• Get emergency information in your hands
• Beau Vernon at BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef
• Shortcutting fruit fly control with dwarf trees
• Northern Pacific Seastar
• Applying First Nations’ approaches to agriculture training
• Inspiring investment in Victorian AgTech startups
• Victorian Gorse Taskforce community grants now open
• Registration period extended for Cultivating Futures in Farming mentor program
• Fox and wild dog bounty
• In case you missed it
• What's on

Are you in the Terang or Meredith area? Download the VicEmergency app and set up a watch zone to receive up to date information about the avian influenza situation straight to your phone.

VicEmergency is Victoria’s combined source of information and warnings, with everything from fires and floods to shark sightings and earthquakes. It’s handy no matter where you are in the state.

There are currently two Community Information messages about avian influenza – stay informed by downloading the app or visiting www.emergency.vic.gov.au 

Beau Vernon, former Bass Coast footballer, coach and disability advocate, will be the guest speaker at the upcoming BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef dinner on 19 June at The Goods Shed, Ballarat.

Agriculture Victoria Senior Technical Specialist Lyndon Kubeil said Mr Vernon’s story will inspire sheep and beef conference-goers to tackle the challenges facing their farming businesses.

‘Beau became a quadriplegic after a collision during a country football game, yet he didn’t let his disability stop him from making a positive difference to the world around him,’ Mr Kubeil said.

‘People attending the dinner will hear Beau’s life story and his practical advice that shows how a positive mindset, and a team approach is key to overcoming any obstacle.’

Mr Vernon now lives in Queensland and was recently selected to play for the Australian Wheelchair Rugby team at the Paralympics in Paris.

He said he was excited to be invited to speak at the dinner.

‘I understand that the industry has had its fair share of challenges recently and I know from personal experience that through challenge comes great growth.

‘I’m looking forward to providing some ideas and my perspective on how to move forward in the face of these challenges,’ Mr Vernon said.

For BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef program and ticket information see the Agriculture Victoria events page.

Links: https://beauvernon.com

If you are planning to plant fruit trees this winter, consider dwarf trees as an easier option to protect against fruit fly.

Statewide fruit fly coordinator Cathy Mansfield said dwarf varieties are easier to harvest, easier to cover with insect-proof netting and easier to monitor for pests.

‘It’s particularly important to control fruit fly and other pests and diseases if you live near commercial production areas like the Yarra Valley, Goulburn Murray Valley or Sunraysia,’ she said.

‘For home gardeners, covering fruit trees with netting is the best way to prevent fruit fly.

‘Finding fruit fly on dwarf trees is made easier when you can access fruit below head height and identify the small pin like mark that female Queensland fruit fly make as they lay eggs into the surface.’

Another advantage of dwarf varieties is that a ladder is not required for fruit picking, netting or pruning. In Victoria alone, there are about 1,200 emergency department presentations due to ladder falls at home each year.

Dwarf trees provide other benefits for home gardeners such as greater coverage with insecticides and fungicides, and for renters, the ability to move to the next property when planted in a pot.

Standard varieties of fruit trees require careful pruning to manage vigour and direct energy to fruit. Skillful pruning and thinning is required to ensure gardeners don’t end up with very tall trees and small fruit.

For more information visit the Agriculture Victoria website www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/qff

Northern Pacific seastars collected by volunteers.

Reports of a significant die-off of the Northern Pacific seastar, a highly invasive marine pest, have been confirmed at Carrum in south-eastern Port Phillip Bay.

The increased number of seastars is currently present at Carrum but it has also been reported at Seaford, Frankston, Edithvale and Mount Martha.

Agriculture Victoria Principal Officer Invasive Marine Species, Dr Richard Stafford-Bell, said the Northern Pacific seastar was first detected in Port Phillip Bay in 1995, and by 2000 a significant population of the seastar had established.

‘It is a widespread and well-established marine pest in Port Phillip Bay and cannot be eradicated. There have been dead seastars reported in the area since February 2024, but numbers have increased significantly over the last few months.

‘We would like to highlight the great work of Earthcare St Kilda and the Port Phillip EcoCentre in organising removal events of the Northern Pacific seastar, with over 60,000 removed since February.’

Earthcare St Kilda welcomes volunteers to assist in seastar removal events.

The key features of the Northern Pacific seastar are 5-pointed arms with upturned tips and yellow and purple markings. It is an opportunistic predator that consumes a large variety of prey. In high densities, it can have severe effects on wild and cultured shellfish populations, and on native biodiversity.

Bay users should be aware that marine pests can spread easily to new areas of Victoria through movement of recreational equipment such as boats, kayaks and canoes, and fishing equipment.

Dr Stafford-Bell urged people using marine equipment in the affected area to follow the Check, Clean, Dry method to reduce the risk of spreading marine pests to other marine areas.

