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Gippsland Ag news
 
Thursday 17 October, 2019
In this edition
  • New Rural Assistance Commissioner appointed
  • Rabbit action network celebrates international accolade
  • Free entry to ag shows for farming families and their employees in Wellington Shire
  • Protect your fruit trees from Queensland fruit fly
  • Extension for say on sheep and goat levy until 31 October
  • International Rural Women's Day
  • The AgriFutures™ Rural Women’s Award
  • Gippsland drought drop-in centres – in a town near you
  • Agricultural Health and Medicine course
  • Drought and dry seasons support services and information
  • What's on:
  • Spring Field Day – making silage workshop
  • Big Bonang Arvo
  • NLIS Database – two-part webinar 11 and 18 November
Latest news
New Rural Assistance Commissioner appointed

The Victorian Government has appointed a new Rural Assistance Commissioner to engage with Victoria’s agricultural communities and provide advice to government on how they can best be supported into the future.

The former Victorian Farmers Federation President Peter Tuohey will take up the role to provide insight on the challenges and opportunities facing regional and rural communities.

Responding to ongoing drought and dry seasonal conditions, challenges within parts of the dairy industry and opportunities to boost Victoria’s agriculture output will be a key focus while Mr Tuohey engages with communities and workers across the sector.

The Commissioner will also focus on the rollout of the recently announced $31 million drought support package, and the impacts and needs of the dairy industry transition in Northern Victoria.

Mr Tuohey will engage with farmers and rural communities to identify any immediate and emerging issues coming out of difficult seasonal conditions and industry transition, as well as informing what assistance might be needed in the future.

Alongside Mr Tuohey, the Victorian Government will continue to work with local governments, business groups, industry bodies and community organisations to make sure regional and rural Victorians are getting the support they need.

Rabbit action network celebrates international accolade
 

Members of the Victorian Rabbit Action Network gathered in Melbourne last week to celebrate their prestigious United Nations Award.

Agriculture Victoria received a United Nations Public Service Award this year for its work with the Victorian Rabbit Action Network (VRAN) in ‘delivering more inclusive and equitable services to leave no one behind’.

Representatives from Agriculture Victoria and VRAN travelled to Azerbaijan in June to receive the award.

Over the last six years, the network has delivered an innovative and integrated approach to managing rabbits in partnership with community, to address the destructive and costly pest, the European rabbit.

Chair of the Victorian Rabbit Action Network, Gerald Leach, said the event was about the network coming together and celebrating this significant achievement.

“We share this award with the VRAN committee members, mentors, government agency staff and broader communities in recognition of their tireless work and energy in sharing our states rabbit problem and solutions,” Mr Leach said.

About 30 people including network members, mentors, key contributors, founding members and Agriculture Victoria staff gathered at the Melbourne Museum last week to celebrate the award.

Agriculture Victoria Acting Executive Director for Biosecurity Services Michael Rosier said it was proven that the most effective approach to manage pests was a suite of integrated management techniques owned and led by community who work in collaboration with one another.

“The network has shown exceptional leadership in being willing to take on an issue that knows no boundaries, and is incredibly invasive and costly to our agriculture,” Mr Rosier said.

Additionally, Mr Rosier acknowledged three of the VRAN committee members who had recently been accepted into the Academy of Community Engagement, recognising exceptional accomplishments in engagement.

“We’re recognising the great contributions of the community members to the network, and how their support and cooperation has helped make this network an international success.”

Since its establishment, VRAN has reached 6,000 people, covering more than 2.5 million hectares on public and private land. By the end of 2019, it is expected that a total of 10,000 people will have been engaged with the network.

For more information about the Victorian Rabbit Action Network, visit https://rabbitaction.com/

Free entry to ag shows for farming families and their employees in Wellington Shire

Following the success of last year, Wellington Shire Council has announced free entry to the 2019 Maffra, Sale and Yarram agricultural shows for farmers, their families and employees.

Hundreds of local families enjoyed all three local agricultural shows last year, facilitated via Council through the State Government Community Resilience Drought Funding scheme.

This initiative is one of the many opportunities that Council offers with the support of the State Government to give farmers the chance to attend networking and social events, along with other means of support during the drought.

Farmers will receive free entry to the show by simply showing their National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) or Property Identification Codes (PIC) tag at the show gates in Maffra, Sale or Yarram.

