• Bovine ephemeral fever confirmed in north-east Victoria
• Absentee farmer fined $25,000 for animal cruelty to cattle
• All aboard the virtual climate bus tour
• Beef and sheep farm benchmarking
• Solar for Business Program
• Japanese encephalitis update
• Are you a regular podcast listener?
• Energy webinar series: Insights from the Agriculture Energy Investment Plan
• VGT community grants closing soon
• Cracking the code on medicinal cannabis
• Developing a national traceability system for horses
• Fox and wild dog bounty – north east collection details
• The Ag Recovery Team is here to help
• What's on?

Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer

With the wet summer of 2022, this has been the year of insect borne diseases.

Initially, reports of cases of Ross River Virus and Murray Valley Encephalitis in horses were received. This was followed by the detection of Japanese Encephalitis across northern Victoria.

More recently, from mid to late March a cluster of cases of Bovine Ephemeral Fever (BEF), also known as ‘three-day sickness’, was observed in cattle on properties in the Tallangatta area.

Three-day sickness is a viral disease spread by biting insects such as mosquitoes and midges.

Outbreaks regularly occur in Queensland and on the north coast of New South Wales following summer rain. In Victoria, outbreaks are much rarer, with the last being in the summer of 2010, which affected cattle in the upper Murray.

Clinically affected cattle develop a fever and become listless and reluctant to stand. These clinical signs typically last for three days before the cattle recover uneventfully, in line with the disease’s colloquial name ‘three-day sickness’.

On the properties on which three-day sickness was confirmed, the numbers of clinically affected cattle ranged from only one to up 17 cattle. During their illness the clinical signs were relieved with veterinary administration of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication.

Previously infected cattle have no ongoing issues. In fact, they develop quite a strong immunity to protect themselves against future infections.

The outbreak ceased as quickly as it began, and no further reports were received through April.

Interestingly, the nearest confirmed BEF cases this summer were in the Hunter Valley region of NSW, 550km away. 

For further information regarding three-day sickness please contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria veterinary or animal health officer, or in NSW your Local Land Services.

An absentee farmer was recently fined $25,000 in the Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court for animal cruelty offences to his cattle herd.

Pierre Roland De Bondy pleaded guilty to seven charges, including two for cruelty and three aggravated cruelty offences. With conviction, Mr De Bondy was fined $25,000 and costs awarded in the amount of $101.25 to the department.

The Magistrate also imposed a conditional disqualification order on livestock for a period of five years.

Mr De Bondy lives at a property in Vermont South and has been operating a pastoral farming enterprise since 1999. He is the sole director and secretary of accused company Geralem Services Pty, which owns three rural properties at Flowerdale, Woodside and Mirboo.

Across these properties Mr De Bondy generally ran approximately 150 head of cattle, which were predominantly Angus cattle.

Agriculture Victoria authorised officers inspected the property in response to a report of sick and dying cattle at the Mirboo property.

Several cattle were observed in poor condition with several young cattle having to be euthanised to prevent further suffering as they were found too weak to rise or lift their heads.

On further inspection of the property, officers identified that Mr De Bondy failed to monitor the conditions of his stock.

The ‘Code of Accepted Farming Practice for the Welfare of Cattle’, clearly states livestock supervision obligations. The code describes the minimum standard of frequency and level of inspection related to the potential risks to the welfare of the cattle.

The Magistrate noted he considered a number of previous cases in reaching his decision but balanced them against the seriousness of the offending and the suffering caused.

Agriculture Victoria Animal Health and Welfare Compliance Manager Daniel Bode said people who own animals have a serious responsibility to look after them and minimise their suffering, including absentee farmers where adequate supervision is essential.

Mr Bode said apart from the obvious pain and suffering of the animals, animal welfare breaches can jeopardise Victoria’s reputation as a humane and responsible producer of food, which can affect all producers.

“This is a reminder to all livestock producers that animal cruelty will not be tolerated by the Victorian Government or the community.”

“Also, those farmers who work as absentee owners are reminded that adequate supervision is a requirement, particularly during risk times such as summer, to ensure animals have proper and sufficient feed, water and shelter.”

Anyone wishing to make a specific complaint in regard to livestock welfare can contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or aw.complaint@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Season three of the AgVic Talk podcast takes listeners on a virtual bus tour to speak with farmers and agricultural influencers who are looking at different ways to manage climate variability.

