In this edition

• Rural Financial Counselling Service
• Facing tough conditions? Don’t go through it alone
• Bird owners urged to remain vigilant
• Barwon farmer fined $10,000 with conviction for animal cruelty
• Livestock predation survey preliminary results
• Will my dam fill this year? Soil moisture keeps score
• Emergency Management Training – Livestock Industry Liaison Exercise
• More support for communities to fight pests and weeds
• Celebrating the best of Victoria this Melbourne Show
• Fox and wild dog bounty
• What's on

The Rural Financial Counselling Service provides a free and confidential financial counselling service to eligible farmers and small related enterprises who are experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship.

They can help you to access available support, analyse your business situation, negotiate with lenders and develop strategies to improve your financial position.

To find your closest service click here or call 1300 771 741.

Agriculture Victoria is encouraging farmers to take up ongoing support and assistance to help manage current difficult seasonal conditions.

Agriculture Victoria’s Aimee McCutcheon said Agriculture Victoria continues to monitor conditions across the state.

‘We know there’s been below average rainfall across most of Victoria during autumn and winter and that it’s a critical time for cropping, livestock and dairy production.

‘It’s important that farmers know that support is available to them to help make early and informed decisions.

Ms McCutcheon said the Agriculture Victoria website explains what support is available to farmers, including financial support and assistance, mental health and wellbeing support.

‘One example is the Australian Government’s Farm Household Allowance which is a fortnightly payment for eligible farmers.

‘Our website also provides access to other organisations that can help, such as the free services from the Rural Financial Counselling Services and the National Centre for Farmer Health.’

Ms McCutcheon said Agriculture Victoria offers extensive practical information, resources, tools and calculators to help farmers with forward planning, feed budgeting and livestock management.

‘All these free resources are available online 24 hours a day, or you can speak with staff at your local office.’

Visit the Agriculture Victoria website today – agriculture.vic.gov.au for more information plus details of events coming up in your region or online.

For information on technical support, contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or at recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au

As we continue to respond to the avian flu outbreak, we’re urging bird owners to remain vigilant. 

Look out for symptoms and report any unexplained bird deaths to the VicEmergency hotline on 1800 226 226. 

For more information, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/avianflu

Barwon farmer recently pleaded guilty in the Geelong Magistrates Court and fined $10,000 with conviction. A disqualification order to own or person in charge of livestock was also imposed for seven-years.

The farmer, Mr Torrick Ouaida, was the person in charge of approximately 200 sheep in Lara between July 2022 and August 2022.

The 200 sheep were contained to an area of approximately 2 hectares with no pasture and only poor-quality straw available to eat.

While attending the property officers observed a number of recently deceased sheep that had died within the past 48 hours, were in emaciated body condition and had various levels of predatory markings. Three of the sheep had died during or very shortly after lambing.

Mr Ouaida failed to provide proper and sufficient feed, and failed to provide veterinary treatment to the sheep, most of which were pregnant or lactating ewes.

Following a sentencing indication, Mr Ouaida pleaded guilty to two counts of animal cruelty and two of aggravated cruelty resulting in the death of 20 sheep and the serious disablement of a further 14 sheep.

His Honour took into account Mr Ouaida’s lack of priors, plea of guilty and his personal circumstances at the time of offending and remarked this is a matter that often carries very large fines.

Agriculture Victoria Compliance Manager Daniel Bode said the weight of the seven-year disqualification order is substantial and will ensure that animals are protected from further pain and suffering.

‘It sends a very clear message that those who continually commit offences against animals should not have the privilege and opportunity to care for them in the future,’ Mr Bode said.

‘Apart from the obvious pain and suffering of the animals, animal welfare breaches can jeopardise Victoria’s reputation as a humane and responsible producer of food, which can, in turn, affect all producers.

‘This is a reminder to all livestock producers that animal cruelty will not be tolerated by the Victorian Government or our community.’

Anyone wishing to make a specific complaint regarding livestock welfare can contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or aw.complaint@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Preliminary results from Agriculture Victoria’s recent livestock predation survey will be discussed at targeted dingo conservation and management consultation activities being held across the state this week.

More than 500 Victorian livestock producers responded to the survey issued in July, providing valuable information about the levels and frequency of livestock attacks on their properties, the effectiveness of control methods and the impact of livestock predation on farmers and their local communities.

The insights collected through the survey will be considered alongside scientific research; conversations and perspectives from Traditional Owners, environmental and agricultural groups; and feedback collected through stakeholder engagement activities as part of Victoria’s review of its approach to dingo conservation and management.

