Thursday 24 April 2025

Make decisions on your livestock – and stick to it

Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer, Northern Region

It is vital that producers assess their livestock situation now and actively plan for the welfare of animals as we wait for the autumn break.

Livestock may start experiencing the effects of the shortfall of paddock feed. Furthermore, water availability has become a critical issue on many properties.

To ensure livestock make it through this period, some timely decisions need to be made.

Producers need to examine their options carefully and ask themselves questions such as:

• have I got enough supplementary feed on hand?
• if not, will I be able to source it at a reasonable price?
• will I need to cart water? How much? And from where?
• is agistment an option, what is the cost and how far will my stock have to travel?
• do I need to sell some stock now?

Decisions need to be made carefully. A well-constructed plan is a valuable tool in assisting with the decision-making process.

By using a timeline with details such as ‘if it has not rained by x date, I need to sell x number of head’, often eases the pressure on producers and their livestock.

Livestock owners have a legislative responsibility for the welfare of their animals under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.

For further information please visit the Agriculture Victoria website.

Plus you can contact your local veterinarian, local stock agent or Agriculture Victoria Veterinary or Animal Health Officer on 136 186.

First Nations knowledge to shape future farmers

Agriculture Victoria is supporting opportunities to embed Aboriginal traditional knowledge and practices into agricultural training to recognise First Nations peoples’ connection to agriculture.

The garinga djimbayang Grant Program supports partnerships between Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) and TAFEs to integrate First Nations’ knowledge and practices into the design and delivery of accredited agriculture training.

Helping more cats and dogs find their furever home

The Victorian Government is helping Victorian pet rescue and rehoming groups find homes for vulnerable pets through the latest round of the Individual Pet Rehoming Grants.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently announced that a further $1.27 million has been awarded to organisations that provides vital rehoming services for cats and dogs.

Autumn pasture reminders

Michele Jolliffe, Agriculture Victoria, Hamilton

Autumn is a key time to rebuild perennial ryegrass density and set up pasture production for the year. The dry summer will have weakened individual plants, and some will die despite good management.

By following a few simple tactics, it will be possible to maintain and, in most cases, improve your perennial ryegrass pasture performance into the future.

Report sick or dead birds or wildlife

High pathogenicity avian influenza (bird flu) has been detected in poultry in the Euroa area within Strathbogie Shire. Control measures are in place to prevent further spread.

Visit the website for more information on Avian influenza.

Report any unexplained sick or dead poultry or birds to the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

What's On

Details about these events and more can be found our website.

Creating an animal health plan for beef

When: Wednesday 7 May, 10 am – 2 pm
Where: Tallangatta Bowling Club, 2 Akuna Avenue, Tallangatta. 

Join Agriculture Victoria and veterinarian Dr Ben Blomfield from the Mackinnon Project for a free workshop. At this interactive workshop, you will identify local health issues and learn about their prevention and treatment options to create an animal health plan for your herd.
An animal health plan is an important tool for farmers to minimise biosecurity risks and increase animal performance.

Online Farm Business Program

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.

What is healthy, productive soil?

When: Monday 12 May, 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Gundowring (details sent after registration). 

Dr. Cassandra Schefe will delve into the challenges you might encounter in understanding your soil's structure, fertility, and the chemical and physical barriers that may be present. Cassie will also discuss methods to increase soil carbon and improve water retention within the soil profile.

Learn how to enhance your pastures and achieve environmental benefits through better water and nutrient management, reducing the risks of surface runoff, erosion, and drainage issues.

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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