• 23 March hailstorm support – applications closing 14 November
• Free financial counselling with RFCS
• Keep your bees and hives healthy this summer
• Watch now - webinars on managing seasonal variability
• Farm fire preparedness tip – farm mapping
• Australian Women in Agriculture 2023 Conference
• A taste you can trace – episode 6
• EOI – Victorian Agriculture and Climate Change Council
• Growers needed for research to assess regen ag
• In case you missed it
• What's on?

Applications close at 4 pm on 14 November 2023 for Concessional Loans available to support producers impacted by the 23 March hailstorm event.

Primary producers in the City of Greater Shepparton and the Yarra Ranges local government areas whose properties were directly impacted by the 23 March hailstorm or who suffered a significant loss of income as a direct result of the hailstorm event are eligible to apply for a Hailstorm Primary Producer Concessional Loan of up to $250,000 to restore or replace damaged assets, and meet general expenses incurred during the clean-up.

For more information, visit the Rural Finance website or call 1800 260 425.

For assistance in applying contact the Rural Financial Counselling Service on 1300 771 741.

Rural Finance administers this program which is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

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.

Keep your bees happy, healthy and productive as the weather warms up - bee aware of the biosecurity basics:

• 🐝 Be aware of biosecurity threats, such as Varroa mite
• 🐝 Practice good hygiene and sanitation
• 🐝 Check your apiary and monitor hives and the health of the honeybee brood frequently
• 🐝 Respect and be aware of laws and regulations established to protect the honeybee industry, Australian agriculture, and the local region.
• 🐝 Report anything unusual to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

For the latest information:

•  agriculture.vic.gov.au/varroa 
• beeaware.org.au/biosecurity/biosecurity-basics

Missed our recent webinar series or want to rewatch a session?

Click below to catch up on best preparing your farm for the changing seasons.

Managing Seasonal Variability – A Farmer’s Perspective

Central Victorian farmer Mr Ben Greene will explain how he and his wife Jodie manage seasonal variability while still running a profitable and sustainable farming operation.

Climate Update and Tools

Confused about the climate predictions for spring and summer?

Join renowned Agriculture Victoria Seasonal Risk Agronomist Dale Grey for the low down on the season ahead.

Fodder Conservation

Hay, silage or straw? Join Agriculture Victoria Dairy Extension Officer Michelle Jolliffe to hear the latest information on fodder conservation.

Siting and Design of a Stock Containment Area

Do stock containment areas really work?

How big should I make the pens? How much do they cost?

Presented by Agriculture Victoria Land Management Extension Officer Clem Sturmfels.

Clem’s detailed presentation is based on more than 30 years experience working in this field.

Animal nutrition and feeding during dry times

A session on animal considerations as we move into possibly dryer/hotter spring and summer conditions. Includes the use of Stock Containment Areas.

Covering some of the basics and principles involved in feeding your stock through summer.

Presented by Nick Linden, Agriculture Victoria Livestock Industry Development Officer.

Is Your Farm Water Supply Up To Scratch?

Presented by Agriculture Victoria Land Management Extension Officer Clem Sturmfels.

Clem has spent much of his career helping farmers with the design, construction and repair of farm dams.

He is also experienced in the design and construction of farm pipelines.

Have you included a farm map in your fire preparedness plan?

A farm map can be useful in an emergency by clearly showing critical assets, water sources, assembly/evacuation and exit points and stock refuge areas.

Check out the tips on developing your farm map in our Fire Preparedness Toolkit.

Find and use our Farm Fire Preparedness Toolkit here.

The Australian Women in Agriculture National Conference is coming to Bendigo in November.

Please join us to celebrate the role of women in the agricultural industry. The conference provides a platform for women to connect, learn, and grow.

A variety of speakers that will inform, influence, innovate and inspire.

• Friday 24 November gala dinner
• Friday afternoon we will kick off with drinks and canapes from 5 pm and then roll into a gala dinner from 6 pm
• Saturday 25 November conference 9:30 am to 2:30 pm.

The conference features inspiring speakers, informative workshops, and networking opportunities, fostering a sense of community and support among women in agriculture.

It addresses important topics such as leadership, sustainable farming practices, and personal growth.

Ultimately, the Women in Agriculture Conference is a testament to the resilience, innovation, and influence of women in shaping the future of agriculture.

Registration

• Full package (Friday and Saturday) $180
• Networking evening and gala dinner (Friday 24) $85
• Conference (Saturday 25) $110
• AWiA members - 10% discount on ticket prices!

Tickets at: awia2023conf.eventbrite.com.au

For more information visit www.awiaconference.com.au

Discover the world of traceability and how it is ensuring brand Australia is top of mind.

Hear from Michael Dosser, Group General Manager at Results Group, about the many benefits of introducing traceability into your business using a recent pilot with the Australian Table Grape Association as evidence.

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

Expressions of interest are now open for the next term of the Victorian Agriculture and Climate Change Council (the Council).

