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| Have you reviewed your farm fire plan? |
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A fire plan can help protect your home, livestock and vital farm infrastructure.
It will also help identify what you need to do and when you need to do it in preparation for the upcoming fire season.
Start today by downloading a copy of the Farm Fire Preparedness Toolkit.
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| Drought drop-in sessions coming up |
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Drop in sessions are being held in 6 locations across south west Victoria to provide information on the Drought Support Package, including the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants and other available supports.
Find out more about the Drought Support Program by coming along to one of the drop-in sessions.
Rural Financial Counselling Service staff will be on-hand to help with grant applications and Agriculture Victoria staff will be available to discuss technical decision-making such as on-farm water planning and feed budgeting.
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Lake Bolac – 25 October, 12:30 – 2 pm, Lake Bolac Sporting and Recreation Complex
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Coleraine – 28 October, 12:30 – 2 pm, Coleraine CFA, 53 Read Street
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Simpson – 29 October, 11 am – 12:30 pm, Simpson Recreation Reserve, Lavers Hill-Cobden Rd
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Koroit – 30 October, 11 am – 12:30 pm, Koroit Football Club Rooms, Garden Street
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Heywood – 31 October, 11 am – 12:30 pm, Heywood Recreation Reserve, 2402 Princes Hwy.
Please note: the Lake Bolac and Coleraine drop-in sessions are being held in conjunction with 'Dry seasonal conditions planning’ workshops.
These workshops are being held of the morning on the same day, before the drop-in sessions.
All 3 workshops start at 9:30 am at the locations listed above.
Find out more on the Agriculture Victoria events page.
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| On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants Program open |
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South west Victorian farmers impacted by the current drought conditions can now apply for on-farm grants to help manage and withstand current seasonal conditions and prepare their businesses for the future.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently announced the opening of the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants Program that will provide financial assistance to farmers managing current drought conditions and build farm business preparedness and resilience for the future.
Eligible farmers can apply for co-contribution grants of up to $5,000 for on-farm improvements including water infrastructure upgrades, stock containment areas, grain and fodder storage and drought management tools.
The $12.1 million grants program is open to farmers in Local Government Areas in the south west that have been most severely impacted by ongoing drought conditions.
These Local Government Areas include Glenelg, Southern Grampians, Warrnambool, Moyne, Corangamite, Colac Otway, Surf Coast, Ararat, Pyrenees, Golden Plains and Greater Geelong, as well as the southern half of West Wimmera Shire.
These grants are part of a $13.53 million Drought Support Package which also includes a $1.43 million investment in farmer wellbeing, technical decision-making advice and a dedicated Regional Drought Coordinator who will help ensure support is reaching those who need it.
The grants build on the existing support services available for farmers including the Rural Financial Counselling Service, The National Centre for Farmer Health, farmer workshops, field days and practical information on the Agriculture Victoria website.
To attend an upcoming drop-in session being held across the south-west visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or phone 136 186.
For more information on the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants Program, including the specific areas of eligibility, visit ruralfinance.com.au or call them on 1800 260 425 during business hours.
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| Victoria's finger on the pulse with new research |
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The Victorian Government is boosting Victoria’s pulse production with new research that will help solidify Australia as an industry leader and meet growing global demand for plant proteins.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently announced $2.4 million towards a new research project at the Horsham Smart farm with the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).
The Grains Research and Development Corporation invested $8.8 million on behalf of Australian grain growers, and $2.4 million from industry collaborators.
The four-year project will help Australian pulse producers develop varieties with traits that are driven by the market – supporting Australian farmers to market demand and ensure consumers are getting the product they want.
The national project will involve all parts of the pulse supply chain, including 13 subcontractors, food and ingredient manufacturers and processors, as well as an international partner.
The project will capitalise on the growing plant-based protein market, with demand for these foods forecast to surpass $250 billion globally by 2035.
Australia exports on average 2.5 million tonnes of pulses a year, making us the second largest pulse exporter in the world.
More than 90 per cent of Australia’s pulses are exported with prices defined by visual quality and used primarily for human consumption with a small proportion sold into the lower value, domestic livestock feed market.
Victoria is a major contributor to Australia’s pulse industry, generating $638 million in export income last financial year.
For more information about the project visit, grdc.com.au.
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| Local poultry owners we want to hear from you |
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Are you a poultry owner in the Golden Plains or Corangamite Shires?
We would like your feedback about the 2024 avian influenza outbreak.
Your experiences and insights are crucial for shaping future responses.
Take our quick survey and share your views on information provided during the outbreak.
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| Webinar recording- Does it make cents to finish lambs? |
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Did you miss our recent webinar ‘Does it make cents to finish lambs?’
Catch up on the recording here.
Presenter Geoff Duddy talks through decision-making around finishing lambs on grain versus selling as stores.
Geoff is recognised nationally as a lamb feedlotting specialist and co-developed the Sheep CRC Lamb Feedlot Calculator.
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| Enhanced surveillance for animal disease in Victoria |
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Dr Jeff Cave, Agriculture Victoria Senior Veterinary Officer
Victoria’s livestock industries are fortunate to be free of most of the serious diseases that affect animals in other parts of the world.
