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Thursday 20 March 2025
Attention: Information session at Rutherglen Senior Citizens Hall tomorrow
📢📢📢We’re at the Rutherglen Senior Citizens Hall tomorrow from 11am to 2 pm
Staff will be there to discuss any questions you may have about the current avian influenza response and the activity at Agriculture Victoria’s Rutherglen site.
We’ll see you there:
• Rutherglen Senior Citizens Hall, 12 Douglas St Rutherglen
• Friday 21 March, 11am to 2pm.
For more information, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/avianflu
Get set for tussock treatment in the cooler months
Serrated tussock has infested over 250,000 hectares of land in Victoria, and has caused great damage to agriculture and native grasslands. Now is a good time to inspect your property for serrated tussock, with increased plant visibility due to less pasture competition and frost bleaching.
Most parts of Victoria have had a very dry 6 months, which has resulted in serrated tussock standing out from overgrazed pastures. In frost-prone areas, the tussocks are bleached a golden yellow to white colour by frost during late autumn and winter.
The lack of pasture and change in serrated tussock colour makes the plants easier to spot in a paddock, making now a good time to do a survey of your land.
The lack of rains and autumn break in some parts of Victoria has been detrimental to pasture cover and also good for the growth of serrated tussock. Controlling serrated tussock before the plant goes to seed is critical to prevent further spread, lost productivity and increased control requirements.
Serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma) is a long-lived perennial that can invade poor soils and survive fire, drought and frost. It reduces the productivity of pasture and can create a fire hazard. Its fibre content is so high that stock are unable to digest it.
Seeds are spread by the wind, machinery and also by water and animals. The seed remains viable in the soil for an average of seven years and can dominate if there is no competition from other pasture species.
The good news? There are many options available for the treatment and removal of serrated tussock.
If done regularly and before the infestations are large, it is possible to lessen the impact on our property. Depending on the size of the infestation plants can be removed manually using a hoe or spade, or spot sprayed using a registered herbicide.
Small seedlings recently germinated will appear bright green until they are bleached by frost, and will be erect and stand out from the other grasses in a pasture.
The Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party (VSTWP) has a host of information on treatment options and case studies, including videos and information sheets that can be posted or emailed to landowners.
'We are asking landowners to conduct assessments of their properties before spring, when the grass starts to flower.
'Serrated tussock flowerheads develop a distinctive purple colour as the seeds ripen in late spring and early summer. During winter you will be able to see the plants easily when they are bleached a lighter colour,' said VSTWP Community Engagement Officer, Ivan Carter.
The VSTWP has developed an online video and information sheets to help landowners identify the noxious weed, which can be viewed at www.serratedtussock.com.
'Serrated tussock is a costly weed to have on your property, especially when it becomes established,' Mr Carter said.
'It is best to check your property for new infestations and treat plants every season before seeding,' he said.
'A mature serrated tussock plant can produce thousands of seeds in a season, blowing up to 20 kilometres from the parent plant.'
For more information, please visit Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party, or contact the VSTWP at info@serratedtussock.com
Important information for game bird hunters
Recreational hunting is banned in the avian influenza restricted and control areas near Euroa, to help prevent the spread of the virus.
If you are hunting outside these areas and wish to bring game bird carcasses or hunting equipment into the restricted or control areas, then you will need a bird flu game bird hunting permit.
The permit is required to:
- move game bird carcasses or parts from outside areas to control/restricted areas
- move equipment associated with game bird hunting from control/restricted areas to outside areas (if equipment has come into contact with poultry or birds).
Permits are issued for 4 weeks and can be reapplied for after they expire.
Pilot program helps farmers beef up carbon capture
Left to right: Paul O’Sullivan, Alison Kelly, Jenny O’Sullivan inspecting Malabar Farm livestock
Agriculture Victoria has partnered with South Gippsland farmers Jenny and Paul O’Sullivan of Malabar Farm near Walkerville to find profitable and sustainable ways to reduce emissions on their sheep and beef properties.
The O’Sullivans participated in Agriculture Victoria’s On-Farm Emissions Action Plan Pilot, a program that helped nearly 250 farmers across the state understand and act on their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
The pilot was launched in 2022 under the Victorian Government’s $20 million Agriculture Sector Emissions Reduction Pledge that invested in flagship trials of leading research, and development of tools and services helping farmers to reduce emissions while maintaining productivity and profitability.
