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| Use your dairy effluent now on silage regrowth |
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Rachael Campbell, Agriculture Victoria Dairy Industry Development Officer
As we move from late spring to summer, dairy effluent can be applied to areas with some green leaf still present after cutting for silage. This will help to promote valuable pasture regrowth for extra grazing and replace lost nutrients.
Dairy effluent contains many important nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. An effluent test is the best way to determine the most appropriate application rate for your farm as nutrient levels vary between farms.
Total potassium per application should be no more than 60 kg potassium per hectare and no more than 120 kg potassium per hectare per year.
Total nitrogen application should be no more than 60-80 kg nitrogen per hectare. Heavier applications increase the risk of nitrate poisoning, mineral imbalances and losses to the environment.
If a chemical analysis isn’t available, a rule of thumb is to apply liquid effluent at a rate of 1 megalitre per 4 hectares, where there is no likelihood of runoff from the property.
Restrict cattle grazing for at least 21 days after the application of effluent as this withholding period will overcome any palatability or fouling issues, reduce the risk of pathogens and allow time for the plants to respond to the nutrients.
Sludge will also need to be removed from your first pond every so often, depending on the design. This can be applied to paddocks about to be cultivated for a crop or sprayed thinly on pasture at similar times to the effluent.
Vacuum tankers can be useful for this purpose. Withholding periods tend to be longer for sludge applications than liquid effluent, and these paddocks shouldn’t be grazed until the grass has grown through the sludge layer.
Continue to conduct regular soil testing over the longer term where effluent is applied, to monitor nutrient levels and soil health.
For more information about using dairy effluent visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/dairy/managing-effluent or contact Rachael Campbell on rachael.campbell@agriculture.vic.gov.au
For more information on managing during drought visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or call 136 186.
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| Strike before the flies do |
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Dr Jeff Cave, Agriculture Victoria Senior Veterinary Officer
Flystrike costs the Australian sheep industry approximately $173 million annually, due to lost production, treatment costs and deaths. Reducing the risk of flystrike has immense benefits to the health and wellbeing of the sheep and productivity.
The major fly responsible for flystrike in sheep is the green blowfly, Lucilia cuprina. Lucilia cuprina is thought to be responsible for 90% of flystrike cases.
Lucilia cuprina begins to become active when temperatures are above 15oC and is most active when temperatures are between 26 - 36oC. It prefers calm conditions. Each female fly can have up to 300 viable offspring and, with a 21-day life cycle, when conditions are optimal, fly numbers can increase rapidly.
The fly has a small flight range, so most of the flies you see are probably produced on your own property. The fly is attracted to odour and moisture, so the risk of flystrike increases when there is regular, consistent rainfall that keeps the sheep’s skin moist.
The sheep most susceptible to flystrike are those with breech wrinkles, long wool, dags, urine stain, fleece rot, dermatitis and/or wounds. Plus, sheep that have been previously fly-struck have a relatively higher likelihood of being re-struck.
The prevention of flystrike requires an integrated plan and includes the following:
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selection of sheep and marking of lambs to produce a flock with a relatively low susceptibility to flystrike
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shearing and crutching timed before the peak flystrike risk period
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correct use of preventative chemicals timed to give protection during the peak flystrike risk period
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worm control and dietary management to help reduce the prevalence of dags
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selection of relatively open, windy, dry paddocks
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removal of infective material and carcasses that may attract flies.
As conditions become more favourable to flystrike, sheep should be monitored more regularly for flystrike.
If a fly-struck sheep is found, the affected area should be immediately treated by clipping close to the skin, dressed to prevent a re-strike, and the sheep should be moved to a hospital paddock to reduce the risk to the rest of the flock. Any maggots should be collected and killed to help reduce the build-up of fly numbers.
For further advice please contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria veterinary or animal health officer, or visit websites Home - FlyBoss and On-Farm Research.
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| Consider early weaning to save feed and water |
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Dr Hannah Manning, Livestock Industry Development Officer Colac
Feed and water shortages are likely as we move into summer, so consider weaning your beef calves early to save on requirements.
Agriculture Victoria Livestock Industry Development Officer Dr Hannah Manning said early weaning can help your cows maintain condition and fertility while setting up the calves to receive the nutrition they need to thrive.
Lactating cows require a large amount of energy. It’s more efficient to convert feed directly into the calf weight than milk for a cow and calf unit.
Providing the appropriate diet to a mob of dry cows and weaned calves, rather than cows with calves at foot, can significantly reduce feeding costs.
Cows making milk need up to 100 litres of water a day and those not feeding a calf require less. Although calves will drink more once weaned, the savings come from reducing the cow's requirements.
Weaning early also allows the farmer to complete a stocktake and sell or cull non-productive or aged animals.
In most cases, calves should be weaned at around 120 kg, as they will be easier to feed. The younger the weaning age of the calf, the higher its energy and protein requirements are.