Despite this fact, ongoing surveillance for new or exotic disease is important to reassure our trading partners of Victoria’s favourable disease status and to ensure the early detection of diseases that might impact on trade, public health, and farm or regional productivity.
Agriculture Victoria has an initiative that allows veterinarians who investigate and report on outbreaks of unusual or significant animal disease to be paid a subsidy to help cover the cost of the investigation and associated laboratory fees.
This subsidy may be paid when:
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a large number of animals are affected or there is an unusual presentation of a disease
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an initial investigation fails to establish a diagnosis, or veterinary treatment does not produce the expected response
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clinical signs are consistent with an emergency disease without a clear alternative diagnosis
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findings suggest a possible effect on trade, public health or the viability of a farm, industry or region.
This will increase the likelihood of detecting a serious animal disease should one occur and assist in covering the cost to farmers of investigating and reporting an animal disease outbreak.
Payment of subsidies is conditional upon approval being given by Agriculture Victoria before the investigation begins.
When there is a genuine suspicion of an exotic or emergency disease Agriculture Victoria will undertake the disease investigation and cover the full cost of the investigation.
In summary, early detection of new or exotic disease depends on farmers, vets and government working together:
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producers and animal owners should call their vet when an unusual disease occurs in their stock
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veterinary practitioners must remain vigilant and consider the possibility of new, unusual or exotic diseases
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unusual disease incidents should be fully investigated, and appropriate samples should be submitted to veterinary laboratories.
Early detection of emerging or exotic disease is the key to their effective management.
If you suspect an exotic or emergency disease, please contact your local veterinarian, or Agriculture Victoria Veterinary or Animal Health Officer, or the Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888.
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| Free financial counselling |
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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.
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| Apply for new Future Drought Fund grants to support Aussie farmers |
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The Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund is looking for eligible Australian organisations to apply for 2 new grant programs.
These programs will trial innovative solutions with the potential to build the agriculture sector, landscapes and communities’ long-term resilience to drought and climate risks, through transformational change.
The $40 million Resilient Landscapes Program focuses on demonstrating how implementing and scaling of practices, technologies or approaches to manage natural resources on farm, builds drought and climate resilience.
The $40.3 million Long-term Trials of Drought Resilient Farming Practices Program Round 2 looks at investigating new practices and technologies that will improve productivity in variable weather through evidence-based trials, co-designed with farmers.
Both grant rounds are open to agricultural industries in Australia and will be delivered over 6 years. Applicants must form consortia, that is 2 or more organisations working together to develop and deliver an eligible project.
Applications close on 19 November 2024.
To learn more about the grants and apply, visit:
Resilient Landscapes Grants Program
Long-term Trials of Drought Resilient Farming Practices Grants.
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| WorkSafe - cattle crush information |
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Attention dairy and cattle farmers.
WorkSafe have worked with industry to develop new cattle crush safety guidance.
We want to keep everyone safe when handling cattle.
Find out more: worksafe.vic.gov.au/safe-cattle-yards-crushes
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| Take part in horse survey |
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Horse owners know the enormous amount of time, energy and money that is put into our horses. We also know the incredible benefits we get in return from our life spent with horses.
But does anyone know how big the impact of this is across the country? What contribution our horses make to the economy? How many people are employed? Indeed, even how many horses are there in Australia?
The Australian Horse Industry Council (AHIC) needs your help in ensuring that they can accurately build a picture of size and scale of horse ownership in Australia and its worth and importance to Australian life.
AHIC has engaged survey company IER and invites participants and stakeholders in the equine industry to share their experiences with them to win 1 of 5 $500 prepaid gift cards.
Click this link to complete the survey.
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Planting the seeds for carbon farming In Victoria
The Victorian Government is supporting farmers to reduce their emissions and improve the productivity of their farm with free training opportunities on offer across the state.
Read the media release in full here.
Tips to reduce harvester fires this season
GRDC and fire safety experts are encouraging growers to implement practical measures to reduce the risk of harvester fires over the coming week.
Read the article in full on the GRDC website.
Caring for your stock in dry seasonal conditions
Agriculture Victoria Land Management Extension Officer Clem Sturmfels said caring for stock during a drought can be challenging and a stock containment area can help to minimise loss or illness and reduce farmer stress.
Read the media release in full on our website.
Early estimate frost damage – use our grain yield calculator
Agriculture Victoria seasonal risk agronomist Dale Boyd said critical analysis during grain-fill will identify if frosts have affected the crop.
Read the media release in full on our website.
Applications close 27 October 2024 for Chair of Dairy Food Safety Victoria
The Minister for Agriculture will appoint the Chair for a term of up to 3 years. The successful applicant will be responsible for leading a 7-member board to help improve food safety standards across the Victorian dairy industry.
For more information and to apply visit Dairy Food Safety Victoria.
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Details about Agriculture Victoria events can now be found in one spot on our website.
Visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/events to find out what's on.
