Happy holidays from Barwon South West Ag News.

Thank you for your support in 2024. We will be back on Thursday 30 January 2025.

If you have any questions in the meantime, please email melanie.curtis@deeca.vic.gov.au

• Caution feeding cereal straw in the lead-up to joining
• Register now for drought one-on-one advisory service
• Free financial counselling available now
• Bringing it together – Carbon and Emissions Resource Kit
• Apply for an On-Farm Drought Infrastructure grant today
• The benefits of early pregnancy testing in beef cattle
• Where will you place your livestock during an emergency?​
• Victorian agricultural societies receive targeted support
• Showcasing Victoria's produce on a local level
• 2025 Victorian and Tasmanian Crop Sowing Guide out now
• Partnering on community-led action against pests
• Regional Development Australia chair positions open
• In case you missed it
• What's on

Livestock Industry Development Officer Dr Hannah Manning Colac

Disappointing spring pasture growth in western and northern Victoria means farmers are turning to alternative feed sources to help ewes regain condition after lambing.

Regaining the condition that has been lost through lactation is critical to a successful joining.

While there is plenty of cereal straw available in most regions, straw will not provide the nutrition required by most livestock. Cereal straw tends to be low in both energy and protein and is almost always high in fibre.

It can be a valuable fibre source to complement a high-grain diet when no other fibre source  (like pasture or hay) is available.

Feeds with low potential for liveweight gain (such as straw) are characterised by 2 factors: animals can’t eat very much of it and what they can eat doesn’t yield much energy or protein.

The high fibre percentage in straw limits how much animals can consume – it takes so long to be broken down in the rumen that it moves very slowly through the digestive tract.

Cereal straw can take up to 48 hours to pass through the rumen, while a more digestible, higher quality feed can pass through the rumen in under 12 hours.

To put weight on ewes, energy is the most important ingredient, followed closely by protein.

To make sure adequate weight gains can be achieved on a straw-based diet, it is likely the straw will need to be matched with a high-energy and protein supplement.

To be able to balance the ration and make sure it has sufficient energy, it’s important to know the feed quality of the straw and grain you will be feeding, even if they came from your own property.

Knowing the quality of the feed you have on hand enables you to create a ration that meets the nutritive needs of your stock.

Many producers have taken a failed crop and added value to it by baling it for hay.

While there is a quality–quantity trade-off between having sufficient dry matter to cut and the decline in feed quality as the crop matures and/or dries out, in many cases this becomes a worthwhile feed source.

Once again, it’s important to check the feed quality of the hay by doing a feedtest.

Then you can work out an effective ration for the lowest cost and add the required amount of energy to reach the target level of animal performance.

There are a number of easily accessible resources that outline the common values of feeds and animal requirements for energy and protein (sheep):

www.feedinglivestock.vic.gov.au/sheep-resources/useful-tables-sheep

Understanding the energy, protein and fibre levels of your feeds is one half of a feed budget. The other half is knowing the energy, protein and fibre requirements of the animals you are feeding.

Lifetime Wool has shown that the number of lambs born is directly related to condition scores at joining, assuming ewe condition can be maintained during pregnancy.

Where breeding ewes are in lighter than ideal condition, a rising plane of nutrition in the lead-up to joining increases conception rates.

Keeping stock in good condition gives you options if you decide to sell later. Putting on condition is more costly than maintaining condition, so feeding early is the best strategy.

A webinar with Jillian Kelly, a veterinary nutritionist from AHN Consulting, on the importance of nutrition in drought conditions is available at Agriculture Victoria’s Feeding Livestock website.

The NSW Drought Feed Calculator app is free and user-friendly.  Find out more at Drought and Supplementary Feed Calculator.

Expressions of Interest are open for farmers in drought-affected areas of south west Victoria to register for a free one-on-one consultation with a farm advisor.

The technical decision-making program is being delivered as part of the Victorian Government’s $13.53 million Drought Support Package and builds on existing supports, including technical resources, workshops and field days, already available to farmers in the south west.

Interested farmers can register their expression of interest with Agriculture Victoria. Farmers can nominate which advisor they prefer to work with from a panel of experienced and trusted advisors.

