In this edition

• Varroa mite detected in Victoria
• Bird owners urged to remain vigilant
• Avian influenza movement restrictions eased
• Dry season spring webinar series
• Crooked calf disease
• Celebrating National Science Week at Tatura SmartFarm
• Apiarist faces court for ignoring destruction orders
• To clean or not to clean? Managing dam sediment
• Telehandler licence training
• Innovative solutions to biosecurity control
• Applications for the Rural Women’s Network Leadership and Mentoring program are now open!
• Recording: Victoria's spring seasonal outlook
• Fox and wild dog bounty
• What's on

Agriculture Victoria has confirmed varroa mite has been detected for the first time in Victoria at a property in Nangiloc near Mildura.

The infested hive was identified during Agriculture Victoria’s surveillance activities which are carried out each year during almond pollination.

Agriculture Victoria Acting Chief Plant Health Officer Dr Stephen Dibley said Agriculture Victoria is working with the affected beekeeper and others close by to minimise spread and guide management actions.

'This early detection of Varroa mite enables Victorian beekeepers to prepare and manage their hives effectively,' Dr Dibley said.

Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) is a parasite of adult honey bees and honey bee brood. It weakens and kills honey bee colonies and can also transmit honey bee viruses.

It was first detected in Australia near Newcastle in NSW in 2022 and is being managed through the National Varroa Mite Response Plan which is focussed on preparing industry to live with and effectively manage Varroa mite.

Varroa mite does not affect native bees.

In line with the National Varroa Mite Response Plan, Agriculture Victoria is working closely with beekeepers and orchardists to minimise the impacts on beehives and the almond pollination.

A team of 12 varroa development officers have been recruited in Victoria under the National Varroa Mite Response Plan and they are available to provide guidance directly to beekeepers on how to manage Varroa mite and appropriately utilise the chemical control options available.

There are also Varroa Management Training Workshops occurring across Victoria this month, which cover monitoring and threshold surveillance actions, integrated pest management techniques, record-keeping, and chemical treatments, including organic options.

'With varroa mite established in New South Wales and measures in place to slow the spread nationally, the detection this week was not unexpected despite the requirements in place to enter the state,' Dr Dibley said.

'I encourage all beekeepers to be prepared to manage varroa in their hives by attending one of the free workshops, engaging with Varroa Development Officers and accessing all the resources available.'

Beekeepers with concerns can contact Victorian varroa development officers at Victorian.VDO@agriculture.vic.gov.au or on 1800 958 485.

Beekeepers in Victoria are urged to check their hives and to report suspected cases of varroa mite to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.

All Victorian beekeepers are encouraged to record all hive movements and inspections, and the results of mite testing in BeeMAX.

For more information and updates on this detection, and any further Victorian varroa mite detections, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/varroa.

As we continue to respond to the avian flu outbreak, we’re urging bird owners to remain vigilant. 

Look out for symptoms and report any unexplained bird deaths to the VicEmergency hotline on 1800 226 226. 

For more information, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/avianflu

A poultry housing requirement that has been in effect to control the spread of high pathogenicity avian influenza near Terang and Meredith will be lifted for some birds from today, Thursday 15 August 2024.

As no further cases of high pathogenicity avian influenza have been detected in Victoria since 24 June, changes to the control orders have been gazetted, taking Victoria one step closer to being free from the high pathogenicity avian influenza virus.

The H7N3 strain of the virus was detected at seven properties close to Meredith, the last of which occurred on 24 June, while the H7N9 strain was detected at one property near Terang on 24 May.

From Thursday, 15 August 2024:

• the housing requirement for poultry in the control areas surrounding Meredith and Terang have been lifted
• the restricted area around the Terang infected property has been reduced from a 5km to a 1.5 km radius
• the control area at Terang has also been reduced from a 15km to a 5km radius.

The control and restricted areas in the Meredith area will remain the same.

Victoria’s Acting Chief Veterinary Officer Sally Salmon said staff continue to undertake disease monitoring activities, including property visits, phone calls and dead bird collections, and testing samples collected from properties in the restricted and control areas.

‘Everyone’s cooperation has been critical in allowing this easing of restrictions,’ she said.

‘Every text replied to, phone call answered, dead bird report, and live bird testing has, and will, help us get to the next step of lifting restrictions further.

‘Affected properties are continuing to be supported during ongoing decontamination, and egg and litter disposal activities to ensure their properties are free from the disease.’

