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Thursday 25 May 2023
In this edition:
Primary Producer Concessional Loans - Flood recovery webinar
Image of row of fruit trees on trellis

Join a webinar on Wednesday 31 May at 11 am to learn about Concessional Loans that are currently available for primary producers impacted by the October 2022 to January 2023 flood and storms event and the 23 March 2023 hailstorm event.

If you have questions, here is your chance to ask them.

Presenters from Agriculture Victoria and Rural Finance will discuss the guidelines and application process.

Applications close on 13 July for the Primary Producer Flood Recovery concessional loan (for floods and storms between Oct 2022 to Jan 2023) and 14 November for the Hailstorm Recovery Concessional Loan (for the hail event on 23 March 2023).

Register online HERE.

For further information, email recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au or call 0427 694 185

Ag recovery update for flood and storm-affected farmers
Image tile in dark green with white writing advertising flood and storm financial support

A range of support measures are available for flood and storm-affected farmers.

Information about these measures can be found at agriculture.vic.gov.au/floods

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

Farmers are encouraged to contact the Agriculture Recovery team on 0427 694 185 (Mon-Fri between 8.30 am and 5 pm) or email recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Technical Information and decision-making support
Agriculture Victoria is working with Victorian farmers and industry to prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters (including floods and storms) through delivery of technical information and decision-making support services to help farm business recovery, including:

  • grazing, cropping and pasture management
  • irrigation and horticulture system rehabilitation
  • soil erosion management
  • land management
  • animal health and nutrition
  • farm mapping and planning
  • water quality
  • weed management.

Ag recovery newsletter
Farmers and service providers are encouraged to subscribe to the ag recovery digital newsletter to access latest events and information.

Ag recovery events
For information on events and field days across the state please visit the Events page on the Agriculture Victoria website.

Victorian Primary Producer Flood Recovery package
Flood and storm-affected farmers and growers are eligible to apply for financial support via the current flood recovery grants.

Applications for primary producer and rural landholder financial supports related to the October 2022 to 13 January 2023 flood and storm event have been extended to 13 July 2023.

Applications close at 4 pm on Thursday 13 July 2023.

The extension applies to:

  1. Primary Producer Recovery Grants: Up to $75,000 grants to support the cost of recovery and get businesses up and running again. Note: This replaces the $10,000 Primary Producer Flood Clean–Up, Relief Grants announced on 19 October. Producers that have received a Primary Producer Flood Clean–Up Relief Grant of $10,000 can now apply for up to a further $65,000 under the Primary Producer Recovery Grant, bringing the total to $75,000.
  2. Rural Landholder Grants: Up to $25,000 grants to support the costs of disaster impacts for small-scale producers.
  3. Primary Producer Concessional Loans: Up to $250,000 to restore or replace damaged equipment and infrastructure, or to cover short-term business expenses. This loan has been amended to allow primary producers who suffered a significant loss of income as a direct result of the 2022 Victorian floods and storms but who did not suffer direct damage to assets to apply for a concessional loan of up to $100,000.
  4. Primary Producer Transport Subsidies: Up to $15,000 to support the transport of emergency fodder or stock drinking water, and the movement of livestock.

To apply for support or for more information, visit the Rural Finance website.

Rural Financial Counselling Service

The Rural Financial Counselling Service offers free and independent financial information, options, decision-making support and referral services to farmers and small, related rural businesses who are in, or at risk of, financial hardship.

They can also assist farmers to apply for financial assistance.

To connect with your local service call 1300 771 741 or visit the National Emergency Management Agency.

National Centre for Farmer Health: flood response support
Tile of National Farmer Health Logo on blue background advertising support

The National Centre for Farmer Health is committed to supporting primary producers whose properties, livestock or crops were damaged or lost in the floods and storms through the delivery of initiatives to boost farmer mental health and wellbeing, including:

  • A supportive online community through the #BuildingFarmSpirit social media campaign
  • Free access to online psychology support delivered by farmer health trained psychologists
  • Support for community events providing social connection and mental health promotion opportunities for farmers, farming families and farming communities
  • Distribution of mental health resources and support information.

More information is available on the National Centre for Farmer Health website.

Retiring grain scientist Joe Panozzo's career celebrated
Photo of man in front of scientific equipment

Caption: Dr Joe Panozzo

One of Agriculture Victoria’s most respected researchers, Dr Joe Panozzo recently retired after more than 35 years of service with Agriculture Victoria.

