Plans are currently underway for the Agriculture Victoria BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef Conference and dinner to be held in a new location this year in Ballarat on 19-20 June.

The conference will be held over 2 days, 19 June BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef on 20 June.

Further details will be coming as plans are finalised.

Agriculture Victoria and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) are partnering in the development of five new on-farm demonstrations for Victorian producer groups.

The Enhanced Producer Demonstration Site (EPDS) program will be inviting expressions of interest (in mid-March) from Victorian sheep and beef producer groups to design and conduct their own on-farm demonstrations.

Demonstrations run for 3 years and involve practical, hands-on activities focussed on implementing new management practices, testing research and technologies or investigating potential solutions to problems in your local farming system.  They are conducted on group members’ farms and involve participation in skill development activities, monitoring, and evaluation of results.

More information will follow in the next Newsflash.

The Australian Wool Innovation Limited (AWI) have released the upcoming shearer and wool handling training course schedule for 2024 that is fully funded by AWI and available for participants who meet certain criteria, with the following offered:

Novice Shearing and Wool Handling Course
This is a 5-day practical shearing course for new entrant shearers to learn the skills required to be a professional shearer.

Improver School
This training is intended for those already working in industry and have experience in shearing. With limited spots available, it is recommended to register early.

If you are interested in attending any of the above courses, please contact the AWI team at ghaynes@swti.edu.au.

To view the full 2024 schedule visit the AWI website.

Want to build a stronger, more productive farm business?

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 3 or more workshops you will secure a one-on-one business planning session with Senior Agribusiness Consultant Jane Foster at the end of the workshop series.

The workshops are free and include lunch.

Where: All 4 workshops will be held at Pine Grove Fire Station; 2691 Whinfield Road, Lockington

Workshop 1 – Planning for Success
Date: Friday 8 March
Time: 9:30 am – 12 pm

Topic: Join Senior Agribusiness Consultant Jane Foster, ORM Pty Ltd, for a face-to-face workshop on identifying and managing risks, strategic planning and setting business goals.

Workshop 2 – Business Success
Date: Thursday 14 March
Time: 9 am – 12:30 pm

Topic: Join Farm Business Economist Sam Henty for a face-to-face workshop on financial management, budgeting and profitable decision making.

Workshop 3 – People Success
Date: Thursday 21 March
Time: 9 am – 12:30 pm

Dairy Biosecurity and Business Resilience Officer, Helen Chenoweth, will deliver a face-to-face workshop on managing people on farm, succession planning and farm safety.

Workshop 4 – Climate Risk and Natural Resource Management
Date: Tuesday 26 March
Time: 9 am – 12:30 pm

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

Click here to register.

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

[Back to Top]

The Birchip Cropping Group (BCG) currently operate five Young Farmer Network groups: Buloke, Quambatook, Loddon, West Wimmera, and Yarriambiack/Hindmarsh, with the aim to bring forth events for young farmers, to provide with them educational opportunities and assist in furthering their knowledge in the industry, whilst providing a sense of community and a social outlet.

BCG is extending an invite to this year's Young Farmer Network Ball.

Please don’t be discouraged to attend if you don’t consider yourself ‘young’ or a ‘farmer’. The Young Farmer Network events are simply targeted at the youngest active generation on farm but is inclusive and open to all including everyone from farmers, those working in the agricultural industry, or those with an interest to learn more and socialise with like-minded people. Attendees must be at least 18 to attend this event.

The Young Farmer Network Ball is proudly supported by the North West Node of the Vic Hub and the Loddon Shire Council.

Click here to register.

The Southern Australia Livestock Research Council (SALRC) is excited to announce their third biennial Livestock Conference with the overarching theme of Environmental challenges and opportunities for Australian livestock industries.

Sessions will include keynote speakers and group workshop activities and cover the following:

• Improving land, air and water
• Solutions for human capacity
• Economic considerations and market impacts.

Click here for more information about the upcoming conference.

If you would like to register for conference updates you can join the mailing list here.

Applications open in March for Nuffield Australia’s 2025 Scholarship program, which for the second year that includes scholarships aimed at drought resilience study topics.

The Future Drought Fund (FDF) is investing $1.6 million dollars through Nuffield from 2024-25 to help farmers increase their knowledge of drought resilience, adapt innovative technology and practices from overseas share these learnings to better prepare themselves and their communities for a changing climate.

Scholars will have the opportunity to travel overseas to study drought resilience and learn from international leaders in the field.

Each scholarship is valued at $35,000 and farmers and others working in food and fibre production aged between 28 and 45 should apply now.

Find out more about the Nuffield Drought Resilience Scholarships and apply at: nuffield.com.au/how-to-apply

[Back to Top]

Churchill Fellowships offer Australians from all walks of life the opportunity to travel overseas and investigate a topic they are passionate about. No formal qualifications are required. Applicants design their own itinerary and travel for four to eight weeks at a time of their choosing. The options are virtually limitless, providing the project has potential to benefit Australia and applicants are willing to share their findings when they return.

