• Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Investing in the future of Victoria's young farmers
• Don’t cross the tick: ehrlichiosis in dogs
• Appropriate disposal of dead stock
• Energy webinar series: energy efficiency on dairy
• New backing for local brewers, bars
• Young Farmer Business webinars
• It's never you until it is – farm safety campaign
• Recovery after fire: practical steps for farmers
• Fox and wild dog bounty – May collections for South East Victoria
• What's on – webinars, workshops and farm walks

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

caption: Congratulations to the Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarship recipients for 2020! Pictured from l to r: Theresa Star - Cudgewa, Towong; Peter Carmichael - Buffalo, South Gippsland; Jen Smith - Tambo Crossing, East Gippsland; Isis Jordan - Castlemaine, Mount Alexander; Georgia Douglas - Stuart Mill, Northern Grampians; Tamara Pabst - Lurg, Benalla; Minister Mary-Anne Thomas MP; Tyr-Ryan Sturgess Myers - Shepparton, Greater Shepparton; Ty Stanton - Lilliput, Indigo; James Cox - Alexandra, Murrindindi; Elizabeth Shotter - Fulham, Wellington. Absent - William Fay (Carranballac, Pyrenees), Richard McKee (Cowangie, Mildura Rural), Michelle Muir (Simpson, Corangamite).

The Victorian Government is continuing to support the future leaders of Victoria’s agriculture sector, with the 2021 Upskill and Invest – Young Farmers Scholarship Program launched this week.

Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas recognised the 2020 scholarship recipients at a ceremony in Melbourne today, highlighting the important role young farmers play in Victoria’s $15.9 billion agriculture sector.

In its seventh year, the program has awarded 76 scholarships to eligible young farmers, supporting them with up to $10,000 to boost their skills and careers.

Each year the government provides $125,000 to the program. Each scholarship recipient is eligible for up to $5,000 to upskill through study and training, followed by up to $5,000 to invest in putting new skills into practice with on-farm equipment and technology, business planning or professional development.

Among this year’s recipients was Benalla sheep farmer Tamara Pabst, who plans to use her scholarship to undertake tertiary training in agribusiness. She then plans to invest in hi-tech animal scales for her farm that measure the performance of her flock and allow her to make more informed business decisions.

Giving young farmers access to advanced agriculture technology not only improves productivity and profitability of their businesses but also ensures Victoria stays at the forefront of modern farming on a global scale.

The Victorian Government continues to support the next generation of farmers through a range of initiatives and provides opportunities for young people in agriculture to have a say, boost their skills and progress their careers.

The scholarship program builds on the Agriculture Strategy commitments to grow, modernise and promote the sector – helping to deliver the agriculture skills of the future and building on the government’s goal to grow Victoria’s agriculture sector to $20 billion by 2030.

For more information on 2021 Young Farmers Scholarships and to apply visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/youngfarmers. 

Applications close on Sunday 6 June.

Victorian dog owners and veterinarians are reminded to be on the lookout for a new dog disease which is spread by the brown dog tick biting dogs.

Ehrlichiosis was found for the first time in Australia in the Kimberley region in mid-2020. It is now found across mainland Australia apart from Victoria and the ACT, after being confirmed in South Australia in the last week.

Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Graeme Cooke said symptoms could include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, cloudy eyes or conjunctivitis, pain, stiffness, nosebleeds, bruising on the gums or belly, and enlarged lymph nodes.

To date, no dog originating from Victoria has tested positive to ehrlichiosis, also known as canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME), a bacterial disease caused by Ehrlichia canis (E. canis).

“With dogs travelling readily around Australia, we need to be particularly mindful of these symptoms if they have come from another state or territory with confirmed cases and brown dog ticks present.

“​Reduce the risk of bringing the disease into Victoria by adopting or purchasing dogs within the state and avoid bringing dogs into Victoria,” Dr Cooke said.

“Protect your dogs from ehrlichiosis by regularly checking them for ticks, using effective tick control and seeking veterinary advice promptly if they become unwell. Be particularly vigilant if you’ve been interstate with your dog.”

Ehrlichiosis is potentially a deadly dog disease and there is no vaccine, but antibiotics may assist in managing the disease if affected dogs are treated early.

“This is a notifiable disease in Victoria, which means it must be reported to the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 when suspected,” Dr Cooke said.

“You should regularly check your dog for ticks by running your fingers through their coat, on the skin, paying attention to the head, neck, ears, chest, between their toes and around their mouth and gums.

“If your dog is unwell or you find any abnormal bumps or ticks, make sure you promptly arrange to take your dog to your vet. Discuss with your vet the testing system in place for ehrlichiosis in Victoria.

“Put a tick in a clean ziplock bag and take it to your local veterinarian to submit for identification. Freeze the bag with the tick first if you cannot take it to a vet immediately. If you are unsure about what is an appropriate tick control product to use, then consult your Veterinary advisor.”