In the eyes of his former colleagues, Dr Joe Panozzo remains an incredibly humble and approachable person despite all of his achievements in agricultural research.

Commencing with grower funded Victorian Wheat Institute as a wheat quality scientist in the 1980s, Dr Panozzo worked closely with three wheat breeding programs to determine quality traits in the early generations of the breeds.

A friend and mentor to many, he has supervised 11 PhD students during their studies at Horsham and continues to instil his passion for agricultural research as an honorary supervisor at the University of Melbourne.

Dr Simone Warner, head of Agriculture Victoria Research thanked Dr Panozzo for his service to Victorian agriculture.

‘Dr Panozzo is recognised globally for his vast experience in grains research. He has led research and development projects in wheat breeding, pulses, oilseeds and ruminant feed nutrition that many organisations have benefitted from.

‘The significance of his scientific contributions is evident in the 140 plus publications that bear his name and his team’s research findings have been cited more than 4,300 times. Agriculture Victoria is very thankful to Joe for his contributions that have been such a benefit, to our organisation and Victoria.'

Acting Research Director and Horsham SmartFarm Site Manager, Dr Garry Rosewarne said Dr Panozzo has been a great colleague and friend to many.

‘I worked with Joe first-hand in our pulse breeding programs and he has revolutionised how we assess quality in such a way that it goes hand in hand with our genomics capabilities.

‘His wealth of knowledge and experience will be sorely missed,’ Dr Rosewarne said.

Dr Panozzo said he would look back at his time at Agriculture Victoria with fondness and the Horsham site as a truly wonderful place to undertake agricultural-based research that had clear economic benefits for Victoria.

At the height of his career, Dr Panozzo was awarded the Farrer medal which perpetuates the achievements of Australia’s first wheat breeder William Farrer and the prestigious Australasian Grain Science Association FB Guthrie Medal for ‘outstanding scientific achievement and contribution to knowledge in the field of grain science’.

Subscribe to Victorian Biosecurity Matters
victorian biosecurity matters

Agriculture Victoria has launched a new monthly e-newsletter, Victorian Biosecurity Matters, to serve as a key hub for all biosecurity-related content.

The monthly publication will cover topics such as emergency animal diseases, marine pests, pest animals, plant diseases, weeds, pest insects and mites, food safety and on-farm biosecurity plans.

Victorian Biosecurity Matters will pool together all of Agriculture Victoria’s biosecurity content into one publication, making it a valuable resource for farmers, small landholders, animal owners, veterinarians, and anyone with an interest to stay up to date with the most relevant information in relation to our agriculture industry.

It's Agriculture Victoria’s goal to ensure Victorians understand the importance of biosecurity and the role they can play in maintaining a healthy and sustainable agriculture industry.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, Victorian Biosecurity Matters has something for everyone.

Subscribing to the free newsletter is easy.

Biosecurity boost for Timor Leste

Agriculture Victoria scientists are working with our close neighbour, Timor-Leste, to boost local animal health and help safeguard Australia from exotic animal diseases.

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has funded Agriculture Victoria $3.5 million over 5 years to extend biosecurity training to scientists, technicians and farmers in Timor-Leste, building on work undertaken over the past 3 years.

The project, which initially focussed on diagnosing and managing African Swine Fever, has been extended to look at a range of diseases including classical swine fever, Foot-and-mouth disease, and Lumpy skin disease, and will include testing of all livestock species.

Agriculture Victoria Research Leader Grant Rawlin said the biosecurity and emergency animal disease work supported by Agriculture Victoria has enabled Timor-Leste to diagnose and control disease outbreaks which may have otherwise cost the agriculture industry up to an estimated $90 million.

'Agriculture Victoria is proud to have supported Timor-Leste’s ability to successfully diagnose and control several animal disease outbreaks within 48 hours.

'The timely diagnosis and control of animal disease outbreaks means less livestock are impacted, the disease doesn’t spread as far, and farmers can quickly resume their operations', Dr Rawlin said.

Dr Rawlin was on-the-ground during the 2019 African Swine Fever outbreak in Timor-Leste and recently spent a month leading a team training local veterinarians on how to use a range of diagnostic tools, including a real-time method for detecting different microbial agents in animal samples, and a highly specific, low cost, fast and portable test for pathogenic viruses.

'The collaboration has bolstered the local agriculture industry’s response efforts and deepened our relationship with Timor-Leste. It also gave our experts invaluable insight into on-the-ground emergency animal disease management and control.'

