In this edition

• Bird owners urged to remain vigilant
• This National Farm Safety Week take farm safety into your hands
• Rural Financial Counselling Service
• Farmers invited to ‘Take a Wellbeing Break’
• Exciting opportunity for Towong and Indigo Shire young farmers
• Biosecurity planning is not a one-size-fits-all process
• Choosing the best feed this winter
• What does your FOO look like?
• AgVic Talk podcast – Episode 9
• Fox and wild dog bounty
• In case you missed it
• What's on

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

Make sure you, your visitors and workers are aware of farm safety risks and take proactive steps to manage them. 

• Provide safe playing areas for children and fence off hazardous areas such as dams.
• Use appropriate safety gear like helmets, gloves, eyewear, and hearing protection.
• Utilise a checking in system when working alone.
• Manage fatigue with regular breaks and planning ahead during busier times.

Visit here for more #FarmingSafeandWell tips to make your farm safer for everyone.

Head to FarmSafe Australia to get the full rundown on Farm Safety Week.

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.

A series of wellbeing workshops targeting farming communities is being delivered as part of Agriculture Victoria’s Farm Business Resilience program, with the first to be held in Dimboola.

Agriculture Victoria Statewide Agriculture Recovery Manager Tess McDougall said the ‘Take a Wellbeing Break’ workshops are aiming to support social connection and collaboration in farming communities.

‘The workshops will provide occasions to support farmers, farming families and rural communities with mental health, wellbeing and self-care.’

The National Farmer Wellbeing Report conducted by the National Farmers Federation in 2023 found that burnout and exhaustion are commonly reported in the farming community, with almost three quarters of farmers experiencing burnout of some kind in the last five years.

Mrs McDougall said farmers have faced a series of challenging events over recent years with the current dry seasonal conditions in some regions just the latest one to confront them.

The workshops will be facilitated by Cynthia Mahoney, an experienced facilitator and coach with a background in Agricultural Science. She says the workshops are designed to be fun and practical.

‘They will bring farmers together to provide them with wellbeing tools and information, connect them and share ideas, and identify practical strategies they can immediately implement to positively impact their well-being.

‘People often associate wellbeing with the serious topic of mental health and expect another workshop full of the same stuff.

‘It is a weighty subject, and I have created something that is meant to be fun while also providing an opportunity for participants to talk about wellbeing in a serious way while they are doing it,’ said Ms Mahoney.

The first of the workshops will be held at Dimboola on Wednesday 7 August from 6 to 8 pm and is supported by Wimmera Women Connect, Birchip Cropping Group, Hindmarsh Shire and Wimmera Southern Mallee Development.

Register for the Dimboola workshop HERE or visit the Agriculture Victoria events page

Other workshops are being planned for South-West Victoria, northern Victoria and Gippsland, with details to be made available on Trybooking and the Agriculture Victoria website.

The workshops are funded by the Farm Business Resilience Program, which is jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Victorian Government’s Future Agriculture Skills Capacity Fund.

If you are a young farmer or new to farming in the Towong or Indigo Shire regions, then this opportunity to be part of the Farming Smarter program could be for you.

Agriculture Victoria Regional Manager Brad Costin said this program will provide participants the opportunity to meet other like-minded farmers, be inspired to make their business more profitable, and create a better work-life balance.

‘The program equips farmers with cutting-edge tools and strategies to help set them on the path to achieving their farming goals and putting the fun back into farming.

‘The Farming Smarter program is delivered over six months starting with an individual on-farm assessment followed by skill-building workshops, personalised coaching sessions and a grand finale showcasing your progress and success,’ Mr Costin said.

‘There is an emphasises on the importance of identifying your business’ strengths and weaknesses.

‘We are fortunate to have Dr Kristy Howard, developer and deliverer of the Farming Smarter program, who brings with her 28 years’ experience working with sheep and beef farmers to make their farms more profitable, sustainable and enjoyable.’

The program structure ensures a comprehensive and supported learning experience for farm businesses that leads all participants to farm smarter and achieve their goals.

The program's unique approach, which combines one-to-one business coaching, workshops, and the ‘Farming Challenge’ ensures participants implement what they learn with the support of others to make change that is meaningful and sticks.

Farming Smarter program consists of three components:

• business review and analysis
• 3 x 1-day workshops two weeks apart to build capability with the other participants to delve deeper into their vision, business understanding, communication, goal setting, and planning skills
• farming challenge, where participants set themselves a challenge to change an aspect of the business and work with a coach to achieve it.

