In this edition:

• Regional Drought Resilience Plans – have your say
• Future Drought Fund public consultation meeting in Shepparton
• Free financial counselling with RFCS
• Keep your bees and hives healthy this summer
• Farm fire preparedness tip – stock containment
• New biosecurity strategy keeping Victoria prepared
• A taste you can trace – episode 7
• Celebrating Victoria’s robust biosecurity system
• Sign up to the Weed Spotter newsletter
• Barley loose smut webinar recording now available
• In case you missed it
• What's on

Agriculture Victoria has been working with members of the Ovens Murray, Loddon Campaspe and Mallee communities to prepare a draft Drought Resilience Plan for the region.  

The Drought Resilience Plans propose themes, outcomes, and actions to better prepare the region for future droughts and help them to thrive in challenging times.

We invite all local community members to have their say on the draft plans by visiting EngageVic website before December 10 2023.

We encourage all interested parties to ‘follow’ the Regional Drought Resilience EngageVic page for updates.

The Ovens Murray, Loddon Campaspe and Mallee Drought Resilience Plans are the final 3 plans to be developed across Victoria’s 9 regions as part of the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund in partnership with the Victorian Government. 

Community feedback on the draft Plans for the Ovens Murray, Loddon Campaspe and Mallee regions is currently being sought.

Plans for Great South Coast, Barwon and Central Highlands are currently being finalised following input from community members.

Plans for Gippsland, Goulburn and Wimmera Southern Mallee have been published and are available to view online.

More information on the plans, the Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program and the Future Drought Fund is available on the Agriculture Victoria website. 

For more information on the development of Regional Drought Resilience Plan in the Ovens Murray region contact Rod Hayes.

For the plans in the Loddon Campaspe and Mallee contact Richard Soppe.

Responses close 10 December.

Future Drought Fund public consultation meeting in Shepparton

Members of the Future Drought Fund Consultative Committee are seeking your feedback on how drought resilience funding under the Future Drought Fund should be spent from 2024 to 2028.

Two documents have been released for public comment and are available on the department’s Have Your Say website:

• a draft Drought Resilience Funding Plan 2024 to 2028 (the Funding Plan) and
• a consultation draft of the Future Drought Fund Investment Strategy 2024 to 2028 (the Investment Strategy).

Public meetings are being held across Australia, including in Shepparton from 9-10:30 am on Friday 1 December 2023.

Please register your interest in attending at Future Drought Fund Public Consultation in Shepparton on Eventbrite here. 

In addition to public meetings, stakeholders can also provide written feedback through the Have Your Say website including public submissions and short responses to a survey.

Consultation will conclude on Wednesday 6 December 2023 at 5 pm.

Have you been impacted by recent floods, fires or dry seasonal conditions?

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.

Agriculture Victoria continues to manage the risk of Varroa mite spreading to Victoria.

Field teams are continuing port surveillance, conducting targeted surveillance and deploying sentinel hives at points of general risk along the Victorian/NSW border. 

Call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 if you see or suspect Varroa. 

For more information visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/varroa

Where will you place your stock during an emergency?

It’s crucial to have a refuge 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 – available at agriculture.vic.gov.au/bushfires

Find and use our Farm Fire Preparedness Toolkit here.

The Victorian Government has released a new framework to further strengthen the state’s biosecurity systems from the paddock to our borders.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently visited Auravale Alpacas in Belgrave South to launch Victoria’s Biosecurity Strategy, which calls for greater community collaboration to prepare for and respond to future biosecurity threats.

Victoria will face intensifying biosecurity risks – driven by climate change, increasing trade and travel, and changing land use – so a clear, statewide strategy was required to ensure the state’s $20.2 billion agriculture industry remains protected.

The new strategy outlines 5 overarching goals and 20 actions that will aim to safeguard the state against pests and diseases including foot-and-mouth disease.

The goals aim to build better partnerships with key stakeholders, strengthen the state’s capacity to prepare and respond to emergencies, and identify more ways government can support Victoria’s biosecurity system as a whole.

The Biosecurity Strategy was formed through extensive engagement with Traditional Owners and nearly 450 stakeholders covering all aspects of Victoria’s biosecurity system – from farmers and industry groups to land managers and emergency management agencies.

Biosecurity and emergency animal disease preparedness is a top priority for the Victorian Government. In the Victorian Budget 2023/24, an investment of $17.4 million will continue to strengthen our emergency animal disease preparedness, bringing the total investment since 2022 to $43 million.

To learn more about Victoria’s Biosecurity Strategy, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/2023-biosecurity-strategy

Traceability can help reduce food waste along the supply chain, ensuring fresh produce arrives at the end of its journey in top condition.  

In this episode, Luke Wood from Escavox discusses the tech used to follow food around the globe and how traceability can transform export businesses.

🎧🎧 Listen online via the AgVic website: agriculture.vic.gov.au/AgVicTalk

As the country celebrated National Agriculture Day recently, it’s crucial to recognise the exceptional efforts of Victoria’s Biosecurity System.

