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Loddon Mallee Ag News
 
Thursday, 19 May 2022
In this edition:
Latest news
All aboard the virtual climate bus tour
The Climate Bus - AgVic Talk podcast image

Season three of the AgVic Talk podcast takes listeners on a virtual bus tour to speak with farmers and agricultural influencers who are looking at different ways to manage climate variability.

Agriculture Victoria Land Management Extension Officer Darryl Pearl said that across the ten podcasts, we hear real examples of how farmers have managed climate change and variability across a range of locations around the state.

“Agriculture is undertaken successfully by farmers across a whole range of climates. This podcast series explores some of the ways farmers are managing climate risk on their farms. This can offer valuable insights for how others are setting up to manage climate change and increased variability.”

This season includes conversations with livestock producers who are using stock containment areas, agricultural business resilience experts, low and high rainfall zone growers who talk about their coping strategies, and farmers developing new skills through online learning.

“In one episode we talk to third-generation Millewa farmer Ian Arney who has experienced a huge amount of change in order to continue farming in a changing climate, arguably none more so than in the last ten years with a move from cereal and grain cropping to focusing mainly on sheep,” Mr Pearl said.

“Everyone we talk to during this season has a focus on planning and understanding their business in order to help them through the tough years and make the most of the good ones,” he said.

Ten virtual climate bus tour episodes will run as part of season three of the AgVic Talk podcast channel which began as a pilot in August 2020.

“Through the podcasts, we’ve been able to deliver knowledge and information in a format that suits the way farmers and agricultural professionals work and live today,” Mr Pearl said.

“In the past, we might have delivered this information as part of a roadshow or through workshops, but we’ve realised the value of delivering online and the virtual climate bus tour has saved 1,900 kilometres of vehicle travel, time, and carbon emissions.”

He said the new season will continue to deliver trusted, relevant and timely information to Victoria’s agricultural sector, and rural and regional communities through podcasts.

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

More online resources relevant to season three include the Climate Change in Australia website

You can also look up your location on the climate analogue website

Or for more climate-related information from Agriculture Victoria, visit the climate and weather page on the website

This AgVic Talk season is funded by Smarter Safer Farms, a $20 million Victorian Government initiative to keep farmers, workers and farm families safe and well.

Are you a regular podcast listener?
man picking tomatoes inside a hothouse with headphones on listening to an AgVic Talk podcast

At Agriculture Victoria we’re interested in knowing how our audience listens to podcasts.

Your feedback will help us identify how we can improve podcast production and develop new content.

While we know podcasts are a great medium and an increasingly popular format to share timely and topical information, we’re keen to know how you listen to them and what you like.

Please take this short five-minute survey and help us continue to create great new podcasts.

Complete the online survey by Friday, 10 June.

Agriculture Victoria at the Mildura Field Days
Agriculture Victoria marquee at the 2021 Mildura Field Days

Agriculture Victoria is bringing a wide range of expertise to the 71st Mildura Field Days this Friday and Saturday (20 and 21 May). 

Located at site L120 in Gordo Avenue, our marquee will have key irrigation staff and information on hand from 9 am until 5 pm Friday and 9 am until 4 pm on Saturday.

Agriculture Victoria will be joined by a host of other relevant agencies, including the National Centre for Farmer Health, SuniTAFE, Rural Financial Counselling Service and Parks Victoria. 

Bring your burning questions and enjoy static and interactive displays. 

The field days can be found at 53 Racecourse Road (off Cowra Avenue), Nichols Point.

Beef and sheep farm benchmarking
Livestock Farm Monitor sheep and beef farm benchmarking find out how your shee or beef farm stacks up against the best in the state

Agriculture Victoria has positions available for sheep and beef farmers to participate in the 2022 Livestock Farm Monitor benchmarking project.

Participation gives you a real insight into your business and provides you with the information to assess your businesses strengthens and weaknesses and compare where your business sits in relation to other similar businesses in Victoria.

The report is a trusted and unbiased source of information that can assist farm businesses with conversations with the bank, consultants and industry.

Participation is free and all information is treated as highly confidential.

For further information about the project, visit the Agriculture Victoria website or email.

