• Get emergency information in your hands
• Dry seasons and drought support
• The risk of exposure to historical chemical residues
• Choosing the best feed this winter
• Biosecurity Basics - episode 6: Introducing new livestock
• Research investment digs into the future of soil health
• Victorian Gorse Taskforce community grants now open
• Fox and wild dog bounty
• Free financial counselling with RFCS
• In case you missed it
• What's on

Download the VicEmergency app and set up a watch zone to receive up to date information about the avian influenza situation straight to your phone.

VicEmergency is Victoria’s combined source of information and warnings, with everything from fires and floods to shark sightings and earthquakes. It’s handy no matter where you are in the state.

There are currently two Community Information messages about avian influenza – stay informed by downloading the app or visiting www.emergency.vic.gov.au 

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.

Dr Jeff Cave, Agriculture Victoria Senior Veterinary Officer

At this time of year with this current season, paddocks may be looking pretty bare. 

There may be temptation to open up the area around the sheds to your cattle, which hasn’t been grazed for years. Perhaps you are thinking of letting them in to the old house paddock, an old dip site or garbage dump.

By doing this, you may unknowingly expose your cattle to chemical resides. Stock can readily pick up residues if they have access to localised areas of high-level contamination. 

Organochlorine (OC) pesticides such as DDT, dieldrin, and heptachlor are the main concerns, as these chemicals can stay in the soil for decades. 

Meat processors carry out extensive residue monitoring on slaughtered stock. Any carcase with a residue above the Australian maximum residue limit (MRL) is condemned for human consumption.

Plus, as the vendor you may be liable to legal action. So how can you avoid this happening?

Firstly, a monitoring history of known contaminated sites is available from Agriculture Victoria.

It’s what you don’t know that may cause you a problem.

How can you identify any likely risk areas on your property? Commonly identified OC risk areas include:

• buildings, yards, fences, stumps, and power poles treated with OC chemicals for termite control
• sheep dip sites used before 1963
• old containers or chemicals in farm rubbish dumps
• chemical storage, mixing and disposal sites 
• lawn clippings from OC contaminated areas
• land used for growing potatoes and tobacco before 1986
• land used for orchards before 1988 and vegetable production before 1986. 

As part of your risk assessment gather all available information on past OC use, including information from previous owners. 

Soil sampling may be required to determine if contamination is present and the level of any such contamination. 

However, in general it may be simpler to avoid potential risks by fencing risk areas to exclude cattle. 

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

When choosing the best feed to purchase for sheep or cattle, there are a few things to take into account – especially when feeding over winter.

Agriculture Victoria Livestock Industry Development Officer Nick Linden said costing feeds on the basis of energy is still the number one consideration, as energy content of the supplement will determine how much you need.

Feeding to requirements can have immediate and long-term implications. Maternal and offspring survival can be compromised if nutrition is insufficient during late pregnancy and lactation. There are also long-term implications for their future growth, maturity and fertility.

Other considerations that might help determine which supplements and the quantity you provide include:

Minimum protein

Lactating and young growing stock (especially those early weaned) will have the highest protein demands of any livestock on the farm. Lactating or young growing sheep require over 12% protein (and as high as 18%), whereas lactating or growing cattle require over 10%. Therefore, feeds like maize, oats and hays may not be sufficient for some stock if fed on their own.

Wastage

If feeding on the ground, wastage can become an even bigger factor once the ground gets wet. Larger grains, such as maize and beans, may be better than small grains like barley. Pellets break down and become less palatable quickly when wet. Therefore, when costing feeds, you may need to build in a wastage factor.

Cold conditions and muddy ground may also increase requirements by at least 20%.

Roughage (fibre)

As paddock feed declines over winter, it’s important to consider fibre intake, especially for growing livestock or those making milk. However, this must be balanced, as if fibre is too high, they may not be able to eat enough to meet their energy needs.

Processed grain

Some grains require processing when feeding to cattle to achieve the full energy value (like wheat, triticale and barley). If fed unprocessed, you may need to assume a lower energy value. Processing grains for sheep is not required and will just increase the chance of acidosis.

Infrastructure

The ability to store and handle feedstuffs needs to be considered. Adding a source of calcium (e.g. limestone) when feeding cereal grains will help meet the higher demand of lactating and growing stock.