Recent 2022-23 performance data paints a clear picture of the essential work conducted by Agriculture Victoria staff on the ground.

Throughout the year, Agriculture Victoria conducted a total of 10,490 inspections, audits, and investigations of plants, animals, chemicals and invasive species, reflecting the dedicated effort to ensure the health and safety of Victoria’s agriculture.

In addition, they processed 26,611 services and permits online, streamlining the processes that support the agricultural industry.

Agriculture Victoria’s commitment to safeguarding the state’s agriculture is further exemplified by their response to animal disease investigations. Agriculture Victoria staff handled 1,764 animal disease investigations, of which 434 were conducted to exclude emergency animal diseases.

Agriculture Victoria responded to 16 biosecurity emergencies and incidents during the year, demonstrating their readiness to address unexpected challenges in the sector. Staff successfully completed 3 biosecurity emergency response exercises, highlighting their effectiveness in managing potential threats.

'These numbers articulate the resilience and profound significance of our agricultural industry,' Agriculture Victoria Biosecurity Executive Director Katherine Clift said.

'Reflective in the numbers, our staff quickly mobilised their expertise, initiated extensive surveillance and offered support measures following the varroa mite detection just over the Victorian border in NSW.

'Their swift response not only illustrates their commitment to biosecurity but also highlights their dedication to protecting Victorian bees, a vital component of a sustainable environment.'

In addition to these remarkable efforts, Agriculture Victoria conducted 669 investigations related to suspect and emergency plant pests and surveyed a staggering 1.77 million hectares of grain crops, which accounts for nearly half of the grain produced in Victoria.

They also responded to 73 exotic pest animal reports, resulting in 16 positive detections across 7 different species, and eradicated 100 state-prohibited weed sites.

On the trade front, Agriculture Victoria issued 4,986 livestock health export certificates and 3,791 plant health certificates, enabling safe and efficient movement of agricultural products.

On this day, we encouraged all Victorians to take a moment to reflect on the outstanding achievements of our agricultural sector of our biosecurity system in protecting and supporting our agriculture sector which is a cornerstone of the Victorian economy supporting over 68,870 jobs and generating more than $20 billion annually in 2021-22.

The Weed Spotter newsletter provides updates on the latest in weed news in Victoria, recent infestations found and removed, and where to go to report suspected weeds in your area. 

Subscribe to the Weed Spotter newsletter here.

If you missed the Barley loose smut seasonal update for Vic and WA last month, you can watch the webinar at your leisure here.

Hear cereal grain pathologists Hari Dadu and Andrea Hill present on key topics including:
➡️ why has 2023 has had higher levels of loose smut compared to other years?
➡️ what is the carryover risk?
➡️ what is the best management strategy?

Gains for breeding program from US trip

The pulse breeding program at Agriculture Victoria’s Horsham SmartFarm is reaping the benefits from a researcher’s recent study trip to the United States.

Read the media release in full here.

Helping Victorians choose a pet with confidence

The Victorian Government is helping Victorians find a puppy from a reputable breeder, ensuring the highest animal welfare standards for their new best friend.

Read the media release in full here.

Protecting Victoria’s abalone from virus outbreaks

A significant leap forward has been taken that will help keep Victoria’s abalone, a marine snail, safe and healthy.

A comprehensive new Code of Practice, that has been developed in close consultation with industry stakeholders, is now available.

Read the media release in full here.

Nominations for the 2023/2024 State and Territory Landcare Awards

Now in its 32nd year, the State and Territory Landcare Awards stand as a prestigious biennial national Landcare Awards program.

Find out more from the Landcare Australia website.

Nominations close Friday 1 March 2024.

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.

Love your pigs?

Please join us for our pig health webinar on Tuesday 5 December at 6 pm to ensure your pigs have a happy, healthy summer. 

We’ll look at common illnesses, their signs and prevention.

We’ll also share an update on major diseases, including Japanese encephalitis and tell you about our free worm testing and biosecurity planning program.

Register your place here.

Horse owners are invited to attend a full-day Equiculture workshop with internationally acclaimed author and presenter on best practice ‘equine lifestyle’, Stuart Myers, on Sunday 26 November. 

The workshop focuses on how to manage horses and the land they live on. Learn how to make decisions that will improve your life and the life of your horse/s.

In the workshop horse owners will learn how to use their horse's natural and domesticated behaviours, combined with good pasture management principles to improve and maintain their properties.

This includes how to manage pasture to encourage biodiversity and ground cover and manage horse health issues such as laminitis and obesity. 

It will also cover how to best design your property to maximise outcomes for your horses and the natural environment, including soil health and water quality.

Furthermore, by understanding best practice horse management you will learn about the aesthetic and financial benefits you can gain for your property – i.e. improved ground cover, reduced feed bills, lower parasitic (worm) burdens, and fewer weeds to control.

