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Gippsland Ag News
 
Thursday, 5 May 2022
In this edition:
Coronavirus update

Keep up to date with all the latest restrictions and requirements at coronavirus.vic.gov.au

Latest ag news
More support for vulnerable pet owners
Pet poodle image

The Victorian Government is supporting animal welfare organisations to provide care for animals whose owners are experiencing family violence or other crises, backed by funding in the Victorian Budget 2022/23.

Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas, Member for Geelong Christine Couzens and Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville visited Cherished Pets in Ocean Grove recently to announce $615,000 for an animal welfare package that will ensure animal care organisations have the tools and resources to care for animals in need.

Cherished Pets will receive $465,000 to support the delivery of its ‘Geelong Pets in Crisis Project’ – which provides immediate respite for the pets of people experiencing housing insecurity or fleeing violence.

It safeguards the security of the pet, while assuring peace of mind of the owner, allowing them to focus on their own safety and wellbeing.

The funding will go toward pet boarding facilities that can be accessed at short notice as well as expand the team’s veterinary social work services to respond to complex crisis cases.

Cherished Pets provides specialised pet care services for animals living in family violence situations, as well as for pet owners living with disabilities or mental illness.

Keeping families and their pets together can help improve health outcomes for all involved, and the safety of pets that have experienced trauma must not be forgotten.

The government is also investing in Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre with $150,000 to expand its Pets in Crisis Program which finds pet-friendly emergency accommodation for victims of family violence, ensuring the animal is not left behind.

CLOSING SOON! June 2021 storms and floods grants

Grants of up to $25,000 are now available to help reimburse primary producers for clean-up and recovery activities as a direct result of the Severe Weather event of 9 –11 June 2021.

The Exceptional Circumstances Recovery grants can be used to cover activities including removing fallen trees, removing silt and debris, specialist support for landslip and erosion remediation.

The support can also contribute to the cost of repairs or replacement of damaged farm infrastructure such as fencing and equipment.

To apply for a grant or to see if you are eligible, visit Rural Finance.

The Fast Break
The Fast Break banner image

A timely and high-volume seasonal break arrived in April to most of Victoria’s drier regions.

The exception was the far western Mallee and Wimmera and the western half of the far southwest, where rainfall was insufficient to start and continue pasture germination.

Soil moisture increased rapidly with the 25 millimetre-plus falls in the northwest.

Eastern Victoria is still quite unseasonably wet which increases the risk of winter waterlogging. Drier areas are far southwest Gippsland and the far southwest.

READ IN FULL HERE

Monitoring continues for Japanese encephalitis

Agriculture Victoria is working closely with both the pig and horse industries in response to Japanese encephalitis.

There are now a total of 22 properties with pigs confirmed with Japanese encephalitis in Victoria.

These are located across the Wangaratta, Moira, Greater Shepparton, Campaspe, Gannawarra, Loddon, Greater Bendigo and Northern Grampians local government areas. A number of suspected cases are under investigation.

Pork is safe to eat.

Victorians are being reminded to protect themselves from mosquito bites particularly when spending time outdoors.

Japanese encephalitis vaccines are recommended for people at a higher risk of exposure to the virus, such as those working with pigs. All people should undertake measures to reduce exposure to mosquitoes.

For more information about Japanese encephalitis virus and animals visit Agriculture Victoria’s website: agriculture.vic.gov.au/je

For more information about Japanese encephalitis virus and human health contact your GP or phone NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 606 024, or go to www.health.vic.gov.au/jev

Acute bovine liver disease
Rough Dog’s Tail (Cynosurus echinatus), also known as Manifold Grass image

Image: Rough Dog’s Tail (Cynosurus echinatus), also known as Manifold Grass

Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer

With the abundant pasture growth of recent months, and the light stocking rates on many properties, there may be a large amount of dry standing feed present.