Those interested in being considered for the Council can apply through the Join a Board website.

The Council is a ministerial advisory council that provides advice to the Minister for Agriculture on how the agriculture sector can prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change and be part of the transition to a net zero emissions economy.

The Council plays a key role in supporting the Victorian Government to deliver strong and lasting action on climate change for the agriculture sector, which is already experiencing the impacts of an increasingly variable and extreme climate.

This includes working with industry to build on the action already being taken.

Key info:

• How to apply: Go to the Join a Board website to read more about the role and to submit an application
• Applications close 5 pm, 12 November 2023.

A national hunt is on for at least 60 growers who use a range of farming practices to assist in a GRDC research investment exploring current cropping methods, with a focus on regenerative agriculture.

Regenerative agriculture has become a topical issue in Australia in recent years, however, there is no regulatory or widely accepted definition of the practice.

GRDC’s investment aims to gain a better understanding of the relevant objectives and how they might be changing soil, land and business management.

Using this knowledge, the project team will establish ways to monitor the potential benefits or disadvantages of regenerative agriculture in Australian cropping systems across a range of agronomic, soil health, ecological, social and economic indicators.

READ THE MEDIA RELEASE IN FULL HERE

Farm biosecurity simplified with new animations

Victorian livestock owners can brush up on their farm biosecurity knowledge using a series of easy-to-follow animations.

Agriculture Victoria has released a series of new animated videos, highlighting a range of important biosecurity information in a simple format.

READ THE MEDIA RELEASE IN FULL HERE

Prevent parasite impacts on your pig herd health

Agriculture Victoria has found roundworm (Ascaris suum) in one-third of pig herds tested as part of a free new animal health program.

READ THE MEDIA RELEASE IN FULL HERE

Biosecurity matters for contractors

As the winter crop ripens rapidly in the southern state’s grain belt, thoughts of managing the harvest are front of mind for grain growers.

READ THE MEDIA RELEASE IN FULL HERE

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.

Ready to grow your agri-food business by exploring export opportunities but not sure where to start?

Or have you had a bit of export experience but want to take it further?

Agriculture Victoria is delivering a series of in-person workshops to support agri-food and beverage SMEs to navigate the pathway to export.

By the end of the workshop, you can expect to:

• Understand the key steps of the export process
• Have identified relevant export risks and ways to protect your business
• Know how to approach enquiries from international buyers
• Have heard from experienced agri-food exporters about how they identified demand and have built sustainable international partnerships
• Have a plan for your next steps on the pathway to export.

Agriculture Victoria is partnering with Shirley Ng from the Australian Industry (Ai) Group to provide tailored, agri-food and beverage specific export information to support your exporting journey.

The workshops are free to attend for one attendee per business, and places are limited. A light lunch will be provided.

Dates and locations, click to register:

• Friday 10 November - Attwood
• Monday 13 November - Bendigo
• Wednesday 15 November - Ballarat

For more information, contact Alice Ritchie at pathwaystoexport@agriculture.vic.gov.au or call 0429 386 781.

Agriculture Victoria invites you to the launch of its Advanced Thermal Treatment of Agricultural Residues commercial feasibility assessment tool.

Agricultural and woody biomass residues generated across rural and regional Victoria can be converted into renewable power and thermal energy, also producing biochar and wood vinegar.

Join this webinar to hear a practical discussion behind the commercial case for investing in pyrolysis or gasification for your farm with topic experts and farm businesses.

Date: Monday 13 November

Time: 11:30 am to 1 pm

REGISTER ONLINE HERE

Key areas of discussion include:

• Investment case for pyrolysis/ gasification
• Live projects: an operational unit and one under development
• Introduction the feasibility assessment tool.

Speakers include:

• Kelly Wickham – Agriculture Victoria
• Kane Ravenscroft – Optimal Group
• Dominic Murphy – Meredith Dairy.

Agriculture Victoria has the workshop series to help you build more resilience in your farm business.

You will leave each workshop with new skills and an action plan to achieve your business goals.

As a bonus, if you attend all 3 workshops (or workshop 3 and one of workshop 1 or 2) you will secure a business planning one-on-one session with Senior Agribusiness Consultant Jane Foster at the end of the workshop series.

The workshops are free and include lunch.

All 3 workshops will be held at: Pine Grove Fire Station, 2691 Whinfield Road, Lockington.

Workshop 3 – People Success, Climate and Natural Resource Management

Time: 9 am – 4 pm Date: Tuesday 14 November

Extension Officer Michele Joliffe will deliver a face-to-face workshop in the morning on managing people on farm, succession planning and farm safety.

Seasonal Risk Agronomist Dale Grey and Land Management Extension Officer Martin Hamilton will deliver a face-to-face workshop in the afternoon on understanding and identifying
climate risk and natural resource management on farm.

To secure your place, complete the registration form by clicking on the link HERE

Please register for catering purposes.