DATE: Sunday 26 November

TIME: 10:30 am – 4:30 pm

WHERE: Latrobe University, Wodonga 

To register for the workshop please click HERE

For further information please contact Gervaise Gaunt or 0409 027 115.

For more information on Stuart Myers, click HERE

You're invited to this free event hosted by the Gecko Clan Landcare Network.

Understand the seasonal outlook, local soil moisture conditions, and hear about what effect a summer El Nino will have on your farm.

Agriculture Victoria experts Dale Boyd and Dale Grey will present on the current and forecast conditions for our region.

DATE: Thursday 30 November

TIME: Doors open at 9:30 am for a 10 am start, concluding at midday

WHERE: Benalla Lakeside Community Centre (off Arundel Street)

COST: Free

BOOK ONLINE HERE

For phone bookings and enquiries text or call Landcare Facilitator Claire Birch on 0448 908 690.

DATE: Tuesday 5 December

TIME: 11 am - 2 pm

WHERE: VFA  Arcadia, 200 Ross Road, Arcadia

REGISTER ONLINE HERE

Have you ever wondered about the similarities between aquaculture and land-based production systems?

Join us for a social day off the farm as we visit the VFA native fish hatchery in Arcadia and tour around the newly developed facilities, built as a part of the Target One Million project.

Take some time off to enjoy a day out and catch up with some neighbours!

Lunch is supplied. 

Buses available from Rochester and Cobram.

• Bus 1: Rochester to Arcadia (via Kyabram and Tatura)
• Bus 2: Cobram to Arcadia (via Numurkah and Shepparton).

The event is free and open to all farmers.

For more information contact Tanya Dobrijevic on email or call 0429 353 649.

How does this year's fodder stack up for energy and protein?

Will it meet your livestock’s need?

Agriculture Victoria and Riverine Plains are offering 2 free feed quality tests for Towong and farmers to check the quality of their feed sources.

There are a limited number of tests available, so we’re encouraging farmers to register now.  

After the results have been returned, Agriculture Victoria will host a webinar to discuss options to keep your stock as productive as possible.

To register for the free feed tests:

• Click this link or fill out the accompanying paper form
• The registration form will include the process of sample collection and submission.

TOWONG - webinar

DATE: Thursday 7 December

TIME: 12:30 pm

Applicants for the free feed tests will be automatically invited to the webinar.

For webinar invite only, please contact Toni Dakis.

Learn about:

• Feed test result interpretation  
• Feeding Livestock website  
• Basic feed budgeting
• Flood recovery support.

MURRINDINDI - Feed Test Workshop

Agriculture Victoria and Murrindindi Shire Council are offering 2 free feed quality tests for Murrindindi farmers to check the quality of their feed sources.

There is a limited number of tests available, so we’re encouraging farmers to register now.  

After the results have been returned, Agriculture Victoria will host a webinar to discuss options to keep your stock as productive as possible.

To register for the free feed tests follow this link.

The registration form will include the process of sample collection and submission.

DATE: Tuesday 12 December

TIME: 5:30 pm

WHERE: Molesworth Hall

For more information contact Agricultural Recovery Officer on email Toni Dakis or call 0428 975 728.

Come along and join us for our Christmas catch up, morning tea.
NE Vic Women in Dairy are all about forging connections and friendships that go the distance and being there to support one another through the good times and the difficult times.  

• 5 Dec: Corryong 10am-12pm
• 6 Dec: Milawa 10am-12pm
• 7 Dec: Tallangatta 10am-12pm

Please RSVP via the QR Code corresponding to the day you would like to attend, or call Cindy Lucas on 0427 192 421 or Meaghan Daly on 0427 507 583.

Raising the Roof, the Australian dairy industry’s only major event which focuses specifically on intensive farm systems, will be held in the Hunter Valley in New South Wales from 27–29 February 2024.

Hear from international experts who are at the forefront of cutting-edge dairy farming.

Find out about global best practice, and the latest industry breakthroughs that are reshaping the future of dairy.

Learn about the tools and resources you’ll need to thrive in the ever-evolving dairy industry.

Gain invaluable insights that will empower you to make informed decisions about feedpad or contained housing infrastructure.

The line-up of international expert speakers is currently being finalised and tickets will be on sale soon.

Save the date, spread the word, and get ready to elevate your dairy game at Raising the Roof 2024!

• Learn from international experts about the latest thinking in dairy farming
• Hear from farmers who have already transitioned to intensive systems
• Find out about the latest feeding and housing infrastructure resources
• Forge strong connections with other farmers and industry stakeholders through networking.

EVENT DETAILS 27-29 February, Hunter Valley, NSW

SAVE THE DATE Tickets on sale soon.

For more information email karen.romano@dairyaustralia.com.au

Australia’s premier dairy event will return to the Victorian capital of Melbourne from 12-14 February 2024.

Program details and more information to be released throughout 2023.

Find out more here.

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