Agriculture Victoria Land Management Extension Officer Darryl Pearl said that across the ten podcasts, we hear real examples of how farmers have managed climate change and variability across a range of locations around the state.

“Agriculture is undertaken successfully by farmers across a whole range of climates. This podcast series explores some of the ways farmers are managing climate risk on their farms. This can offer valuable insights for how others are setting up to manage climate change and increased variability.”

This season includes conversations with livestock producers who are using stock containment areas, agricultural business resilience experts, low and high rainfall zone growers who talk about their coping strategies, and farmers developing new skills through online learning.

“In one episode we talk to third-generation Millewa farmer Ian Arney who has experienced a huge amount of change in order to continue farming in a changing climate, arguably none more so than in the last ten years with a move from cereal and grain cropping to focusing mainly on sheep,” Mr Pearl said.

“Everyone we talk to during this season has a focus on planning and understanding their business in order to help them through the tough years and make the most of the good ones,” he said.

Ten virtual climate bus tour episodes will run as part of season three of the AgVic Talk podcast channel which began as a pilot in August 2020.

“Through the podcasts, we’ve been able to deliver knowledge and information in a format that suits the way farmers and agricultural professionals work and live today,” Mr Pearl said.

“In the past, we might have delivered this information as part of a roadshow or through workshops, but we’ve realised the value of delivering online and the virtual climate bus tour has saved 1,900 kilometres of vehicle travel, time, and carbon emissions.”

He said the new season will continue to deliver trusted, relevant and timely information to Victoria’s agricultural sector, and rural and regional communities through podcasts.

You can subscribe and listen to AgVic Talk wherever you get your podcasts:

• Subscribe to AgVic Talk on Spotify
• Subscribe to Apple Podcasts

More online resources relevant to season three include the Climate Change in Australia website: climatechangeinaustralia.gov.au/en/

You can also look up your location on the climate analogue website: climatechangeinaustralia.gov.au/en/projections-tools/climate-analogues/analogues-explorer/

Or for more climate-related information from Agriculture Victoria, visit the climate and weather page on the website: agriculture.vic.gov.au/climate-and-weather

This AgVic Talk season is funded by Smarter Safer Farms, a $20 million Victorian Government initiative to keep farmers, workers and farm families safe and well.

Agriculture Victoria has positions available for sheep and beef farmers to participate in the 2022 Livestock Farm Monitor benchmarking project.

Participation gives you a real insight into your business and provides you with the information to assess your businesses strengthens and weaknesses and compare where your business sits in relation to other similar businesses in Victoria.

The report is a trusted and un-biased source of information that can assist farm businesses with conversations with the bank, consultants and industry.

Participation is free and all information is treated as highly confidential.

For further information about the project, visit the Agriculture Victoria website or email.

The Victorian Government are encouraging businesses to consider energy independence.

Eligible business owners can access up to $3,500 off the upfront cost of a solar panel (PV) system, reducing their energy costs and investing in a cleaner, renewable future.

From 29 April, eligible businesses are also able to opt in for an interest-free loan up to $5,000 to further reduce the upfront costs of installing solar.

Detailed information can be found HERE.

For further information, please contact Andrew Philip at RACV Solar on 0414 071 201 or at Andrew.Philip@racvsolar.com.au

Agriculture Victoria is working closely with both the pig and horse industries in response to Japanese encephalitis.

There are now a total of 23 properties with pigs confirmed with Japanese encephalitis in Victoria. These are located across the Wangaratta, Moira, Greater Shepparton, Campaspe, Gannawarra, Loddon, Greater Bendigo and northern Grampians local government areas. A number of suspected cases are under investigation.

The detections are the result of national surveillance efforts to identify new cases and determine the extent and spread of the disease and the source of its introduction.

Japanese encephalitis has also been confirmed in piggeries in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia and in a small number of feral pigs in the Northern Territory.

Agriculture Victoria is working closely with industry, conducting surveillance activities and providing advice and information to farmers, livestock and horse owners.

Infection is not spread directly from pigs to people, and there is no risk to humans from eating pig meat. Only infected mosquitoes can spread infection. Pork is safe to eat.

In general, spread is through the movement of some species of migratory water birds and through the movement of infected mosquitoes, often over long distances. It does not usually spread directly from animal to animal (i.e. it is not considered contagious).

