making costs.”

Across South West Victoria’s survey results, net farm income improved on the previous year to $27,000 yet remained below the long-term average. 

In the North of the state, net farm income fell to -$85,000, the lowest level in the 13-year history of the project. 

Across Gippsland, net farm income reduced to -$15,000 with varied seasonal conditions and profitability results. 

Despite the increased costs and earlier culling in some regions, herd size among the farmers surveyed remained constant at an average of 357 cows.

Milk price improved six per cent to $6.13/kg MS compared to the previous year, partially offsetting the increased costs. 

“Following a challenging 2018-19 season, more than 85 per cent of farmers predicted their farm profit will improve for 2019-20 underpinned by strong expectations for improved milk price and stable or improving milk production,” Ms Waterman said.

Agriculture Victoria and Dairy Australia provide a range of services to support farmers managing drought and dry seasonal conditions. 

These services include one-on-one consultations, workshops and grants. 

For more information on the support available to dairy farmers please contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons

The annual report is available at agriculture.vic.gov.au/dairyfarmmonitor

Soil moisture levels are varying across the state including in the north, with full information detailed in the latest Soil Moisture Monitoring newsletter.

Central Victoria and the North East have crops that have high water demands and have consumed all this season’s moisture following below average August rainfall. There are a wide range of residual moisture levels across the region.

August rainfall totals supported crop growth, but in the north soil moisture is now being actively used by crops.

Wet South West crops have deep soil moisture reserves and to date have not had to use it, as rainfall has met crop demands.

Good moisture conditions still exist in the Wimmera and Southern Mallee. Crops that look great and have high yield potentials, also have large biomass with a high-water requirement.

The Mallee is drying out quickly with a below average decile August, but crops are well advanced and seeking the last of residual moisture.

The monitored paddock in the Werrimull has no crop, having received only 53mm GSR.

Those paddocks that started the season with no moisture have crops showing signs of stress while paddocks with summer rain plus weed control have crops that are mining the deeper moisture reserves where they exist.

Hay versus grain decisions will be analysed on a paddock by paddock basis during the second half of September. Crops following hay last year are performing better this year than grain on grain in this region.

For more detailed information on Soil Moisture Levels and the latest report, click here

Climate change is rapidly ramping up existing threats to global land resources, reducing the ability to feed people around the world. In Australia, rivers are drying up, the natural resource base is under pressure and climate-related pressures are increasingly impacting on the conservation estate. Agriculture is under pressure too as heatwaves become increasingly frequent and intense, farm animals are increasingly stressed and less productive, crops yields are shrinking and crops are failing more regularly whilst rural communities are suffering.

At the same time, the land sector is currently making climate change worse, even as it can offer some of the solutions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). This is because the global food system produces about 29 per cent of the world’s total GHG emissions. Australian numbers are similar. But at the same time the land absorbs about 22 per cent of global GHG emissions via natural processes. With the right management, we can reduce the land sector’s GHG emissions and increase the land’s carbon sinks. If left unchecked, the current situation threatens to increase global warming, and leave the world hungry and with an increasingly degraded natural resource base.

One of the key findings of the report is that there is no way we can limit global warming in line with the Paris Climate Agreement without actively managing our land sector GHG emissions. But even if we do everything right, the land sector alone cannot solve climate change. Reducing fossil fuel emissions remains absolutely vital.

Presenter:
Professor Mark Howden is Director of the Climate Change Institute at the Australian National University. Mark is also an Honorary Professor at Melbourne University, a Vice Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and a member of the Australian National Climate Science Advisory Committee. He was on the US Federal Advisory Committee for the 3rd National Climate Assessment and contributes to several major national and international science and policy advisory bodies.

A webinar on the recent IPCC report on climate change and land and the implications for Australian agriculture will be held at
12 pm  Tuesday 8 October 2019. 
 
Please register in advance via the link here
Event password:  IPCC2019
Event number: 570 991 127

To join a webinar you’ll need access to a computer that has a good internet connection, and a headset or built in computer speakers and microphone. You can also watch via computer and phone in (if you can’t access audio on your computer), or you can watch and interact in the webinar via your smartphone or tablet.

