• Bird owners urged to remain vigilant
• This National Farm Safety Week take farm safety into your hands
• Choosing the best feed this winter
• Farmers invited to ‘Take a Wellbeing Break’
• Biosecurity Basics – episode 9
• Get it right every time – is it fit to load?
• Biosecurity planning is not a one-size-fits-all process
• Consider the risks when operating machinery
• Dry seasons and drought support
• Fox and wild dog bounty
• Free financial counselling with RFCS
• In case you missed it
• What's on

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

Make sure you, your visitors and workers are aware of farm safety risks and take proactive steps to manage them.  

• Provide safe playing areas for children and fence off hazardous areas such as dams. 
• Use appropriate safety gear like helmets, gloves, eyewear, and hearing protection. 
• Utilise a checking in system when working alone. 
• Manage fatigue with regular breaks and planning ahead during busier times. 

Visit WorkSafe for more #FarmingSafeandWell tips to make your farm safer for everyone. 

Head to FarmSafe Australia to get the full rundown on Farm Safety Week.

When choosing the best feed to purchase for sheep or cattle, there are a few things to take into account – especially when feeding over winter.

What to feed

In this short video, Livestock Officer Nick Linden looks at the key considerations in choosing supplements for stock by calculating their requirements and the energy density of feed against its cost.

Watch it here.

Costing out your feeds

Am I better off feeding grain or hay?  And what is the cost?

In this video, Livestock Officer Nick Linden looks at the calculations to use to make sure what you’re feeding to your animals is the most cost-effective option.

Watch it here.

A series of wellbeing workshops targeting farming communities is being delivered as part of Agriculture Victoria’s Farm Business Resilience program, with the first to be held in Dimboola.

Agriculture Victoria Statewide Agriculture Recovery Manager Tess McDougall said the ‘Take a Wellbeing Break’ workshops are aiming to support social connection and collaboration in farming communities.

‘The workshops will provide occasions to support farmers, farming families and rural communities with mental health, wellbeing and self-care.’

The National Farmer Wellbeing Report conducted by the National Farmers Federation in 2023 found that burnout and exhaustion are commonly reported in the farming community, with almost three quarters of farmers experiencing burnout of some kind in the last five years.

Mrs McDougall said farmers have faced a series of challenging events over recent years with the current dry seasonal conditions in some regions just the latest one to confront them.

The workshops will be facilitated by Cynthia Mahoney, an experienced facilitator and coach with a background in Agricultural Science. She says the workshops are designed to be fun and practical.

‘They will bring farmers together to provide them with wellbeing tools and information, connect them and share ideas, and identify practical strategies they can immediately implement to positively impact their well-being.

‘People often associate wellbeing with the serious topic of mental health and expect another workshop full of the same stuff.

‘It is a weighty subject, and I have created something that is meant to be fun while also providing an opportunity for participants to talk about wellbeing in a serious way while they are doing it,’ said Ms Mahoney.

The first of the workshops will be held at Dimboola on Wednesday 7 August from 6 to 8 pm and is supported by Wimmera Women Connect, Birchip Cropping Group, Hindmarsh Shire and Wimmera Southern Mallee Development.

Register for the Dimboola workshop at Trybooking or visit the Agriculture Victoria events page.

Other workshops are being planned for South-West Victoria, Northern Victoria and Gippsland, with details to be made available on Trybooking and the Agriculture Victoria website.

The workshops are funded by the Farm Business Resilience Program, which is jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Victorian Government’s Future Agriculture Skills Capacity Fund.

How can I create a balanced diet for my cattle? Are there any biosecurity risks to be aware of?

In this episode, Brett Davidson, Agriculture Victoria’s Dairy Regional Manager in Tatura and Rachael Laukart, Education Officer with the RSPCA share information about feeding cattle a balanced diet, what to do if you need to transition their diet and what biosecurity risks to be aware of when introducing new feed.

Listen via the AgVic website.

Livestock must be inspected prior to being loaded and they must not be suffering from conditions that could cause, or would be likely to cause, increased pain or distress during transport.

Agriculture Victoria Senior Veterinary Officer Jeff Cave said if you are in doubt about an animal’s suitability for transport, you can always ask your private veterinarian or any Agriculture Victoria animal health officer or veterinary officer if livestock are fit to load.

Furthermore, a guideline titled ‘Is the animal fit to load?’ has been produced by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA). This guideline can be viewed electronically on MLA’s website or ordered from MLA at MLA publications

In summary, an animal is not fit to load if it: 

• is not able to walk normally or bear weight on all its legs. This may be due to a recent or old fracture, an injury, a deformity or an infection.
• is not strong enough to make the journey 
• is suffering from severe distress or injury
• is in a condition that could cause it increased pain or distress during transport
• is blind in both eyes
• is in late pregnancy.

Dr Cave said if you identify an animal that is unfit to load you have a few options. 

‘You could treat the animal and transport it when it has recovered and is fit to load. Naturally this is not an option in cases that are not readily treatable. 

‘Alternatively, you could humanely destroy the animal. A knackery service is available in many areas to help with this option.’ 

‘Finally, you could consult a veterinarian and only transport the animal under veterinary advice.’

Dr Cave said remember, the person in charge of the animal is responsible for its welfare. Community values and expectations will not accept anything less.

For further information on animal welfare contact your local animal health staff at Agriculture Victoria or call 136 186.

Find the ‘Land transport of livestock standard guidelines and more information here.

Every farm and property are different, and each requires a unique on-farm biosecurity plan.

This online module is designed to provide you with information to understand the importance of biosecurity and how you can apply key biosecurity principles to your farm.