Victorians are being reminded to protect themselves from mosquito bites particularly when spending time outdoors.

Japanese encephalitis vaccines are recommended for people at a higher risk of exposure to the virus, such as those working with pigs. All people should undertake measures to reduce exposure to mosquitoes.

For more information about Japanese encephalitis virus and animals visit Agriculture Victoria’s website: agriculture.vic.gov.au/je

For more information about Japanese encephalitis virus and human health contact your GP or phone NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 606 024, or go to www.health.vic.gov.au/jev

At Agriculture Victoria we’re interested in knowing how our audience listens to podcasts.

Your feedback will help us identify how we can improve podcast production and develop new content.

While we know podcasts are a great medium and an increasingly popular format to share timely and topical information, we’re keen to know how you listen to them and what you like.

Please take this short five minute survey and help us continue to create great new podcasts.

Complete the online survey by Friday, 10 June.

The Agriculture Energy Investment Plan has supported agricultural businesses to reduce energy costs, improve energy efficiency and explore alternative energy options through energy assessments, grants, demonstrations, research and extension.

Agriculture Victoria is hosting a webinar to share insights and key findings from the research and demonstration projects completed under the Agriculture Energy Investment Plan.

The webinar will cover:

• On-farm energy opportunities: analysis of AEIP assessments, Adriana Robaina, Agriculture Victoria
• Economic insights from farmers’ energy journeys, Julie Harman, Agriculture Victoria
• Dairy Energy at Ellinbank SmartFarm, Greg Morris, Agriculture Victoria
• Orchard Agrivoltaics at Tatura SmartFarm, Ian Goodwin, Agriculture Victoria
• Pasture Agrivoltaics in Solar Farms, Bruce Gill, Agriculture Victoria.

Date: Tuesday, 7 June

Time:  12 to 1.30 pm

Where: Online via Zoom or dial in.

Register or join the webinar here: https://bit.ly/3MtcxYI

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Please join the webinar five minutes early to set up.

If you need assistance registering or would like more information, please contact Sarah Clack on 0417 316 345 or sarah.clack@agriculture.vic.gov.au

For information on other webinars in this series or other energy events please visit: https://extensionaus.com.au/energysmartfarming/events/

This initiative is part of the Victorian Government’s Agriculture Energy Investment Plan, which is supporting producers to improve energy usage on-farm.

The Victorian Gorse Taskforce (VGT) is calling for grant applications for their 2022/2023 Small Community Grants Program.

$5,000 IN GRANTS AVAILABLE

The VGT are interested in supporting groups, starting from just two landholders, who are genuinely willing to control gorse and stay on top of it.

• Grants close 28 May 2022

For more information contact the VGT Executive Officer on 0417 593 250 or at info@vicgorsetaskforce.com.au or visit our website.

Caption: PhD student Erez Naim-Feil in Agriculture Victoria's controlled environment cultivation facility

In 2016, Victoria legalised the use of medicinal cannabis, and since then scientists have improved strains to produce better health products.

Victorian scientists have unlocked the genetic code of medicinal cannabis, creating the world’s most complete DNA sequence.

Agriculture Victoria laboratories have been fitted with the latest technology that can precisely measure and quantify cannabinoids, and are being used by Victorian scientists to quickly and accurately identify the cannabis varieties with the best medicinal properties.

In the biggest study of its kind, the key physiological traits of 121 medicinal cannabis strains have been characterised by scientists, which will help breed plants that are tailored to treat a range of medical conditions.

Head over to the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions website 'The Victorian Connection' to read the full article.

The National Horse Traceability Working Group (NHTWG) is seeking feedback regarding design and introduction of a traceability system for horses, donkeys and mules in Australia.

The NHTWG has agreed that the establishment of a base level traceability system as a starting point would best suit the needs of stakeholders and help ensure the industry can respond quickly to a biosecurity incident or emergency animal disease outbreak.

All sectors of the horse industry are invited to provide feedback on the proposed Business Rules.

• Download the full consultation document
• Complete the consultation survey
• Find out more about the National Horse Traceability Working Group

Victorian fox and wild dog collections have recommenced.

Acceptable entire fox scalps and entire wild dog body parts will be collected from eligible members of the public at specific dates and times, and from sites scheduled as collection centres.