Agriculture Victoria Emissions Specialist Alison Kelly worked with the O’Sullivans to develop a customised on-farm emissions action plan to reduce their GHG and sequester and store carbon.
‘Reducing emissions through efficient production and carbon storage is top of mind for farmers in this pilot like the O’Sullivans who are passionate about sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation,’ Mrs Kelly said.
‘Determining the environmental impact of your farm’s production through a process called 'Know Your Number' is now something that governments and the whole supply chain is increasingly demanding.’
As part of the program, Mrs Kelly worked with the O’Sullivans to determine their number, a net farm annual emissions footprint estimate, via an existing Greenhouse Gas Accounting Framework calculator for beef and sheep enterprises.
She said the O’Sullivans tailor made action plan helped them apply for a government grant to implement some of the opportunities from the plan such as:
- the establishment of a 1.7 km long and 10-metre-wide plantation, which will provide carbon sequestration, biodiversity and livestock shelter benefits
- support to follow up on benchmark soil sampling to monitor changes in soil organic carbon levels across several paddocks and organic treatments using a blend of animal manure and chicken bedding litter.
As well as revegetation and land use improvements, the O’Sullivans continue to reduce their farm GHG emissions with a 7 kW solar power system for their workshop, fences and pumps.
They are also screening their bulls for feed conversion efficiency and hopeto learn from feed additive research to see how they can apply benefits to their grazing operation to possibly further reduce emissions.
Read more about Agriculture Victoria’s On-Farm Emission Action Plan online and other farmer case studies.
Report sick or dead birds or wildlife
High pathogenicity avian influenza (bird flu) has been detected in poultry in the Euroa area within Strathbogie Shire. Control measures are in place to prevent further spread.
Learn more at agriculture.vic.gov.au/avianflu
Report any unexplained sick or dead poultry or birds to the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
bagMUSTER – Revolutionising agricultural plastic recycling
The agricultural industry is making a monumental stride toward sustainability with the opening of the first bagMUSTER collection sites. This pioneering, not-for-profit, industry-led program addresses plastic waste from single-use woven polypropylene (PP) bags.
Spearheaded by CropLife Australia and its not-for-profit subsidiary Agsafe, in collaboration with the Australian Seed Federation, bagMUSTER provides farmers, growers, and the broader agricultural sector with a practical and responsible recycling solution—transforming waste into opportunity.
The program’s first phase is happening in Victoria, with collection sites now operational in the Macedon Ranges Shire Council.
Farmers and growers can drop off eligible PP bags—such as those used for fertilisers, seeds, grain, stock feed, and pet food—at collection sites in Kyneton, Romsey, and Woodend. This marks the beginning of a transformative journey to reduce agricultural plastic waste.
Only bags purchased after 1 October 2024 from participating retailers are eligible for recycling. To find your nearest collection site and learn more about participating retailers, visit bagMUSTER.org.au.
bagMUSTER is more than just a recycling program; it is a vital step towards creating a circular economy in agriculture, where waste is repurposed rather than discarded. The program offers a range of benefits, including:
Environmental impact: Reduces plastic waste, prevents pollution, and protects ecosystems.
Support for QA programs: Participants receive compliance certificates to assist with food safety and Best Management Practice requirements.
Cost-free disposal: There is no fee for dropping off eligible bags at participating collection sites.
Industry alignment: Supports the agricultural sector’s sustainability targets and prepares stakeholders for future regulatory requirements.
This is just the beginning for bagMUSTER. The remainder of Phase 1 will see collection sites established across western Victoria.
Phase 2 will expand the program to the rest of the state, with plans to roll out nationally as infrastructure becomes available. The program’s growth reflects its mission to create a long-term, impactful solution for plastic waste in agriculture.
Farmers and growers in western Victoria can now participate in bagMUSTER by visiting participating retailers, purchasing eligible bags, and dropping them off at designated collection sites.
For those outside the Phase 1 corridor, stay connected for updates on the program’s expansion.