This coupled with anticipated autumn breaking rains in the not-too-distant future, farmers are advised to be on the lookout for an emerging disease of cattle named Acute Bovine Liver Disease (ABLD).

The disease was first noted in Tasmania in 1987, and in recent years several incidents have been seen in south-west Victoria, south-east South Australia, Gippsland, and north-east Victoria. 

The condition has been seen in both beef and dairy cattle. In the worst cases there has been a sudden onset of deaths in cattle. In some incidents there were many cattle deaths.

The typical symptoms of photosensitisation, such as depression, agitation, raised temperature, and reddening of the lighter coloured skin and udder may be seen prior to death, and are also common conditions amongst the surviving animals.

The pathology reports are consistent with an acute liver disease. Cases are consistently linked to access to a plant called Rough Dog’s Tail (Cynosurus echinatus), also known as Manifold Grass.

Whether the grass itself is poisonous, or whether it is a carrier for another toxin such as a fungus, is to be established.

There is no known direct cure of affected cattle, but veterinary treatment to alleviate the effects of photosensitisation may help. To date, ABLD has not been identified in other species.

Several common features have been seen during each outbreak:

  • access to Rough Dog's Tail prior to the onset of clinical signs. Rough Dog's Tail is typically found on steep, hilly paddocks adjoining crown land
  • access to paddocks with an abundance of dry standing feed that had been spelled for over three months
  • significant season breaking rain in late autumn or early winter at the time of the introduction of cattle onto those paddocks.

For further information please contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria veterinary or animal health officer, or in NSW your Local Land Services.

Cultural competency webinar
Image: Presenter Galia Bastoni from Australian Red Cross

Image: Presenter Galia Bastoni from Australian Red Cross

Do you employ people from a culturally or linguistically diverse background in your workplace?

If you want to find out ways to make your business more attractive to people from different background and take advantage of the benefits they bring, then sign up to the Welcoming Workplaces webinar on 27 May from 12 pm.

In the webinar you will learn to how to develop and encourage positive attitudes in workplaces and address barriers preventing people from migrant backgrounds participating in the agricultural workforce.  The webinar will also look at the strengths and skills they bring to the business and how to make your business more attractive.

Welcoming Workplaces is a Red Cross initiative that encourages and builds capacity in welcoming new arrivals into your workplace. It aims to help build capacity in fostering appreciation of diversity in the workplace, increase understanding of the impact of forced migration and build skills/ values such as equality, solidarity, cooperation, empathy, responsibility and resilience.

Register to attend at: http://bitly.ws/qCfN

For more information contact Del Delpitiya from Agriculture Victoria on 0436 649 860 or del.delpitiya@agriculture.vic.gov.au

The Victorian Government is committed to improving safety and skills on farms, visit Smarter Safer Farms for more: https://go.vic.gov.au/ZGj6HE

Victorian Fox and Wild Dog Bounty is now digital
Bounty banner

To streamline payment processes for fox and wild dog bounty participants, we have introduced a digital bounty application system.

Registering is easy. 

Access the form at the top of our bounty homepage and simply input your email and banking details.

The new system will ensure payment is quick and easy, and also allow participants to keep track of bounty applications.

Over the coming months as we transition to a digital system, hunters will still have access to the paper-based system.

Please pre-register online, chat to our bounty collection staff on collection days or call our Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

Backing our farmers and regional communities

The Victorian Government is supporting our farmers, boosting local jobs and strengthening regional economies with new investments in agriculture and regional development as part of the Victorian Budget 2022/23.

Some $193.4 million will be invested in regional development and agriculture, advancing the 10 year agriculture strategy and helping the sector remain strong, innovative and sustainable.

The government has invested more than $700 million in its flagship Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund since 2015 – supporting around 13,000 jobs and delivering 1,000 projects.

This year, the fund will receive another $30 million to help businesses create more jobs in regional Victoria, support more community projects and help councils build the infrastructure locals need.