Unpacking AgTech - Webinar 5
Unpacking AgTech Webinar Series Webinar 5 building farm business resilience with AgTech Friday 20 May 12.30 pm AEST Why do I need tech?

**THIS FRIDAY**

Are you interested in making your farm business more resilient?

In Webinar 5 of the Unpacking AgTech webinar series Agriculture Victoria investigates what farm business resilience is and how technology can help a business become more resilient.

This webinar will be presented on Friday 20 May at 12.30 pm.

Please register online via Zoom.

Cracking the code on medicinal cannabis
PhD student Erez Naim-Feil in Agriculture Victoria's controlled environment clutivation facility.

PHOTO: PhD student Erez Naim-Feil in Agriculture Victoria's controlled environment cultivation facility

In 2016, Victoria legalised the use of medicinal cannabis, and since then scientists have improved strains to produce better health products.

Victorian scientists have unlocked the genetic code of medicinal cannabis, creating the world’s most complete DNA sequence.

Agriculture Victoria laboratories have been fitted with the latest technology that can precisely measure and quantify cannabinoids, and are being used by Victorian scientists to quickly and accurately identify the cannabis varieties with the best medicinal properties.

In the biggest study of its kind, the key physiological traits of 121 medicinal cannabis strains have been characterised by scientists, which will help breed plants that are tailored to treat a range of medical conditions.

Head over to the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions website 'The Victorian Connection' to read the full article.

Bovine ephemeral fever confirmed in North-east Victoria

Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer

With the wet summer of 2022, this has been the year of insect borne diseases.

Initially, reports of cases of Ross River Virus and Murray Valley Encephalitis in horses were received. This was followed by the detection of Japanese Encephalitis across northern Victoria.

More recently, from mid to late March a cluster of cases of Bovine Ephemeral Fever (BEF), also known as ‘three-day sickness’, was observed in cattle on properties in the Tallangatta area.

Three-day sickness is a viral disease spread by biting insects such as mosquitoes and midges.

Outbreaks regularly occur in Queensland and on the north coast of New South Wales following summer rain.

In Victoria, outbreaks are much rarer, with the last being in the summer of 2010, which affected cattle in the upper Murray.

Clinically affected cattle develop a fever and become listless and reluctant to stand.

These clinical signs typically last for three days before the cattle recover uneventfully, in line with the disease’s colloquial name ‘three-day sickness’.

On the properties on which three-day sickness was confirmed, the numbers of clinically affected cattle ranged from only one to up 17 cattle.

During their illness the clinical signs were relieved with veterinary administration of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication.

Previously infected cattle have no ongoing issues. In fact, they develop quite a strong immunity to protect themselves against future infections.

The outbreak ceased as quickly as it began, and no further reports were received through April.

Interestingly, the nearest confirmed BEF cases this summer were in the Hunter Valley region of NSW, 550km away. 

For further information regarding three-day sickness please contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria veterinary or animal health officer, or in NSW your Local Land Services.

Japanese encephalitis update
Japanese encephalitis did you know?

Agriculture Victoria is working closely with both the pig and horse industries in response to Japanese encephalitis.

There are now a total of 23 properties with pigs confirmed with Japanese encephalitis in Victoria.

These are located across the Wangaratta, Moira, Greater Shepparton, Campaspe, Gannawarra, Loddon, Greater Bendigo and Northern Grampians local government areas.

Agriculture Victoria is working closely with industry, conducting surveillance activities and providing advice and information to farmers, livestock and horse owners.

Infection is not spread directly from pigs to people, and there is no risk to humans from eating pig meat. Pork is safe to eat.

Only infected mosquitoes can spread infection. 

Victorians are being reminded to protect themselves from mosquito bites particularly when spending time outdoors.

Japanese encephalitis vaccines are recommended for people at a higher risk of exposure to the virus, such as those working with pigs. All people should undertake measures to reduce exposure to mosquitoes.

More information about Japanese encephalitis virus and animals is available online through Agriculture Victoria’s website.

For more information about Japanese encephalitis virus and human health contact your GP or phone NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 606 024, or go to www.health.vic.gov.au/jev

AgVic Talk podcasts

Agriculture Victoria's podcasts deliver knowledge and information in a format that suits the way farmers and agricultural professionals work and live today.