Show dates:

  • Maffra Show – Friday 25, Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October
  • Sale Show – Friday 1, Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 November
  • Yarram Show – Saturday 23 November

Wellington Shire Council Mayor Alan Hall said Council was pleased to offer the free admission for a second consecutive year, especially considering the successful uptake of the scheme in 2018.

“Free entry to last year’s shows was very well received by our Wellington farming communities,” he said.

“What we saw was families who have been struggling, come together at a local event and not have to worry about the cost of admission.

“Our local agricultural societies did very well out of the scheme also, with increased patronage through their gates, so for everyone it was a win-win.”

Get ready to start netting your fruit trees and vegetable plants to protect them from Queensland fruit fly (QFF).

Once the fruit starts developing, cover trees and plants with a fine UV stable mesh net and secure it to the trunk’s base or ground to stop QFF from laying eggs in ripening fruit and vegetables.

For information on netting and other control strategies, visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/qff

Extension for say on sheep and goat levy until 31 October

The closing date for input on the duty paid by sheep and goat producers has been extended until 31 October.

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 at: engage.vic.gov.au/sheep-and-goat-duty-review

International Rural Women's Day

Over 600 rural and regional women gathered at 30 different locations across the state this week to share stories and knowledge, enjoy a cuppa and celebrate International Day of Rural Women as part of the Victorian Rural Women’s Network’s #CountryCuppas initiative.

Victorian Rural Women's Network held a Country Cuppas gathering at Parliament House on Tuesday morning to honour the vital contribution rural women make to the state’s communities and economy, including the $14.1 billion agriculture sector.

Rural business and community leaders, young farmers, mothers and disability and gender equality advocates attended the event, which provided guests with the opportunity to forge new connections and strengthen old ones, share ideas and experiences and create lasting networks.

For more information about the Victorian Rural Women’s Network, visit: https://extensionaus.com.au/VRWNetwork/home

The AgriFutures™ Rural Women’s Award

The AgriFutures™ Rural Women’s Award is Australia’s leading award acknowledging and supporting the essential role women play in rural industries, businesses and communities.

The Award provides a platform to inspire and support Australian women to use and develop their skills to benefit their industries and communities.

Over the past two decades, the Award has gained a significant profile, and is recognised as a program of influence among parliamentarians, industry, media and Award alumni.

Each state and territory winner receives a $10,000 bursary for innovative ideas and projects, access to professional development opportunities and alumni networks.

AgriFutures Australia is committed to the future growth and advancement of the Award as a means of identifying, celebrating and empowering women.

The Rural Women’s Award is one of many AgriFutures Australia initiatives ensuring our rural industries prosper now, and into the future

Applications close 31 October.

For more information, click here.

Gippsland drought drop-in centres – in a town near you

Come along and find out more about drought grants and assistance, animal feed requirements, early weaning, managing stock water and use of stock containment areas to help you manage during difficult conditions.

Agriculture Victoria staff will be at drop-in centres throughout Wellington and East Gippsland shires during October, so drop by, have a cuppa and a chat about assistance available to help farmers manage during drought conditions. Staff from the Gippsland Rural Financial Counselling Service will also be on-hand to answer your questions.

Drop-in – where to find us and when we'll be there

Tuesday 22 October, 10 am to 12 noon – Yarram Yarram Landcare Network, Livingston Road, YARRAM

Tuesday 22 October, 2 to 4 pm – Gormandale Hall, Main Road, GORMANDALE

Tuesday 22 October, 10 am to 12 noon – Cann River Community Centre, 3 Princes Highway, CANN RIVER

Tuesday 22 October, 2 to 4 pm – DELWP Office, 171 Nicholson Street, ORBOST

No bookings required, simply drop in for a cuppa and a chat. 

For further information contact Caroline Love, Agriculture Victoria Bairnsdale on 0427 515 668.

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

Agricultural Health and Medicine course

The first core unit of the Graduate Certificate of Agricultural Health and Medicine is HMF701 (Agricultural Health and Medicine) which will be starting again in February 2020.

Scholarships are now available with applications closing 20 October 2019.

For more information and the course requirements go to this link http://www.deakin.edu.au/course/graduate-certificate-agricultural-health-and-medicine

Both medical/allied health professionals and agricultural/rural professionals are encouraged to take part in this course as it is highly multidisciplinary.

The HMF701 unit itself covers a broad range of topics, from zoonoses, farm safety and respiratory health, to mental health, addiction and cancer in rural areas.

The unit involves a five-day intensive at the Hamilton Base Hospital in Victoria and is run through Deakin University. 

