As the Victorian State election will be held on Saturday 26 November 2022, the Victorian Government has assumed a caretaker role from 6 pm on 1 November 2022.

During the caretaker period, content will only be added to this e-newsletter in accordance with the caretaker conventions.

• Flood information
• Report flood damage
• Increased risk of Japanese encephalitis
• Financial support for flood-affected farmers
• Mental health support for farmers
• Practical tips for flood-affected farmers
• Livestock Biosecurity Grants Fund Program
• Foot-and-mouth disease information
• Free biosecurity learning modules for farmers
• Rural Financial Counselling Service
• GRDC Sowing Guide 2023 now available
• GMA’S annual helicopter duck survey
• What's on?

We are urging flood-affected farmers to report their losses and damages by calling 1800 226 226. 

For practical tips after a flood, go to agriculture.vic.gov.au/floods.

Remember, if you have urgent animal welfare needs call the VicEmergency Hotline (operating 24/7) on 1800 226 226.

Flooding and heavy rainfall have increased the risk of a range of mosquito-borne diseases in Victoria, including Japanese encephalitis (JE).

JE can cause illness in susceptible animal species including horses and pigs.

In pigs, the most common clinical signs are mummified and stillborn or weak piglets while horses usually show no signs of illness but can present with fever, jaundice, lethargy, neurological signs and anorexia.

For mosquito control advice visit the Farm Biosecurity website.

For more information about protecting yourself from JE, please follow the Victorian Department of Health or visit their website.

A support package is available for flood-affected farmers:

• Primary Producer Recovery Grants: Up to $75,000 grants to cover 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. 
• Rural Landholder Grants: Up to $25,000 grants to cover the costs of disaster impacts for small-scale producers. 
• Primary Producer Concessional Loans: Up to $250,000 to restore or replace damaged equipment and infrastructure, or to cover the short-term business expenses.
• 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.

Have you been taking care of yourself?

During an emergency, people tend to exist in a survival state to get through the incident, using up considerable emotional reserves. 

If you’ve been working hard for long periods, missing meals and sleep, take some time to take care of yourself.

Recognise the signs of stress and reach out for support if you need it.

For a comprehensive list of health support agencies, CLICK HERE.

Go to our website for a range of practical flood recovery information for farmers, and helpful information on what to do immediately after a flood, including the following:

• Managing animals in wet conditions
• Floods resource directory

Recent flood recovery webinar recordings

• Feed budgeting – with Fiona Baker, AgVic. Passcode: Livestock
• Animal health – with Dr Rachel Gibney, AgVic. Passcode: Livestock

Find out more at agriculture.vic.gov.au/floods.

There’s still time to apply for our Livestock Biosecurity Funds Grant Program.

Victoria’s Livestock Compensation Committees are seeking projects that boost biosecurity for the cattle, sheep and goat, swine and honey bee industries.

Applications close Friday 23 December.

Discover more HERE

Farmers across Victoria will benefit from a series of free online learning modules, helping them protect their animals from diseases and biosecurity threats.

Available through Agriculture Victoria’s website, the three learning modules have been released: foot and mouth disease awareness, lumpy skin disease awareness and Come clean, stay clean, go clean – when visiting farms.

Each module should take approximately 15 minutes to complete.

To access the modules CLICK HERE.

The Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) has an experienced team ready to assist primary producers and small rural businesses in recovery planning.

RFCS provides free financial counselling to farmers and small related businesses who are in, or at risk of, financial hardship.

They can also assist with filling in forms and grant applications.

Additional funding has been made available for these services as a result of the floods, and the significant impact on the agricultural sector.

For more information visit the RFCS website.

The 2023 Victorian and Tasmanian Crop Sowing Guide is now available for download from GRDC's website to help growers decide the best crop variety for their situation.

Every year, in conjunction with Agriculture Victoria, GRDC develops this guide providing information on current varieties of the major winter cereal and pulse crops for Victorian growers.

The guide is available for download HERE.

The Game Management Authority’s annual helicopter duck survey will be flying over Victoria from Friday 25 November.

The 2022 survey was paused in October due to weather conditions and flooding across the state.

The survey will start over parts of western and south western Victoria and move across the state before finishing on Monday 12 December.

Rural landholders may see a helicopter flying at low levels for a short time.

An experienced helicopter operator has been contracted to undertake surveying.

Minimising disturbance to stock, assets and ensuring public safety are the highest priorities.

For more information CLICK 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.

Soil health and productivity paddock walk at Crouch farm, Landsborough.

FREE and lunch included. Bookings essential.

Contact Bronwyn Bant, Wimmera CMA on 0427 529 232 or bantb@wcma.vic.gov.au
 

Feet concerns for the wet season ahead

WHEN: Thursday 1 December

WHERE: Online via GoTo

TIME: 1 – 2 pm

Are your bugs bogging you down?

WHEN: Thursday 8 December

WHERE: Online via GoTo

TIME: 1 – 2 pm

Register for these free webinars on the Sheep Connect website

Do you want to find more practical ways to reduce your electricity costs?  We are hosting an online forum to explore practical measures for increasing energy productivity and reducing your electricity bill.

When: Wednesday 14 December, 11.30 am.

Smarter electricity management - see how your smart meter data can help you find for your farm (and home):

• cheaper electricity deals
• awareness of your electricity tariff to save money
• how best to use solar and batteries
• energy saving opportunities.

Join our webinar to find out all this and more money saving ideas.

Energy expert David Coote will be presenting on energy saving opportunities and best use of solar and batteries and much more.

Please register here https://tinyurl.com/yu599tb8 or contact Kelly Wickham for information on 0456 772 641 or kelly.wickham@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Healthy Landscapes: Practical Regenerative Agricultural Communities program is running a native grass identification field day. 

Date: Sunday 11 December

Time: 10 – 11.30 am

Location: Malmsbury Common Reserve, 96 Mollison Street Malmsbury.

Register HERE

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