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

Your feedback is important to us so make sure to rate and review AgVic Talk episodes and share with your friends and family.

Contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or your consultant before making any changes on-farm.

Find every AgVic Talk podcast episode on this page of the Agriculture Victoria website.

All information included in these episodes is accurate at the time of release.

My Rain Gauge is Busted podcast
info tile showing Graeme Anderson, Jemma Pearl, Dale Grey and Dale Boyd, the climate services team at Agriculture Victoria

The 101 of climate change science

In this episode of the My Rain Gauge is Busted podcast we talk to Monash University’s Neville Nicholls about the science behind climate change.

There is a long history of research that has culminated in our understanding today, such as work presented in 1859 by John Tyndall to the Royal Society. 

Interested in hearing more?  Search for My Rain Gauge is Busted wherever you get your podcasts or listen 🎧 online via our website.

Interested in hearing more?

Search for My Rain Gauge is Busted wherever you get your podcasts or listen online via the Agriculture Victoria website.

Fox and wild dog bounty collection details
fox in long grass looking very alert

Foxes and wild dogs are 'declared' established pest animals in Victoria.

They cannot be eradicated from the state and require ongoing management by all public and private landowners.

Effective fox and wild dog management requires an integrated approach utilising all suitable management practices including:

  • poison baiting
  • trapping
  • exclusion fencing
  • fumigation
  • appropriate animal husbandry.

Hunting can play an important role in supporting an integrated management approach.

The collection schedule for North West Victoria, includes:

Bendigo collections (Fox only), Corner Midland Highway and Taylor Street, Epsom, 10.30 am  12.30 pm

Dates:

  • Monday, 6 June
  • Monday, 4 July
  • Monday, 1 August
  • Monday, 29 August
  • Monday, 26 September
  • Monday, 24 October.

Ouyen collections, Fox and wild dog (wild dog by appointment only), Gregory Street, Ouyen, 2  4 pm

Dates:

  • Tuesday, 7 June
  • Tuesday, 5 July
  • Tuesday, 2 August
  • Tuesday, 30 August
  • Tuesday, 27 September
  • Tuesday, 25 October.

St Arnaud collections (Fox only), 4 Montague Street, St Arnaud, Victoria, 10.30 am  12.30 pm

Dates:

  • Thursday, 9 June
  • Thursday, 7 July
  • Thursday, 4 August
  • Thursday, 1 September
  • Thursday, 29 September
  • Thursday, 27 October.

2022 Swan Hill collections (Fox only), 7 Quin Drive, Swan Hill, 8.30  10.30 am

Dates:

  • Tuesday, 7 June
  • Tuesday, 5 July
  • Tuesday, 2 August
  • Tuesday, 30 August
  • Tuesday, 27 September
  • Tuesday, 25 October.

The bounty will run until the end of October 2022, consistent with previous years.

Visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/bounty to find out more or call the Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

The Victorian Fox and Wild Dog Bounty is now digital

To streamline payment processes for fox and wild dog bounty participants, we have introduced a digital bounty application system.

Registering is easy.

Access the form at agriculture.vic.gov.au/bounty and simply input your email and banking details.

CLOSING SOON! June 2021 storms and floods grants
Closing soon! June 9 - 11, 2021 flood and storm grants for primary producers

Grants of up to $25,000 are available to help reimburse primary producers for clean-up and recovery activities as a direct result of the Severe Weather event of 9 – 11 June 2021.

The Exceptional Circumstances Recovery grants can be used to cover activities including removing fallen trees, removing silt and debris, specialist support for landslip and erosion remediation.

The support can also contribute to the cost of repairs or replacement of damaged farm infrastructure such as fencing and equipment.

To apply for a grant or to see if you are eligible, visit the Rural Finance website.

Developing a national traceability system for horses

The National Horse Traceability Working Group (NHTWG) is seeking feedback regarding design and introduction of a traceability system for horses, donkeys and mules in Australia.

The NHTWG has agreed that the establishment of a base level traceability system as a starting point would best suit the needs of stakeholders and help ensure the industry can respond quickly to a biosecurity incident or emergency animal disease outbreak.

