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Thursday 1 May 2025
The benefits of stock containment in dry conditions
Agriculture Victoria is encouraging livestock producers to consider effective stock containment strategies to help maintain core herd or flock numbers and support pasture recovery.
Agriculture Victoria’s land management extension officer Kerri Goschnick said dry seasonal conditions and limited rainfall continue to place pressure on grazing operations, impacting pasture growth and causing bare ground across many paddocks.
‘Stock containment refers to confining livestock in designated areas, where farmers can effectively manage feed, water and shelter.
‘This allows farm paddocks to rest until an autumn break causes pastures to recover and withstand livestock grazing.
‘Stock containment doesn’t necessarily require a complicated system; it can be as simple as a sacrifice paddock with good quality water and access for feeding.
‘Farmers should be aware that there is a higher risk of weed infestation when importing feed to supplementary feed livestock.
‘Establishing a stock containment area to use supplementary feed will contain the weed seeds to a manageable area.
‘Weeds to look out for include parthenium weed, particularly in fodder sourced from parts of Queensland and New South Wales.
‘It is important that animals in containment have their nutritional, water and shelter needs met.’
Agriculture Victoria can assist in planning feed budgets and stock containment area design and management.
Further information can be found by searching for these items on the Agriculture Victoria website.
For more information about drought and dry seasonal conditions support head to agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons
Popular irrigation incentive program set to benefit even more Gippsland farmers
West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (the CMA) and Agriculture Victoria (Ag Vic) are pleased to open a new round of farm plan incentives, and for the first time, farmers in Warragul, Thorpdale, Noojee and Perry Bridge and across the entire Lake Wellington Catchment are eligible to apply.
Up to $10,000 per farm is available through the Lake Wellington Irrigation Efficiency Incentive Program to help with the cost of a professionally designed irrigation plan.
Working towards a safer future for farming families
Fourth-generation Wimmera farmer Scott Arnold knows that safety improvements can have a big impact – not only on productivity but on peace of mind.
The #FarmingSafeandWell tip of the week is to consider where the dangers of confined spaces on your farm are and how to manage them to avoid suffocation from fumes, dust or low oxygen.
Confined spaces on farms can include:
- rooms, garages and sheds without adequate ventilation
- silos
- vats
- underground tunnels and wells
- water tanks
- sewers and manure pits.
Keep yourself, your family, and your workers safe and well – know how to manage the risks.
Visit Better Health Channel to read more about managing confined spaces on farms
What's On
Online Farm Business Program
Details about these events and more can be found our website.
Achieve your business goals, build on your skills and strengthen your farm for the future – join our upcoming online farm business course.
Delivered over 6 weeks, this course is run in collaboration with Rural People Co. and open to livestock, grains, mixed farmers, horticulturalists and apiarists.
Join us on Wednesdays from 7 pm.
- Module 1: Identifying and managing risks, strategic planning and setting business goals - Wednesday, 7 May
- Module 2: Financial management, budgeting and profitable decision making - Wednesday, 14 May
- Module 3: Managing people on farm, succession planning and farm safety - Wednesday, 21 May
- Module 4: Climate risk and natural resource management - Wednesday, 28 May
- Module 5: Business planning - Wednesday, 11 June.
Gippsland Weed and Pest Fest
When: 3 May, 9 am - 4 pm
Where: Rokeby Recreation Reserve
Gippsland's first Weed and Pest Festival aims to connect those with weed and pest problems with the people and organisations who have the control solutions.
Just a farmer community screening
When: 8 May, 6-9 pm
Where: Union Theatre, Wonthaggi
$10 per person includes a light supper
Following the screening, a panel discussion will offer valuable insights into mental health issues specific to regional and rural settings and provide information on available support resources.
Presented by BCSC,Victorian Farmers Federation and Landcare
Creating an Animal Health Plan for Sheep - Swifts Creek
When: 22 May, 10 am - 2 pm
Where: DEECA offices,13 McMillan Avenue, Swifts Creek.
Join us and veterinarian Dr Alison Gunn from Herd Solutions for an interactive workshop.
We will discuss local health issues and learn about their prevention, treatment options and create an animal health plan for your sheep flock.
BetterBeef and BestWool/BestLamb Network Roadshow
Agriculture Victoria’s BetterBeef and BestWool/BestLamb network are hitting the road!
The 2025 Beef and Sheep Network Roadshow will bring top industry experts to four locations across Victoria, delivering the latest insights on pastures, livestock, and farm business management.
When: Tuesday 3 June
Where: Lardner Park, Lardner.
Food & Fibre Gippsland are holding drought resilience workshops in April and May across the region.
Keep up to date with GippsDairy's events on their website.
Keep up to date with Gippsland Agricultural Group's events on their website.
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 us through the National Relay Service at 133 677 or visit the National Relay Service.
All contact points can be found at: agriculture.vic.gov.au/about-us/contact-us
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