Weeds and contamination

As the demand for hay and feeds is high, you may be sourcing from suppliers other than your usual provider. Be aware of introducing new weeds and think about inspecting the product before purchase.

Where to find resources for value and costing of feeds

Common values of feeds and animal requirements for energy and protein (sheep).

Common values of feeds and animal requirements for energy and protein (cattle).

Chapter 5 (pages 5–7) in the Drought Feeding Book - (Word version available on the FeedingLivestock website).

Drought feeding app.

Video: Costing out your feeds (youtube.com).

When introducing new livestock to your property, take simple steps to avoid biosecurity risks.

Geoff Kroker spent his career working in livestock research and development and he joins Rachel Laukart from RSPCA Victoria and Brett Davidson from Agriculture Victoria to discuss some simple ways to avoid exposing your livestock to new diseases. 

Listen via the AgVic website.

Two Victorian research projects are soon to be underway to protect the health of one of Australia’s most important living assets – soil.

The Victorian government supported by additional funding from the Australian government will deliver the $6.47 million projects as part of the National Soil Action Plan 2023 to 2028.

Delivered over the next two years, both projects will expand on existing research and aim to build soil health and productivity across Australia’s diverse landscapes.

Scientists from Agriculture Victoria and the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research will work together on the first project, focused on soil biology Across the Landscape.

Their research will focus on understanding microbial communities in agricultural land and in landscapes with native vegetation, including areas where rehabilitation programs such as revegetation are planned.

The second project will increase drought resilience in Victoria by targeting agriculture management practice changes that improve soil structure and function.

This will support greater water storage for plants, reduce nutrient loss to the environment, and increase the potential to build soil carbon.

Project delivery will commence in the second half of this year, with both projects to be completed by June 2028.

The National Soil Action Plan 2023-2028 is the first action plan under the National Soil Strategy.

For more information about the National Soil Action Plan, visit agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land.

The Victorian Gorse Taskforce (VGT) annual Community Grants Program is now open for 2024/25. 

The VGT with support from Agriculture Victoria offers funding support for community-led gorse control projects.

Community Grants program objectives:

• Reduce the impacts of gorse on environmental, agricultural, and social values
• Strengthen community and stakeholder connections for better gorse outcomes
• Build community knowledge and capacity in managing gorse
• Promote best practice gorse management.

Funding

Community groups may apply for funding up to $8,000 for onground gorse control works on private land. All participating landholders involved may receive up to $1,500 in grant funding and must match this with their own monetary contribution.

Eligibility

Grants are available to all Victorian Community Group organisations that have a focus on improving natural and agricultural areas.

How to apply

Visit the website and download a copy of the 2024/25 VGT Community Grants Funding Guidelines and Application Form. 

Once you have completed your application, email to info@vicgorsetaskforce.com.au

For more information, contact the VGT on 0417 593 250 or send an email to info@vicgorsetaskforce.com.au

Victoria’s bounty collections continue.

Please check our website for the latest information, collection centres and dates. Click here.

For any assistance, please speak to our bounty collection staff on collection days or call our customer service centre on 136 186.

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.

Shortcutting fruit fly control with dwarf trees

If you are planning to plant fruit trees this winter, consider dwarf trees as an easier option to protect against fruit fly.

Read the full media release here.

Avian influenza detected at seventh property

Avian influenza virus has been confirmed at a seventh Victorian farm, which was already in quarantine.

Read the full media release here.

Northern Pacific Seastar

Reports of a significant die-off of the Northern Pacific seastar, a highly invasive marine pest, have been confirmed at Carrum in south-eastern Port Phillip Bay.

Read the full media release here.

Applying First Nations’ approaches to agriculture training

Future agricultural workers will benefit from a $2 million investment by the Victorian government to support projects that embed Aboriginal traditional knowledge and practices into accredited agriculture TAFE training.

Read the full media release here.

Inspiring investment in Victorian AgTech startups

The Victorian government is investing in new tech startups to drive innovation in the agriculture industry and create new technologies that will help farmers improve their efficiency and adapt to new challenges.

Read the full media release here.

Details about Agriculture Victoria events can be found in one spot on our website. Log on to the Events page to keep in touch with upcoming events.