The NHTWG is proposing a National Horse Traceability System (NHTS) using the existing framework and incorporating incremental improvements, such as:  

  • Refreshing and maturing the PIC system, managed by states and territories
  • Introducing uniform national PIC Business Rules
  • Enabling enforcement of PIC legislation
  • Requiring base level movement information to be recorded by all sectors of the horse industry.

All sectors of the horse industry are invited to provide feedback on the proposed Business Rules.

The four-week consultation period closes on Wednesday 25 May.

In case you missed it

Western Victorian farmer pleads guilty to animal cruelty

A farmer from western Victoria has received a two-year good behaviour bond and been ordered to pay costs of $5,700 after pleading guilty to animal cruelty charges at the Horsham Magistrates’ Court last week.

MEDIA RELEASE LINK HERE

Absentee farmer fined $25,000 for animal cruelty to cattle

An absentee farmer was recently fined $25,000 in the Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court for animal cruelty offences to his cattle herd.

MEDIA RELEASE LINK HERE

Every pet counts: delivering the first pet census

With more Victorians welcoming a pet into their family than ever, the Victorian Government is backing the state’s first ever Pet Census to ensure pet owners have the support and services they need.

MEDIA RELEASE LINK HERE

Victorian's premium lamb producers go global

The Victorian Government is backing the state’s lamb producers to strengthen international exports to new and established markets while supporting jobs.

MEDIA RELEASE LINK HERE

New scanners to boost horse welfare

Racehorses in Victoria will soon benefit from some of the best injury-prevention screening services available anywhere in the world, thanks to funding from the Victorian Government.

MEDIA RELEASE LINK HERE

Farm finance - young farmers getting prepared together

Young farmers across Victoria are being invited to come together for farm finance workshops at a number of locations, as well as to network and ask questions.

MEDIA RELEASE LINK HERE

Energy efficient: businesses becoming more sustainable

The Victorian Government is supporting Victorian agribusinesses with investments to improve their sustainability and productivity by exploring new ways to be more energy efficient.

MEDIA RELEASE LINK HERE

Solar for business program
solar panels on a green sheds roof

The Victorian Government is encouraging businesses to consider energy independence.

Eligible business owners can access up to $3,500 off the upfront cost of a solar panel (PV) system, reducing their energy costs and investing in a cleaner, renewable future.

From 29 April, eligible businesses are also able to opt in for an interest-free loan up to $5,000 to further reduce the upfront costs of installing solar.

More information about the program can be found HERE

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.

Farm finance – young farmers getting prepared together
Farm finance getting prepared workshops

Agriculture Victoria's Young Farmers Network is running ‘Farm Finance – Getting Prepared’ workshops in a range of locations across the state.

All sessions are on between 6 and 8.30 pm and are scheduled for:

  • Ouyen – Wednesday 25 May
  • Horsham – Wednesday 1 June.

Register now for Agriculture Victoria’s Young Farmers Network Farm Finance – Getting Prepared Workshop.

To find out more here.

The Farm Finance – Getting Prepared series is supported by Agriculture Victoria’s Smarter, Safer Farms program.

Shed Meetings 2022

After a few years absence, ‘shed’ meetings are returning to the Mallee.

Agriculture Victoria, DELWP, LMW and Mallee CMA will present a range of topics to district irrigators.

These meetings also provide irrigators with a chance to provide feedback to each of these agencies and provide future program direction.

Presentations will be:

  • Delivery risks and shortfalls in the Murray

DELWP and LMW will present on delivery risks and shortfalls in the Murray, explain what they are, how they are managed and how they can impact on your ability to irrigate. A brief overview of future legislative changes to this will also be covered.

  • Mallee CMA projects

Mallee CMA will present information on a range of projects including: 2021 Mallee Crop Report, CMA role in Salinity accountable actions and New Irrigation Development.

  • Agriculture Victoria

Agriculture Victoria will present training opportunities, irrigation incentives, future extension programs.

