• Check out our free hay calculator
• Cutting failed crops for hay or silage
• The latest Fast Break Newsletter is out now
• Solid results continue for Victorian dairy industry
• Farmer survey – Do farmers dream of sheep?
• WorkSafe – It's never you until it is
• Apply for new Future Drought Fund grants to support Aussie farmers
• Serving solutions at AltProteins 24 this October
• Gippsland Dairy Industry Strategy – Consultation workshops
• Livestock producers, have you subscribed to the BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef Newsflash?
• Gippsland Circular Futures Initiative: registration of interest
• Dry seasons support
• Fox and wild dog bounty
• Free financial counselling with RFCS
• In case you missed it
• What's on

Heard about our hay versus grains calculator? 

This tool calculates the gross margin of grain and hay production in dollars per hectare. It helps with deciding whether a crop should be left for harvest or cut for hay.

Just click here.

Then fill in the white boxes – the grey boxes will automatically calculate it for you. Talk about easy!

Michele Jolliffe, Agriculture Victoria Dairy Extension Officer

Crops that fail due to frost, moisture stress or other limiting factors may be cut for silage or hay as an economically viable option. The following key points should be considered as part of your decision-making process.

Often moisture-stressed crops have insufficient dry matter before flowering to cut for hay. Making a timely decision to cut hay can prevent poor quality hay.

Cereal growth stages

• The optimal balance between yield and quality comes when cutting a cereal crop at the boot stage
• Feed quality declines after plants become reproductive and produce more head and stem material, which is less digestible. Metabolisable energy (ME) and protein generally decline after flowering
• The quantity of feed increases until early grain fill
• Cereals tend to produce higher hay yields than canola, particularly after flowering.

Canola growth stages

• The optimal balance between yield and quality comes when cutting canola at late flowering
• Metabolisable energy (ME) and protein generally decline after flowering, although ME can rise slightly in canola after flowering
• Canola can lose leaf and pod material faster than cereals. It doesn’t retain leaves as well as cereals later in the season
• While canola can produce higher quality feed than cereals, it produces lower hay yield after flowering.

Soil moisture levels

• Determine soil moisture levels via tools and soil moisture models. These include soil probe data, SoilWater App, Agriculture Victoria’s soil moisture dashboard and cropping reports
• Alternatively, soil sample to identify plant available water and estimate grain yield potential in line with short term weather forecasts. This will allow you to compare likely gross margins from hay or grain and help you decide if it is feasible to cut a grain crop for hay
• If you need additional support in making the decision, consult with your agronomist.

Check for withholding periods and approval for use

• Before cutting or grazing a failed crop, check chemical labels to ensure any applicable withholding periods have expired
• Ensure the crop hasn’t been sprayed with a chemical carrying a label warning or prohibitive statement that treated crops are not to be grazed or fed to livestock
• Record information and be prepared for requests or declarations about chemical history to prospective buyers.

Grazing instead of cutting

• If you have livestock, it is more cost effective to directly graze the crop in a targeted and planned way, rather than cut it for hay. Refer to the drought feeding guides for sheep and cattle for nutritional requirements and further information.

Soil protection

• The risk of soil loss from erosion increases when ground cover falls below 50%. Grazing can also increase the risk of erosion

Estimating hay yield

• Ideally, hay crops need at least 2.5 tonnes per hectare (t/ha) of dry matter (DM) to avoid excessive hay harvest losses. This is the measurement for dry matter at ground level, not cutting height
• A simple dry mater calculator is on the Agriculture Victoria website and can be used to determine dry matter
• The less dry matter, the more hay is lost during baling. For example, a NSW study showed 45% of canola hay was lost during harvest at 1.5 t/ha of DM but this dropped to 19% lost at 3.5 t/ha of DM. Hay baling losses will also vary with machinery and experience
• If a crop is unsuitable for baling, it can still provide a high-quality grazing opportunity, as livestock will selectively graze the high-quality parts of the plant
• A simple hay yield calculator is on the Agriculture Victoria website and can be used to compare potential hay yield with grain yield.

For more information about managing during dry seasonal conditions visit agriculture.vic.gov.au or call 136 186.

The latest The Fast Break newsletter is now available.