Caitlin Wilson, Chargé d’Affaires at the Australian Embassy Dili said the initiative demonstrated Australia’s deep and enduring commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s food security and economic priorities.

'Maintaining a healthy, productive and profitable livestock industry not only contributes to jobs and economic development for Timor-Leste, but also helps meet domestic demand for nutritious protein,

'Australia is proud to be working with our Timor-Leste partners to strengthen their biosecurity systems as part of regional efforts to combat exotic animal pests and diseases such as African swine fever, Foot and mouth disease and Lumpy skin disease.'

The program also includes sponsorship of Timorese veterinarians and researchers to visit Agriculture Victoria research sites in Australia to undertake research alongside our staff and expand their knowledge. Vets and scientists are visiting AgriBio over the next few months.

The Australian Government investment of $3.5 million was launched at the Timor-Leste Veterinary Medicine Association Conference in Dili in March.

Dignitaries and delegates from 7 nations gathered to celebrate the program's success to date and look forward to making further advancements in protecting agriculture from biosecurity threats.

For more information about our research visit the Agriculture Victoria website.

Feral pig monitoring videos
Image of two wild pigs sniffing ground in bushland

Feral pigs are becoming an increasing threat to biosecurity, agricultural production and the natural environment in Victoria.

Click here to learn more about feral pigs and control methods.

Victorian Gorse Taskforce community grants now open
victorian gorse taskforce community grants now open

Speak with your local community group about applying for a VGT grant.

Funding
Community groups may apply for funding up to $8,000 for on-ground 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.

Timeline
The 2023-24 Community Grants Program is now open and will close on 30 June 2023. If gorse is a problem across your area the VGT encourages you to connect with your local community group and apply now.

Eligibility

  • Grants are available to Victorian community groups e.g., Landcare or Friends of Groups only.
  • Funding is available for gorse control on private land only.
  • Projects must promote and carry out gorse control that aligns with the Gorse National Best Practice Manual.
  • Incentives to participating individual properties must be capped at $1,500 per property ownership.
  • Participating landholders must sign a 3-year voluntary work agreement that commits them to maintaining all necessary follow-up gorse control at their expense.

Check out the grant guidelines here:

VGT Community Grant Guidelines 2023/2024
VGT Community Grants Application Form 2023/24

For more information about the grants, head to  vicgorsetaskforce.com.au/community-projects/community-grants or send your inquiry to info@vicgorsetaskforce.com.au.

Keep supporting the 'Bucks for brains' project

Dr Jeff Cave Senior Veterinary Officer

I’m sure most farmers have heard of the Bucks for Brains initiative, which provides generous incentive payments for livestock owners who submit eligible sheep and cattle brains for testing.

In doing so, this ongoing testing helps Australia maintain market access for its livestock industries.

To be considered eligible, the animal must be alive at presentation to a veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria staff and showing neurological signs, which include circling, blindness or abnormal behaviour.

Bucks for Brains is a vital initiative of the National Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies Surveillance Project (NTSESP).

NTSESP is tasked with confirming Australia’s proof of freedom from rare fatal brain and other central nervous system diseases called Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs).

The damaging effects that TSEs can have on a country's livestock industry and economy were made clear during the outbreak of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as ‘mad cow disease’, in the United Kingdom, and following detection in Canada and United States.

BSE is a disease that emerged in the 1980s through the feeding of meat meal contaminated with an infectious agent known as a prion.

The disease causes an untreatable, progressive, degenerative condition of the brain leading to a range of neurological signs – therefore gaining the name, mad cow disease.

With cases in the UK and several European countries, plus the prior export of meat meal from Europe to other countries, it is not clear how far the disease may have spread.

In Australia, we are in the fortunate position of being considered one of the least likely countries in the world to have BSE.

To firmly claim our livestock are free of BSE, we are required to have a surveillance system to demonstrate that declaration.

The surveillance program is based on the post-mortem examination of sheep over 18 months of age and cattle over 30 months that show neurological signs, to demonstrate and confirm they do not have BSE and to give another explanation of their symptoms.

The suspect animal is put down humanely, then the Ag Vic veterinary officer or private veterinarian will perform the autopsy and take the necessary samples for analysis.

An incentive of $100 for sheep and $300 for cattle is available to livestock owners to help ensure we continue to demonstrate our freedom. In addition, all laboratory investigations and costs are covered as part of the scheme.