To register your expression of interest, before Monday 22 July, complete this expression of interest form.

To find out more contact Kristy on 0400 282 222 or at kristy@inspiringexcellence.com.au

The FBR Program is jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Victorian Government’s Future Agriculture Skills Capacity Fund.

Every farm and property are different, and each requires a unique on-farm biosecurity plan.

This online module is designed to provide you with information to understand the importance of biosecurity and how you can apply key biosecurity principles to your farm.

Complete the course and discover further modules here.

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

What to feed In this short video, Livestock Officer Nick Linden looks at the key considerations in choosing supplements for stock by calculating their requirements and the energy density of feed against its cost. Watch it here

Costing out your feeds 

Am I better off feeding grain or hay? Plus, what is the cost? In this video, Livestock Officer Nick Linden looks at the calculations to use to make sure what you’re feeding to your animals is the most cost-effective option. Watch it here

With current seasonal conditions green feed may be limiting and assessing the value of pasture can be difficult.

Find out how to measure your Feed on Offer (FOO).

Use the FOO assessment guide and the AWI FOO library to help you estimate and assess what you have on offer.

More resources to assist in assessing pastures are available on Agriculture Victoria’s Feeding Livestock website.

How can I create a balanced diet for my cattle? Are there any biosecurity risks to be aware of?

In this episode, Brett Davidson, Agriculture Victoria’s Dairy Regional Manager in Tatura and Rachael Laukart, Education Officer with the RSPCA share information about feeding cattle a balanced diet, what to do if you need to transition their diet and what biosecurity risks to be aware of when introducing new feed.

Listen via the AgVic website.

Victoria’s bounty collections resumed on 4 March 2024.

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.

Repeat offender pleads guilty to aggravated cruelty to livestock

At Kerang Magistrates’ Court, farmer Bruce Cook pleaded guilty to 3 charges of aggravated cruelty and one of breaching an adjourned undertaking imposed in 2021.

Read the full media release here.

Crowning Victoria’s premier wine for 2024

Some of Victoria’s most established winemakers have been in the spotlight at this year’s Victorian Wine Show, showcasing the best wine on offer from across the state.

Read the full media release 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.

Managing lambing and lactating ewes - the second in the Dry season winter webinar series

Agriculture Victoria is running a series of lunchtime webinars to help farmers manage the dry conditions. The sessions will run for about an hour, with a chance to answer some questions at the end. Attend one or all sessions. This is the second session of three.

When: Wednesday, 17 July, 12.30 – 1.30 pm

Register HERE

Join Dynamic Ag Livestock Consultant Dr Steve Cotton to hear about managing lambing and lactating ewes when pasture is limited.

These webinars will be recorded.

Land management, sacrifice paddocks and stock containment areas – Dry season winter webinar series

Agriculture Victoria is running a series of lunchtime webinars to help farmers manage the dry conditions. The sessions will run for about an hour, with a chance to answer some questions at the end. This is the final session in the webinar series.

When: Wednesday, 24 July, 12.30 – 1.30 pm

Register HERE

Join Agriculture Victoria’s Clem Sturmfels for a session about land management, sacrifice paddocks and stock containment areas.

Webinars will be recorded.

Learn how to best use an animal health plan, an important tool for farmers to increase performance and minimise biosecurity risks. 

Hear from Dr Hannah Manning in this free interactive workshop where you will identify local health issues and learn about their prevention and treatment solutions when creating an animal health plan for your flock.

When: Wednesday 24 July, 10 am – 2 pm

Where: Navarre Football Club.

Register here.

This event is brought to you by Up2Us Landcare Alliance. 

Change on Farm with Cam Nicholson. Understanding Carbon and Climate, an informative event where we will discuss carbon and emissions on farm.

Cam is a Director of Nicon Rural Services, a consulting business near Geelong working with the grazing and cropping industries.

Date: Wednesday 17 July
Time: 9:30 am - 3:30 pm Lunch included
Cost: $10
Location: Delatite Hotel, Mansfield.

Cam has worked in pasture agronomy and soils for nearly 40 years and has been involved in many farmer programs for the GRDC, MLA, Landcare and the current Future Drought Fund. He provides consultancy advice to farmers and lectures on animal and pasture systems at Marcus Oldham College.

Some of his recent work has been on helping farmers understand where a farm business should be positioned in the rapidly evolving carbon market.

He and his wife Fiona also run a 400 ha beef and sheep farm on the Bellarine Peninsula turning off cattle for the long fed feedlot market and fine wool.