‘This is particularly important for people moving any equipment used in Port Phillip Bay to other areas,’ Dr Stafford-Bell said.

Good marine equipment hygiene means:

• Check any equipment and vessels that have been in marine waters for pests.
• Clean the equipment in freshwater.
• Dry the equipment before moving to a new marine location.
• He added that Northern Pacific seastars are not poisonous or dangerous to people or domestic animals and asked that beachgoers finding Northern Pacific seastars washed up on the shoreline not to return them to the water.

For more information about Northern Pacific seastars visit the Agriculture Victoria website. To find out how you can get involved in helping to remove seastars, visit the Earthcare St Kilda website.

Future agricultural workers will benefit from a $2 million investment by the Victorian government to support projects that embed Aboriginal traditional knowledge and practices into accredited agriculture TAFE training.

The government’s $2 million garinga djimbayang Grant Program aims to increase cultural knowledge among agriculture students and encourage more First Nations people to consider a career in the agriculture sector.

As the primary guardians, keepers and knowledge holders of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage, through this Grant Program, Victoria’s Registered Aboriginal Parties will partner with TAFEs to upskill agriculture students enrolled in accredited training with Traditional Owner knowledge and practices.

The program has been designed under the principles of self-determination with input from First Nations people with subject matter expertise through a sub-committee working group of the Yuma Yirramboi Council.

The name of the program was provided by the Dja Dja Wurrung People and directly translates as 'to grow and learn' in Dja Dja Wurrung language.

The garinga djimbayang Grant Program is funded through the $50 million Agricultural College Modernisation Program which has been delivering the agriculture skills of the future and helping more Victorians pursue an exciting career in this diverse industry.

Grants valued between $300,000 and $1,000,000 are now available.

To learn more about the garinga djimbayang Grant Program visit the agriculture.vic.gov.au

The Victorian government is investing in new tech startups to drive innovation in the agriculture industry and create new technologies that will help farmers improve their efficiency and adapt to new challenges.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently announced an additional $1 million for the Hugh Victor McKay Fund – bringing the total value of the fund to $2 million for use in investing in AgTech startups.

Delivered in partnership with LaunchVic, the Hugh Victor McKay fund aims to invest up to $200,000 into at least ten early-stage Victorian AgTech startups over the next year.

Every dollar of funding is matched by two dollars of private investment, which means the fund will aim to activate $6 million in total capital for founders building the future of on-farm technological innovation, productivity and sustainability.

The first two investments from the Hugh Victor McKay Fund include Agrinous, who are rolling out a cloud-based livestock management platform and The Leaf Protein Co, who are developing an alternative plant protein for growers and food manufacturers.

This funding is on top of the Victorian government’s $1 million investment the AgTech Grants program announced in May.

A further 20 AgTech grants of $50,000 will be available for eligible startups looking to build their business capability and access dedicated mentoring from startup experts to build their businesses, grow jobs and drive Victoria’s economic growth.

Since 2023 the AgTech Grants Program has awarded grants to 19 startups providing services in supply chain efficiency, farming automation, soil sensing intelligence and pollination management systems, among others.

These programs are part of the Victorian Government’s AgTech Regional Innovation Network (AgRIN) which aims to grow a vibrant, globally competitive AgTech ecosystem in Victoria.

To read more about past recipients and to apply for new grants visit launchvic.org

The VGT annual Community Grants Program is now open for 2024/25.

The Victorian Gorse Taskforce (VGT) with support from Agriculture Victoria offers funding support for community-led gorse control projects.

Community Grants program objectives:

• Reduce the impacts of gorse on environmental, agricultural, and social values
• Strengthen community and stakeholder connections for better gorse outcomes
• Build community knowledge and capacity in managing gorse
• Promote best practice gorse management.

Funding
Community groups may apply for funding up to $8,000 for on-ground gorse control works on private land. All participating landholders involved may receive up to $1,500 in grant funding and must match this with their own monetary contribution.

Eligibility
Grants are available to all Victorian community group organisations that have a focus on improving natural and agricultural areas.

How to apply
Visit vicgorsetaskforce.com.au/community-projects/community-grants/ and download a copy of the 2024/25 VGT Community Grants Funding Guidelines and Application Form.

Once you have completed your application, email to info@vicgorsetaskforce.com.au.

For more information, contact the VGT on 0417 593 250 or send an email to info@vicgorsetaskforce.com.au

CFF is a free program designed for our ‘next generation farm managers’ and facilitated by Pinion Advisory.

Participants learn from mentors, experts and peers to gain confidence in decision making and how to develop the financial, business and people management skills for running a farm business.

The program consists of face-to-face workshops (including farm visits), online webinars and individual coaching sessions.