SESSION INFORMATION

  • LINDSAY POINT - Tuesday 24 May, 11 am – 1.30 pm (Victorian time), Laragon Cracking Plant
  • MERBEIN / YELTA - Wednesday 25 May, 10 am – 12 noon, Merbein Citizens Club
  • NANGILOC / COLIGNAN - Wednesday 25 May, 2 – 4 pm, Nangiloc Hall
  • MILDURA / IRYMPLE - Thursday 26 May, 10 am – 12 noon, Agriculture Victoria Office, Koorlong Ave
  • RED CLIFFS - Thursday 26 May, 2 – 4 pm, Red Cliffs Club
  • BOUNDARY BEND - Friday 27 May, 10 am – 12 noon, Boundary Bend Hall
  • PIANGIL - Friday 27 May, 2 – 4 pm, Piangil Fire Shed
  • ROBINVALE - Monday 30 May, 10 am – 12 noon, Robinvale Community Centre
  • WEMEN - Monday 30 May, 2 – 4 pm, Wemen Hall.

REGISTRATION

Please email Maxine Schache from Agriculture Victoria at: maxine.schache@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Unpacking AgTech Webinar Series - Webinar 5
AgTech Unpacking AgTech Webinar Series 2022

Would you like to learn more about AgTech but don't know where to start? Register for one of Agriculture Victoria's Unpacking AgTech webinars to find out how.

In this webinar series we'll take a beginner's look at all the things you should know before investing in AgTech.

Coming up:

Why do I need AgTech?

  • Webinar 5 – 12.30pm Friday 20 May

What problem do I want to solve with AgTech?

  • Webinar 6 – 12.30pm Friday 3 June 

This is a six-part webinar series.

Each webinar investigates key questions using modules from the Getting into AgTech eLearn course.

Event contact: Mark Sloan, Industry Technology Coordinator Officer, Agriculture Victoria, phone 0436 833 668 or email mark.sloan@agriculture.vic.gov.au.

Go online to register for Webinar 5 via the Agriculture Victoria website.

Pathways to Export program educational series
Register for your exclusive ticket to export

Immerse yourself in an exclusive three-part educational series to learn about global market opportunities, focusing on the China market, and how Agriculture Victoria’s new Pathways to Export program can assist your international trade journey.

Hear from the Victorian Government’s Deputy Trade Commissioner in China and key in-market experts who will help you gain a deeper understanding of international market opportunities.

Pathways to Export program series outline:

Part 3: Business Matching Essentials

  • Tuesday 24 May, 2 – 3 pm
  • Register online here.
Biogas on dairy farms – Echuca forum

Do you have an interest in biogas energy systems for dairy effluent, or want to know more about how biogas could potentially be used to provide energy for your dairy?

Agriculture Victoria is hosting a forum in Echuca on Thursday 26 May to explore biogas options for intensive and large dairy systems from 10 am to 12.30 pm.

Kelly Wickham, Agriculture Victoria, will provide an introduction to biogas in Victoria including: the current context, compliance and regulatory requirements, and incentive and finance options.

Stephan Tait, University of Southern Queensland, will discuss the scale and biogas system types, infrastructure and management, and biogas output, value and potential returns.

To register or for more information contact Kelly Wickham kelly.wickham@agriculture.vic.gov.au or 0456 772 641.

More information on other energy events HERE

Online NLIS training - upcoming May workshop
Agriculture Victoria is delivering free online training on livestock traceability and the NLIS database.

25 May, 9 – 10.30 am

This is a two-part online training to assist Victorian livestock producers to use the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) database to complete livestock transfers.

This training is relevant to cattle, sheep, and goat owners and managers. Part 1 is an online video you watch before attending Part 2, the scheduled interactive webinar.

You will learn about livestock traceability, take a tour of the NLIS database, watch a live demonstration of how to transfer livestock and practice completing a transfer.

There will be time at the end of the webinar for participants to ask the presenter questions.

Numbers are limited to allow for an interactive session.

More information and registration links for each event on the Agriculture Victoria events page.

Taking the reins on equine health – three emerging biosecurity risks

DATE:Wednesday, 25 May

TIME: 11 am – 12 pm

This webinar examines the status and biosecurity work surrounding three, emerging equine biosecurity risks.

