• Interpreting seasonal indicators for Gippsland
• The Very Fast Break
• ’Til the cows come home, celebrating 50 years of farming at Ellinbank
• Climate webinar series will keep you informed
• Pet pigs and small herds a focus for PICs
• Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF)
  Food Innovation Voucher Stream – Round 4 closing 22 December
• Drought and dry seasons support services and information
• Planning support for small-scale pig and poultry producers
• What's on

Gippsland farmers will have an opportunity to hear from a panel of experts later this month when they join forces to examine the Gippsland seasonal outlook at workshops in Orbost on Wednesday 18 December and at Newry on Thursday 19 December.

Agriculture Victoria’s Climate Specialist Graeme Anderson, Dairy Extension Officer Benita Kelsall and Irrigation Specialist Alexis Killoran will be joined by Colin Peace of Jumbuk Consulting in examining seasonal indicators around climate, fodder and water.

Agriculture Victoria Dairy Services Regional Manager Del Delpitiya said the workshops are intended to assist farmers in making sense of the emerging issues in the face drought.

“We’ve brought together a panel of experts who will provide insights into current climate drivers, forecasts for regionally specific climate, grain and fodder markets, as well as practical advice on securing water for a rain-fed farm, and irrigation management and planning in a dry season.

“The aim of these workshops is to assist farmers gain the most up-to-date information on the issues they currently face, so that they’re able to make informed decisions about feed and fodder and managing their valuable water supplies heading into summer,” said Mr Delpitiya.

Agribusiness Consultant Colin Peace will share his knowledge on the current state of hay and grain markets and the implications these have for Gippsland farmers.

Climate Specialist Graeme Anderson leads a team of seasonal risk agronomists at Agriculture Victoria who produce seasonal climate, weather and soil moisture updates for Victoria including

The Fast Break newsletter and The Very Fast Break videos. He will provide useful tips for understanding forecasts, what’s behind recent weather patterns, and discuss the current seasonal outlook.

Irrigation Specialist Alexis Killoran will draw on her experience gained from previous dry seasons working in the Macalister Irrigation District to highlight the need to plan ahead for the season, make early decisions and then monitor and adjust it unfolds.

Dairy Extension Officer Benita Kelsall will discuss the options available to secure water for a rainfed farm and for avoiding critical water shortages through long-term planning.

Enquiries and registrations, contact Del Delpitiya on (03) 5624 2206 or del.delpitiya@agriculture.vic.gov.au or Maria Rose on (03) 5147 0843 or maria.rose@agriculture.vic.gov.au.

For more information about managing during drought and dry seasonal conditions contact the Customer Service Centre on 136 186 or visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons.

The final ‘Very Fast Break’ for 2019 is here.

Catch the year in review, the winner of ‘The Break Award for notable climate model performance’ and hear from this year’s 'player of the seasons' climate indicator.

Wishing you a safe summer and hoping 2020 bowls up a ripper ...

Watch it here.

In 1969, Warragul resident Kelvin Burrows started working at the Ellinbank Dairy Research Station.

Acknowledged for his 50-year tenure earlier this year, The Victorian Connection visited Ellinbank to meet Kelvin and take a look at how much has changed since Kelvin started work there 50 years ago. Read the full story here.

Agriculture Victoria is running a lunchtime climate webinar series in 2020, where participants will hear from a broad range of expert speakers from Agriculture Victoria, Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), CSIRO and other agencies.

Agriculture Victoria Climate Specialist Graeme Anderson said these webinars are great for busy people who want to keep informed but can’t attend face-to-face seminars, with the flexibility to connect into the webinar from anywhere with a mobile or internet connection.

“Participants can hear from experts on a range of current topics as they enjoy their lunch or they can simply watch and listen to the recording at a time that best suits,” Mr Anderson said.

“This climate webinar series will tap into a range of expert speakers so we can hear the latest science, insights and innovations in this space.”

Some of the webinar speakers include BoM’s Luke Shelley who will discuss their new Local Climate Guides for the Victorian regions, and CSIRO’s John Clarke will share the new Victorian Climate Change Projections 2019.

Also from BoM, Climatologist Andrew Watkins will discuss the new BoM seasonal forecast products and new multi-week and seasonal outlooks.

“There will be several Agriculture Victoria presenters, including myself talking about weather forecasts, seasonal outlooks and climate change projections and what they can and can’t do,” Mr Anderson said.

“Agriculture Victoria Senior Irrigation Officer Rob O’Connor will discuss our irrigation products and services and how using BoM evapotranspiration (ET) data can assist determine plant irrigation requirements.

“Plus our Seasonal Risk Agronomist, Dale Grey will present the Break Seasonal Forecast updates, including both autumn, winter and spring outlooks.”

More subject experts presenting through the 2020 webinar series include:

• Cam Nicholson from Nicon Rural Services who will share valuable insights on farm decision making
• Geoff Steendam, Senior Manager Hydrology and Climate Science, DELWP who will discuss the Victorian Water and Climate Initiative and findings
• Agbyte’s Leighton Wilksch who will walk attendees through farm weather stations and examples of how they are being used to provide value for farmers.

For more information and to subscribe to stay up-to-date with these upcoming climate webinars visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/weather-and-climate/climate-webinars or contact Heather Field on 5336 6607 or heather. field@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Agriculture Victoria is reminding pig owners that every property with livestock is legally required to have a Property Identification Code (PIC).

Live now, the campaign ‘Get your pig a PIC’ is aimed at people who might have a pet pig, or a small herd, through advertising on traditional and social media.