The government is investing $5 million through the new Living Local – Regional Fund, designed to support growing towns with local projects to connect communities and make our regions even more appealing places to live, work and invest.

In the Latrobe Valley, the government continues to support new jobs growth, with another $7.5 million for the Latrobe Valley Authority (LVA) to continue its important work with the local community, including the development of a new transition plan to support the region through the power station’s planned closures.

This plan will continue to put workers at the heart of the government’s long-term work for the valley, as we keep providing dedicated support in consultation with workers, unions and the local community.

The new funding will also continue support for the successful Ladder Step Up program, which helps young people unlock opportunities across education, jobs and training – strengthening their health and wellbeing. This is on top of our $1.9 million investment in the program since 2017.

The government is backing regional leaders, with $3.9 million over four years to help key groups continue their work – including the Country Women’s Association (CWA) and the Cross Border Commissioner.

The CWA is a much-loved organisation and plays an important advocacy and support role to help women living in rural and regional areas stay connected. Established in 1928, the Victorian CWA has around 5,000 members across 300 local branches across the state.

Agriculture is worth $17.8 billion to the Victorian economy and almost one third of Australia’s total agricultural value. The more we produce and sell, the more jobs are created in local communities.

The government is investing $2.9 million to support agribusinesses across Victoria reach new markets and grow their sales globally – which ultimately means more jobs for Victorians.

This includes funding to continue the successful Drink Victorian campaign, and for Vic House in Shanghai, which gives Victorian agriculture producers and exporters dedicated in-market space to showcase their products.

Farmers and producers will also benefit from the new Victorian Grown initiative, which will get more locally produced food and drinks into Victorian businesses and on Victorian tables.

The government will continue to fund drought preparedness and business planning programs for farmers and communities with $1.4 million available over two years.

A strong biosecurity system protects Victoria’s economy, environment, cultural heritage and way of life. This budget will deliver $1.8 million over the next four years to ensure farmers and industry are better prepared to respond to biosecurity threats.

A further $12 million is being invested in innovative projects in Horsham, including glasshouses and an incubation hub – putting Victoria on the map as a driver of alternative proteins, fast-tracked research and programs to target new markets and consumers.

Animal welfare will receive a boost, with $18.6 million going to initiatives that support their care and protection. This includes preparatory work for a new Animal Care and Protection Act and establishing a regulatory framework for the pet rehoming sector.

These changes will update Victoria’s animal protection laws, support our reputation for the highest standards of animal welfare and ensure food and fibre producers can continue to access important markets.

As part of this, $11.5 million will fund the development of a purpose-built regional animal facility to service the needs of the growing community in and around Ballarat. The new Ballarat Animal Shelter will ease pressure on the existing facility, improving the standard of animal care in the area.

Almost $2 million over two years will support companion animal care – including Victoria’s first-ever Pet Census, which will gather vital information to better understand trends and issues in pet ownership, helping work towards better targeted programs.

The government will deliver Victoria’s first comprehensive cat management strategy, a long-term plan to consider overpopulation, encourage responsible ownership and support better welfare for both cats and native wildlife.

Animal welfare support has also been made available to multiple animal welfare organisations for resources and tools to care for animals in need.

The budget invests an additional $10.5 million to support the ongoing roll-out of the Victorian Forestry Plan. This is in addition to $89.7 million announced in December 2021 to support workers, communities and businesses to transition away from native timber harvesting.

Our regional unemployment rate is the lowest in the nation at 3.2 per cent. Since November 2014, regional unemployment has fallen by more than half and jobs have grown by more than 12 per cent in regional and rural Victoria – resulting in more than 80,000 more people employed compared to when we came to office.

This year’s budget provides $5.7 billion for regional initiatives, taking the government’s total investment in regional Victoria to more than $36 billion since 2015.

VGT community grants are open
Gorse in flower image

Do you have gorse?