Aside from general fellowships, specific sponsored opportunities are also available this year relating to agriculture, horticulture and food production, including the Ron Badman Family Churchill Fellowship for projects focussing on seed production, pasture development and irrigation; the Hort Innovation Churchill Fellowship to cultivate new ideas in horticulture; the Jack Green Churchill Fellowship for projects relating to the dairy industry; the Saskia Beer Churchill Fellowship to support innovation in food production or farming; and the Caroline Welsh Churchill Fellowship to support the agriculture industry’s response to climate change.

A series of information sessions have been recorded including a dedicated session for the agriculture and horticulture sectors hosted by former ABC Rural national editor Leigh Radford. Click here to view.

Applications open 1 March to 1 May. To find out more visit www.churchillfellowships.com.au.

[Back to Top]

The Livestock Biosecurity Funds (LBF) Grant Program funds projects and programs that prevent, monitor, and control diseases, thereby enhancing animal health, biosecurity and market access for the benefit of Victorian cattle, sheep, goat, swine and honey bee industries.

Join us to learn about the 2024 LBF Grant Program at 11 am on 4 March.

The livestock compensation advisory committees are hosting a webinar on 4 March to engage with potential applicants for the Livestock Biosecurity Funds grants program.

Key highlights of webinar:

• Overview of the 2024 LBF Grant Program and its strategic focus
• Eligibility, requirements and how to apply
• Q&A session.

Click here to register for the webinar.

Eligibility

1. Applicants must be:

• private sector businesses
• universities and research institutions
• cooperatives where the objectives of the cooperative align with the LBF
• State Government department or entity
• local governments
• incorporated associations.

2. The project must benefit the respective Victorian livestock industry and conduct the proposed activities in Victoria.

3. Meet all industrial relations obligations as an employer in accordance with the National Employment Standards.

4. Agree to participate in future program evaluation activity.

Recent flooding combined with warmer weather has increased the risk of blue-green algal blooms in farm dams. Recognise the signs – blooms typically appear as surface scum that looks like a suspension of green paint, often with an earthy smell.

If a suspicious bloom is noticed, stock should be removed as quickly as possible, and a safe alternative water supply provided. Blue-green algae can cause poisoning in livestock.

Learn more here.

[Back to Top]

The draft bill for a new Animal Care and Protection Act has been released for public comment.

This is the final opportunity for feedback before the bill for a new act is finalised.

The new act would replace the current Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.

A new act would explicitly recognise animal sentience and set minimum care requirements for animals in Victorian law for the first time.

The approach to cruelty offences would be strengthened, and the legislation would support co-regulation to reduce the regulatory burden on industries.

Activities like farming, pest control, hunting, fishing and racing would be able to continue under the new laws.

Reforming the laws will protect animals from cruelty while supporting Victorians to continue to interact responsibly with them and will help maintain trust in our animal-based activities and industries.

Regulations setting out requirements for specific species and activities involving animals would support the act.  A new act would not come into force for at least 2 years to enable development of the new regulations.

The first consultation on the regulations has opened alongside the draft bill consultation.

Victorians now have until Monday 25 March to have their say on the bill.

The decision to extend the consultation was made following the recent extreme weather events, to allow more time to those impacted.

Have your say at Engage Victoria.

[Back to Top]

Victorian farmers can now have their say on proposed amendments to the state’s planning regulations for animal production (Clause 53.AA Animal Production).

The Clause provides guidelines for the location, design and management of new and expanded animal production industries in Victoria, including pig and poultry farms, intensive dairy farms and feedlots. These reforms do not apply to grazing animal production.

A risk-based approach has been taken for relevant planning permit applications to reduce regulation for low-risk animal production facilities, while ensuring appropriate controls are in place for high-risk facilities. This approach aims to reduce regulatory burden while continuing to protect the health of communities and the environment.

The proposed regulations have been co-designed with industry, community, consultants, technical experts, and state government agency partners. Public consultation for the final draft Clause is now open for submissions on Engage Victoria and closes on 22 April 2024.

[Back to Top]

A range of support measures are available for flood and storm-affected farmers. Information about these measures can be found on the Agriculture Victoria website. 

For any urgent animal welfare needs, please contact 136 186.

Farmers who have experienced fire and storm impacts across the state from the 13 February severe weather events can contact Agriculture Victoria on 0427 694 185 or at recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au for agriculture recovery assistance or advice, including technical support.

When phoning or emailing, please provide details that include a contact name, phone number and locality with a brief statement about the nature of your concern, so an appropriate member of the Agriculture Recovery Team can contact you.

Farmers who have been impacted by fire or storm events and have urgent animal welfare needs, please contact Agriculture Victoria on 1800 226 226.