Setting your calves up to succeed is very important, so exposing them to post-weaning supplements while they are still on the cow is recommended.
Post-weaning supplements should be introduced to calves slowly via creep-feeding and vaccinating two weeks before weaning to protect against clostridial diseases.
Avoid combining stressful procedures like castration and dehorning with early weaning.
Weaners can be difficult to manage at times, so we recommend getting their nutrition and supervision spot-on to allow the calves to thrive.
Further information about weaning beef cattle can be found on our website.
For more information about dry seasonal conditions and drought support visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or call 136 186.
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| Backing innovative solutions to cut on-farm emissions |
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Victorian farmers are implementing practical on-farm projects that increase farm profitability and productivity while reducing emissions through the Victorian Government’s On-Farm Emissions Action Plan Pilot.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently announced the two successful recipients of the Innovation Fund Round 1 and opened round 2 of the Innovation Fund - which offers grants of up to $100,000 to Pilot participants.
The Pilot is a 3-year initiative for 250 Victorian farmers and growers designed to help them to identify their on-farm emissions profile, develop an emissions reduction action plan, and apply for a grant to implement recommended actions through a pool of $5 million.
Both successful Round 1 projects are underway at dairy and beef cattle farms in east and south Gippsland respectively and were chosen for their focus on implementing on-farm trials to test new and different emissions reduction approaches.
South Gippsland beef cattle farmer Carolyn Wilde received $37,399 for her Novel Water and Supplement Delivery System project, which looks at the delivery of a water-based supplement to reduce methane emissions through livestock drinking water troughs.
Tarago River Farms received $30,000 for their Multi Species Emissions Saver project focused on trialling the use of various crop blends, and the use of wastewater sourced from the dairy and a local cheesemaking business, to determine the most efficient methods of producing dairy feed and minimising nitrogen input.
The On-Farm Emissions Action Plan Pilot is a key initiative under Victoria’s first Agriculture Sector Emissions Reduction Pledge.
Applications for Round 2 Innovation Fund grants will be open to Pilot participants from 29 November 2024 to 31 January 2025.
For more information on the On-Farm Emissions Action Plan Pilot, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/climate-and-weather.
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| Growth in Food Safety Standards for berries, leafy greens and melons |
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New Food Safety Standards for growers of berries, leafy green vegetables and melons will come into effect from 12 February, 2025, maintaining the state’s reputation as a responsible producer.
Food Standards Australia and New Zealand introduced the new food safety and compliance standards in 2022 to the National Food Standards Code.
Agriculture Victoria Horticulture Standards Engagement Officer, Emily Scott said the standards will assist in lifting food safety standards across the industry.
‘We are working closely with industry bodies and growers to support businesses implementing the new standards with a timely awareness and engagement campaign. Current food safety arrangements are recognised where possible, and our online system assists in documenting and verifying requirements’, said Miss Scott.
‘The Standards apply to businesses of any size that grow or complete primary or ‘early-stage’ processing such as washing, trimming, sorting, sanitising or storing of berries, leafy vegetables or melons.
‘It is worth noting that many businesses are already meeting the requirements in the standards, through their participation in industry food safety schemes.
‘However, there will be new registration requirements which are managed through Agriculture Victoria Connect.
‘If you grow leafy greens, melons or berries in Victoria, I encourage you to visit the Agriculture Victoria website to learn more about the implementation of the Standards across Victoria, and to sign up for the Food Safety Standards e-news and keep up to date with upcoming events.’
Agriculture Victoria is holding a webinar on Tuesday 10 December for berry, leafy vegetable and melon producers to learn more about the new Primary Production and Processing Standards. Register for the webinar.
The webinar will cover key microbial food safety risks, what is required to comply with the Standards for each industry, how Global Food Safety Initiative schemes will be recognised, indicative costs and where to access useful information and resources. Growers of all sizes are encouraged to attend.
All producers are still obliged to ensure food for sale is safe and suitable for human consumption prior to this new Standard commencing on 12 February 2025.
Find out more about the standards.
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| The latest 'The Fast Break' newsletter now available. |
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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.
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| The Gippsland Farm Forestry Program grants are closing soon! |
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Grants are available for landowners to grow trees for timber as well as other benefits including:
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providing shelter for stock, crops and pastures
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improved farm amenity and biodiversity
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carbon storage.
The program supports the planting of:
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wood lots
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shelterbelts
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wide space plantings.
Grants are open until 7 March 2025.
More information.
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| Celebrating our Upskill and Invest Young Farmer Scholarship recipients |
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Pictured: Matthew Taylor
Congratulations to Matthew Taylor, one of this year’s Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarship recipients!
Matthew has recently launched his own beef cattle business in Gippsland and is eager to expand his skills and operations.
Through the scholarship, he’ll gain expertise in agricultural technology and invest in animal weighing equipment to better track the growth and health of his cattle.
For the full list of recipients and more info on the program, visit our website.