To learn more about bagMUSTER, find collection sites, or explore participating retailers, visit bagMUSTER.org.au.
AgTech Innovators – Episode 7
Episode 7: ClimateTech meets AgTech, with Peter Castellas.
Now is the time to be bold.
If you’re working in the AgTech sector, now is the time to be brave, as interest from large investors has never been stronger.
That’s the advice of Peter Castellas, CEO of Climate Zeitgeist and founder of the Climate Investor Forum, who joins us for this episode of AgTech Innovators.
Tackling the Tough Topics
The National Centre for Farmer Health has recently released a handbook titled Tackling the Tough Topics outlining best practice guidelines to help individuals and groups plan successful farming community events with a mental health focus.
The guidelines seek to provide the knowledge, resources, and support needed to organise successful events and avoid potential problems that can be damaging to vulnerable individuals and/or their communities.
In case you missed it 📰
What's On
Details about Agriculture Victoria events can now be found in one spot at agriculture.vic.gov.au/events.
Register now for the latest climate webinar
Implications of climate change on production and water requirements of various horticultural crops in the Victorian Mallee
Join our upcoming webinar to hear the findings of a recent study into the implications of climate change on production and water requirement of various horticultural crops in the Victorian Mallee.
Climate change is a significant issue facing irrigated horticulture in the Victorian Mallee, with increasing temperatures and a water constrained environment.
Jeremy Giddings from Agriculture Victoria will summarise the key findings and how the results could be used by industry and government.
When: Wednesday 26 March – 12 pm.
Register here:
This webinar will be recorded, and will be available to everyone who registers.
Hort Innovation webinar: From Meals to Munchies
This is your last chance to register for the From Meals to Munchies: Navigating consumer eating and snacking trends in horticulture webinar.
Join the team from Fiftyfive5, who will share the latest consumer trends in eating and snacking, and discover growth opportunities for nuts, fruits and vegetables.
What's on the agenda?
✅Out-of-home dining - examine how cost of living pressures have influenced dining out behaviours.
✅Home cooking - uncover weeknight meal choices and opportunities to promote fresh produce.
✅Snacking - gain insights into snacking behaviour, how it varies throughout the week, and the role of fresh produce in snacking occasions.
✅Generational differences - understand how eating behaviours differ across generations and opportunities to appeal by generation.
Date: Monday 24 March
Time: 11 am – 12 pm
RSVP: Via this Zoom link
Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into fresh produce.
Horticulture climate webinar
Join our upcoming webinar to hear the findings of a recent study into the implications of climate change on production and water requirement of various horticultural crops in the Victorian Mallee.
Climate change is a significant issue facing irrigated horticulture in the Victorian Mallee, with increasing temperatures and a water constrained environment.
Jeremy Giddings from Agriculture Victoria will summarise the key findings and how the results could be used by industry and government.
When: Wednesday 26 March – 12 pm
Register here:
This webinar will be recorded and available to anyone who registers.
Managing On-Farm Safety and Security
Do you want to hear about some of the options for managing and monitoring farm security and safety?
If you answered yes, then Agriculture Victoria has the workshop for you!
Location: Colbinabbin Country Hotel, 18 Mitchell Street Colbinabbin
When: Thursday, 17 April, from 9 am – 12.30 pm.
This free workshop will cover key risks in managing farm security and explore practical solutions to mitigate them. Led by Grant Sutton, co-founder of AgCloud, the session will focus on farm security challenges and the latest advancements in technology to address them.
Topics will include camera solutions, AI-based machine learning, connectivity, and cybersecurity. Participants will gain insights into how these tools can help protect farm properties, assets, and operations more effectively.
Lunch and snacks will be provided.
The presenter - Grant has worked in the IT industry for 24 years, with the past 7 years dedicated to developing technology solutions for agriculture. He and his team provide connectivity, asset monitoring, cybersecurity, and other IT solutions, supporting farmers across Victoria. Grant is passionate about combining agriculture and technology in ways that have real and practical applications.
For queries about this workshop and other upcoming events contact: Darryl Pearl on 0417 432 711 or at darryl.pearl@agriculture.vic.gov.au or Roger Harrower on 0407 729 024 or at roger.harrower@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Contacting Agriculture Victoria
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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