Prolonged power outage

If your household or small business has experienced a power outage for at least 7 days (and you remained off power as at 12:01 am on Tuesday 20 February), you may be eligible for a Prolonged Power Outage Payment of $1,920 per week for households and $2,927 for small businesses.

Eligible customers will be notified by their power distribution business.

If you have been impacted by power outages and require assistance from Agriculture Victoria, please email the State Agency Commander at sccvic.scmdr.ag@scc.vic.gov.au with:

• name of the owner and address of the affected property
• NMI (meter number) of the affected property. Power disruptions for more than 12 hours – major event day payment.

Power disruptions for more than 12 hours – major event day payment

If your power was disrupted for more than 12 hours during the February 2024 storm event, you are entitled to compensation.

Under the Electricity Distribution Code of Practice, a distributor must make a payment to a customer of $90 if the customer experiences an unplanned sustained interruption of more than 12 hours on a major event day, such as extreme weather or a storm.

This payment will appear as a credit on your power bill from your electricity retailer within two billing cycles of the day your power was out.

[Back to Top]

[Back to Top]

BWBL Networks contact: Alison Desmond, Project Leader 

M: 0409 424 274 E: alison.desmond@agriculture.vic.gov.au 

How do weather forecasts help you manage your flock during severe weather?

All sheep producers know that cold, wet, and windy (severe) weather is a threat to newborn lambs and off-shears sheep. As well as having a financial impact, losses can create animal welfare concerns.

Many producers use forecasts issued by the Bureau of Meteorology to make decisions about protecting their flock from severe weather. Forecast and observation products include: 

• Text-based town and district forecasts: Riverina Forecast (bom.gov.au)
• Graphical forecasts in MetEye: MetEye (bom.gov.au)
• The network of rain radars: National Radar Loop (bom.gov.au)
• The Warning to Sheep Graziers, issued when severe weather is forecast.

Forecasts are available online, through the BOM app, and are broadcast and published in the media.

The Bureau of Meteorology wants to understand how sheep producers use these forecast products including:

• How do you access them?
• What do you do in response?
• Do you have suggestions for change or improvement?

The information collected in this survey will help the Bureau improve its service to the sheep industry.

Click here to participate in the survey. 

If you would like further information contact Andrew McLean, Livestock Customer Lead at agriculture@bom.gov.au or on 0417 052 495.

[Back to Top]

Reducing ewe mortality during lambing requires understanding why ewes die and how management practices influence this. Lifting ewe survival will positively impact lamb survival, helping improve animal welfare and productivity outcomes, which are priorities for the sheep industry.

This 4-year project aims to understand the prevalence and causes of Merino ewe mortality and demonstrate intervention strategies to determine the most practical and cost-effective management practices for Merino producers.

To better understand current management practices and the extent of on-farm losses amongst Australian Merino ewes, the project team have prepared an online industry survey.

The survey results will be used to describe Merino ewe mortality on an industry-wide basis. Findings will inform on-farm trials investigating the incidence and causes of Merino ewe mortality around the period of lambing.

Results of the 4-year project will be rolled out to industry via MLA and AWI reports and resources as well as extension activities and scientific papers.

Click here to complete the survey.

[Back to Top]

BetterBeef Networks contact: Darren Hickey, Project Leader 

M: 0457 609 140 E: darren.hickey@agriculture.vic.gov.au

When checking your cattle, it is good practice to be on the lookout for eye cancers.

An eye cancer is a tumour of the eyelid or eyeball and is seen most in white-faced cattle such as Herefords and occur because of lifelong exposure to sunlight.

Eye cancers begin as a tiny growth and steadily increase in size. Eventually, the growth may invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body.

Therefore, eye cancers may cause losses to producers due to condemnation at the abattoir and loss of potential production of affected stock, plus the suffering of cattle if left unchecked.

The severity of eye cancers can be reduced through the early identification of growths and prompt action to treat or cull.

The incidence of eye cancers can be reduced by genetic selection by selecting for animals with pigmentation in the sclera "white" of the eye and the eyelid.

When an eye cancer is detected the course of action that should be followed depends largely upon the size and severity of the cancer.

Small eye cancers may be readily cured by prompt veterinary treatment.

However, if the owner elects to cull the following guidelines should be used:

• If the cancer is smaller than a 5-cent piece, clean, and not flyblown the animal can be sold through a saleyard for slaughter only
• If the cancer is sized between 5 and 20-cent piece, clean, and not flyblown the animal can be sold directly to an abattoir only
• If the cancer is bleeding, purulent (infected), flyblown or larger than a 20-cent piece the animal should be immediately disposed on farm or via a knackery.

Owners who fail to take reasonable action to prevent suffering in their animals may be considered for prosecution under the Livestock Disease Control Act or the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

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

Dr Jeff Cave, Agriculture Victoria Senior Veterinary Officer

[Back to Top]