Of the 500 survey respondents, approximately 72% were located in eastern Victoria, 3% in the north west.

The survey showed that livestock predation is an ongoing concern to sheep farmers whose properties border public land.

Just over half of the survey respondents reported incidents of livestock being maimed or killed by a wild dog or dingo in the past five years. 

Valuable insights into the methods of control being used to manage predation were revealed through the survey.

Most producers (84%) said they were using a mix of lethal and non-lethal control methods to manage predation with the most common forms of control methods being shooting, 1080 ground baiting, trapping, farm hygiene, exclusion fencing and guardian animals.

Agriculture Victoria is grateful to the hundreds of producers who took the time to take part in the survey.

Having up-to-date insights and perspectives from producers in relation to livestock predation on private properties across the state is an important input to Victoria’s dingo conservation and management review.

The survey results will continue to be analysed to help build Agriculture Victoria’s understanding of producer' perspectives on this complex issue.

For more information about consultation sessions being held across Victoria this week visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/dingoreview

Farmers in Victoria are encouraged to closely monitor their soil moisture and dam water levels over the coming months to ensure water availability is included in future planning.

Agriculture Victoria Land Management Extension Officer, Clem Sturmfels said during an extended period of below average rainfall and a change of season coming, the lack of runoff into farm dams is something to keep track of.

‘Farmers need saturated soils to generate runoff, the exception being when dams are located below a road or rocky hilltop.

‘Ensuring soils get to the point of saturation and generate runoff at this time of the year may be a challenge due to the rapid growth of crops and pastures and increasing rates of evaporation. Above average or high intensity rainfall will be needed to fill dams.

‘High intensity rainfall or thunderstorms can quickly fill dams, however they can pose a pollution risk and shouldn’t be relied on in a dry year,' Mr Sturmfels said.

Agriculture Victoria manages soil moisture probes in various locations across the state. The probes provide real time soil water content data by recording soil water content from 30cm down to 1 metre as a reference point for a paddock.

‘The probes have been calibrated to the specific soil type in the paddocks and reflect a moisture percentage based on the maximum and minimum soil moisture available to plants. This has been determined by monitoring over many years and a range of seasons,' Mr Sturmfels said.

‘These probes can be a useful guide to general conditions in your area however it is also important to check conditions closer to home. A more detailed assessment can be made using a post hole auger or by driving a crowbar or steel probe into the ground.’

Subscribe to the Soil Moisture Monitoring newsletter and find out more information on the Agriculture Victoria website.

Information on preparing your farm for dry seasonal conditions can be found on the Agriculture Victoria website.

Clem Sturmfels is hosting a webinar on farm dam management on Wednesday 11 September from 12:30 to 1:30 pm. Clem will talk about dam water storage, best management techniques and discuss tools for calculating how much water is in a dam.

Register here: Dry season spring webinar series – water and dam management.

Collaboration between industry and government is key during an emergency animal disease (EAD) outbreak, and the Livestock Industry Liaison plays an important role in this response.

If you work in the livestock industry and want to learn more about this role, we have an opportunity for you. From 29-30 October, Agriculture Victoria and Animal Health Australia will host Exercise Audiatur —a scenario-based exercise responding an EAD outbreak.

This exercise will take place at Agriculture Victoria’s Attwood Centre, providing valuable insights into how emergency responses are coordinated.

To participate, contact your Peak Industry Body to submit an Expression of Interest before Friday, 6 September.

For more information, click here 

The Victorian Government is investing an additional $780,500 in support for community groups to protect their local environment, industries and cultural heritage from biosecurity threats.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently opened the third round of the Partnerships Against Pests grants program which provides community groups funding to deliver projects that educate, strengthen relationships and promote collaboration to manage established weeds and pest animals at a local level over a two year period.

Grants of between $10,000 and $50,000 are available to a wide range of agricultural and environmental not-for-profit organisations, including Landcare groups and networks.

This is on top of $250,000 made available to Victoria’s four Community Pest Management Groups – the Victorian Blackberry Taskforce, Victorian Gorse Taskforce, Victorian Rabbit Action Network and Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party – to expand their reach and strengthen partnerships with local communities.

The Partnerships Against Pests grants program has been embraced by Victorian community groups which have used the funding to help strengthen efforts to reduce the impact of invasive weeds and pests on Victorian landscapes.

An example of this from Round 2 of the program is a $30,000 grant for Bush Heritage Australia, in partnership with DJANDAK share the story about how they successfully removed wheel cactus at Buckrabanyule - a sacred site for the Dja Dja Wurrung people and wider Kulin Nation.