The webinar will be recorded, so if you miss the live presentation you can watch it later at a time that suits you.

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 – farming.

In the latest Very Fast Break, Dale Grey summarises 12 climate models for Victoria and suggests which way they are pointing for spring.

Watch the latest edition of Very Fast Break at: https://youtu.be/l1K4VGOopyw.

Alex Goudy, Agriculture Victoria, Warrnambool.

As we move into the harvest season, using fertilisers to boost yield should be front of mind. Potassium is an important nutrient in spring that affects both plant and animal health.

Too little in your soil means reduced pasture growth, however too much can lead to metabolic problems in cattle.

Therefore, it’s important to think about your soil fertility levels and potassium fertiliser use.

Being over generous with potassium fertiliser in spring has the potential to cause milk fever and grass tetany next calving season. The worst-case scenario from this is the loss of cows, or in less severe cases an impact on production and profitability.

When soil potassium levels are high, pasture plants can accumulate excess potassium which can cause a mineral imbalance in cows.

A high potassium diet reduces the uptake of magnesium and calcium in the gut which leads to milk fever and grass tetany. Cows are most susceptible to mineral imbalances prior to and up to three months after calving.

A lot of potassium is removed in a hay or silage harvest, usually between 60 to 100 kg per hectare.

Therefore, many fertiliser recommendations in spring aim to give a boost to pasture growth using nitrogen and replace potassium, phosphorus, sulphur and nitrogen removed in harvested pasture.

However, if soil potassium levels are already adequate, the pasture can accumulate additional potassium beyond what is needed for extra growth.

This is called 'luxury uptake'. It can result in hay that if fed to susceptible animals, will predispose them to metabolic problems. Some caution around adding extra potassium fertiliser to paddocks with a high soil level is therefore necessary.

The following recommendations can help with potassium fertiliser decisions:

1.If potassium levels are high (Colwell K levels greater than 250mg/kg) additional fertiliser won’t increase pasture production. Cutting back on potassium fertilisers (and monitoring with soil tests) will save you money.

2.When using nitrogen to boost spring harvest yields, consider using straight nitrogen fertilisers if soil fertility is adequate and nutrients aren’t limiting.

3.Cows susceptible to milk fever and grass tetany should be on a low potassium diet, fed rough hay or straw prior to calving, and kept off feed and paddocks with high soil potassium levels, prior to and soon after calving.

Magnesium supplementation pre- and post-calving will also reduce the chance of grass tetany if you are grazing susceptible pastures.

4.Be conscious of where the hay being fed out was made. If it was on paddocks with high potassium levels avoid feeding this hay to springers or dry cows.

5.Remember silage and hay removes a large amount of potassium. Be sure to replace this on these paddocks.

6.Regularly soil test to monitor the potassium (and other nutrient) levels of your paddocks. Potassium levels can change quickly due to leaching and fodder conservation, so make sure tests are done regularly to plan fertiliser use.

Testing farm management zones assists to monitor the changes in fertility of certain areas of the farm that are managed differently.

7.Current guidelines for fertility target levels can be found at Dairy Australia’s Fert$mart website: http://fertsmart.dairyingfortomorrow.com.au/dairy-soils-and-fertiliser-manual

By considering current fertility levels and fertiliser practices potassium fertiliser can be used with confidence on your farm.

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

Pulse crops will take centre stage in Victoria’s Wimmera next month when the annual Southern Pulse Agronomy Field Day is held as part of the Australian Pulse Conference in Horsham.

The field day on Tuesday 15 October is supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), PBSeeds, Seednet and Agriculture Victoria.

Southern Pulse Agronomy (a GRDC investment) lead researcher, Jason Brand, says the field day will feature new variety releases, an historic variety demonstration, chickpea and faba bean disease management, and advances in herbicide tolerance.

“Researchers, industry agronomists and grain marketers will all be in attendance to answer growers’ questions,”  Dr Brand, a pulse research agronomist with Agriculture Victoria, said.

Located just west of Horsham on the Wimmera Highway, the field day will be from 8.30 am to 2p m, with a free lunch included.

