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Thursday, 10 October 2024

In this edition

Rural Financial Counselling Service
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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.

Grants to boost fruit grower resilience and profits

More premium Victorian grown fruit and vegetables will make it onto local supermarket shelves thanks to grants awarded to install new netting on Victorian farms – protecting crops and increasing productivity.

The expanded $15.9 million Horticultural Netting Program - funded by the Commonwealth Government and delivered by the Victorian Government - is now fully allocated with 190 grants delivered to 150 Victorian producers over 3 rounds.

The program provided up to $150,000 to producers of commercial horticulture crops, excluding wine grapes, for the purchase and installation of new netting over established production areas.

The Commonwealth established the Horticulture Netting Program to help Australian growers, and their communities, recover from drought and the pandemic.

Besides protecting produce from environmental damage such as hail and sunburn, horticultural netting helps to keep out some pest animals and can reduce orchard water use by up to 20%.

An increase in fruit quality, coupled with reduced impacts from adverse weather and animal damage means more dollars in horticulture growers’ pockets.

Among the grant recipients is Temhem Pty Ltd, a grower and packer of fresh fruit for the domestic and export markets based at Lemnos, near Shepparton. The grant supported the installation of netting over 4 hectares of Nashi pears to limit hail damage and protect against birds and bats.

For more information on how Agriculture Victoria is supporting the horticulture industry visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/crops-and-horticulture.

Your beef calves are the future of your herd
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Dr Jeff Cave, Agriculture Victoria Senior Veterinary Officer

Keeping your calves in good health is of top importance. A scours outbreak in your herd can be time consuming, expensive to treat and, if not managed correctly, can result in significant losses.

Calf scours is most common in beef calves during the first six weeks of life.

It is difficult to control the disease once calves start to scour and become sick. It is therefore important to manage calving herds to avoid outbreaks.

Scours is caused by an interaction between the environment, the health of the calf and the presence of disease-causing agents (pathogens), which include bacteria, viruses and protozoa.

These pathogens are shed in low, but increased numbers in the manure of cows around the time of calving, and in much greater numbers in the manure of scouring calves and unaffected calves up to six months of age. During a scours outbreak, a rapid build-up of pathogens can occur in the environment.

While the pathogen’s actions vary their effects are consistent – a loss of fluid and electrolytes associated with diarrhoea leading to dehydration, weakness, and in some cases the death of the calf.

To reduce the risk of calf scours in your herd you should:

  • minimise contact between young calves and potential sources of infection by avoiding wet, muddy areas or areas with manure build up
  • maximise colostrum intake by avoiding calving difficulty (dystocia) and poor early bonding
  • calves from heifers are most at risk. Any calf that has not suckled within six hours of birth should be supplemented with colostrum
  • avoid stress, poor nutrition and crowding
  • avoid the introduction of new calf scour pathogens into the herd by not replacing dead calves with bobby calves from another property and not introducing recently purchased animals into the calving herd.

Control measures should be applied quickly when scouring calves require treatment, as the disease can spread rapidly if pathogen build-up is not addressed. Move all pregnant cows to a new calving paddock and do not put any new calves with affected cows and calves.

To successfully treat a scouring calf, supportive therapy is needed to counteract the effects of diarrhoea.

The most important aspect of supportive therapy is to give an adequate quantity of fluids and electrolytes to replace what is lost in the diarrhoea.

The use of antibiotics may be appropriate but only under veterinary advice.

A key to the success of treatment is to commence it promptly at the first indication of adverse clinical signs. If these steps were followed, I would hope that you would enjoy a trouble-free calving season.

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

Top tips for calving season
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We are well into calving season and the odd tricky calving which requires assistance is therefore unavoidable. 

Agriculture Victoria Livestock Development Officer, Dr Hannah Manning said during calving season regular monitoring of cows is important to pick up any that are having trouble calving. 

‘Once a farmer has found a problem and brought the cow in to help, I work on a 20-minute intervention rule.

‘A farmer’s strength, a calving jack or a calving pulley are the only acceptable methods to pull a calf, even then you need to be a competent operator. 

‘There is no point having the equipment if you haven’t had training on how to use it, and if a calf is stuck or not lined up properly then more force isn’t the answer,’ she said. 

‘Don’t forget if you’re helping with a calving, wearing gloves is a great way to reduce your exposure to any diseases that can affect humans, and it keeps things cleaner for the cow. 

‘If significant progress in pulling the calf hasn’t been made in 20 minutes, it’s time to stop and come up with an alternative plan. 

Dr Manning said calling your local vet early will be the best result for the cow and calf. 

‘Good facilities that are safe for you and anyone else helping is vital. 

‘It’s amazing how effective a vet can be with drugs in improving the whole situation. If calling your local vet isn’t an option is there someone else you can call or do you need to make some tough decisions?