Victoria’s Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Cameron Bell said PICs were a key part of Victoria’s biosecurity system.

“It doesn’t matter whether you have one pig or hundreds of pigs, it’s important that everyone with livestock has a PIC,” Dr Bell said.

“PICs are used for locating properties to provide advice to livestock owners, to help manage animal welfare issues and to assist in the event of emergencies such as fire, flood or an exotic animal disease incursion.

“Victoria is free from many devastating diseases such as African swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease and we can keep it that way through a strong biosecurity system,” he said.

“Get a PIC, identify your pigs correctly, register with PigPass and record all pig movements on the PigPass database.

“Now that summer has arrived and with it the bushfire season, it’s yet another reason to apply for a PIC if you don’t have one already, or make sure your details are up to date.”

Dr Bell said PICs were free and easy to obtain through the Agriculture Victoria website.

“It is also crucial to keep pigs healthy by ensuring they are not fed swill.”

Swill includes meat, butcher’s shop waste, bakery food that contain meat and vegetables that have been served with meat, and imported dairy products.

“Swill feeding is illegal in Australia, to help protect our livestock from exotic animal diseases.

“Pigs should be fed commercial pig rations, grain, fruit and vegetables. If in doubt, do not feed leftover food to your pigs.”

Remember, get your pig a PIC. Visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/PIC or call 136 186.

The Australian Government’s BBRF – Round 4 – Drought Support Infrastructure Projects Stream and Community Investments Stream are still open. Applications will be received up until COB 19 December.

The Infrastructure Stream supports projects for the construction, upgrade or extension of infrastructure in drought-affected areas in regional and remote areas. Not-for-profit, local government or non-distributing co-operative organisations may apply.

Full details of the Infrastructure Stream are available here. https://www.business.gov.au/Grants-and-Programs/Building-Better-Regions-Fund-Infrastructure-Projects-Stream

The Community Investments Stream supports new or expanded local events, strategic regional plans, or leadership and capability strengthening activities that provide economic and social benefits to communities in drought-affected regional and remote areas.

Full details of the Community Investment Stream are available here. https://www.business.gov.au/Grants-and-Programs/Building-Better-Regions-Fund-Community-Investments-Stream

The Food Innovation Voucher Stream is a new initiative of the Victorian Government that helps companies access the know-how needed to innovate, diversify, improve productivity and take new and innovative products to market.

Applications for Round 4 of Boost Your Business close on Sunday 22 December.

Potential assistance available includes:

• Up to $10,000 for early stage feasibility and testing
• Up to $50,000 for process innovation, product development and research and development.

Eligibility

Applicant businesses must be a small to medium enterprise with an operating presence in Victoria and be registered as members of the Food Innovation Network.

More information on how to apply is available here.

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.

The Household Financial Relief program is being delivered by The Country Women's Association of Victoria Inc. – CWA through its CWA Drought Relief Program.

The program can provide up to $3000 to eligible farming families, farm workers and farm dependent contractors to reimburse them for household expenses like school costs, utilities, food and medical bills.

For more information and to apply contact the CWA online at cwaofvic.org.au or email them at drought@cwaofvic.org.au.

For more about the program and other available drought support visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or call 136 186.

This program is now open to assist eligible farm businesses to invest in on-farm drought preparedness and to seek business advice.

A grant of up to $5,000 (GST exclusive) per farm business is available to assist eligible farm businesses to implement on-farm infrastructure improvements and or undertake business planning and advice activities.

The Scheme is available to eligible farm businesses in the local government shires of Wellington and East Gippsland.

For more information and to access the grant call Rural Finance on 1800 260 425 or visit ruralfinance.com.au.

For more information about other drought and dry seasonal conditions support from Agriculture Victoria go to agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or call 136 186.

Drought employment program

The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority received further funding for the Drought Employment Program in the recent drought funding announcement by the Victorian Government.

The program has been providing temporary employment for people across the East Gippsland and Wellington shires impacted by the drought. Details about the next round and other drought and dry seasonal conditions support will be available soon at agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons.

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.

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.

Did you know that the Agriculture Victoria’s Beef and Sheep Drought Feeding and Management online books have a new home?

They are housed and updated on the FeedLivestock website and can be downloaded or viewed in whole or as individual chapters on any device.

Other key features of the website, include:

• tools and calculators
• sheep resources
• beef resources
• climate information
• unusual feeds
• stock water information.

Provides Victorian small-scale pig and poultry producers with funding of up to $3,000 to help them with the costs related to obtaining a land use planning permit.

Who can apply

At a minimum, you must:

• have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
• be seeking a land use planning permit for an existing or proposed small-scale pig or poultry farm located in Victoria
• complete a small-scale pig and poultry planning workshop prior to applying for the grant program.
• Other eligibility requirements may apply.

Deadline to apply: Applications close: 31 May 2020

Applications will remain open until 31 May 2020, or when the funding allocation is expended, whichever occurs first.

Contact information: 13 61 86 or psai@ecodev.vic.gov.au

APPLY HERE: Planning Support Program for Small-Scale Pig and Poultry Producers VIC

Agriculture Victoria will cancel workshops on Code Red fire danger days

For more information about the event and to register please contact:

• Del Delpitiya, Agriculture Victoria Ellinbank on (03) 56242206 or at del.delpitiya@agriculture.vic.gov.au
• Maria Rose, Agriculture Victoria Maffra on (03) 51470843 or at maria.rose@agriculture.vic.gov.au.

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