Dr Debbie Eagles: Deputy Director, Australian Animal Health Laboratory, Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness, CSIRO: African horse sickness virus (AHSV) – better understanding the disease and the biological vectors that carry the disease.

Dr Ed Annand: Senior Research Officer, Epidemiology and One Health Section, DAWE. Horses as sentinels – the Hendra virus variant and tackling the threat early.

Dr Dan Edson: Program Manager, Pacific Engagement, Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer, DAWE. JEV – what is it, are Australian horses really in danger and how is Australia responding to the threat?

Register online via the Eventbrite website.

Irrigation webinar sub-series

Irrigators and service providers interested in finding out more about key factors influencing water availability in the connected southern basin, including water allocation processes, water trade, policy, and events, are encouraged to participate in Agriculture Victoria’s irrigation webinar subseries.

The sub-series consists of three webinars titled ‘Who got the irrigation water this season and why? How connected southern basin water is shared’.

The first webinar will run on Thursday 26 May, 1 – 2 pm.

This webinar will provide an overview of the southern Murray-Darling Basin (sMDB), how water in key storages is shared between states and regions, and the characteristics of the different sMDB water entitlements.

The second webinar will run on Thursday 9 June, 1 – 2 pm.

This webinar will discuss sMDB allocation processes, and the impact of carryover water, dam spills and unregulated flows on irrigation supplies.

The final webinar will run on Friday 24 June, 1 – 2 pm.

This webinar will cover sMDB water trade, water trade limits, Environmental Water Allowance payback and the irrigation situation and outlook for 2022-23.

The expert speaker will be Garry Smith from DG Consulting.

Garry has over 30 years of experience in the rural water sector and has led projects in water management, water policy and planning, water trading, and water knowledge building, across the Murray-Darling Basin.

Go online to register in advance for these webinars via Zoom.

After registering remember to save the confirmation email containing important information about joining the webinar, including a password.

For more information please call Rob O’Connor on 0408 515 652.

To view previous webinars in this AgVic irrigation webinar series go online to the ExtensionAUS website.

This webinar is brought to you by the Sustainable Irrigation Program, a partnership between Agriculture Victoria, DELWP, catchment management authorities and rural water corporations.

Cultural competency webinar

Do you employ people from a culturally or linguistically diverse background in your workplace?

If you want to find out ways to make your business more attractive to people from different background and take advantage of the benefits they bring, then sign up to the Welcoming Workplaces webinar on 27 May from 12 pm.

In the webinar you will learn to how to develop and encourage positive attitudes in workplaces and address barriers preventing people from migrant backgrounds participating in the agricultural workforce. 

The webinar will also look at the strengths and skills they bring to the business and how to make your business more attractive.

Welcoming Workplaces is a Red Cross initiative that encourages and builds capacity in welcoming new arrivals into your workplace.

It aims to help build capacity in fostering appreciation of diversity in the workplace, increase understanding of the impact of forced migration and build skills/ values such as equality, solidarity, cooperation, empathy, responsibility and resilience.

Register to attend online.

For more information contact Del Delpitiya from Agriculture Victoria on 0436 649 860 or del.delpitiya@agriculture.vic.gov.au

The Victorian Government is committed to improving safety and skills on farms, visit Smarter Safer Farms on the Agriculture Victoria website for more.

Managing emerging risks – crop disease and climate

DATE: 8 June

TIME: 9.30 for 10 am start

WHERE: Wedderburn Golf Club, Wedderburn.

To help prepare for the season, you are invited to come to the following workshop to hear from and talk with:

Dale Grey, Seasonal Risk Agronomist, Agriculture Victoria:

  • climate past, present and future
  • what does the rest of 2022 look like
  • how does the present compare to the past
  • what might the climate in Wedderburn become in the future?

Luise Fanning, Project Officer Grains Pathology Services, Agriculture Victoria:

  • on crop disease
  • the potential disease impact of early sown crops.

This workshop is for people who want to understand the facts behind climate variability, the current disease situation and your
potential going forward.

Registration by 5 June can be made online or contact Martin Hamilton on 0429 946 149 or martin.hamilton@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Proof of COVID-19 vaccination* will be required to attend.