Poultry and bird owners are reminded that movement controls are still in place for both the Meredith and Terang areas and permits are required for the movement of birds, poultry products and feed.

The housing requirement remains in place for poultry located in the restricted areas around Meredith and Terang, meaning all birds need to remain in their enclosures, to avoid any contact with wild birds.

‘Movement controls that have been in place since May have been effective in reducing the number of infections and have helped to stop the disease spreading beyond the restricted areas,’ Dr Salmon said.

‘We would like to thank the poultry industry, and the businesses and affected properties for their ongoing assistance during this response. Without their cooperation and reporting it would not have been possible to control the spread of this disease outbreak.'

Poultry farmers, backyard flock and bird owners are urged to continue to be vigilant and report any cases of unexplained bird deaths to the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

While cases among humans in direct contact with animals infected with high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses are possible, the current risk to the public remains low.

If you have had contact with birds on an affected property and you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, call your doctor or the Department of Health on 1300 651 160 for medical advice.

A list of resources and contact details for industry and individual support, including technical, financial and mental health information, support and services, is available in our resource directory.

More information, including movement permits, maps, compensation details and mental health resources, are available at agriculture.vic.gov.au/avianinfluenza.

Meat and wool producers are invited to our spring webinar series.

This free webinar series will cover the issues confronting many of you this season. You are welcome to attend one or all of the sessions.

WORKSHOP SERIES

Information on dry season support will also be available.

Final webinar – Cash flow and finance management

Date: Wednesday 21 August

Time: 12:30 - 1:30 pm

To register click here

Join Paul Blackshaw, farm business consultant with Meridian Agriculture.

Paul has vast experience working with farmers through tight seasons and has many valuable lessons to share.

More information

The sessions will run for about an hour with time to answer some questions at the end. 

Webinars will be recorded and shared. 

If you have any questions, please contact workshop coordinator
Hannah Manning on 0400 532 595 or at hannah.manning@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Dr Jeff Cave, Agriculture Victoria Senior Veterinary Officer

Spring calving producers be aware – a calf deformity, known with a variety of names including crooked calves, acorn calves, bulldog calves and dummy calves, has been observed again recently.

The unfortunate condition has been seen in a number of previous years on spring calving properties situated on the south-western slopes of the Great Dividing Range of New South Wales and Victoria.

The deformities have been most noticeable in the limbs and included shortening and rotation. The calves have also been undersized. The mothers of these calves were clinically normal.

In the past the outbreak has primarily affected beef producers. All beef breeds commonly found in these districts have been affected. Deformed calves have been born to cows of all age groups.

There was no genetic link between affected properties. A varying percentage of calves with a varying severity of deformities were reported both on and between affected properties.

In each case the outbreaks have followed adverse seasonal conditions early in the year.

It is believed the deformity occurs from day 45 to day 245 of pregnancy. Affected property owners have consistently reported that their pregnant cattle were on undulating or hilly granitic country during this critical stage of pregnancy.

A number of likely potential causes of the deformity such as genetic defects, plant toxins, farm chemicals and a number of viruses appear to have already been ruled out.

The cause of the deformity is most likely to be a trace element deficiency. If manganese or zinc deficiency is the cause of the deformity, it is unlikely that this disease is caused by one factor such as a simple lack of supply. It is more likely to be a complex interaction of nutritional imbalances.

Owners of affected properties are asked to report any abortions, stillbirths or births of deformed calves. Previously affected producers are also asked to keep good records, particularly of the conditions during the critical stage of their cattle’s pregnancy, as accurate information will help assist the validity of any future questionnaires.

In the meantime, it is worth producers being aware of and avoiding the known risk factors of the condition particularly during their cattle’s critical stage of pregnancy.

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

To celebrate National Science Week we are shining the spotlight on our five SmartFarms based in regional Victoria. 

 Here's to the Tatura SmartFarm in the Goulburn Valley. This SmartFarm is all about enabling innovation for the horticulture industry.

Research is done here in orchard to fruit quality sensing and improvement, increasing precision and mechanisation and robotics through AgTech helps increase the yield and value of pears, apples and stonefruits – helping grow Victoria’s export markets. 

Did you know you can find the world’s first sundial multi-directional experimental orchard there?

Find out more about our SmartFarms here.

Beekeepers are being reminded to report and treat notifiable diseases after a large scale commercial western Victoria apiarist was found guilty of failure to manage American foulbrood (AFB) in hives.