It is the only one of its kind in Australia and will be commence the week of 24 – 28 February 2020, with the remainder of the course completed online via the Deakin online learning platform.

For more information about the unit or the scholarships, please contact Dr Jacquie Cotton on 03 5551 8585.

Drought and dry seasons support services and information

Farmers impacted by drought in Central and East Gippsland are reminded that grants under the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Support Grants Program and the Pasture Recovery and Management Grants Program are still available. 

Details on the new funding support will be available soon.

Pasture Recovery and Management Grant Program

A grant of up to $5,000 (ex-GST) is available to assist eligible farm businesses implement pasture restoration and other land management activities that may aid in pasture recovery. Eligible farm businesses are required to provide at least dollar-for-dollar matching funding co-contribution.

On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Support Grants

Grants of up to $5,000 are available to eligible farm businesses in Central and East Gippsland and Northern and North West Victoria to assist farm businesses implement on-farm infrastructure that improves drought management and preparedness. Eligible farm businesses are required to provide at least dollar-for-dollar matching funding co-contribution.

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

One-on-one assistance

Have you dropped into our offices at Bairnsdale, Maffra or Swifts Creek lately?

Did you know you can make an appointment to talk to a staff member about a pasture recovery grant, drought assistance and technical workshops in the region?

You can also make a time to have a one-on-one consultation.

You will find us at:

  • 574 Main Street, Bairnsdale (same place as the DELWP office)
  • 1 Stratford Road, Maffra
  • 13 McMillan Avenue, Swifts Creek (same place as the DELWP office)

As always you can also get more information, tools and advice online at agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or call us on 136 186.

On-farm emergency water infrastructure rebate scheme

Producers are encouraged to access the On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure Rebate Scheme for the purchase and installation of emergency water infrastructure for livestock.

In Gippsland, the scheme is available to eligible farm businesses in the Wellington and East Gippsland shires.

Farm businesses NOT in these 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.

Look over the farm gate
look over the farm gate tile

Look Over the Farm Gate grants are still open for farmers and communities facing drought and dry conditions across central and eastern Gippsland and northern Victoria.

Community groups in drought affected communities can apply online for grants of $1,500 to run events that address mental health and wellbeing.

Look Over the Farm Gate is a mental health and wellbeing initiative funded by the Victorian Government (drought support funding committed in September 2018).

It is 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 assessed on a first in best dressed basis.

For more information and how to apply visit  lookoverthefarmgate.org.au or to contact the coordinator at Lookoverthefarmgate@vff.org.au.

What's on
Spring Field Day – making silage workshop
Event Details

Wednesday 30 October
7.30 am – 1 pm

Bairnsdale Research Farm
345 Bengworden Road, Bairnsdale

RSVP: Janice Dowe 0419 387 514 or mrjldowe@wideband.net.au

 

Presentations and activities:

  • Wayne Bowden, Yarram silage contractor – the do’s and dont's of silage making
  • David Lewis, silage consultant from northern Victoria specialising in silage inoculants
  • Norm King, soils/fertiliser consultant from northern Victoria – soil nutrient implications following silage making
  • Agriculture Victoria and GAgG – the dry matter and feed tests of silage crops from around the district
  • Tour of site trials and demonstrations.

Supported by Agriculture Victoria – agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons

making silage poster
Big Bonang Arvo
Event Details

Thursday 31 October

Bonang Hall
 

More information from: Tubbut Neighbourhood House on (02) 6458 0295.

 

The following organisations will be attending and more to be confirmed:

  • East Gippsland Shire
  • DELWP
  • CFA
  • Mental Health – NSW
  • Rural Financial Counselling
  • Agriculture Victoria
  • Wilderness Society.
NLIS Database – two-part webinar 11 and 18 November

Agriculture Victoria is delivering a two-part webinar for producers using the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) database.

Participants will learn how to complete a Property-to-Property (P2P) transfer and use the database features.

Topics include:

  • Setting up, navigating and using the NLIS database
  • Completing Property-to-Property (P2P) transfers on the NLIS database.

Book your free tickets online at Eventbrite then select ‘NLIS Database Practical Workshop – Webinar’

For more information, or if you have trouble registering, please call (03) 5761 1647.

Numbers are limited to allow for an interactive session, so be quick to secure a spot!

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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.

A full list of our contact points can be found at:
agriculture.vic.gov.au/about-us/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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