The chosen service provider will then contact the farmer directly to book a suitable time for the one-on-one consultation.

Farmers can meet their advisor either on-farm, at a convenient off-farm location or online. A follow-up one-hour phone consultation, after the initial face-to-face planning session, is also available.

For more information or to register an expression of interest in the Drought Support: One-on-one technical decision-making program visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons, phone 136 186 or email drought.support@agriculture.vic.gov.au.

This program is part of the Victorian Government’s Drought Support Package for south west Victoria. Find out more at agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or call 136 186.

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 visit rfcsnetwork.com.au or call 1300 771 741.

Agriculture Victoria is confident the new one-stop spot for existing resources, tools and training related to carbon and emissions in agriculture, will help people navigate their understanding of carbon farming.

Agriculture Victoria Climate Change Service Development Officer, Heather Field said the new digital kit includes links to a range of Agriculture Victoria products and resources, plus industry and Australian government resources.

‘The purpose of the Carbon and Emissions Resource Kit is to provide a one-stop spot to access existing trusted, publicly available and science-based resources, tools and training related to carbon and emissions in agriculture.

‘The kit will be a valuable resource for service providers including consultants, government agency staff and advisors delivering carbon and emissions information and management strategies to farmers.

‘This new product can be used in the Carbon Farming Outreach Program which supports farmers and land managers to understand carbon farming and how they can benefit from moving to a low-carbon future,’ Ms Field said.

Ms Field said the new kit provides information to help address 3 key questions asked by farmers; why do I need to manage my emissions? where do I start? and is carbon farming something I should be doing more of?

Access the Carbon and Emissions Resource Kit online, or call us on 136 186.

Eligible drought-affected farmers in the south west can now apply for up to $5,000 in co-contribution grants to support establishing on-farm infrastructure such as:

• 💧 water infrastructure upgrades (pipes, tanks, troughs, dams)
• 🐑 stock containment areas
• 🌾 grain and fodder storage.

Click here for more information on the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants or to apply today.

Dr Hannah Manning, Livestock Industry Development Officer Colac

During a difficult season, some cows will have a tough time getting back in calf.

Many spring calving herds are joining their cows and in some cases these cows are in poorer condition than normal.

Limited feed availability makes getting back in calf a big ask for the cows.

Due to the season, there is a risk of reduced conception rates for many farms. We can’t change what has already happened, but if farmers pregnancy test early they can make informed decisions about empty cows.

Cows can be pregnancy tested from 6 weeks, meaning farmers can sell empty cows earlier to prevent feeding unproductive stock.

In a lean year pregnancy testing also gives farmers a chance to examine their stock and keep and feed only their most valuable stock.

The cost of owning and maintaining a beef cow for a year is high, so every cow on the property must be fully productive.

Even if they have calves at foot, non-pregnant cows are only partially productive. Given the year, early weaning is also worth considering.

If you need assistance in formulating a plan for your cows, Expressions of Interest are now open for farmers in drought-affected areas of south west Victoria to register for a free one-on-one consultation with a farm advisor.

The program offers eligible farmers the opportunity to sit down with a consultant to discuss the best way forward for their business in the current season.

The one-on-one includes a drought management planning session of up to 3 hours and follow up call to develop a Drought Management Action Plan.

For more information about dry seasonal conditions and drought support visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or call 136 186.

Where will you place your livestock during an emergency?​

​It’s crucial to have a refuge area/paddock or stock containment area ready for your livestock during emergencies, with adequate feed and water for their safety. ​

Use the Fire Preparedness Toolkit and web resources to start planning for stock containment areas, emergency feeding and water budgeting – available here.

The Victorian Government is backing regional Victoria with investments into local agricultural and pastoral societies to keep our iconic regional shows thriving.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently announced $300,000 across 34 Agricultural and Pastoral Societies to make improvements to showground amenities like fencing and essential infrastructure upgrades as part of the Agricultural and Pastoral Society Grants Program.

Earlier this year, eligible societies applied for grants of up to $10,000 towards infrastructure development and other business activities to celebrate Victoria’s agricultural communities, industry and produce.

Recipient, Port Fairy Agricultural Pastoral & Horticultural Society Inc, received $10,000 to upgrade the electrical systems, install a new meter box and main switchboard to allow for solar and generator power and lighting replacements.