For further information please contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria veterinary or animal health officer.

Fox and wild dog bounty collection details
Image of fox outdoors with grass and flowering shrub in background.

The Fox and Wild Dog Bounty collections continue in the north-east region. 

Submit entire fox scalps for a $10 reward and/or entire wild dog body parts for a $120 reward.

Participants need to register for the new digital payment system and should refresh their knowledge of the terms and conditions to ensure their submissions are acceptable. 

Visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/bounty for information on other collection points and to learn more.

Ballarat

Ballarat Field and Game (Haddon Common Bushland Reserve)
726 Bells Road, Haddon

Collection type:
Fox only

 

Collection dates:

Monday 5 June 
Monday 3 July 
Monday 31 July 
Monday 28 August 
Monday 25 September 
Monday 23 October.

Time: 1  - 3 pm

Horsham

180 Horsham-Noradjuha Road, Horsham

Collection type:
Fox only
 

 

Collection dates:

Thursday 15 June
Wednesday 12 July
Wednesday 9 August
Wednesday 6 September
Wednesday 4 October
Wednesday 1 November

Time: 1:30 - 3:30 pm

Ouyen

Gregory Street, Ouyen

Collection type:
Fox only
Wild Dog by appointment 

 

 

Collection dates:

Wednesday 14 June 
Tuesday 11 July 
Tuesday 8 August 
Tuesday 5 September 
Tuesday 3 October 
Tuesday 31 October 

Time: 2 - 4 pm

Swan Hill

7 Quin Drive, Swan Hill

Collection type:
Fox only

 

 

Collection dates:

Wednesday 14 June
Tuesday 11 July
Tuesday 8 August
Tuesday 5 September
Tuesday 3 October
Tuesday 31 October

Time: 8:30 – 10:30 am

Visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/bounty for information on other collection points and to learn more.

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Recording: Supporting farmers to measure and manage their emissions - A Wimmera broadacre case study
Image of wheat crop in thunderstorm

Presented by:

  • Pru Cook, Director of Nine Creeks Consulting
  • Craig Hurley, Lecturer, Federation University
  • Ashleigh Brooks, Consultant, Agticulate.

This webinar recording explores the findings from two recent Wimmera Development Association projects and discusses:

  • The emissions profiles of three Wimmera case study broadacre farms - what are the major emissions sources, and where can reductions be gained?
  • Data collection experiences – reflections from the farm data collection process
  • Current farmer awareness of and interest in measuring and managing emissions.

The Roadmap to Net Zero Emissions Grampians Agriculture Project (funded by AgriFutures and led by Wimmera Development Association) developed an extension and adoption framework to identify ways to support Wimmera farm businesses in measuring and managing their emissions.

The Wimmera Broadacre Farming Net Zero Emissions Project aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of carbon emissions calculators, the potential application to broadacre Wimmera farms and highlight the future opportunities available with these tools in supporting farm business strategy.

View the recording

Duration: 64 minutes (including questions)
Passcode: Climate

This webinar was originally presented on Thursday 18 May 2023 at 12 pm AEST.

All climate webinar recordings can be found on our website.

Harnessing the power of online learning: GRDC's grains research updates

Realising the busy schedules of growers and agronomists, The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) will again offer their popular Grains Research Updates straight to digital devices.

GRDC Online Grains Research Updates are virtual sessions led by experts that share the latest findings and information on a variety of grain research and development topics. These webinars provide valuable insights and relevant knowledge directly to growers and agronomists without the need for them to leave their farms or offices.

GRDC Grower Relations Manager, Graeme Sandral, said that the Online Grains Research Updates have a great reputation for providing relevant grains industry information.

'These webinars are free and tackle topics of national significance, offering invaluable insights to growers and agronomists throughout our northern, southern and western grain-growing regions,' he said.

'The next session of updates will run from May 30 until June 13 and cover four separate topics. Each webinar kicks off at 9am AEST and lasts approximately 1.5 hours. There is no cost to participants, and they will receive a link to the recording and other resources associated with each topic post-session'.

The first session in the series, scheduled for May 30, is centred around irrigation efficiency and will be led by experts/researchers from the Universities of Queensland and Southern Queensland. The session will discuss innovative technologies to enhance irrigation decision-making and optimise irrigation efficiency.

On Thursday June 1, the spotlight shifts to optimising clethodim efficacy and addressing haloxyfop MRL issues in export canola.