She said the top consideration at all times is the welfare of the cow.

‘Tough calvings can result in calving paralysis and down cows are a poor result and require a lot of skill and time to care for properly.’

There is more information available on the Agriculture Victoria website www.agriculture.vic.gov.au

Farmer survey – Do farmers dream of sheep?
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You can access the survey here

Check out our free hay calculator
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Heard about our hay versus grains calculator?

This tool calculates the gross margin of grain and hay production in dollars per hectare. It helps with deciding whether a crop should be left for harvest or cut for hay.

Just click on this link

Then fill in the white boxes – the grey boxes will automatically calculate it for you. Talk about easy!

WorkSafe – It's never you until it is
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It’s never you until it is. Every death on-farm is preventable. Find safety support for your farm HERE

Apply for new Future Drought Fund grants to support Aussie farmers
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The Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund is looking for eligible Australian organisations to apply for 2 new grant programs.

These programs will trial innovative solutions with the potential to build the agriculture sector, landscapes and communities’ long-term resilience to drought and climate risks, through transformational change.

The $40 million Resilient Landscapes Program focuses on demonstrating how implementing and scaling of practices, technologies or approaches to manage natural resources on farm, builds drought and climate resilience.

The $40.3 million Long-term Trials of Drought Resilient Farming Practices Program Round 2 looks at investigating new practices and technologies that will improve productivity in variable weather through evidence-based trials, co-designed with farmers.

Both grant rounds are open to agricultural industries in Australia and will be delivered over six years. Applicants must form consortia, that is 2 or more organisations working together to develop and deliver an eligible project.

Applications close on 19 November 2024.

To learn more about the grants and apply, visit: Resilient Landscapes Grants Program - DAFF and Long-term Trials of Drought Resilient Farming Practices Grants - DAFF

Recruitment open for Chair of Dairy Food Safety Victoria

Applications are now open to join Dairy Food Safety Victoria (DFSV) Board as the Chair.

The Minister for Agriculture will appoint the Chair for a term of up to three years. The successful applicant will be responsible for leading a seven-member board to help improve food safety standards across the Victorian dairy industry.

Agriculture Victoria Executive Director of Regulatory Policy and Programs, Dr Trevor Pisciotta said the chosen candidate will lead the strategic direction of DFSV.

'We’re looking for a Chair with board experience and relevant skills and background in the dairy industry, public sector, public health, food safety, regulation and regulated industries, stakeholder engagement and corporate governance,' Dr Pisciotta said.

DFSV’s objective is to ensure that the standards which safeguard public health are maintained in the Victorian dairy industry – including for the provision of safe, wholesome dairy products for consumers.

DFSV has more than 3,100 licensees covering all parts of the dairy supply chain. The regulator manages business compliance with the Dairy Act 2000 through various audit and compliance activities.

Key responsibilities of the Chair include (but are not limited to):

  • establishing the strategic/corporate plan, including strategic direction and performance objectives to meet the Victorian Government’s objectives and management of business risk
  • developing a respectful and open relationship with the CEO and organisation
  • embedding strong regulatory culture in the organisation and industry
  • providing governance of the organisation and productive and effective chairing of the Board
  • representing the organisation with professionalism and confidence, maintaining effective relationships with stakeholders and industry, and a collaborative and trusted relationship with government.

Agriculture Victoria is supporting the recruitment process, which is open until midnight 27 October.

An open and competitive process is being conducted in accordance with Victorian Government policy.

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that government boards and committees reflect the rich diversity of the Victorian community.

For more information and to apply visit Dairy Food Victoria.

Comprehensive horse survey now open
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Launch of the most comprehensive horse survey in Australia and the Australian Horse Industry Council needs your help!

As horse owners, we all know the enormous amount of time, energy and money we put into our horses. We also know the incredible benefits we get in return from our life spent with horses.

But does anyone know how big the impact is of this across the country? What contribution our horses make to the economy? How many people are employed? Indeed, even how many horses are there in Australia?

The Australian Horse Industry Council needs your help in ensuring that they can accurately build a picture of size and scale of horse ownership in Australia to be able to show government at all levels of our worth and importance to Australian life.

The Australian Horse Industry Council have engaged survey company IER and invite participants and stakeholders in the equine industry to share their experiences to WIN one of five $500 prepaid gift cards.

LINK TO SURVEY

ICYMI

North American study tour as part of winning GRDC award

For Agriculture Victoria plant pathologist Dr Joshua Fanning, winning the 2023 Grains Research and Development Corporation’s (GRDC) Emerging Leader Award was honour enough, but it was the icing on the cake to travel to America and Canada to tour leading research institutes and cropping regions.