The Partnerships Against Pests funding is being used to promote this story of ‘Country, cactus and combating invasives’, so that a much wider audience can learn from their collaboration.

To help more community groups to access grants, Agriculture Victoria will host a webinar at 11am on Monday, 9 September to brief interested organisations on the application and submission process.

For details about the Partnerships Against Pests grants program and webinar visit, agriculture.vic.gov.au.

Hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the world are expected to visit the Melbourne Royal Show this September and experience the best agriculture, food, and entertainment Victoria has to offer.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence joined Melbourne Royal President and Chair Matt Coleman and Chief Executive Brad Jenkins recently to launch Victoria’s largest and most iconic annual community event.

Running from Thursday, 26 September to Sunday 6 October, the show provides a unique and valuable opportunity to promote and celebrate the diversity of the Victorian agricultural industry alongside plenty of exciting activities and entertainment for all ages to enjoy.

This year’s show received a $40,000 sponsorship from Agriculture Victoria to promote initiatives that reinforce positive biosecurity measures that underpin our world class food and fibre products.

The show includes exhibitions of animals and agriculture, award-winning food and beverage experiences, arts and crafts, along with carnival rides, showbags and live entertainment. It also will provide plenty of educational opportunities aimed at children that help explain and build a connection with rural living.

Last year’s show saw more than 450,000 people pass through the gates over the 11 days, providing an estimated total economic benefit of over $220 million to the state.

The government also offers support to the state’s many other agricultural shows through the $300,000 Agricultural and Pastoral Society Grants Program. The grants go towards projects that help encourage community involvement in agricultural shows.

2024 Melbourne Royal Show tickets are now available to purchase. To buy tickets today or to learn more about the activities on offer visit royalshow.com.au.

Victoria’s bounty collections continue.

Please continue to check our website for the latest information, collection centres and dates. CLICK HERE

For any assistance, please speak to our bounty collection staff on collection days or call our Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

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.

Are you a member of a community group looking for funding to tackle established invasive species?

The Partnerships Against Pests grants program can provide funding of up to $50,000 for one- and two-year projects that boost your community's capacity to manage established weeds and pest animals.

Join our webinar to learn more about Round 3 of the Partnerships Against Pests grants program.

The webinar will include information about the Partnerships Against Pests program objectives, the grant application and submission process and give attendees the opportunity to ask questions.

When
9 September

Where
Online

Price
Free

Register here

The government is reviewing its approach to dingo management to most appropriately balance the protection of livestock and the conservation of dingoes.

Our understanding about dingoes in Victoria has evolved as a result of new scientific research.

Evidence suggests that a significant proportion of wild dogs are pure dingoes, not hybrids as previously believed.

No decision has been made yet on future policy settings beyond 1 October when the current unprotection order is set to expire.

The livestock predation survey showed that many landowners would like a further opportunity to meet in person to discuss how they are impacted by current regulatory settings and to provide views on how Victoria could achieve a balance between dingo conservation and predation management.

If you have a question for DEECA or wish to provide further input, please join us from 1pm to hear from senior DEECA staff.

Feedback from this consultation will build on our understanding of the economic and social impacts of the dingo unprotection order, as informed by recent stakeholder engagement, correspondence, and data collection exercises.

DEECA values the insight you can bring to this issue, and we hope you can join us at short notice. Find out more about the review.

Webinar 2 – Farm dam management  

Date: Wednesday 11 September  
Time: 12:30-1:30 pm

Clem Sturmfels, Agriculture Victoria Land Management Extension Officer will talk about best practice dam management and tools for calculating how much water is in a dam. 

The sessions will run for about an hour with a chance to answer some questions at the end.  

Webinars will be recorded and shared to all registered participants.

Register here

Needing to produce fodder after the tough season? Or will you be buying in fodder to get through spring?

Come along to one of our fodder field days to get the most out of your pasture hay or silage this spring.

Frank Mickan, industry renowned fodder and pasture conservation specialist will provide insights into making quality hay and silage. 

Agriculture Victoria livestock staff will discuss fodder considerations for livestock nutritional requirements and getting the most out of your hay and silage.  

Location and dates: 

• Mudgegonga – Monday 9 September
• Moyhu – Tuesday 10 September
• Corryong – Wednesday 11 September.

Time: 10 am – 3 pm (9.30 am morning tea)

Program

• how to make the best quality hay and silage
• how fodder quality influences livestock production
• understanding the ensiling process
• storage systems and minimising wastage
• feed testing 
• meeting livestock requirement.

