In this edition

• Rural Financial Counselling Service
• The latest Fast Break is available now
• Bird owners urged to remain vigilant
• 2024 National Conference in Albury, Seed to Success, 24 – 26 September
• Avoid exposure losses following shearing
• Feedback sought on dingo conservation and management
• Verdict upheld for Gippsland farmer guilty of animal cruelty
• Emergency Management Training – Livestock Industry Liaison Exercise
• Supporting the nursery and garden industry to bloom
• 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.

The latest The Fast Break newsletter is now available.

This newsletter details oceanic and atmospheric climate driver activity over the last month and summarises three-month model predictions for the Pacific and Indian oceans, rainfall and temperature for Victoria.

To subscribe or to view the latest issue click here

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

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

Dr Jeff Cave, Agriculture Victoria Senior Veterinary Officer

A sheep’s fleece is a great insulator against the cold, so imagine the effect when it’s suddenly gone. 

A freshly shorn sheep may experience a three-fold increase in heat loss, therefore highly prone to hypothermia.

Freshly shorn sheep are at greatest risk of cold stress in the first three days (or nights) after shearing, and remain at risk for up to two weeks, with mortalities seen in some mobs up to four weeks after shearing. 

Although there is little wool growth, acclimatisation and considerable skin thickening occurs after shearing. 

It is therefore important to monitor predicted weather conditions before putting shorn sheep into a paddock after shearing.

The impact of cold weather, particularly when combined with wet and windy conditions, can have severe impacts on sheep.

The effect of cold weather will depend on its duration, rainfall, wind speed and temperature.

The type of weather most likely to cause catastrophic sheep losses due to hypothermia is usually associated with the passage of a strong cold front or a rain-bearing depression.

Sheep grazier alerts are issued when a combination of rain, wind and low temperatures reaches a critical level.

If a sheep grazier alert has been received at the end of shearing, shed as many sheep as possible and provide hay for the duration.

Once the bad weather has passed, move the sheep to a paddock with adequate shelter and continue to provide supplementary feed.

In areas prone to winter storms a 'cover comb' or 'snow comb' can be used when shearing.

Once cold, freshly shorn sheep may become extremely difficult to move so always put shorn sheep into a protected paddock with plenty of shelter from the cold. 

Off-shears paddocks should be small and well protected from cold winds by relatively impermeable shelter belts.

Extra feed should be provided to sheep for up to four weeks following shearing to meet their increased energy requirements.

Shearing a month before lambing encourages ewes to seek shelter and hence protection for their lambs.

However, pre-lambing shearing must only be considered if ewes are in good condition and have free access to good feed and shelter.

Heavily pregnant ewes should not be subject to the handling and feed deprivation that shearing involves. 

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

Farmers, Traditional Owners and environmental groups across the state are being called upon to help shape the review of dingo conservation and wild dog management in Victoria.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence and Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos recently announced face-to-face and online consultation as part of the review.

Consultation will take place in early September and include five in-person sessions for farmers across regional Victoria and one online.

These sessions will build on previous surveys and consultation and to appropriately balance the protection of livestock and the conservation of dingoes.

This targeted consultation will seek feedback on the economic and social impacts of the dingo unprotection order.

This consultation will build on the government’s understanding of the different views about the current order. This has been informed by recent stakeholder engagement, correspondence and data collection including the livestock predation survey conducted.

The Ministers for Environment and Agriculture will jointly consider this feedback, alongside the latest scientific research and data, in determining the future policy settings beyond 1 October 2024, when the current dingo unprotection order is due to expire.

Dingoes are listed as a threatened species under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975.

The dingo unprotection order only permits control activities on specified private land and within a 3km buffer zone on public land in the east of Victoria.

To find out more about the consultation click here

Gippsland farmer Jeremy Rich has failed recently in his attempt to have his conviction and sentence overturned in the County Court of Victoria. 

Mr Rich was appealing against his 2022 conviction on 16 charges, including one of aggravated cruelty, following the death of numerous sheep in his care. 