For the full media release click here

Dry seasons webinar recordings available here

The recording of the recent webinar ‘Growing more feed’ with Agriculture Victoria Livestock Extension Officer Fiona Baker - can be found HERE

Additionally, here are some resources that you might find useful. 

Feeding livestock website feedinglivestock.vic.gov.au

Agriculture Victoria dry season and drought support page  Dry seasons and drought support | Farm management | Agriculture Victoria

Soil Moisture monitoring sites can be found HERE

Information on navigating farm developments online tool can be found HERE

An MLA guide to managing breeding ewes in containment can be found HERE

Stock containment areas design webinar can be found HERE

What's On

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.

Don't miss – Webinar on finishing lambs in a tight season
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Does it make cents to finish lambs? Join us for a webinar about finishing lambs in a tight season.

Presenter Geoff Duddy will use examples to assist with decision-making around finishing lambs on grain vs selling as stores.

Geoff is experienced in all aspects of sheep production, reproduction, nutrition and finishing. 

Wednesday, 16 October, 12:30 - 1:30 pm, via Zoom 

The sessions will include a Q&A session. To register click here

Cyber security in agriculture event in Wangaratta
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Cyber security in agriculture event at Wangaratta – Tuesday 15 October.

As part of our regional community, we know you understand the importance of cyber security and being safe online.

AgBiz Assist is excited to invite you to purchase your tickets for our upcoming event, Cyber Security in Agriculture, which will be held in Wangaratta.

This event has three segments – cyber security workshops, an expo of tech and service providers, and a formal dinner with keynote speaker Darren Kane, Chief Security Officer, NBN Co.

You will learn vital cyber security information to protect yourself and your business.

The workshops offer relevant and essential tools to increase your digital awareness, address potential threats, and educate you on risk management planning, overall security, and protection of your data.

The expo is designed to showcase local digital support, regional service providers, and ag tech.

Our formal dinner is an excellent opportunity for you to connect and build relationships within your local networks, and the opportunity to hear from Cyber Security expert regarding online resilience and more.

  • Cyber security workshops and expo $20.00 per person
  • Agricultural dinner and expo $30.00 per person
  • All segments – workshops, expo and Dinner (discount) $45.00 per person (RRP $112)

Don’t miss out, numbers are capped.

Secure your tickets now via this event link

Ag Expo at Dederang – A little bit of relief
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A Little Bit of Relief – Agricultural Expo is an event to support farmers.

Held from 10am – 3pm on Friday, 18 October at Dederang Recreation Reserve.

This free event features presentations and demonstrations by a range of known and respected industry professionals.

For more information click here

Know your soil workshop
Mitchell Shire soil workshop
Tatura SmartFarm Fall armyworm info session
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Join us to understand the potential impacts of Fall armyworm in a changing climate for horticulture and grain crops.

Farmers, employees and agronomists are encouraged to attend this free information session for an in-depth understanding of Fall armyworm risk. 

Date: Wednesday, 23 October
Time: 9 to 11 am, morning tea is included.

This free information session will include:

  • AUSVEG Onside Project
  • RapidAim pilot
  • QLD FAW update
  • FAW identification (hands on)
  • status of insecticide resistance in FAW
  • crop monitoring and management of FAW
  • Q&A session.

Location: Agriculture Victoria SmartFarm Tatura, 255 Ferguson Road, Tatura.

Register here

Farm emissions – the ins and outs with Cam Nicholson
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Tatura SmartFarm, 255 Ferguson Road, Tatura

14 November from 10 am – 3 pm.

Targeted to livestock producers, this is an introductory event discussion carbon farming, farm emission sources and emissions intensity.

Cam Nicholson, Nicon Rural Services is a farmer, agronomist and industry advisor. Cam has exceptional knowledge and experience of carbon farming.

Cam’s insights into supply chains and the practicalities for livestock farmers mean he is one of the best presenters on this subject. Cam has the tips on how to improve your productivity and the positive relationship this has with emissions intensity.

This is a free event. Morning tea and lunch provided. Registration is essential by 6 November.

Register here

This event is part of the Carbon Farming Outreach Program (CFOP).

The Victorian Carbon Farming Outreach Program is delivered with funding support from the Commonwealth of Australia through the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water under the National Carbon Farming Outreach Program.

The program is delivered through a partnership between Agriculture Victoria, 10 Catchment Management Authorities and Landcare Victoria and other bodies.

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Contacting Agriculture Victoria

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

If you are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment contact the National Relay Service on 133 677 or www.relayservice.gov.au.

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

Don't forget to check out Agriculture Victoria's social media sites for up-to-date information and news.

 

 

'Like' our Agriculture Victoria Facebook page.

 

Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @VicGovAg

 

Subscribe to the Agriculture Victoria YouTube channel. 

 
 

Email - sarah.hetherington@deeca.vic.gov.au

 
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