'This session delves deep into maximising the efficacy of group one herbicide applications, with particular emphasis on clethodim,' Mr Sandral said.

“The session explains resistance levels, the role of translocation, the influence of weed size, timing, spray coverage, adjuvants, water quality, temperature, frost, and tank mixes. We will also look at haloxyfop MRL issues in export canola."

Looking to the future, June 6 brings a session on deciphering weather and climate forecasts. This update will leverage off the Agri-Climate Outlook project's to provide practical tips on utilising data from the Bureau of Meteorology for short and long-term forecasting.

A recent disruption to sowing operations, when satellite GPS enabled systems failed in April, highlights the critical nature of robust, resilient systems. The final webinar on Tuesday June 13 examines this incident and possible solutions to manage potential future problems.

'During this webinar we'll hear from Tim Neale of Data Farming, who will provide an overview of the incident and discuss potential mitigation strategies,' Mr Sandral said.

'Representatives from manufacturers CASE, John Deere and Vantage Ag will share the resources they have to help tackle such issues. Sowing is such a critical time of the season, and we can’t afford to sit around waiting for a satellite to come back online.'

Growers and agronomists interested in attending any of the Online Grains Research Update sessions are encouraged to register via the GRDC website.

  • Tuesday 30 May – Irrigation efficiency
  • Thursday 1 June – Optimising clethodim efficacy and haloxyfop MRL issues in export canola
  • Tuesday 6 June – Advances to assist growers to interpret weather and climate forecasts
  • Tuesday 13 June – What happened in April when satellite GPS enabled systems failed & options to manage future outages

For more information, visit the GRDC website.

Understanding chemical impact on beneficial insects in grain paddocks

Insecticides are a valuable tool for Australian grain growers to effectively manage pests in grain production. However beneficial insects also play an important role in farming and now understanding how and what chemistries to use to protect these 'paddock helpers' is easier than ever.

Healthy populations of beneficial insect can suppress pests and despite grain growers being keen to preserve these natural helpers, integrated pest management programs have been challenging, because there was no integrated, scientifically proven guide explaining the impact commonly used insecticides have on beneficials.

Now as part of the Australian Grains Pest Innovation Program (AGPIP), an investment by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) in partnership with Cesar Australia and the University of Melbourne there is a guide for growers, agronomists and farm advisers in the Beneficials Chemical Toxicity Table.

Developed in consultation with grain growers and chemical industry representatives, the table summarises the impacts of various insecticidal and miticidal active ingredients on a range of beneficial insects, such as ladybird beetles, parasitoid wasps, predatory mites, lacewings and hoverflies.

The research focused on chemicals, field rates, growing environments, pests and beneficials specific to the grains industry, and this was the first time that such a guide had been developed for Australian broadacre cropping.

Since its initial publication in April 2022, this guide has been instrumental in helping growers make informed management decisions.

South Australian agronomist Hamish Verco said the toxicity guide had become a valuable reference tool in the field.

'I work in the organic/biological space, so my recommendations are often to avoid insecticides all together, but this is not always possible,' Mr Verco said.

'So, where growers must, it is great to empower them with knowledge on what products they can use that may have less effects on beneficials.'

The data collected on beneficial insects covers a wide range of species, which are presented in a consolidated grouped form in the table. For example, recent findings on snout mites, which are important predators of the red-legged earth mite and lucerne flea, are now incorporated into the ‘predatory mites’ category.

Overall toxicity ratings for each chemical have been determined by averaging the results across all insect species included. Chemicals are arranged in ascending order of overall toxicity - the least toxic chemicals begin at the top of the table and progress downward toward the more toxic chemicals.

By utilising the Beneficials Chemical Toxicity Table, growers can make targeted spray decisions that minimise harm to essential beneficial insects and maximise biological control against a specific pest.

For instance, if a grower struggling with aphids has observed the presence of parasitoid wasps in their fields, they can opt for an insecticide that exhibits low toxicity towards the parasitoids.

Even if a grower doesn’t know which beneficials are present in their fields, the table can still be used to identify which pesticides have the lowest overall toxicity across all beneficial species, with a focus on hardy generalist predators such as rove beetles.

By using the table found under 'Resources' on the Cesar Australia website, growers can adopt a more targeted and environmentally friendly approach to pest management, which can aid in supporting beneficial insects.