The upgrades will help reduce energy bills and mean the facilities can be used as a community hub during natural disasters, as well as throughout the year by groups such as Little Athletics, junior football, school sport, and sheepdog trials.

Previous projects funded under the program include new animal yards, fencing, shade covers and lighting or upgrades to shearing pavilions, luncheon halls, public amenities and viewing stands.

The Agricultural and Pastoral Society Grants Program is helping to boost rural and regional economies, promoting the agriculture sector, and fostering community engagement.

To learn more about the Agricultural and Pastoral Society Grants Program, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au.

To view the full 2024/25 Victorian Show Calendar visit vicagshows.com.au/show-calendar.

Victoria’s regional communities are hosting a string of local events showcasing the very best of locally produced food and beverages over the next four months with backing from the Victorian Government.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence today announced the allocation of 16 grants from the governments Vic Grown Regional Activation Grants Program, to regional organisations for the delivery of food and beverage events.

The $1.1 million program offered up to $70,000 each for regional tourism boards, food and fibre groups and other regional representative organisations.

Among the recipients was Destination Phillip Island, who with the support of a $70,000 grant recently ran the ‘Local Flavours Food and Drink Showcase - Phillip Island and Bass Coast’ event at Berninneit, Cowes.

The activation showcased producers from across the region and provided a unique opportunity for local producers to share their products and stories with the local community and visitors.

Another recipient, Yarra Valley ECOSS, will use their $70,000 grant to deliver the ‘ECOSS Twilight Market and Artisan Food Extravaganza’ on 20 December 2024 at 711 Old Warburton Road, Wesburn.

This activation offers an interactive experience promoting local food producers and a zero-waste target, including stalls, live music, kids' activities and cooking demonstrations.

Applications for grants of up to $70,000 were open from 4 January 2024 to 16 February 2024, with an extension to 8 March 2024 provided to organisations significantly impacted by storm and fire events in early 2024.

The Regional Activation Grants program is part of the government’s Vic Grown initiative which helps promote and increase awareness of locally made food and beverages.

For more about the diverse local produce Victoria has to offer visit, melbournefoodandwine.com.au/vic-grown.

To learn more about the Regional Activation Grants Program, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au.

The guide lists and describes varieties of the major winter crops suitable to grow in Victoria and Tasmania in the upcoming season.

Done as part of the National Variety Trials.

Visit GRDC Resources and Publications page to download the guide in PDF.

Organisations on the front line protecting Victoria’s environment, agriculture industry, and cultural heritage from biosecurity threats are being backed by the Victorian Government to manage invasive weeds and pest animals.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently announced the 25 recipients of the third round of the $5 million Partnerships Against Pests grants program.

This program provides funding to community groups for projects that educate, strengthen relationships, and promote collaboration in managing established invasive weeds and pest animals at the local level.

Established weeds and pest animals damage our landscapes and waterways, cause substantial production losses, jeopardise international market access and damage culturally sensitive sites of First Nations people.

Grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 were available to various agricultural and environmental not-for-profit organisations, including Landcare groups and networks.

Successful projects included initiatives such as peri-urban and regional fox monitoring, the development of community pest management plans and partnering with Traditional Owners for on country management whilst protecting cultural heritage.

Among the recipients is Wildlife Unlimited, who received $50,000 for its Partnerships Against Foxes in East Gippsland project. This initiative brings community and agency stakeholders together to develop innovative solutions for fox control in East Gippsland.

The project will include a webinar on fox impacts and control, two training workshops on the FoxScan app, and the development of an East Gippsland Remote Communities Fox Control Strategy.

This funding is in addition to the $250,000 allocated to competitive grants for Victoria’s four Community Pest Management Groups – the Victorian Blackberry Taskforce, the Victorian Gorse Taskforce, the Victorian Rabbit Action Network, and the Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party.

This funding is helping expand their influence across the state and strengthen partnerships with local communities.

For the full list of grant recipients, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/support-and-resources.

Regional Development Australia (RDA) is seeking highly-motivated leaders with vision, drive and strong ties to their region to volunteer to Chair RDA committees across Victoria.