Agriculture Victoria prosecuted apiarist Sharon Oakley in Horsham Magistrates Court on Monday 4 August on six charges under the Livestock Disease Control Act 1994 and Livestock Disease Control Regulations 2017.

The apiarist operation was heavily focused on pollination contracts and hives were regularly moved between South Australia and Victoria.

The charges included a failure to notify Agriculture Victoria of the presence or suspicion of disease, failure to take action to control diseased hives, and exposing hives infected with disease, allowing bees access to the hives which had not been disinfected.

Agriculture Victoria officers served isolation and destruction orders and provided education on good biosecurity practices dating back to March 2022.

On one visit in 2023, inspection of hives revealed that 56% of the 345 hives present were found to be infected with AFB.

After failing to follow Agriculture Victoria’s direction to destroy infected hives and hiveware, Agriculture Victoria disposed of the materials to manage the biosecurity risk to the industry.

The court found in favour of Agriculture Victoria, ordering the defendant to be of good behaviour for 12 months and pay a $500 fine.

Apiary Biosecurity Manager Nikki Jones said the case should serve as a reminder of the importance of responsible beekeeping.

'American Foulbrood is an endemic, highly contagious, notifiable disease within Victoria that results in the death of the hive,' Ms Jones said.

'There is no treatment for AFB. As the disease weakens the hive, it becomes susceptible to robbing by other colonies resulting in the rapid spread of the disease within apiaries and to surrounding apiaries.

'Therefore, the early detection and management of the disease is vital to reduce the risk of spread.'

When purchasing used equipment beekeepers need to be aware of the risk of AFB infected equipment.

To ensure the equipment is safe to be used in an apiary it must be irradiated. 

More information on American foulbrood is on the Agriculture Victoria website.

Victorian farmers may be considering cleaning out sediment from their dams after a dry autumn season.

However, Agriculture Victoria Land Management Extension Officer Clem Sturmfels, is encouraging farmers to think carefully before proceeding.

‘Cleaning out dams at this time of the year can be difficult, dangerous and expensive. Handling wet dam sediment requires specialised equipment.

‘Using a bulldozer to remove this sediment is slow and tedious work and excavators usually don’t have the reach to do this work efficiently,’ Mr Sturmfels said.

Dams with fresh deposits of soil, manure, and other organic matter are more likely to grow algae and bacteria. Allowing these deposits to dry out over summer allows the material to be removed using a scraper or bulldozer.

‘It’s important to closely monitor the dams while waiting for them to dry out to avoid any animal health issues.

‘Dams with older sediment are less likely to have water quality concerns and a metre or so of sediment will have little impact on dam capacity.

‘Assessing the depth of sediment in a dam can be difficult. Farmers can make an estimate by measuring the depth of the dam and comparing that to the dam’s dimensions.’

A depth sounder or Damdeep measuring device can be used. A video of making and using Damdeep can be viewed here.

Farmers are encouraged to consider the following when undertaking dam cleaning activities:

• the sides of dams can be slippery and pose a risk to humans, stock and plant operators
• dam sediment should be placed in a location where it cannot re-enter the dam or other waterways
• steepening the sides of the dam can result in erosion and further sedimentation
• avoid any works which impact the structural integrity of the dam or associated outlet devices.

It’s recommended to contact the local rural water authority in your area prior to commencing sediment removal works, as a permit may be required.

Rural water authority’s details can be found here.

Further information can be found on our website: Agriculture Victoria.

Now available: Licence training for non-slewing telehandlers with rated capacity more than 3 tonne.

Learn more and sign up at worksafe.vic.gov.au/telehandler

Victoria’s biosecurity system will be strengthened with a $6.1 million investment by the Victorian Government for projects that help prevent, monitor, and control diseases in cattle, sheep, goat, swine and honeybee industries.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently announced 16 organisations will receive grants to deliver 38 projects that provide ground breaking solutions and use emerging technologies to improve livestock biosecurity in Victoria.

The Livestock Biosecurity Funds Grant Program reinvests funds raised through duties on the sale of livestock and beekeeper registration fees back into the sector to help meet emerging biosecurity challenges head on.

Warragul based Veterinary Support Services will receive $1.4 million to deliver a two-year Victorian Livestock Veterinary Scholarship program.

This includes clinical supervision and training that provides early-career veterinarians with skills, experience, networks and support to launch and sustain a livestock veterinary career in regional Victoria.