This research is being undertaken as part of the Australian Grains Pest Innovation Program (AGPIP). AGPIP is a collaboration between the Pest and Environmental Adaptation Research Group at the University of Melbourne and Cesar Australia. The program is a co-investment by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and the University of Melbourne, together with in-kind contributions from all program partners.

Feedback on biosecurity reform discussion paper
Image of a man and a woman walking through long grass in a vineyard

A summary of feedback received on the Reforming Victoria’s biosecurity legislation discussion paper has been released.

The feedback will help government to better understand stakeholder and community views and will inform any future reform.

Read the Discussion Paper and Engagement Report  on the Engage Victoria website.

Footy's favourite farmer
Image of farmer in peaked cap with yellow farmland background

From cattle to cropping, Gippsland to the Mallee, and everything in between, we're on the hunt for this year's Footy's Favourite Farmer!

Last year, Ricky Allan was a worthy winner, displaying leadership in multiple roles at the Wycheproof Narraport Football Club, such as the presidency, senior and juniors' coach and more, all while supporting his family and the community as a farmer.

Who do you think deserves the 2023 title as Footy's Favourite Farmer?

There's over $20,000 worth of prizes up for grabs - for the farmer and their local club, and you could even win a spot prize yourself!

Nominate your favourite farmer today.

Entries close Wednesday 26 July.

ICYMI

Drones taking agriculture sky high

In Australia, drones are increasingly being used to carry out agricultural operations such as crop monitoring and spraying, livestock management and land surveying.

We’ve compiled some useful tips on the drone safety rules and how they apply in different agricultural applications.

READ THE ARTICLE IN FULL HERE

Farm business updates help grain-growing businesses take off

Learning how to manage risk from a former Royal Australian Navy helicopter pilot and calculating farm carbon are just two of the standout topics featured in the Farm Business Updates rolling out across Victoria’s Wimmera region and into South Australia next month.

Designed to build mastery in farm business management among people working in and advising grain-growing businesses, the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Farm Business Updates will be held in Birchip (Vic) on June 6, Horsham (Vic) on June 7 and Bordertown (SA) on June 8.

Learn more HERE.

Farm Tours launching this August

The BCG Buloke Farm Tours, launching this August, are a new initiative to showcase the produce, passion and dedication of farming communities in the Buloke Shire.

The tours will put consumers in direct contact with farmers in the region who not only produce large volumes of grain to feed the world but also manage several intensive livestock industries and are at the forefront of driving innovative, grass roots research and extension.

READ THE MEDIA RELEASE IN FULL HERE

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What's On

Details about Agriculture Victoria events can now be found in one spot on our website.

Visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/events to find out what's on.

Identification of worms in sheep workshop
Event Details

Monday 29 May
3 – 7pm

Horsham
147 Eagles Road
Bungalally

 

This practical workshop on worm management, presented by Dr Steve Cotton of Dynamic Ag, will show you how to identify and measure the worms in your flock and develop a strategic management plan to reduce their impact on your business productivity and profitability.

To register click HERE or for more information contact Rachel Coombes on 0436 001 258 or email rachel.coombes@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Feed budgeting workshop
Event Details

Tuesday 30 May
8:30 am - 3 pm

Hamilton
Chrome Sheep stud (shearing shed)
6132 Dartmoor-Hamilton Road

 

This practical workshop on pasture budgeting for prime lamb producers, presented by Dr Steve Cotton of DynamicAg, will help you make informed, timely grazing management and livestock feeding decisions, improving your business productivity and profitability.

To register, click HERE

Half Day Drip Maintenance Course
Image of irrigation dripper surrounded by grape vine prunings

31 May
8:30 am – 12:30 pm

308-390 Koorlong Ave
Iyrmple

 

Get the most out of your system and join us for a free half day session on drip maintenance aimed at maximising farm profitability and efficiency.

Topics include:

  • drip irrigation specifications – understanding design and specification sheets
  • drip system monitoring – measuring pressures and discharges
  • drip system maintenance – flushing, chlorination, acid injection

To register or for more information, please contact Maxine Schache on 0428 507 855 or email maxine.schache@agriculturevic.gov.au

Please RSVP by 26 May and bring a copy of your irrigation design to this course.

Irrigation Monitoring and Maintenance Course
Image of people looking at a trench in an orchard

Tuesday 6 and Tuesday 20 June
9 am to 5 pm

308-390 Koorlong Ave
Irymple

 

TOPICS

  • soil water principles
  • irrigation of Mallee soils
  • readily available water holding capacity
  • irrigation system performance
  • leaching efficiency and nutrient management
  • irrigation scheduling
  • evapotranspiration graphs
  • water trading issues.