The Victorian Gorse Taskforce (VGT) is calling for grant applications for their 2022/2023 Small Community Grants Program.

$5,000 IN GRANTS AVAILABLE

The VGT are interested in supporting groups, starting from just two landholders, who are genuinely willing to control gorse and stay on top of it.

  • Grants are now open - and will close 28 May 2022.

For more information contact the VGT Executive Officer on 0417 593 250 or at info@vicgorsetaskforce.com.au or visit our website.

VFF Stock Sense Cattle Roadshow

Stock Sense is teaming up with several expert speakers to present at a FREE workshop on a range of cattle health, welfare, and biosecurity topics.

Topics include:

  • Pain relief in cattle
  • Trucksafe and fit-to-load standards
  • Lumpy Skin Disease
  • Importance of on-farm biosecurity.

When and where:

Corryong – 10 May (9 am – 1 pm) at Corryong Hotel Motel
Benalla – 10 May (6 – 9 pm) at Benalla Bowls Club.

Registrations are essential, click here to register.

Each event will provide attendees with a lunch/dinner and time to ask questions of the invited speakers.

For more information please contact Tegan on 0417 316 791 or at stocksense@vff.org.au

Latest AgVic podcast information – Caylem Roberts and Russell Adcock
AgVic podcast banner

Listen to this podcast to hear how Caylem Roberts is creating a pathway into agriculture.

While Russell Adcock – our Senior Aboriginal Employment and Engagement Advisor – talks about achieving self-determination and how his role helps make this happen.

You can hear more from Caylem and Russell by searching for AgVic Talk wherever you get your podcasts or listen online via the AgVic website agriculture.vic.gov.au/AgVicTalk

Fox and wild dog bounty – north east collection details
Fox image

Victorian fox and wild dog collections have recommenced.

Acceptable entire fox scalps and entire wild dog body parts will be collected from eligible members of the public at specific dates and times, and from sites scheduled as collection centres.

Please note that no entire fox scalps or entire wild dog body parts will be accepted at any public counter or state government office.

Collections will only be accepted at the designated times.

2022 Benalla collections

Address: Depot, 89 Sydney Road, Benalla.

Collection type: Fox only

Time: 10 am – noon

Dates:

  • Wednesday, 25 May
  • Wednesday, 22 June
  • Wednesday, 20 July 
  • Wednesday, 17 August 
  • Wednesday, 14 September 
  • Wednesday, 12 October. 

2022 Broadford collections

Address:5 Mollinson Street, Broadford.

Collection type: Fox only

Time: 10.30 am – 12.30 pm

Dates: 

  • Thursday, 26 May 
  • Thursday, 23 June 
  • Thursday, 21 July 
  • Thursday, 18 August 
  • Thursday, 15 September 
  • Thursday, 13 October.

2022 Ovens collections

Address: 5338 Great Alpine Road, Ovens.

Collection type: Fox and wild dog

Time: 1.30 – 3.30 pm

Dates:

  • Tuesday, 24 May 
  • Tuesday, 21 June 
  • Tuesday, 19 July 
  • Tuesday, 16 August 
  • Tuesday, 13 September 
  • Tuesday, 11 October.

2022 Mansfield collections

Address: Depot, 128 Highett Street, Mansfield.

Collection type: Fox and wild dog

Time: 2 – 4 pm

Dates:

  • Wednesday, 25 May 
  • Wednesday, 22 June
  • Wednesday, 20 July 
  • Wednesday, 17 August
  • Wednesday, 14 September 
  • Wednesday, 12 October.

2022 Tatura collections

Address: Depot, 255 Ferguson Road, Tatura

Collection type: Fox only

Time: 11.30 am – 1.30 pm

Dates:

  • Monday, 23 May 
  • Monday, 20 June 
  • Monday, 18 July 
  • Monday, 15 August 
  • Monday, 12 September 
  • Monday, 10 October.