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| South west - dry seasonal conditions planning workshop |
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28 October - Coleraine
All from 9:30 am - 1 pm
Lunch provided
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As we head out of a dry spring and into summer it’s important to look ahead and plan.
Agriculture Victoria invites you to a workshop with presenter Nathan Scott of Achieve Ag Solutions, to help with planning and decision making in dry times.
Everyone’s situation is different. Nathan will work through scenarios, feed budgeting, costing and discuss available options as well as how to set up trigger points and planning for different situations.
Nathan has a background in prime lamb, merino wool and beef production and a passion for improving the productivity and profitability of livestock enterprises.
He works with producers to increase conception rates, improve lamb survival, lift growth rates, and improve overall management.
Rural Financial Counsellors will also be at the workshop to offer their services and assist with drought package applications.
If you attend the workshop, you are eligible for a one-on-one chat with a farm business consultant.
Register on TryBooking here.
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| Hort Innovation Consumer insights on Sustainability |
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28 October
11 am to 12 pm
Online
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How is sustainability influencing how Australians shop for fresh produce – and what does sustainability even mean to people in this context?
Join Hort Innovation to hear from their research team at Fiftyfive5, part of Accenture Song, as they share insights about:
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how sustainability is shaping what produce Australians buy, and how this has changed over the last year
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how ‘best before’ dates influence what consumers do with fresh produce
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what consumers think about packaging – plastic packaging in particular
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what can be done to reduce food waste in households.
This webinar is ideal for those engaged in marketing, sales and category management for fruit, nuts and vegetables, but is open to all who are interested.
Register on Zoom here.
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| GRDC Farm Business Update |
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Joint-venture models in grain farming.
Brian and Tim Wibberly, WSA Accountants and Graham Mattschoss, grain grower Joint ventures (equity partnerships) provide an opportunity to access alternative sources of capital and shared management expertise.
They are relatively uncommon but can provide a pathway to success for family farm operations. Join us to hear about the key success factors with joint ventures in grain farming.
Register on Humantix here.
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30 October
9 am - 1 pm
5.6km west of Rupanyup
Google Maps click here
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Join researchers, pulse breeders, industry agronomists and grain marketers to discuss pulse crop profitability.
Free event with morning tea and barbecue lunch provided.
Click here to register on Trybooking.
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| Carbon Farming Outreach Program |
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31 October
4 - 8:30 pm
Harrow
Hermitage Hotel
Blair Street
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The Carbon Farming Outreach Program gets underway this month and is open to all Victorian farmers.
The program assists farmers and land managers to understand and make informed decisions on carbon farming, including:
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the fundamentals of carbon farming
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sources of emissions and options to reduce emissions and store carbon
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how to determine your emissions profile
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understanding and navigating carbon credit markets.
Hosted by catchment management authorities, these sessions will share the latest information about carbon farming.
For more information and to register visit the Ag Vic events page here
To register for updates, visit the Carbon Farming Outreach Program page on our website.
This program is delivered with funding from the Commonwealth of Australia as part of the National Carbon Farming Outreach Program.
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| GRDC best practice soil testing for southern region |
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13 November
1-1:45 pm
Online
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Best practice soil testing for the Southern Region with Sean Mason from Agronomy Solutions
Discover how soil tests can be leveraged to make educated decisions around nutrient management for the season ahead.
Sean explores best practice strategies for soil testing and how to ensure fertiliser applications are getting to where they are needed the most.
Join us the GRDC Grains Research Update livestream - a live question and answer session will be included.
Register on Humantix here. |
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| Regional Victorian Artificial Intelligence Forum |
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15 November
10 am - 3:30 pm
Bendigo
La Trobe University
Circular Lecture Theatre
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Join Regional Development Australia Melbourne’s (RDAM) upcoming Artificial Intelligence Forum and learn how AI and the latest cutting-edge technologies can help transform and revolutionise your business.
This forum will highlight the importance of understanding and harnessing these innovative technology solutions, their benefits and practical applications in business, as well as address concerns surrounding risk, compliance, and legislation of AI in industry.
With keynotes, panel discussion and collaborative conversation, this will be a platform to connect and explore the array of opportunities in AI businesses are undertaking in regional areas and beyond.
Speakers include:
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Simon Wilson, CEO Founder of Australian Regional AI Network and CEO of RegGrid
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Jannat Maqbool, Manager of Industry Programs at ARM AI Adopt Centre. Jannat has 25 years of experience in IoT and smart cities, financial services innovation, digital engineering, and AI, across Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, and is actively engaged in the technology ecosystem.
Case study presenters/demonstrators include:
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Stef Cola, Director of Engineering at CultureAmp, and founder of Ligantic (Innovative chat tool powered by AI)
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Briana Cowan, founder of Mingle Media, runs workshops on leveraging AI to boost productivity in business
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Edward Barraclough, founder of Drone-Hand, autonomous livestock and total property monitoring.
Register on Humantix here.
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Enjoying the Grampians Mallee Ag News? Then why not forward to a friend or subscribe yourself.
It's easy – simply click this link.
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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
Don't forget to check out Agriculture Victoria's social media sites for up-to-date information and news.
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