Join this webinar to learn more about leasing your land for renewable energy development, including:

• The land agreement process for renewable projects
• Your rights and protecting your interests
• How to maximise benefits for yourself, your farm and community
• Where to get help
• Farmer experiences

When: Wednesday 26 June, 12 - 1:30 pm

Register via https://bit.ly/4bJJBbE

Questions? Contact hume.engagement@deeca.vic.gov.au

When: Wednesday 26 June, 6 - 7:30 pm

New to calving? Wanting to learn more? Maybe you just need a quick refresher! 

This free webinar is perfect for you. 

Get ready for the calving season with a checklist covering everything you need to know.

From when to call a vet to prepping your calving box, we've got you covered. 

Join Stock Sense and seasoned expert Rob Bananno, who brings over 30 years of farming and veterinary experience to the table. 

Don't miss out on this invaluable session!

Register here.

Do multispecies pastures increase resilience of rainfed dairy systems?

Join GippsDairy on-farm for a field day in Goon Nure to discuss the Mixed Species Project, a joint project between the University of Melbourne and Dairy Australia. This farm is one of eleven dairy farm trial sites across Victoria looking at how multispecies pastures might work to make grazing-based dairy more climate resilient in the southern Australian dairy industry.

When: Wednesday 26 June, 10:30 am - 1:30 pm

Where: Vera Vale Park, Goon Nure.

More information and to register.

Baw Baw Shire and Gippsland Jersey are hosting screenings of the film Just a Farmer at Lardner Park for the local farming community.

Agriculture Victoria is supporting this event through its Farmers Day Out program in support of mental health and wellbeing and social connection in rural communities.

Where: Lardner Park
When: Thursday 27 June, 11 am and 7 pm.

Register here.

When: Tuesday 2 July, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Where: Gippsland Agricultural Centre.

Register here.

When: Tuesday 9 July, 4:30 - 7:30 pm
Where: Buchan Recreation Reserve. 

Register here.

The GSSA conference at Bendigo on 17-18 July will offer something for everyone. 

The central theme will focus on ‘Evidence Based Decision Making’ and the topics have been built around what farmers need to know. 

Delegates will be able to choose from 2 bus tours. One to a property north of Bendigo integrating lucerne into a profitable livestock system and one to a higher rainfall perennial pasture property south of Bendigo. 

Topics will include: 

• Carbon - an informed farmers perspective 
• Carbon neutral livestock production - is it possible? 
• Soil carbon and fertility 
• Measuring and knowing your soil carbon levels 
• Old clover identification and sub optimal clover nodulation 
• Paddock livestock weighing 
• What bugs you? 
• Use of drones in agriculture 
• Facial livestock recognition 
• Remote pasture measurement 
• Running lambs on improved varieties of perennial ryegrass vs more persistent Victorian ryegrass - animal responses above yield responses 
• N efficiency and endophytes in ryegrass pastures 
• Introduction to fertiliser calculator tool. 

For more information visit the website.

When: Wednesday 24 July and Thursday 25 July
Where: Rich River Golf Club in Moama.

Register here.

The conference is a collaboration between dairy, grains and cotton with the aim of providing information for profitable and sustainable farm business. The program features sessions covering the latest research, technological advancements, and sustainable practices.

Conference highlights:

• Exploring marketing and consumer trends - Ron Storey, Storey Marketing
• New technology in weed control - Michael Walsh, Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water and Environment, Charles Sturt University
• Latest advances in nitrogen fertiliser - Helen Suter School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne
• Over the gate - practices and innovation driving on farm productivity Panel - hear what other farmers are implementing to ensure productive sustainable businesses into the future
• Grain, forage and fodder - mitigating risk of summer crop options (cotton, maize, sorghum) - Kieran O’Keefe Regional Extension Officer, CottonInfo and Yvette Williams, Research and Innovation Coordinator Murray Dairy
• Seeds of hope: The Aussie Hay Runners' Journey - Peter Wuthrich Aussie Hay Runners.

The Gala Dinner on the evening of Wednesday 24 July, will commemorate 25 years of the Irrigation Farmers Network achievements in RD&E. Featuring Renee Anderson, farmer and ag industry advocate as the special guest speaker.

Livestock 2024 is the third biennial conference delivered by SALRC. This year's theme is environmental challenges and opportunities for Australian livestock industries.

Location: Atura Hotel, Albury NSW. 

Date: Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 August.

Tickets on sale soon. 

Click here to register for conference updates.

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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.