2022 Wodonga collections

Fox and wild dog

Address: 14 Moorefield Park Drive, Wodonga.

Collection type: Fox and wild dog

Time: 9 – 11 am

Dates

  • Tuesday, 24 May
  • Tuesday, 21 June
  • Tuesday, 19 July 
  • Tuesday, 16 August 
  • Tuesday, 13 September 
  • Tuesday, 11 October.
The Ag Recovery Team is here to help
the ag recovery team is here to help

Agriculture Victoria’s Ag Recovery Team is here to support growers in the horticulture industry affected by the June storms and floods across Victoria.

Phone 0427 694 185 or email recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au or visit the Agriculture Victoria website agriculture.vic.gov.au

What's on?

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.

Myrtleford, Mansfield and Tallangatta – register now for Young Farmer Business Bootcamps

BOOK NOW - Agriculture Victoria is offering young farmers and those new to farming the opportunity to take part in one of a series of Young Farmer Business Bootcamps, to be held in Myrtleford, Mansfield and Tallangatta this autumn.

Over the two full days business bootcamp participants will develop cash flow budgeting skills, a strong understanding of risk management and planning plus have the opportunity to fine-tune their business goals.

Presenter Paul Blackshaw, Meridian Agriculture farm business advisor based at Rutherglen, will share his vast experience and knowledge in farm financial analysis, benchmarking, farm business performance and succession planning.

Mansfield – Friday 13 and 20 May

Tallangatta – Friday 27 May and 3 June

Registrations are limited to 15 participants per business bootcamp.

Register now HERE

For assistance or more information please contact Paul Simpson, on 0455 750 605 or at paul.simpson@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Farm finance – young farmers getting prepared together
Farm finance banner image

Young farmers across Victoria are being invited to come together for farm finance workshops at a number of locations, as well as to network and ask questions.

Agriculture Victoria is offering the Farm Finance – Getting Prepared sessions as in-person events after having to shift to an online format for the past two years.

The workshops will be an opportunity to have open and transparent conversations about farm finance and get some tips on how to communicate in ‘bank speak’.

By the end of the session participants will have a new clarity on finance and how the whole system works.

All sessions will be held between 6 – 8.30 pm and are scheduled for:

Maryborough – Wednesday 11 May
Wangaratta – Wednesday 18 May
Ouyen – Wednesday 25 May
Horsham – Wednesday 1 June.

To register or to find out more visit https://bit.ly/3O3eht0

The Farm Finance – Getting Prepared series is supported by Agriculture Victoria’s Smarter, Safer Farms program.

Pathways to Export webinars

Immerse yourself in an exclusive three-part educational series to learn about global market opportunities, focusing on the China market, and how Agriculture Victoria’s new Pathways to Export program can assist your international trade journey.

Hear from the Victorian Government’s Deputy Trade Commissioner in China and key in-market experts who will help you gain a deeper understanding of international market opportunities.

Register for your exclusive ticket to export:

Part 3: Business Matching Essentials

Tuesday 24 May 2 – 3 pm

Register HERE

Online NLIS training – upcoming May workshop
NLIS training banner

When: 25 May, 9 – 10.30 am

This is a two-part online training to assist Victorian livestock producers to use the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) database to complete livestock transfers. This training is relevant to cattle, sheep, and goat owners and managers. Part 1 is an online video you watch before attending Part 2, the scheduled interactive webinar.

You will learn about livestock traceability, take a tour of the NLIS database, watch a live demonstration of how to transfer livestock and practice completing a transfer. There will be time at the end of the webinar for participants to ask the presenter questions.

Numbers are limited to allow for an interactive session.

More information and registration links for each event on the Agriculture Victoria events page.

Save the date: BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef annual conference

Agriculture Victoria is looking forward to delivering the 2022 BWBL/BB conference in June.

When: 15 – 16 June
Where: Bendigo

The program and further information will be available soon.

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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/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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