Supported by the GRDC, the Australian Pulse Conference will be held at Horsham from 15-17 October.

 

Projects to fund community efforts to tackle weeds such as blackberry and gorse, provide practical land-management advice to small, new and absentee landholders and upgrade popular walking and cycling tracks have been funded through the latest round of the Victorian Government’s Victorian Landcare Grants Program.

Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Landcare and Communities Manager Tony Kubeil said more than $260,000 of grants would fund 24 projects across the Catchment.

“These grants help community natural resource management groups carry out the on-ground works that help protect and improve the Catchment’s land, water and biodiversity,” Mr Kubeil said.

The projects funded are:

• •Friends of the Marysville Walks – Narbethong Holly Control Program
• Upper Goulburn Landcare Network – Controlling pest plants and animals in the Murrindindi Shire; Environmental education for schools and community
• Turtles Australia – Lake Benalla  Freshwater Turtles: preservation through conservation solutions
• South West Goulburn Landcare – FarmBlitz
• Fords Creek Landcare Group – Flourishing Fords Creek for Platypus Health
• Euroa Arboretum – Connecting kids to nature; and Gardens for Wildlife III
• Hughes Creek Catchment Collaborative – Develop a community-based weeds and wild feral animal control program
• Strathbogie Tableland Landcare Group – Strathbogie Township Bridge to Bridge trail extensions maintenance equipment project
• Strathbogie Ranges Conservation Management Network – Saving Bandicoots Saving Bogs; and Information and advice for new landholders
• Kyabram Urban Landcare Group – Year-round access into Ern Miles Reserve
• Gooram Valley Landcare Group – Rescuing and sustaining paddock trees (old and new) in a changing climate
• Granite Creeks Project – The Granite Creeks ongoing pest plant and animal control and maintenance of investments made
• Creightons Creek Landcare Group – Pest plant management and eradication (especially blackberry)
• Molyullah Tatong Land Management Group – Protection of remnant paddock trees
• Goulburn Murray Landcare Network - Matching farming to our landscapes; and Biodiversity Environment Aquatic Discovery – (BEAD
• Glenaroua Land Management Group - Student + Mentor environment learning through propagation, protection and revegetation
• Up2Us Landcare Alliance – Mansfield's War on Weeds II; and Being culturally correct
• Gecko Clan –Turning dung to dirt
• Longwood Plains Conservation Management Network  – Microcarpa Corridors

Mr Kubeil said another $10,500 of funding had been allocated to 21 groups to help them cover costs associated with day-to-day operations.

“The Goulburn Broken CMA understands that the best way to bring about practice change and deliver on-ground works to improve the environment and support productive and resilient communities is to work closely with landholders and the Catchment’s natural resource management groups,” Mr Kubeil said.

“These grants are a great way to do that – they support communities to address the environmental issues they have identified as important. Each group’s effort in their own ‘backyard’ contributes to environmental, social and economic improvements that benefit the entire Catchment.”

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With the weather warming up our cold-blooded reptile friends are now becoming more active, and a lot more visible.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) Regional Manager Environmental Compliance, Nathan Stamkos said: “Snakes are emerging from their winter hibernation to bask in the sun and to search for food and a mate.

“The recent sunny weather also means people are spending more time outdoors and it is quite likely they will encounter a snake.

“Eastern brown snakes are the most common in north east Victoria with the occasional tiger snake or red bellied black snake, which are usually found around wetlands, creeks and rivers.

“These three species are highly venomous, but it is rare for them to bite people. Most snake bites are received by people who try to capture or kill a snake.

“Snakes can be known to bite animals, such as dogs, if they feel threatened. If your dog or cat encounters a snake, the best course of action is to remove your pet from the area or tie it up while the snake passes and if you suspect your pet has been bitten take it to a vet immediately.

“Snakes are generally very shy and prefer to keep away from people and often when a snake is found in a backyard it’s because it’s moving through the area to other habitat. 

“Being aware that snakes may be around, and being informed about how to react to them, are the most important aspects of managing snakes,” Mr Stamkos said.  