On rare occasions humans can become infected through the bite of an infected tick. Please seek medical advice if you feel unwell after being exposed to ticks.

For more information about ehrlichiosis, visit the Agriculture Victoria website or call the Customer Contact Centre on 136 186.

by Dr Jeff Cave, District Veterinary Officer

Disposal of an animal’s carcass isn’t at the front of anyone’s mind – until it’s needed.

Dead animals can be a risk to biosecurity and be hazardous to the environment, therefore appropriate disposal is essential to ensure a healthy, safe and productive farm. The disposal methods required will depend on the size of the dead animal.

The disposal of a large animal like a horse or cow can be a logistical challenge.

The use of a knackery, rendering plant, or an appropriately licensed landfill may provide an option.

For a knackery to collect livestock they generally insist the animal is a large animal, such as a cow or horse, and is alive or at the very least freshly deceased and if they are cattle, sheep or goats, must have a NLIS ear tag affixed.

Limited numbers of dead stock can be buried on a farm, providing the burial site does not negatively impact the land, surface or ground waters, or create an odour.

To reduce environmental impacts, an on-farm burial site should be on elevated land, in low-permeable soil, well above the water table and well away from water runoff and neighbouring houses.

The carcass should also be sufficiently covered with at least one metre of soil. Personal safety should always be considered when constructing a pit.

If left in paddocks, dead stock can be a potential disease risk and could contaminate land and water.

Agriculture Victoria provides a guide to disposing of dead stock after bushfires, for more information go to Disposing of carcasses after bushfire, flood or drought.

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has the power to penalise or fine a livestock owner or manager, who does not dispose of dead stock properly.

For further information please contact your local Agriculture Victoria veterinary or animal health officer or the EPA.

Are you wanting to reduce energy costs on farm? Do you want to increase farm energy efficiency? Want to know more about renewable options?

Agriculture Victoria is hosting a webinar series exploring energy options on farm from understanding electricity bills to energy efficiency and renewable energy.

The second webinar of the series will focus on energy efficiency on dairy farms.

During this webinar Gabriel Hakim will lead participants through:

• where energy is used on dairy farms
• what can be done to improve energy efficiency in dairy farm systems
• myths, magic and misconceptions
• assistance and resources available.

Gabriel has a wealth of knowledge and experience working with dairy farmers and in the industry implementing energy efficiency and sustainable energy solutions on farm for more than 30 years.

DATE: Tuesday 4 May

TIME: 12 to 1 pm

WHERE: Online using Webex

Register or join the webinar via this link: https://bit.ly/3ag9NwW

If you have not previously used Webex please join the webinar five to 10 minutes early to set up.

If you need assistance registering or would like more information please contact Sarah Clack on 0417 316 345 or sarah.clack@agriculture.vic.gov.au

For information on other webinars in this series or other energy events please visit: https://extensionaus.com.au/energysmartfarming/events/

This initiative is part of the Victorian Government’s Agriculture Energy Investment Plan, which is supporting producers to improve energy usage on-farm.

Initially targeting 100 hospitality and retail venues across metropolitan Melbourne, the Drink Victorian pilot program will lead regional visits, host Melbourne-based ‘super tastings’, deliver training and offer marketing support to encourage venues to include more Victorian-produced drinks on their menus.

The program has been funded by the Victorian Government through the recently launched Food to Market program and the Small Scale and Craft program, with additional support from Global Victoria.

The Food to Market grant program is one of the key initiatives being rolled out as part of the government’s transformative Agriculture Strategy, demonstrating a commitment to supporting small-scale and craft businesses.

The newly opened Australian Craft Beer Centre of Excellence builds on a rapidly growing interest in brewing beer. The Centre includes a craft brewery, a beer tasting and bar area, teaching space and a function area.

Working closely with Federation University in Ballarat, the centre’s “brew space” will provide an opportunity for small brewers to hone their craft and to also receive advice on how to develop their businesses.

The centre, which has been supported by the Victorian Government’s Regional Tourism and Infrastructure Fund, will create more than 25 new jobs and cater for a broad range of visitors.

Farm business risks are inevitable, but your ability to deal with them isn’t. In our new ‘Farm Finance – Getting Prepared’ program for young farmers we’ll show you how to analyse a range or risks and develop ways to manage them.

From developing your own risk assessment to using the latest risk management software, you’ll come away from the online ‘Farm business risks’ workshop feeling better prepared.

Sign up today https://bit.ly/2YVoeQY

More people die on farms than in other workplaces – let’s change that.

As a farmer, you might think you’re bulletproof and an accident won’t happen to you. You know your land like the back of your hand.

You know your tools, your machinery, your vehicles. But accidents can happen to anyone.

Every death and injury on any farm is preventable.