In 2022, the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court heard the charges related to a large outbreak of flystrike and gastrointestinal parasitism in a flock of more than 2,300 sheep at Mr Rich’s property between March and April 2020. 

Agriculture Victoria officers attended the property in early March 2020 in response to a complaint concerning sick and dying sheep. Officers attended a further nine separate occasions and issued several Notices to Comply.  Over this time numerous sheep with flystrike were observed, 3 were humanely euthanised by officers and 41 recently deceased sheep were recorded. 

Agriculture Victoria Compliance Manager, Daniel Bode, said despite receiving numerous Notices to Comply, no action was taken by Mr Rich.

A significant number of sheep died and were either scavenged, partially eaten, removed or buried in a large pit.

Following this Contested Hearing in the Magistrates’ Court in 2022, Mr Rich was convicted and fined $50,000.00, plus costs of $4,005 and a 10-year disqualification order was imposed. 

The matter was reheard on appeal in the County Court in 2024. Mr Rich was convicted on 13 charges, fined $50,000 and ordered to pay additional costs of $40,386 to the Department for the running of the appeal. The court also re-imposed the 10-year disqualification order.

Mr Bode said the weight of the 10-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

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 supporting the state’s nursery and garden industry to grow and prosper, including attracting new workers for the future and strengthening farm businesses in response to a changing climate.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently opened the Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria (NGIV) 5th Annual Horticulture Showcase at Parliament House, announcing a new horticultural pilot program for First Nations horticultural businesses. 

Part of Agriculture Victoria’s Farm Business Resilience program, the First Nations nursery skills and knowledge exchange project will be delivered with NGIV, Barengi Gadjin Land Council, The First People of the Millewa Mallee and nursery businesses.

Victoria produces over one-third of all green life - seedlings and plants - in Australia, producing ornamental flowers and trees, vegetable growing, fruit production and forestry.

The NGIV Showcase is a week-long celebration that recognises the scale and diversity of Victoria’s $2.5 billion horticulture industry, and the essential role it plays in growing healthier environments, communities, and economies for all Victorians.

This year’s showcase display brings lush plants into Queens Hall at Parliament House, focusing on native and productive plants to acknowledge the importance of sustainability in a changing climate.

It was designed by Andy Sargood and Madeleine Scott -Mackenzie winners of the Award of Excellence at the 2023 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.

Founded in 1903, Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria (NGIV) is the peak body for the state’s nursery and garden horticultural industry, representing the interests of 4,500 businesses.

The government is working to address the need for more skilled workers across the sector, in the Victorian budget 2020/21 $50 million investment was made into the Agriculture College Modernisation Program to help more Victorians pursue careers in horticulture and develop skills in a practical and modern learning environment.

The Agriculture TAFE and Training Fund is an important part of this program, where $3 million in funding delivered four projects across the state, focusing on the strengthening the horticultural sector and covering training, leadership and workforce development.

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.

You are welcome to attend either session or both. 

Webinar 1 – Growing more feed  

Date:  Wednesday 4 September  
Time: 12:30 -1:30 pm  

Join Fiona Baker, Agriculture Victoria Livestock Extension Officer, who will discuss best practice grazing management. 

Fiona comes with a wealth of knowledge in pasture management, particularly during a challenging season., Fiona’s advice can help you make your grazing system go a bit further.     
 
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.

Looking after your well-being and connecting with others is important in challenging times.

This fun, practical Take a Well-Being Break workshop brings farmers/farming families/couples in your community together to provide well-being tools and information, connect and share ideas, and to identify practical strategies you can immediately implement to positively impact your well-being.

When and where: Thursday, 5 September from 10 am to 2 pm at Parkland Golf Club, 12 Racecourse Road, Kyabram.

Tickets are $20 with all proceeds to be donated to the Country Women's Association.

Lunch is provided.

Please note this is an alcohol-free event.

Register now

Give yourself the time and space to bring some calm to the chaos and focus on YOU!

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 2 September, 11 am to 2 pm
• Friday 6 September, 11 am to 2 pm
• Monday 9 September, 11 am to 2 pm
• Monday 30 September, 12 to 2 pm.

Location: Online.

Register 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

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