This workshop is funded by the Victorian Government Smarter, Safer Farms initiative through its skills program which provides targeted training to build capability in financial literacy, risk management, farm planning and adaption to climate change.

The BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef conference returns this June
BestWool/BestLamb and Better Beef conference logo

Agriculture Victoria is pleased to announce that early bird tickets for the BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef Conference are on sale now.

The 2022 conference will run as a single day event, catering for those involved in the sheep and beef industries.

The conference will return to the Bendigo Exhibition Centre on Thursday 16 June.

Featuring three keynote speakers, and twelve specialised speakers/demonstrations.

Highlights include:

  • climate – reducing emissions, carbon and climate risks
  • a producer’s perspective on managing risk and making decisions on-farm
  • working dog demonstration
  • lamb autopsy demonstration
  • genomics for commercial angus breeders
  • ALMTech – tool and technology for measuring eating quality
  • trade displays.

The conference dinner will be held the evening prior to the conference, on Wednesday 15 June, at the All Seasons Hotel Bendigo.

You can view the full conference program online at Eventbrite.

Tickets on sale now

Early bird tickets are on sale now until 31 May, unless sold out prior. Ticket prices below.

Conference

Tickets provide full access to the conference, featuring three keynote speakers and a choice of four of the twelve specialised speakers/demonstrations. Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea included.

  • $99 - early bird ticket until 31 May or until sold out
  • $130 - from 1 June until sold out.

Dinner

Tickets for the dinner are $75, which includes two-course meal and a guest speaker (more details to come).

Purchase tickets online via Eventbrite only – no tickets for the conference or dinner will be available on the day.

GRDC Events and Updates for the Loddon Mallee

GRDC Farm Business Update – Swan Hill

The GRDC Farm Business Update events drive innovation and adoption of improved farm business management practices across the grains industry.

  • Date: 15 June
  • Time: 9.15 am – 3.15 pm 
  • Location: Swan Hill Town Hall, 57 McCallum Street.

Go online to register or for more information about the event.

The event contact is Jane Foster on (03) 5441 6176 or admin@orm.com.au

GRDC Grains Research Update – Boort

  • Date: 14 July
  • Time: 9 am – 1 pm 
  • Location: Boort Memorial Hall, Godfrey Street.

Go online to register or for more information about the event.

The event contact is Matt McCarthy on (03) 5441 6176 or admin@orm.com.au

Energy Webinar Series: Insights from the Agriculture Energy Investment Plan
solar panels in three different settings

The Agriculture Energy Investment Plan has supported agricultural businesses to reduce energy costs, improve energy efficiency and explore alternative energy options through energy assessments, grants, demonstrations, research and extension.

Agriculture Victoria is hosting a webinar to share insights and key findings from the research and demonstration projects completed under the Agriculture Energy Investment Plan.

The webinar will cover:

  • On-farm energy opportunities: analysis of AEIP assessments, Adriana Robaina, Agriculture Victoria
  • Economic insights from farmers’ energy journeys, Julie Harman, Agriculture Victoria
  • Dairy Energy at Ellinbank SmartFarm, Greg Morris, Agriculture Victoria
  • Orchard Agrivoltaics at Tatura SmartFarm, Ian Goodwin, Agriculture Victoria
  • Pasture Agrivoltaics in Solar Farms, Bruce Gill, Agriculture Victoria.

Date: Tuesday, 7 June

Time:  12 pm to 1.30 pm

Where: Online via Zoom or dial in

Register or join the webinar here.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Please join the webinar five 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

Click here for information on other webinars in this series or other energy events.

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

Land Use Planning Forum

Hepburn Shire Council have teamed up with Agriculture Victoria to bring you a forum on land use planning for the agriculture sector.

In this planning forum presenters from Agriculture Victoria Planning and Advisory Service will discuss land use planning in an agricultural setting and introduce available resources.

The event is focused on the interests and complexities of small-scale producers.

DATE:Wednesday, 8 June

TIME: 11 am - 12:30 pm.

LOCATION: Doug Lindsay Reserve, Lindsay Park Drive, Creswick

REGISTER HERE.

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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-us/contact-us

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