Register here.

Join us for a complimentary dinner in Tarrawingee, hosted by the Rural City of Wangaratta and the Wangaratta Livestock Exchange, supported by the Victorian Government.

When: Thursday 18 July, 5:30 - 8 pm.

Where: The Plough Inn Tarrawingee, 2322 Wangaratta Beechworth Road, Tarrawingee.

Recent climate events have significantly impacted our agricultural community, requiring ongoing support and intervention.

Agriculture Victoria has been instrumental in providing essential resources and recovery services, and their support for this event will help us continue supporting our farming community together.

Free dinner and talk.

Don’t miss our guest speaker, Warren Davies, the Unbreakable Farmer!

Registrations are essential.

All enquiries email: r.golia@wangaratta.vic.gov.au.

Grain and mixed farmers are invited to a short two-day course in Bridgewater for your farm business future.

When:18 and 19 July, 8.30 am – 3 pm on day one, 9 am – 3 pm on day two.

Where: Bridgewater Recreation Reserve, Calder Hwy, Bridgewater

Presenter: Dr Kate Burke

Kate is an independent farm consultant who has a PhD and extensive experience in crop agronomy and dryland agriculture. Her expertise is sought by large corporate enterprises but she most enjoys working with farmers that have a commitment to improvement. Using an evidence-based approach, Kate will guide you towards 'excellent farming'.

Topics include:

• Key profit drivers and high-level benchmarks
• Income vs cost of production and impact of rotation
• Calculating basic financial benchmarks
• Understanding your personal appetite for risk
• Understanding your production potential to assess variation in profit
• Managing climate variability and farm financial performance
• Scenario planning for the 2024 and 2025 seasons and beyond.

This event is free.

Participants who complete the two-day course and business plans will be eligible for a free, 45–90 minute one-on-one planning review with Kate Burke.

Register here

The Farm Business Resilience Program is jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Victorian Government’s Future Agriculture Skills Capacity Fund.

Grain and mixed farmers are invited to a short two-day course in Colbinabin for your farm business future.

Where: Colbinabbin Country Hotel, 18 Mitchell St, Colbinabbin

When: 15 July and 16 July, 8.30 am – 3 pm on day one, 9 am – 3 pm on day two.

Presenter: Dr Kate Burke

Kate is an independent farm consultant who has a PhD and extensive experience in crop agronomy and dryland agriculture. Her expertise is sought by large corporate enterprises but she most enjoys working with farmers that have a commitment to improvement. Using an evidence-based approach, Kate will guide you towards 'excellent farming'.

Topics include:

• Key profit drivers and high-level benchmarks
• Income vs cost of production and impact of rotation
• Calculating basic financial benchmarks
• Understanding your personal appetite for risk
• Understanding your production potential to assess variation in profit
• Managing climate variability and farm financial performance
• Scenario planning for the 2024 and 2025 seasons and beyond.

This event is free.

Participants who complete the two-day course and business plans will be eligible for a free, 45–90 minute one-on-one planning review with Kate Burke.

Register here

The Farm Business Resilience Program is jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Victorian Government’s Future Agriculture Skills Capacity Fund.

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

The central theme will focus on ‘Evidence Based Decision Making’ and the topics have been built around what farmers need to know.
Delegates will be able to choose from two bus tours.

One to a property north of Bendigo integrating lucerne into a profitable livestock system and one to a higher rainfall perennial pasture property south of Bendigo.

Topics will include:

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

Click here for more information - 2024 GSSA Annual Conference

The upcoming Irrigation Insights Conference, scheduled for Wednesday, 24 July, and Thursday, 25 July, at the Rich River Golf Club in Moama.

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

Conference highlights:

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

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

For more information, please click here.

Book tickets now.

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 strategies you can immediately implement to positively impact your well-being.

Join us for an evening workshop on Wednesday 7 August from 6 - 9 pm at Dimboola Bowling Club.

Tickets are $10 with all proceeds being donated to the Rural Outreach Centre.

A light supper will be provided. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements. This is an alcohol-free event.

Date: Wednesday, 7 August from 6 - 9 pm 
Location: Dimboola Bowling Club, 51 Lloyd St, Dimboola

Register here for Take a well-being break workshop at Dimboola.

The workshop is funded by the Farm Business Resilience Program, which is jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund & the Victorian Government’s Future Agriculture Skills Capacity Fund. It's supported by Wimmera Women Connect, Birchip Cropping Group, Hindmarsh Shire & Wimmera Southern Mallee Development.

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.

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