Applications have opened for RDA Committee Chair positions in Grampians, Hume, Loddon Mallee and Melbourne.

The RDA Committee Chair has overall responsibility for setting strategic direction and ensuring that objectives and outcomes of their RDA Committee are achieved.

The Chair has a hands-on role and is active in facilitating economic development opportunities for the region. 

Applications are sought from business and community leaders who have a proven track record of achieving meaningful outcomes in a complex environment.

Women, First Nations Australians, people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and people with disability are encouraged to apply.

Successful applicants will commence in their role from 1 April 2025. Applications close Monday 23 December, 5 pm.

Visit the RDA website for further information and an application pack.

Caption - Dr Cassandra Walker and Dr Pankaj Maharjan

New research shows wheat falling number may improve after storage

Grain growers generally experience anxiety when the falling number test machine comes out at harvest, but new preliminary research findings suggest that wheat falling number test results could improve with time in storage.

READ THE MEDIA RELEASE IN FULL HERE

RSPCA - Hot Days, Cool Pets - How to have a pet-safe summer

“Hot Days, Cool Pets” is your go-to guide for ensuring our furry companions stay safe and happy during the sizzling summer months. 

As the temperature rises, it’s crucial to prioritise the well-being of our beloved pets.

Summer brings its own set of challenges, from scorching pavements to sudden thunderstorms. Follow these essential tips to make this summer a cool and comfortable one for your pets.

FIND OUT MORE HERE

Use your dairy effluent now on silage regrowth

As we move from late spring to summer, dairy effluent can be applied to areas with some green leaf still present after cutting for silage. This will help to promote valuable pasture regrowth for an extra grazing and replace lost nutrients.

READ THE MEDIA RELEASE IN FULL HERE

Watch for heating hay!

Every hay season several hay stacks spontaneously combust across Victoria, in single moist bales or in a stack of any size.

Once the hay has been stacked it’s important to regularly monitor it for heating and act quickly.

READ THE MEDIA RELEASE IN FULL HERE

Caring for your stock in dry seasonal conditions

One way to help manage your stock during dry seasonal conditions is with the use of a stock containment area (SCA).

READ THE MEDIA RELEASE IN FULL HERE

DAMDEEP tool impresses farmers in south west Victoria

A simple device for measuring the depth of a farm dam was introduced to landholders at a series of workshops in south west Victoria recently.

Agriculture Victoria Land Management Extension Officer, and creator of the measuring tool, Greg Bekker said the DAMDEEP device consists of a hand reel, float, beads and a sinker. It is easy to make by following the instructions in a short explainer video.

READ THE MEDIA RELEASE IN FULL 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.

DATE: Tuesday 17 December

TIME: 12:30 - 1:30 pm

ONLINE - REGISTER HERE

Agriculture Victoria is inviting farmers to a webinar about buying, selling and feeding out fodder.

• how to take a feed test
• interpreting results
• feeding livestock.

Agriculture Victoria Livestock Extension Officer Fiona Baker will discuss how to take fodder samples for feed tests and how to interpret what the results mean. 

Fiona brings extensive expertise in feed management and will offer valuable guidance for farmers looking to source and manage livestock feed.

Agriculture Victoria is offering one free feed test to support Victorian farmers make the most of the event.

A limited number of tests are available. We encourage farmers to register now and attend the webinar to be eligible to receive.

You are invited to join us as we unpack how to utilise carcase information using the MLA myFeedback tool.

DATE: Wednesday 18 December
TIME: 1 – 2 pm
WHERE: Online via Zoom.

myFeedback is an industry-first single source data program, combining the benefits of carcase and eating quality data with animal disease and defect insights in one place, enabling more accurate benchmarking of carcase performance.

Lachlan Jeffers, Meat Standards Australia, will take producers on a tour of the myFeedback program, demonstrate how the program functions and work through analysing and interpreting feedback data for both beef and sheep.

The program is designed to help producers make data-driven on-farm decisions to improve the quality and health of their livestock, in line with market requirements.

To register please click the link.

If you would like more information or experience difficulties registering, please contact Alison Desmond at Agriculture Victoria on 0409 424 274 or alison.desmond@agriculture.vic.gov.au

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