Complete the course and discover further modules here.

Due to a recent on-farm death WorkSafe has created an alert to remind farmers, growers and others who regularly operate powered mobile plant to consider the risks when operating machinery on-farm.

This safety alert aims to help you build your knowledge on the safe use of powered mobile plant to reduce risks to you and your workers on farms.

Take the time to read this safety alert and forward this information onto other farmers who regularly use farm machinery including augers.

Have you updated your plan for the current seasonal conditions?

Having a solid drought plan can help you with decision making in adverse conditions. 

Check out the dry seasons and drought support on the Agriculture Victoria website today.

Victoria’s bounty collections continue.

Please 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.

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 visit the website or call 1300 771 741.

Partnering with community to manage pests and weeds

Efforts to support long-term management of rabbits, blackberries, serrated tussock and gorse across Victoria have been bolstered with support from the Victorian Government to four community pest management groups.

Read the full media release here.

New term for Victorian Agriculture and Climate Change Council

New members have been appointed to the second term of the Victorian Agriculture Climate Change Council to help the Victorian agriculture sector prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change.

Read the full media relase here.

Public consultation opens for new Victorian Wine Strategy

Those with a keen interest in shaping the future of Victoria's prestigious wine industry are encouraged to share their insights to contribute to the development of the new Victorian Wine Strategy.

Read the full media release here.

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

When: Wednesday, 17 July, 12:30 – 1:30 pm.

Register HERE

Join Dynamic Ag Livestock Consultant Dr Steve Cotton to hear about managing lambing and lactating ewes when pasture is limited.

These webinars will be recorded.

When: Wednesday, 24 July, 12:30 – 1:30 pm.

Register HERE

Join Agriculture Victoria’s Clem Sturmfels for a session about land management, sacrifice paddocks and stock containment areas.

Webinars will be recorded.

South Gippsland Shire Council is hosting a 'Parma for South Gippsland farmers' event, featuring Warren Davies, The Unbreakable Farmer.

This event aims to provide support to farmers affected by natural disasters through financial and wellbeing support.

Join us and enjoy a mouth-watering chicken parma, cooked to perfection.

When: Monday 22 July - 6:30 to 9:30 pm. 

Where: Mirboo North Hotel.

Our guest speaker for the evening is Warren Davies one of Australia’s leading rural mental health speakers and advocates. He is a farmer, husband, father of five, son, brother, mate, neighbour, and everyday bloke.

Come along and connect with fellow community members, local businesses, and organisations committed to supporting our farming community.

Register now HERE

Attendees will hear from farmers on how they deal with and handle calves to optimise success rate and notable results. Topics will include but are not limited to colostrum, bedding, shelter, time frames, solid foods, feeding, transitioning into paddocks, breeds and trouble shooting. Discussions and questions about practices are welcome and a vet will be present to answer any tricky questions people may have.

South Gippsland: register here.
When: Monday 15 July - 11 am - 2 pm.
Where: Cypress Grove Holsteins, Foster (address provided on registration).

Participants will learn from Mitchell Jones. 

The GSSA conference at Bendigo on 17-18 July will offer something for everyone. 

The central theme will focus on ‘Evidence Based Decision Making’ and the topics have been built around what farmers need to know. 

Delegates will be able to choose from 2 bus tours. One to a property north of Bendigo integrating lucerne into a profitable livestock system and one to a higher rainfall perennial pasture property south of Bendigo. 

Topics will include: 

• Carbon - an informed farmers perspective 
• Carbon neutral livestock production - is it possible? 
• Soil carbon and fertility 
• Measuring and knowing your soil carbon levels 
• Old clover identification and sub optimal clover nodulation 
• Paddock livestock weighing 
• What bugs you? 
• Use of drones in agriculture 
• Facial livestock recognition 
• Remote pasture measurement 
• Running lambs on improved varieties of perennial ryegrass vs more persistent Victorian ryegrass - animal responses above yield responses 
• N efficiency and endophytes in ryegrass pastures 
• Introduction to fertiliser calculator tool. 

For more information visit the website.

When: Wednesday 24 July and Thursday 25 July
Where: Rich River Golf Club in Moama.

Register here.

The conference is a collaboration between dairy, grains and cotton with the aim of providing information for profitable and sustainable farm business. The program features sessions covering the latest research, technological advancements, and sustainable practices.

Conference highlights:

• Exploring marketing and consumer trends - Ron Storey, Storey Marketing
• New technology in weed control - Michael Walsh, Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water and Environment, Charles Sturt University
• Latest advances in nitrogen fertiliser - Helen Suter School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne
• Over the gate - practices and innovation driving on farm productivity Panel - hear what other farmers are implementing to ensure productive sustainable businesses into the future
• Grain, forage and fodder - mitigating risk of summer crop options (cotton, maize, sorghum) - Kieran O’Keefe Regional Extension Officer, CottonInfo and Yvette Williams, Research and Innovation Coordinator Murray Dairy
• Seeds of hope: The Aussie Hay Runners' Journey - Peter Wuthrich Aussie Hay Runners.

The Gala Dinner on the evening of Wednesday 24 July, will commemorate 25 years of the Irrigation Farmers Network achievements in RD&E. Featuring Renee Anderson, farmer and ag industry advocate as the special guest speaker.

Livestock 2024 is the third biennial conference delivered by SALRC. This year's theme is environmental challenges and opportunities for Australian livestock industries.

Location: Atura Hotel, Albury NSW. 

Date: Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 August.

Get your tickets here.

Click here to register for conference updates.

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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/contact-us

Don't forget to check out Agriculture Victoria's social media sites for up-to-date information and news.