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| Where will you place your livestock during an emergency? |
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It’s crucial to have a refuge area/paddock or stock containment area ready for your livestock during emergencies, with adequate feed and water for their safety.
Use the Fire Preparedness Toolkit and web resources to start planning for stock containment areas, emergency feeding and water budgeting.
Download a copy of the toolkit here.
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| Farm Business Resilience Program case study - Managing climate risk |
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Watch the video here.
‘As the season pans out, it’s important for farmers to be keeping up to date with seasonal forecasts.’
Dale Grey, our Seasonal Risk Agronomist, talks about managing climate risk over time and the importance for farmers to pre-plan to meet the challenges of a variable climate.
Subscribe to The Break and The Very Fast Break for seasonal climate updates.
Find out more about our Farm Business Resilience Program here.
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| Grants up to $1 million to support businesses development and create jobs |
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Dahlsen’s Steel Truss and Frame at Newmerella, a joint venture between Dahlsens and Built QA. They received a $500,000 grant in Round 1 of the Forestry Transition Fund grants program.
The Forestry Transition Fund aims to support business development and the creation of jobs across all industry sectors in towns or communities affected by the end of native timber harvesting.
Following the successful delivery of round 1 of the Forestry Transition Fund grants program, round 2 is now open with grants between $10,000 and $1 million available to eligible businesses and industry groups to expand, diversify or start new businesses.
Successful grant applicants may also be eligible for a Transitioning Timber Worker Employment Incentive Payment of up to $20,000 per ex-native timber worker the project employs.
Applications will be accepted from business and industry groups, including chambers of commerce and associations, peak bodies and business networks, as well as councils and incorporated not-for-profit organisations that act as a business.
Expressions of Interest are now open, and applications close at 5 pm on 31 October 2025.
For more information and to view the guidelines visit the Forestry Transition Fund or call 1800 318 182.
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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.
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| Free financial counselling with RFCS |
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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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Watch for heating hay!
Every hay season several hay stacks spontaneously combust across Victoria, in single moist bales or in a stack of any size.
Read the full media release here.
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New premises for National Centre for Farmer Health
The National Centre for Farmer Health (NCFH) is moving into a brand-new premises to continue its nation leading efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of farmers and their communities.
Read the full media release here.
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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.
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| Webinar: New Food Safety Standards for growers of berries, leafy green vegetables and melons |
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New Food Safety Standards for growers of berries, leafy green vegetables and melons will come into effect from 12 February 2025.
The standards apply to businesses of any size that grow or complete primary or ‘early-stage’ processing such as washing, trimming, sorting, sanitising or storing of berries, leafy vegetables or melons.
Join our webinar on Tuesday 10 December at 12 pm to hear more about how your business will meet the new standards.
Register here.
Find out more about the New Food Safety Standards on our website.
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| Are you struggling to control African Love Grass on your farm? |
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When: Saturday 7 December, 10 am.
Where: Gippsland Agricultural Group.
Register by calling 0409 436 133.
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| Understanding Farm Carbon Workshop - Warragul |
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When: Wednesday 11 December, 10 am - 2 pm
Where: Mercure Warragul, 23 Mason Street, Warragul
Register here.
Understanding and measuring greenhouse gas emissions (or carbon footprint) on dairy farms is vital. It provides farmers with valuable information for improving productivity and sustainability, and preparing for regulatory and market changes.
The Understanding Farm Carbon workshop supports dairy farm businesses to understand the drivers of greenhouse gas emissions and how to reduce their carbon footprint.
From understanding industry requirements to assessing potential productivity and environmental benefits, the workshop provides farmers with essential information and practical steps.
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| Utilising carcase information webinar |
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You are invited to join us as we unpack how to utilise carcase information using the MLA myFeedback tool.
When: Wednesday, 18 December, 1 – 2 pm
Where: Online via Zoom.
Register here.
myFeedback is an industry-first single source data program, combining the benefits of carcase and eating quality data with animal disease and defect insights in one place, enabling more accurate benchmarking of carcase performance.
Lachlan Jeffers, Meat Standards Australia, will take producers on a tour of the myFeedback program, demonstrate how the program functions and work through analysing and interpreting feedback data for both beef and sheep.
The program is designed to help producers make data-driven on-farm decisions to improve the quality and health of their livestock, in line with market requirements.
If you would like more information or experience difficulties registering, please contact Alison Desmond at Agriculture Victoria on 0409 424 274 or alison.desmond@agriculture.vic.gov.au
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When: Wednesday 18 December, 10 am - 2 pm
Where: Riverslea, address will be released closer to the date.
Register here.
Join GippsDairy on farm for a short farm tour and discussion of the findings of recent research into the effects of heat on the dairy herd.
Heat stress can be effectively managed with a proactive whole-of-year approach including changes to animal nutrition, on-farm infrastructure, and breeding programs.
The group will discuss strategies to help you minimise the impact of heat stress on your cows, optimise milk yield, and ensure the overall well-being of your herd.
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Enjoying the Gippsland 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 |
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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.
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