REGISTRATION
To register or for more information, please contact Maxine Schache on 0428 507 855 or email maxine.schache@agriculturevic.gov.au

Young Farmer Business Bootcamp: Build better business skills
Image of man showing two girls something on a table

1 June and 8 June
9:30 am to 3 pm

Netherby Hall
5 William Street
Netherby

 

Agriculture Victoria is offering young farmers and those new to farming the opportunity to take part in a Young Farmer Business Bootcamp.

These bootcamps are targeting young farmers impacted by flood and storm events, as part of Agriculture Victoria’s technical and decision-making support program. The workshops will help to grow the resilience of young farm businesses and prepare them for future events.

Over the two-day business bootcamp participants will develop:
• cash flow budgeting skills
• strong understanding of risk management and planning
• capacity to fine tune their business goals.

Register here for your preferred bootcamp or contact Adam Buzza on 0419 571 208 or email adam.buzza@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Save the Date BestWool/BestLamb Bendigo Conference
Image of sheep in paddock and Best Wool Best Lamb logo

The Ag Vic 2023 BestWool/BestLamb Conference will be held at the Bendigo Showgrounds on Tuesday 20 June.

A pre-conference dinner will take place on Monday 19 June at the All Seasons Resort Hotel in Bendigo to celebrate 25 years of the BestWool/BestLamb program.

Our dinner guest speaker will be Mark Wales, former SAS and winner of TV series Australian Survivor.

The line-up of conference speakers is sure to inform, challenge and excite participants with the most up to date sheep industry research and information.

Early bird registrations are now on sale until 31 May.

For the conference program and registration click HERE.

For more information contact Lyndon Kubeil on 0418 532 085 or lyndon.kubeil@agriculture.vic.gov.au.

Future Drought Fund's 2023 Science to Practice Forum

Registrations are now open for the Future Drought Fund’s 2023 Science to Practice Forum, 6 - 8 June.

The annual forum is a showcase of the innovative tools and practices helping Australian farmers and communities respond to a changing climate and prepare for future drought.

Award-winning television journalist and presenter of ABC TV’s Landline, Pip Courtney, will host this year’s online forum and facilitate engaging discussions, with each day focussed on a particular theme:

  • Tuesday 6 June – Research and Development: Data-driven projects, stories around research trials and outcomes, future-driven content and content relevant to opportunities under the Future Drought Fund for Natural Resource Management, farming systems groups and research bodies.
  • Wednesday 7 June – Farmers, Producers and Agricultural Advisors: Stories of drought and preparing for it, ‘call-to-action’ presentations, content relevant to opportunities under the FDF for producers and their communities, farmer and farm-advisor delivered stories.
  • Thursday 8 June – Community and Policy: Community and social projects, including presentations on farmer wellbeing and community resilience in the context of drought, policy discussions and input from FDF network partners.

The forum connects participants to research and activities building the sustainability of Australian agriculture and is an opportunity to collaborate and network with like-minded people.

Register for the 2023 Science to Practice Forum via Eventbrite.

Monitoring Wind Erosion in the Victorian Mallee
Webinar

Tuesday 13 June
12 - 1 pm
 

 

Join Agriculture Victoria's Mallee monitoring wind erosion project team and seasonal risk agronomist Dale Grey to hear about:

  • What crops were grown in the Mallee in 2022
  • How satellite technology is used to monitor groundcover and obtain crop type estimation 
  • An overview of the Victorian Mallee seasonal outlook for 2023

CLICK HERE to register or contact Rebecca Mitchell on 0438 111 994 or email rebecca.mitchell@agriculture.vic.gov.au to learn more.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. The session will be recorded for those who register but are unable to attend.

Supported by Mallee Catchment Management Authority through funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Program.

Second International Symposium on Precision Management of Orchards & Vineyards

Mark your calendars!

From 3-8 December scientists, industry experts and leading horticultural and viticultural growers will converge on Tatura for the Second International Symposium on Precision Management of Orchards & Vineyards (PMOV23).

Agriculture Victoria is accepting Abstract Submissions for PMOV23 until 31 May.

More information will be available in the coming months, so keep your eyes peeled!

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Call 136 186 from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call (except for mobiles and public telephones).

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All contact points can be found at: agriculture.vic.gov.au/about-us/contact-us

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