Please note that no entire fox scalps or entire wild dog body parts will be accepted at any public counter or state government office.

Collections will only be accepted at the designated times.

2022 Benalla collections

Address: Depot, 89 Sydney Road, Benalla.

Collection type: Fox only

Time: 10 am – noon

Dates:

• Wednesday, 25 May
• Wednesday, 22 June
• Wednesday, 20 July 
• Wednesday, 17 August 
• Wednesday, 14 September 
• Wednesday, 12 October. 

2022 Broadford collections

Address:5 Mollinson Street, Broadford.

Collection type: Fox only

Time: 10.30 am – 12.30 pm

Dates: 

• Thursday, 26 May 
• Thursday, 23 June 
• Thursday, 21 July 
• Thursday, 18 August 
• Thursday, 15 September 
• Thursday, 13 October.

2022 Ovens collections

Address: 5338 Great Alpine Road, Ovens.

Collection type: Fox and wild dog

Time: 1.30 – 3.30 pm

Dates:

• Tuesday, 24 May 
• Tuesday, 21 June 
• Tuesday, 19 July 
• Tuesday, 16 August 
• Tuesday, 13 September 
• Tuesday, 11 October.

2022 Mansfield collections

Address: Depot, 128 Highett Street, Mansfield.

Collection type: Fox and wild dog

Time: 2 – 4 pm

Dates:

• Wednesday, 25 May 
• Wednesday, 22 June
• Wednesday, 20 July 
• Wednesday, 17 August
• Wednesday, 14 September 
• Wednesday, 12 October.

2022 Tatura collections

Address: Depot, 255 Ferguson Road, Tatura

Collection type: Fox only

Time: 11.30 am – 1.30 pm

Dates:

• Monday, 23 May 
• Monday, 20 June 
• Monday, 18 July 
• Monday, 15 August 
• Monday, 12 September 
• Monday, 10 October.

2022 Wodonga collections

Fox and wild dog

Address: 14 Moorefield Park Drive, Wodonga.

Collection type: Fox and wild dog

Time: 9 – 11 am

Dates

• Tuesday, 24 May
• Tuesday, 21 June
• Tuesday, 19 July 
• Tuesday, 16 August 
• Tuesday, 13 September 
• Tuesday, 11 October.

Agriculture Victoria’s Ag Recovery Team is here to support growers in the horticulture industry affected by the June storms and floods across Victoria.

Phone 0427 694 185 or email recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au or visit the Agriculture Victoria website agriculture.vic.gov.au

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.

NEW DATE for Rutherglen hands-on sheep workshop – join us on Tuesday 24 May.

Jason Trompf, leading sheep production consultant and farmer, and Lyndon Kubeil, Ag Vic Senior Sheep specialist, will demonstrate what producers can implement on-farm to set up a flexible farming system to assist in mitigating risks from variable seasons.

The day is designed with a strong practical focus, to demonstrate lessons learnt from top producers that can be taken home and implemented no matter what the season is doing.

The workshop is custom-made for merino and crossbred sheep producers.

REGISTER NOW at https://bit.ly/3FQk5Ci or call Greg Ferrier on 0438 738 634.

Image of a dairy digester in California, photo courtesy of University of Davis, California

Do you have an interest in biogas energy systems for dairy effluent, or want to know more about how biogas could potentially be used to provide energy for your dairy?

Agriculture Victoria is hosting a forum in Echuca on Thursday 26 May to explore biogas options for intensive and large dairy systems from 10 am to 12.30 pm.

Kelly Wickham, Agriculture Victoria, will provide an introduction to biogas in Victoria including: the current context, compliance and regulatory requirements, and incentive and finance options.

Stephan Tait, University of Southern Queensland, will discuss the scale and biogas system types, infrastructure and management, and biogas output, value and potential returns.

To register or for more information contact Kelly Wickham kelly.wickham@agriculture.vic.gov.au or 0456 772 641.

For information on other energy events please visit: https://extensionaus.com.au/energysmartfarming/events/

Irrigators and service providers interested in finding out more about key factors influencing water availability in the connected southern basin, including water allocation processes, water trade, policy, and events, are encouraged to participate in Agriculture Victoria’s irrigation webinar sub-series.

Our aim is for participants to be better equipped to make earlier and more informed decisions in future seasons to better deal with variable water supplies.