For more information about the workshop series, contact Elizabeth Alsop on 0457 838 537 or elizabeth.alsop@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Globally, as countries commit to carbon neutral targets, agriculture is in the spotlight as both a contributor to emissions, and a solution for carbon drawdown.

This free forum, being held on Thursday 16 November in Yea, will present information about the global scene, market pull, opportunities for productivity improvements and practical insights into what local farmers are doing.

Come along and hear from:

• Simon Quilty, Global AgriTrends and Churchill Fellow. Keynote presentation: Carbon in agriculture - Case studies from around the globe focussed on agricultural emissions reduction schemes
• Chris Taarnby, Elders. Carbon farming inside the farm gate
• Greg Ferrier, Agriculture Victoria. On-farm Emissions Action Plan Pilot - how farmers are taking action locally and how you can participate
• Declan McDonald, Regen Soils. Carbon management on-farm - practices and priorities
• Plus a farmer discussion panel.

Thursday, 16 November, from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

Oliver’s Upstairs at Country Club Hotel, 18 High Street, Yea.

Morning tea on arrival, proceedings start at 10 am. Lunch is provided.

This is a free event but bookings are essential. Bookings will close 5 pm, 9 November. 

REGISTER HERE

Join Agriculture Victoria and sheep specialist and veterinarian Dr Frankie Collett from Rochy Vet Clinic for a free workshop.

At this interactive workshop you will identify local health issues and learn about their prevention and treatment option solutions to create an animal health plan for your flock.

An animal health plan is an important tool for farmers to minimise biosecurity risks and increase animal performance.

Date: 16 November
Time: 10 am – 1 pm
Where: Rochester Shire Hall, 45 Mackay Street, Rochester.

Light refreshments will be provided, please note dietary needs at registration.

Workshop topics

• identify local animal health issues and solutions to prevent and treat them
• create an animal health plan
• find out how your animal health plan is part of your biosecurity plan
• learn about what records you need to keep and the systems you can use to comply with regulation and the Livestock Production Assurance program.

To register please click HERE

Workshop numbers are limited so please register to attend.

For more information, please contact Kirstie Anderson, Project Leader, Innovative Sheep and Beef Networks, on 0437 990 967 or at kirstie.anderson@agriculture.vic.gov.au

DATE: Monday 20 November

TIME: 10 – 11 am

REGISTER ONLINE HERE

Agriculture service providers, industry bodies, agencies, and councils are invited to Agriculture Victoria’s webinar series on Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Preparedness.

During the webinar series, expert speakers from Agriculture Victoria will present important topics, including current risk outlook for an EAD incursion, key response activities following an EAD detection and the importance of farm biosecurity planning.

You are encouraged to attend the webinars to learn what you can do to help protect Victoria’s livestock industries and raise awareness within your organisation and support your community.

Please extend this invitation to other relevant people in your organisation.

Webinar 2 – Waste Disposal

If an EAD outbreak is declared, Agriculture Victoria is responsible for the destruction and disposal of animal carcasses as required, including those that can be buried on-farm.

To eradicate an EAD, it is important to quickly dispose of carcasses after they are destroyed, as well as dispose any infected animal products, materials and wastes, as soon as possible, to reduce the risk of the disease spreading.

It is important that disposal is done in a way that minimises the spread of disease and any adverse effects on the environment, public health and the community.

On-farm burial is the first preference where possible, as it removes the risk of spreading the disease that may occur if carcasses and other products were taken off-farm for disposal.

The extent to which on-farm burial can be used will depend on the size, location and characteristics of the farm and the number of carcasses that need to be buried.

Topics include:

• Waste generated in an EAD emergency - amounts and distribution
• Overview of waste disposal strategy
• On-farm carcass burial guidance
• Planning ahead for on-farm waste disposal sites using the Navigating Farm Development tool.

Presenters:

• Bronwyn Green, Project Director, EAD Waste Disposal
• Ann McDowell, Agriculture Victoria, Agriculture Sector Development Officer.

Agriculture Victoria will be at the MLA Update in Bendigo.

The MLA Updates are coming to Victoria and will be on in Bendigo on November 23.

The MLA Updates is working around an umbrella theme of Sustainability from Paddock to Plate.

The day-long event will showcase solutions and technologies which embrace sustainability and help set Australia’s red meat and livestock industries up for success.

This year’s venue is the Fosterville Gold Exhibition Centre at the Bendigo Showgrounds.

MLA’s AGM will also be held from 3:30pm onsite at the showgrounds.

For more information click HERE and to register click 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 on 0409 027 115 or gervaise@wodongalandcare.org.au

For more information on Stuart Myers, click HERE

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:

• Scan the QR code, follow the 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 December 12

TIME: 5:30 pm

WHERE: Molesworth Hall.

For more information contact Agricultural Recovery Officer, Toni Dakis on 0428 975 728 or at Toni.Dakis@agriculture.vic.gov.au

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.

Nominations for the 2023/2024 State and Territory Landcare Awards are now open!

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.

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