If you missed our recent Zoom webinar on the ‘Cultivating Futures in Farming’ (CFF) mentor program you can catch up here.

Passcode: Bupcq7

Registrations for the 2024-25 program close Friday 5 July.

Visit the Cultivating Futures in Farming page on the Agriculture Victoria website to learn more and apply.

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.

Boosting winter growth

Most of the state experienced an extremely dry autumn. When rain does fall, soil temperature may become the main factor limiting pasture growth.

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.

Future-proofing horticulture in a changing climate with precision weeder technologies.

Join us for a webinar supported by Australian Processing Tomato Research Council and AusVeg-Vic, discussing the advances in weeder technologies. 

Hear a grower’s perspective on how modern weeder technologies utilising lasers, cameras and AI have been implemented on farm to improve efficiencies, plus technical insights from technology providers. 

Register here: https://bit.ly/4b4UOCu

When: Thursday 20 June, 12 to 12:45 pm 

For more information or if you need assistance with registering, please contact Andy Clark on andy.clark@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Are you a young farmer in the horticulture sector that’s looking to upskill?

Agriculture Victoria is running a horticulture business bootcamp focussed on the horticulture industry that aims to support the next generation of growers, business owners and managers to improve their skills and management practices.

The bootcamp will be delivered by Agriculture Victoria and Ion Group.

Online session

DATE: 21 June

TIME : 10-11 am

Topics:

• Online session: Natural resource management.

The bootcamp is free to all participants but places are limited.

To secure your spot for this bootcamp, click here to register.

Or contact Tanya Dobrijevic on 0429 353 649 or email

DATE: Wednesday 19 June

TIME: 10 am - 2 pm

WHERE: Hamilton Smart Farm, 915 Mt Napier Road, Hamilton.

RSVP HERE

Calling all future AgTech trailblazers!  Are you ready to cultivate your entrepreneurial spirit and revolutionise the agricultural industry?

Farmers2Founders is excited to share that we will be hitting the tracks of regional Victoria, offering immersive workshops tailored just for you - aspiring Agtech entrepreneurs and students passionate about making a difference in the agricultural industry.

Why attend?

• Discover the Power of AgTech: Explore the dynamic intersection of agriculture and technology. Learn how innovation in AgTech can address pressing global challenges and pave the way for a sustainable future.
• Unlock the Startup Code: Ever wondered what it takes to kickstart your own AgTech venture? Gain invaluable insights into the essentials of starting lean from ideation to validation and beyond.
• Master Lean Startup Methodology: Get hands-on experience with Lean Start up a powerful toolkit to streamline and accelerate your Agtech startup idea. Learn how to build your start up from the ground up, identify key customers, and iterate your concept towards success.
• Grow your network within the Ag Industry: Connect with fellow enthusiasts and industry experts. Exchange ideas, forge collaborations, and build a support network to fuel your entrepreneurial journey.

Who should attend?

• Students eager to explore the world of AgTech entrepreneurship
• Aspiring AgTech innovators seeking practical guidance and inspiration
• Anyone passionate about leveraging technology to revolutionize agriculture.

New to calving? Wanting to learn more? Maybe you just need a quick refresher!

This free webinar is perfect for you.

Get ready for the calving season with a checklist covering everything you need to know.

From when to call a vet to prepping your calving box, we've got you covered.

Join Stock Sense and seasoned expert Rob Bananno, who brings over 30 years of farming and veterinary experience to the table.

Don't miss out on this invaluable session!

DATE: Wednesday 26 June

TIME: 6:30 - 7 pm

REGISTER HERE

Resources Victoria is proud to be the Geoscience Partner at this year’s Australian Institute of Geoscientists’ (AIG) Victorian Minerals Round-up.

The annual conference, hosted by AIG’s Victorian chapter, will be held on 27-28 June 2024 at the Goods Shed in Ballarat.

Bringing together representatives from across the minerals sector, the event provides an exciting opportunity to promote Resources Victoria’s geoscience resources and the ongoing work of the Geological Survey of Victoria.

A key topic at the conference will be critical minerals with Victoria having proven deposits that contain resources of titanium, zirconium and rare earth elements.

There are also other opportunities across the state for other minerals and precious metals including gold, antimony, copper, high-purity alumina and silica.

The AIG is the leading professional institute representing geoscientists.

The event partnership will connect Resources Victoria to key players in the minerals sector and exploration teams across the state.

More information about the work of Resources Victoria can be found at resources.vic.gov.au.

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 2 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

When: 17 September - 18 September, 8:30 am – 3 pm on day one, 9 am – 3 pm on day two

Where: Skipton Golf and Bowls Club, 26 Rokewood–Skipton Rd, Skipton.

Register here.

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

Participants who complete the 2-day course and business plans will be eligible for a free, 45–90 minute one-on-one planning review with Kate Burke.

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.

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