If you live in an area with snakes, please remember:

• When left alone, snakes present little or no danger to people. 
• If you see a snake, keep calm and move yourself and anyone with you (including pets) away from the area.
• Don't attempt to capture or harm snakes. Instead call DELWP on 136 186 for further advice, or call a licensed snake catcher.
• Maintain lawns and clean up around your house, as snakes are attracted to shelter such as piles of rocks and timber, sheets of metal, and building materials.
• Undertake first aid training and ensure your first aid kit contains several compression bandages, and if someone is bitten, call 000 immediately.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that snakes play an important role in our ecosystem and are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975. It is illegal to capture, harm, or kill them. Reports of people wilfully destroying protected wildlife will be investigated accordingly.”

Processors had another month of high cattle supply in July. ABS figures recorded processor throughput of adult cattle above 700,000 head for the fourth time in the past five months.

As has been the case throughout 2019, Meat and Livestock Australia reports slaughter has been driven predominantly by female cattle, with cows and heifers making up 57 per cent of total adult slaughter.

Total slaughter in July was 771,000 head, 12 per cent above the average July slaughter since 2010. Male slaughter in comparison is back 6 per cent while 29 per cent of extra females were slaughtered compared to average.

The high level of year-to-date supply to processors has been driven particularly by an increase in Victoria, where slaughter numbers were recorded 177,000 head (20 per cent)  more than the average over this period since 2010/ The impact of a major plant closure in South Australia will have contributed to the increase.

New South Wales, up 83,000 head and Queensland, up 97,000 head, have also seen additional throughput. South Australia is the only state to decline on their average year-to-date slaughter where numbers have contracted 92,000 head, nearly half what they have processed in the past.

The high female slaughter is having a major effect on carcase weights, with the average carcase weight back 3 per cent or 9kg so far in 2019 compared to last year.

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 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 the site and provide feedback to help improve it.

The Victorian Rural Women’s Network is excited to celebrate International Day of Rural Women on 15 October by supporting a series of local gatherings across Victoria — Country Cuppas.

Country Cuppas encourages women to take time out to connect over a cuppa with other women in their region and share ideas, networks and knowledge.

Gatherings will take place at venues across the state on 15 October and the weekend prior. You can participate in this relaxed event by registering to host a gathering in your region.

If you want to meet new friends, boost the sense of belonging in your community or simply talk about things that matter to you, Country Cuppas is for you.

Whether you host a morning tea at home, a long lunch or a dinner at your favourite restaurant, Country Cuppas will open doors to creating new friends and connections.

More information click here

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 Victoria.

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.

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, visit here.

Do you want to improve your leadership skills? The Victorian Rural Women’s Network offers funded places for eligible rural Victorian women on highly regarded leadership and mentoring programs.

Funded places are available to Victorian-based rural women who are connected to agriculture or the agriculture supply chain.

The network is proud to partner with four program providers:

• Victorian Office for Women
• The Observership Program
• Regional Leadership
• Leadership Victoria.

Which program is for you? The Victorian Rural Women’s Leadership and Mentoring Program is designed for rural Victorian women at every stage of their leadership journey, from emerging to experienced leaders.

In 2020, funded places will be available on five programs. Applications are open now for the 2020 intake.

For more information and details see here.

Each year the Department of Agriculture with its Award partners presents the Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture – a competitive grants program that provides funding for innovative research projects that will benefit Australia's agricultural industries.

The awards aim to:

• assist primary producers to develop more competitive, internationally focused and self-reliant industries through attracting innovative research proposals that will lead to longer term innovation in the sector
• encourage the uptake of science, innovation and technology in rural industries
• advance the careers of young researchers, innovators and scientists 18–35 years, through national recognition and funding of their research ideas
• encourage participation in science, innovation and technology in rural industries and increase interactions between the tertiary and government sectors.

The awards are coordinated by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) and are open to young people who are working or studying in rural industries. Applications for the 2020 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture close on Friday 4 October.

For more information click here.