Find safety support for your farm here. 

You can prevent accidents. You can prevent deaths.

If you are attending a collection centre, you must comply with COVIDSafe requirements including physical distancing and good hygiene practices.

Electronic funds transfer (EFT) is the preferred method of payment so please bring your EFT details to the collection centre.

Acceptable entire fox scalps and entire wild dog body parts will be collected from eligible members of the public at specific dates and times, and from sites scheduled as collection centres.

Please note that no entire-fox scalps or entire wild dog body parts will be accepted at any public counter or state government office. Collections will only be accepted at the designated times.

More information on the fox and wild dog bounty here or call the Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

South East Victoria collections commenced in March, with more collections scheduled for May, July, September and October.

South East Victoria collection dates for May are as follows:

Ellinbank collections

Collection type: fox and wild dog
When: Monday 17 May, 2 – 4 pm
Where: Depot, 1301 Hazeldean Rd, Ellinbank

Bairnsdale collections

Collection type: fox and wild dog
When: Tuesday 18 May, 12 – 2 pm
Where: 35 Bairnsdale–Dargo Road, Bairnsdale

Maffra collections

Collection type: fox and wild dog
When: Wednesday 19 May, 9 – 11 am
Where: Depot, 1 Stratford Rd, Maffra

Yarram collections

Collection type: fox only
When: Wednesday 19 May, 2 – 4 pm
Where: Rodgers St, Yarram

Woori Yallock collections

Collection type: fox only
When: Thursday 20 May, 12 – 2 pm
Where: Depot, Symes Rd, Woori Yallock.

Full details are available on the Agriculture Victoria website.

Details about Agriculture Victoria events can be found in one spot on our website. Log on to the Events page to keep in touch with upcoming events.

TopSoils Demonstration Site – Paddock Walk – Swan Reach

Paddock walk to discuss demonstration site results into improving pasture quality.

DATE: Wednesday 28 April

TIME: 9.30 to 11.30 am

CONTACT: Janice Dowe on 0437 282 315

Autumn Pasture Walk – Clifton Creek

An on-farm pasture walk to discuss the assessing the current state of pastures and their ongoing management.

DATE: Wednesday 28 April

TIME: 1 to 3 pm

CONTACT: Keren Walker – Agriculture Recovery Manager on 0477 706 834 or at keren.walker@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Autumn Pasture Walk – Genoa

An on-farm pasture walk to discuss the assessing the current state of pastures and their ongoing management.

DATE: Thursday 29 April

TIME: 1.30 to 3.30 pm

CONTACT: Keren Walker – Agriculture Recovery Manager on 0477 706 834 or at keren.walker@agriculture.vic.gov.au

TopSoils Paddock Walk – Club Terrace

DATE: Thursday 29 April

TIME: 10 am to 12 pm

TopSoils Paddock Walk – Cann River

DATE: Friday 30 April

TIME: 9.30 to 11.30 am

CONTACT: Janice Dowe – Livestock Industry Development Officer on 0437 282 315 or at janice.dowe@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Registration is required for all events.

DATE: Friday 30 April

TIME: 10 – 11 am

Agriculture Victoria is delivering interactive online training sessions for livestock producers using the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) database. There are four events for you to choose from, between March and June.

Participants will learn about the Victorian traceability system, tour the NLIS database features and how to complete a Property to Property (P2P) transfer.

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

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

REGISTER HERE

Navigating climate change projections just got a whole lot easier: A look inside the refreshed Climate Change in Australia website.

DATE: Thursday 6 May

TIME: 12 – 1 pm

COST: FREE

REGISTER HERE.

Originally launched in 2015–16, the Climate Change in Australia website, Australia’s national climate change projections website, has recently been refreshed to improve accessibility and searchability of the climate projections information within the website.

Based on user feedback, the website now has new content, including pages on interpreting the future climate by the level of global warming. It also has a new look, better navigation menus, and an improved search function; making content much easier to find. The refresh aims to ensure the climate change projections information, data and tools are more easily accessible to help decision-makers better understand their current and future climate risks.

In this webinar, presenters John Clarke and Michael Grose from the Earth Systems and Climate Change Hub (CSIRO) will walk through the refreshed website, highlighting improvements and new content as well as touching on popular tools and content within the website.

Presenters

John Clarke, Research Team Leader, CSIRO

Michael Grose, Research Scientist, CSIRO

You can join our webinars via your web browser, the WebEx app on your phone, tablet or iPad or by dialling in.

For more information about these webinars, including assistance joining the webinar, email climate.webinars@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Landcare in partnership with the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority are planning to run a series of workshops across the region addressing a number of topics such as weeds, animal nutrition, soil, and grazing management. The days will be specifically aimed at small property owners.

If interested in attending any of these days, please email emma.orgill@fevl.org.au

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