Western Plains Pork has been awarded $155,000 to run a pilot program to map contact between feral and domestic pigs to understand disease transmission risks.

This program will enhance participation and engagement from land managers – improving the industry’s preparedness and reduce the impact of diseases on the Victorian pig industry.

The Livestock Biosecurity Funds Grant Program was established collaboratively between Agriculture Victoria and the four Livestock Compensation Advisory Committees, representing a shared responsibility between government and industry to boost Victoria’s biosecurity and provide real benefits to industry.

Minister Spence has also appointed chairs and members with a broad range of industry skills and experience to the four Livestock Compensation Advisory Committees to provide advice on the administration of these funds.

For a full list of the 2024 Livestock Biosecurity Funds Grant Program recipients as well as Livestock Compensation Advisory Committee members please visit our website.

All rural and regional based women working across the agriculture supply chain are encouraged to apply for the Rural Women's Network Leadership program.

This program is being delivered by LeadershipVic over two residential retreats and aims to develop and empower women as leaders and change makers in their careers and in their communities.

All study and accommodation costs to participate in the program are covered, with additional capped allowances for childcare and travel provided to those who require this support. 

Applications close 2 September 2024.

Click here for more information.

In this webinar recording, Seasonal Risk Agronomist Dale Grey discussed the recent seasonal conditions including rainfall, temperature and deep soil moisture levels across the state.

We looked at what the latest global models are forecasting for spring and shared information on the dry seasons support available to farmers.

Climate Specialist Graeme Anderson, and Dale, took a deeper look into the current seasonal risks and helped bust some common myths around making sense of forecasts.

VIEW THE RECORDING HERE

Duration: 67 minutes (including questions)
Password: Climate

This webinar was originally presented on Wednesday 14 August at 12 pm.

All climate webinar recordings can be found on our website.

Victoria’s bounty collections continue.

Please continue to 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.

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.

Visit our Tatura SmartFarm where Australia’s two largest R&D programs into profitable, modern and sustainable orchard systems are underway for apple and pears.

Come and hear from, and talk over with, the R&D with researchers from across Australia and local growers involved in these projects on Wednesday 21 August starting at 2:30 pm.

Orchard walk and talks only! Beanies, coats and boots are a must!

Finish the afternoon in the warmth of indoors with some final displays and short talks over nibblies at around 5:30 pm.

Easy to attend – no registration necessary!

For more information call Alessio Scalisi 0490 869 655.

74th Australasian Grain Science Conference – Innovations in Grain Science

When: 20 – 22 August 

Where: Collins Square, Docklands, Melbourne.

The Australasian Grain Science Association (AGSA) holds an annual conference for grain scientists, post-graduate students, nutritionists, and others with an interest in grain science.

The aim is to advance knowledge and understanding of grain science and the grains industry. This meeting is an opportunity for the grains industry to openly discuss the latest innovations in grains research.

This year, the conference will be held in Australia’s café capital, Melbourne. #AGSA24 will cover a range of topics including:

• latest developments in science and technology
• commercialisation of science
• food nutrition from grains and byproducts
• plant-based products
• advances in crop adaptation in variable climates.

To register click here

Looking after your well-being and connecting with others is important in challenging times.

This fun, practical Take a Well-Being Break workshop brings farmers/farming families/couples in your community together to provide well-being tools and information, connect and share ideas, and to identify practical strategies you can immediately implement to positively impact your well-being.

When and where: Thursday, 5 September from 10 am to 2 pm at Parkland Golf Club, 12 Racecourse Road, Kyabram.

Tickets are $20 with all proceeds to be donated to the Country Women's Association.

Lunch is provided.

Please note this is an alcohol-free event.

Register now

Give yourself the time and space to bring some calm to the chaos and focus on YOU!

Topics include:

• irrigated varieties - canola, barley, wheat and faba beans
• responding flexibly to climate and in-season weather
• de-risking seeding with a focus on irrigation management, maintaining healthy, fertile systems utilising rotations, summer grains, sustainable annual fodder rotations, and sowing rates and timings for barley and faba beans
• seed company representatives discussing the latest irrigated varieties.

Where and when: 407 Kerang-Koondrook Road, Kerang at 10 am to 3:30 pm.

Morning tea and BBQ lunch are provided.

Tickets

• IFN members free
• non-members $55

To register and buy tickets click here

For more information call 0447 803 305 or visit the IFN website

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