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 the following local government areas: Benalla, Campaspe, East Gippsland, Gannawarra, Greater Bendigo, Greater Shepparton, Loddon, Moira, Strathbogie, Swan Hill, Wellington, Northern Grampians, Mildura, Wodonga, Alpine, Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack, Towong, Buloke, Horsham, and Indigo.

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

Farmers and communities facing drought and dry conditions across northern and north west Victoria should apply now for funding under the Look Over the Farm Gate Program.

Look Over the Farm Gate events are an opportunity for farmers to take a break from the farm, reconnect with their community, access professional support and participate in mental health training.

You know what your community needs, so we encourage 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 Government and managed by the Victorian Farmers Federation in partnership with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Country Women’s Association, Country Fire Authority, and National Centre for Farmer Health.

Applications are still being accepted for events and are assessed on a first in best dressed basis.

For more information about eligibility and how to apply, visit the website at lookoverthefarmgate.org.au

Sheep producers are invited to attend the final of four practical forums being held across Victoria that will assist them to develop more resilient production systems to cope better with varying seasonal conditional and commodity prices.

This forum will be delivered by Lambs Alive (Jason Trompf) and supported by Agriculture Victoria's Farming and Community Drought Funding Program. The forums will have a practical focus, demonstrating what sheep producers can do on-farm to set up flexible farming systems to cope with variable seasons.

Guest presenters at the forums include:
Graeme Anderson – Agriculture Victoria, Climate Specialist
Mark Wotton – Jigsaw Farms, High Productivity & Environmental Outcomes
Neville Brady – Rural Personal Development
Matt Dalgeish – Market Analyst, Wool/Livestock Trading
Chris Mirams – Chris Mirams & Associates, Rural Industry Consultant
Charlie Arnot (via video) – The Centre for Food Integrity, Expert in Building Consumer Trust

When Friday 20 September – Greta

Where
Address listed on the registration website
Time 9 am – 4 pm (catering provided)
Cost $28pp inc GST.
Registration  lambsalive.com/climate-smart-farming

During 2019, the Riverine Research Centre trials focus on the performance of cereals sown from mid-March to early May. There are 27 cereal varietes ranging from spring wheat and barley through to early-sown dual-purpose winter wheat.

Other trials at the RRC include: managing early sown longer-season cereals; the effects of grazing, sowing rate and nitrogen timing on early sown wheat, nutrition and disease management and observations on aphid numbers in the region.

Morning tea and lunch provided.

To RSVP or for further information, please contact:
Riverine Plains Inc
info@riverineplains.com.au
or phone 03 5744 1713

Elmore Field Days, 1, 2 and 3 October
Agriculture Victoria exhibitors include:

• 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 or for more information about the field days click here

The purpose of the Floodplain Ecology Course, which is run by Goulburn Broken Landcare is to:

• promote awareness and greater understanding of these complex ecosystems in a drying climate
• their ecological importance and values
• the intimate connection of floodplains with the health of their parent rivers, and
• how in a volatile political setting consideration of floodplains is important to the long-term sustainable use of our waterways.

Where:  Morning Glory River Resort, Gilmour Rd, Moama

When: October 14 – 18

Cost: $1600 (plus GST), which includes accommodation, meals, transport during the course, instruction, and course notes.

For more information click here

NRM Regions Australia, along with North East Catchment Management Authority, is pleased to host Australia’s 7th National NRM Knowledge Conference. Our conference theme and question is: Creating Resilience through Natural Resource Management – how do we do it?

Here is your opportunity to engage with people working in the NRM sector from across Australia. Whether you work for NRM regional organisations, R&D organisations, territory, state and national agencies, NGOs or you are active in your local community we would love to see you in Wodonga. You will have the opportunity to hear the latest news from our research institutes and our partner government agencies and to contribute to the future direction of NRM in Australia.

We’re planning a highly interactive conference with very different types of sessions. Our aim for the conference is to identify a shared future for Australian natural resource management – and actions we will collectively pursue to address the Conference theme.

National NRM Knowledge Conferences have been held regularly over the past 15 years and provide an opportunity for NRM practitioners to share knowledge and build national networks with other practitioners, NRM regional organisations, individuals, government and non-government agencies.

To register, click here

Click here