The first webinar will run on Thursday 26 May, 1 – 2 pm. This webinar will provide an overview of the southern Murray-Darling Basin (sMDB), how water in key storages is shared between states and regions, and the characteristics of the different sMDB water entitlements.

The second webinar will run on Thursday 9 June, 1 – 2 pm. This webinar will discuss sMDB allocation processes, and the impact of carryover water, dam spills and unregulated flows on irrigation supplies.

The final webinar will run on Friday 24 June, 1 – 2 pm. This webinar will cover sMDB water trade, water trade limits, Environmental Water Allowance payback and the irrigation situation and outlook for 2022 - 23.

To register in advance for these webinars, go to https://bit.ly/AgVicWMW10

For more information please call Rob O’Connor on 0408 515 652.

BOOK NOW – Agriculture Victoria is offering young farmers and those new to farming the opportunity to take part in a Young Farmer Business Bootcamp, being held in Tallangatta on 27 May and 3 June.

Over the two full days business bootcamp participants will develop cash flow budgeting skills, a strong understanding of risk management and planning plus have the opportunity to fine-tune their business goals.

Presenter Paul Blackshaw, Meridian Agriculture farm business advisor based at Rutherglen, will share his vast experience and knowledge in farm financial analysis, benchmarking, farm business performance and succession planning.

Tallangatta – Friday 27 May and 3 June

Registrations are limited to 15 participants per business bootcamp.

Register now HERE

For assistance or more information please contact Paul Simpson, on 0455 750 605 or at paul.simpson@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Young farmers across Victoria are being invited to come together for farm finance workshops at a number of locations, as well as to network and ask questions.

Agriculture Victoria is offering the Farm Finance – Getting Prepared sessions as in-person events after having to shift to an online format for the past two years.

The workshops will be an opportunity to have open and transparent conversations about farm finance and get some tips on how to communicate in ‘bank speak’.

By the end of the session participants will have a new clarity on finance and how the whole system works.

All sessions will be held between 6 – 8.30 pm and are scheduled for:

Ouyen – Wednesday 25 May
Horsham – Wednesday 1 June.

To register or to find out more visit https://bit.ly/3O3eht0

The Farm Finance – Getting Prepared series is supported by Agriculture Victoria’s Smarter, Safer Farms program.

When: 25 May, 9 – 10.30 am

This is a two-part online training to assist Victorian livestock producers to use the National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) database to complete livestock transfers. This training is relevant to cattle, sheep, and goat owners and managers. Part 1 is an online video you watch before attending Part 2, the scheduled interactive webinar.

You will learn about livestock traceability, take a tour of the NLIS database, watch a live demonstration of how to transfer livestock and practice completing a transfer. There will be time at the end of the webinar for participants to ask the presenter questions.

Numbers are limited to allow for an interactive session.

More information and registration links for each event on the Agriculture Victoria events page.

Agriculture Victoria is pleased to announce that early bird tickets for the BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef conference are on sale now.

The 2022 conference will run as a single day event, catering for those involved in the sheep and beef industries.

The conference will return to the Bendigo Exhibition Centre on Thursday 16 June.

Featuring three keynote speakers, and twelve specialised speakers/demonstrations.

Highlights include:

• climate - reducing emissions, carbon and climate risks
• a producer’s perspective on managing risk and making decisions on-farm
• working dog demonstration
• lamb autopsy demonstration
• genomics for commercial angus breeders
• ALMTech – tool and technology for measuring eating quality
• trade displays.

The conference dinner will be held the evening prior to the conference, on Wednesday 15 June, at the All Seasons Hotel Bendigo.

You can purchase tickets and view the full conference program at Eventbrite

Early bird tickets are on sale now until 31 May, unless sold out prior. Ticket prices below.

Conference
Tickets provide full access to the conference, featuring three keynote speakers and a choice of four of the twelve specialised speakers/demonstrations. Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea included.

• $99 – early bird ticket until 31 May or until sold out
• $130 – from 1 June until sold out.

Dinner
Tickets for the dinner are $75, which includes two-course meal and a guest speaker (more details to come)

Purchase tickets online via Eventbrite only – tickets will NOT be available on the day.

For further information contact: Amanda Davis, Meat & Wool Project Officer at amanda.davis@agriculture.vic.gov.au

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