• The benefits of early pregnancy testing in beef cattle
• Apply now for the Gippsland Agricultural Leadership Program
• Webinar on how to do and interpret fodder tests
• Partnering on community-led action against pests
• Bringing it together – Carbon and Emissions Resource Kit
• Showcasing Victoria's produce on a local level
• Victorian agricultural societies receive targeted support
• Forestry grant helps business aim for the skies
• Make a difference in your region
• The Gippsland Farm Forestry Program grants are closing soon!
• Celebrating our Upskill and Invest Young Farmer Scholarship recipients
• Have you included a farm map in your fire preparedness plan?
• Free financial counselling with RFCS
• In case you missed it
• What's on

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.

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

Applications close: Friday 31 January 2025

In 2025, the Gippsland Agricultural Leadership Program will run for the first time, taking an agriculture-specific focus to equip local farmers, land managers and agricultural industry professionals with the skills to think innovatively in addressing the evolving challenges within the sector.

Apply here.

Agriculture Victoria is encouraging farmers to join us for a webinar about buying, selling and feeding out fodder on Tuesday 17 December, from 12:30 - 1:30 pm via Zoom.

Agriculture Victoria livestock industry officer Dr Hannah Manning said the webinar will focus on how to take fodder samples for feed tests and how to interpret what the results mean.

‘Agriculture Victoria’s Fiona Baker, who brings extensive expertise in feed management, will offer valuable guidance for farmers looking to source and manage livestock feed.’

Topics include:

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

‘AgVic is offering one free feed test to Victorian farmers. Only a limited number of tests are available, therefore we encourage farmers to register now and attend the webinar to be eligible to receive a free feed test,’ Dr Manning said.

‘The webinar will run for about an hour with a chance to answer some questions at the end.’

Please register at https://bit.ly/3ZBYaui.

For more information or with help registering contact Hannah Manning at hannah.manning@agriculture.vic.gov.au.

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

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, 2 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 4 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 the Agriculture Victoria website.

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.

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 recently 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 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.

The Victorian Government is supporting local businesses and workers in former timber industry towns to expand local business opportunities and create more jobs.

As part of the Forestry Transition Fund the Victorian Government is investing $789,766 into Helico Australia, an Alexandra based specialist helicopter servicing business, to expand their businesses.

The investment will go towards the construction of a new $1.5 million purpose built maintenance facility and headquarters, to meet the growing demands of the aviation industry across Australia.

The new premises will consist of larger workshops with work bays for helicopter and engine tear-down and rebuilds, a spare parts store, paint booths, sheet metal manufacturing and non-destructive testing. There will also be a dedicated area for innovative engineering design and fabrication technologies.

Helico Australia is planning to use local tradespeople for the construction of the new facilities, having already established relationships with trades in the region.

The business currently has 24 staff, and when the new facilities are built it will employ additional full-time employees in a variety of roles ranging from engineers to hangar and grounds staff and trainees.

Helico Australia services and rebuilds Robinson helicopters that are used by the agricultural and resources industries in northern Australia for stock mustering and transport, as well as the delivery of supplies during the wet season.

Round 2 of the Forestry Transition Fund, which supports job creation and business development in and around communities impacted by the end of native timber harvesting, is now open. A $20,000 employment incentive payment for the employment of ex-native timber workers is also available.

Applications close on 31 October 2025, for more information visit deeca.vic.gov.au/forestry or call 1800 318 182.

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.

Grants are available for landowners to grow trees for timber as well as other benefits including:

• providing shelter for stock, crops and pastures
• improved farm amenity and biodiversity
• carbon storage.

The program supports the planting of:

• wood lots
• shelterbelts
• wide space plantings.

Grants are open until 7 March 2025.

More information.

Pictured: Jasmine Maher

Congratulations to Jasmine Maher, one of this year’s Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarship recipients! 

Jasmine is making strides on her family farm in Gippsland, with a strong focus on genetics, animal husbandry, and sustainable land management. 

Through the scholarship, she’ll be taking a grazing course, a ruminant nutrition course, and investing in a calf catcher to support her operations!

For the full list of recipients and more info on the program, visit our website.

A farm map helps in an emergency by clearly showing critical assets, water sources, stock refuge areas, and assembly/evacuation and exit points. 

Check out the tips on developing your farm map in our Farm Fire Preparedness Toolkit.

Download a copy of the toolkit.

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 the website or call 1300 771 741.

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.

Read the full article 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 full media article here.

Consider early weaning to save feed and water

Feed and water shortages are likely as we move into summer, so consider weaning your beef calves early to save on requirements.

Read the full media article here.

Backing innovative solutions to cut on-farm emissions

Victorian farmers are implementing practical on-farm projects that increase farm profitability and productivity while reducing emissions through the Victorian Government’s On-Farm Emissions Action Plan Pilot.

Read the full media release 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.

Read the full media release here.

Details about Agriculture Victoria events can be found in one spot on our website. Visit the Events page to keep in touch with upcoming events.

When: Tuesday 17 December, 12:30 to 1:30 pm

Where: Zoom 

Register here.

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

In the webinar we will discuss:

• 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.

When: Wednesday, 18 December, 1 – 2 pm
Where: Zoom.

Register here.

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.

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

When: Wednesday 18 December, 10 am - 2 pm 

Where: Riverslea, address will be released closer to the date. 

Register here.

Join GippsDairy on farm for a short farm tour and discussion of the findings of recent research into the effects of heat on the dairy herd.

Heat stress can be effectively managed with a proactive whole-of-year approach including changes to animal nutrition, on-farm infrastructure, and breeding programs.

The group will discuss strategies to help you minimise the impact of heat stress on your cows, optimise milk yield, and ensure the overall well-being of your herd.

When: Thursday 30 January and Wednesday 5 February 2025, 10 am - 2 pm 

Where: Orbost Education Centre, 21 Ruskin Street, Orbost.

Register here.

The new Cups On Cups Off, Milking and Mastitis Management Fundamentals is a 2-day workshop designed by Dairy Australia, delivered by experts in mastitis and milk quality.

This new program has incorporated key essential practical skills which will be demonstrated and practiced on farm during day 2. Cups On Cups Off helps dairy farmers achieve best practice in milk harvesting, with emphasis on the detection, treatment and prevention of clinical mastitis and milking plant hygiene.

Learn about:

• how and why mastitis infections occur
• practical methods to detect and deal with mastitis
• adapting your milking process to increase milk quality and reduce the risk of mastitis
• how to develop an action plan and trouble shoot to achieve best practice in milk harvesting.

Enjoying the Gippsland Ag News? Then why not forward to a friend or subscribe yourself.

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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/contact-us

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