Please RSVP with your nominated location and date by 6 September to 0409 205 235 or chrisjmirams@gmail.com

Light refreshments, including lunch, will be provided. 

If you would like more information, please contact Chris Mirams on 0409 205 235.

The BCG Main Field Day offers growers and advisors the latest in local agronomic research including disease management, new varieties, new herbicide technology, nutrition and farming systems.

Entry is free for BCG members. To become a member or for more information visit Become a BCG Member or call 03 5492 2787.

If you are a BCG member, please log in to access your free tickets and purchase meal addons.

Full program and more details.

When: Wednesday, 11 September from 9 am to 3 pm.

Where: Agriculture Victoria, 26 Wellington Street, Kerang.

Create efficiencies and improvements in managing the farm office, from administration through to payroll, with advice and tips from presenter Carmen Quade of Agri Focused.

Carmen will lead you through a day in which you will learn not only how to capture key information needed to run a farm business but also how to use that data to help advance your farm business.

Carmen uses personal experience and her training to assist attendees in seeing how they can apply what they learn at the workshop to their own family business.

Register here

The Victorian Women’s Trust will be hosting their Rural Women Online program in North East Victoria from September 11–15.

This free initiative is designed to boost digital skills and confidence among regional women.

We have a series of free workshops specifically tailored for those interested in enhancing their business practices and we'd love your help promoting this event to those in your networks.

Our business workshops feature Bree Nightingale and Melissa Antony from Startup Shakeup and Click Region, who will offer hands-on training in DIY marketing, photography, branding, and farmgate promotion.

Bree will lead a session on capturing high-quality images for effective marketing, while Melissa will cover updating your brand through Canva and innovative marketing strategies.

This event will take place at Yackandandah Community Centre, and while it’s particularly relevant for businesswomen, we encourage all members of the community to join us.

Find out more at A celebration of women, technology and connection - Rural Women Online

The Farm Business Resilience Program is supporting farmers to develop the knowledge and skills they need to improve their farm business and be better equipped to manage the impacts of drought and a changing climate.

Agriculture Victoria, in partnership with Cumbre Consultants, is inviting you to join other farmers in a free online short course with specialists on the following topics:

• business planning and risk management
• farm finances and profitable decision making
• managing people on farm, farm safety and wellbeing
• climate adaptation and natural resource improvement including soil, water, crops and pastures.

Course dates:

• Monday 9 September, 11 am to 2 pm - Climate risk and natural resource management
• Thursday 19 September, 11 am to 2 pm - Business success
• Monday 30 September, 11 am to 2 pm - People success
• Monday 14 October, 12 to 2 pm - Plan review.

Location: Online.

Register here.

AWiA warmly invite you to recharge, refuel, and ignite your passion for all things agriculture at their Seed to Success National conference.

The program is two action-packed days filled with insightful sessions, panels, thought provoking conversations, empowering workshops, and networking galore!

Plus, two dinners that promise to ignite some fun and good conversation. Leave feeling re-energised, empowered, and ready to conquer any challenge that comes your way! 

Lock the dates in! September 24 to 26 purchase your tickets today!

Check out the program here

Topics include:

• irrigated varieties - canola, barley, wheat and faba beans
• responding flexibly to climate and in-season weather
• de-risking seeding with a focus on irrigation management, maintaining healthy, fertile systems utilising rotations, summer grains, sustainable annual fodder rotations, and sowing rates and timings for barley and faba beans
• seed company representatives discussing the latest irrigated varieties.

Where and when: 407 Kerang-Koondrook Road, Kerang on Thursday, 19 September at 10 am to 3:30 pm.

Morning tea and BBQ lunch are provided.

Tickets

• IFN members free
• non-members $55.

To register and buy tickets click here

For more information call 0447 803 305 or visit the IFN website

A series of harvester workshops will roll-out across the South Australian and Victorian grainbelts in September to bring together harvester specialists, industry experts and researchers to give grain growers the latest advice ahead of this season’s harvest.

The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Harvester Set-up Victorian workshops will be hosted by the Birchip Cropping Group in collaboration with local growers:

• 24 September, Catumnal
• 26 September, Stewarton.

GRDC Southern Panel chair and Rutherglen grain grower Andrew Russell has attended past harvester set-up workshops. He said they are an awesome resource and one of the best parts of attending is listening to the conversations between growers, skilled header operators and other machinery experts.

Register for the free harvester set-up workshops via the GRDC website or contact BCG at kelly@bcg.org.au.

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