This newsletter details oceanic and atmospheric climate driver activity over the last month and summarises three-month model predictions for the Pacific and Indian oceans, rainfall and temperature for Victoria.

To subscribe or to view the latest issue click here

A new report has found Victorian dairy farm profits in 2023–24 were above the long-term average for the fifth consecutive year.

The 2023–24 Dairy Farm Monitor is an annual survey tracking 80 dairy farm businesses statewide.

In 2023–2024, average profit was strong at $629,000 or $2.64 per kilograms of milk solids.

The varied seasonal conditions across the state for 2023-24 influenced performance and costs among the regions.

Average milk price fell slightly to $9.64 per kilogram milk solids – a 1% decrease on the previous year’s very high price – while total costs for the 2023–24 period remained stable.

Agriculture Victoria Farm Business Economists Program Manager, Claire Waterman said Dairy Farm Monitor participants produced more milk across the state and increased homegrown feed production for their herds, despite some challenges including dry seasonal conditions in the South West and a slightly lower milk price than last year.

‘We thank the Dairy Farm Monitor project participants for their dedicated support to this initiative, providing such valuable information to industry and government.’

Dairy Farm Monitor is a partnership with Dairy Australia, collecting and analysing financial and production data from dryland and irrigated dairy farms in south-western Victoria, Gippsland and northern Victoria.

Dairy Australia General Manager Research and Innovation, Greg Jarman said the Dairy Farm Monitor Project provides vital insight into the factors affecting the profitability and sustainability of dairy farms.

‘The data and insights gained from the project assist farmers and service providers in decision making and support Dairy Australia and the Victorian Government by providing independent and reliable information to inform investment and resource allocation to priority areas,’ Mr Jarman said.

‘This ensures we maintain our focus on the projects and activities that will have the greatest impact on the long-term profitability and sustainability of the dairy industry.’

The 80 project participants represented a distribution of farm size, feeding systems and herd sizes.

There were approximately 2,768 dairy farm businesses in Victoria that produced 5.3 billion litres or 63% of Australia’s national milk production in 2023–24.

Read the 2023–24 Dairy Farm Monitor report.

You can access the survey here

It’s never you until it is. Every death on-farm is preventable. Find safety support for your farm HERE

The Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund is looking for eligible Australian organisations to apply for 2 new grant programs.

These programs will trial innovative solutions with the potential to build the agriculture sector, landscapes and communities’ long-term resilience to drought and climate risks, through transformational change.

The $40 million Resilient Landscapes Program focuses on demonstrating how implementing and scaling of practices, technologies or approaches to manage natural resources on farm, builds drought and climate resilience.

The $40.3 million Long-term Trials of Drought Resilient Farming Practices Program Round 2 looks at investigating new practices and technologies that will improve productivity in variable weather through evidence-based trials, co-designed with farmers.

Both grant rounds are open to agricultural industries in Australia and will be delivered over six years. Applicants must form consortia, that is 2 or more organisations working together to develop and deliver an eligible project.

Applications close on 19 November 2024.

To learn more about the grants and apply, visit:
Resilient Landscapes Grants Program - DAFF and Long-term Trials of Drought Resilient Farming Practices Grants - DAFF

Food Frontier’s AltProteins 24 conference, the largest of its kind in the South Hemisphere, themed ‘Serving Solutions: Building Sustainable Food Systems’ returns to Melbourne next month.

Held at the Sofitel on Collins, the 10 October conference will spotlight the latest breakthroughs in alternative proteins from industry leaders across Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, USA, Brazil, Sweden, Hong Kong, Singapore, The Netherlands, Germany, and Colombia.

Attendees will witness insightful keynotes, pioneering research presentations, dynamic panels, interactive workshops and networking opportunities designed to inspire and inform.

As lead sponsor of AltProteins 24, the Victorian Government, through support from Agriculture Victoria, Global Victoria and Invest Victoria, will open the day with a dignitary address as well as participate in a plant protein supply chain development session and an export opportunity workshop.

Agriculture Victoria Chief Executive Beth Jones said the conference will help Victorian producers and manufacturers discover where they could capitalise in the alternative proteins sector.

‘Agriculture Victoria recognises the potential of alternative proteins in shaping the future of food production, and the AltProteins 24 Conference is a great platform to discuss the opportunities the sector presents,’ she said.

‘It is not only about building more resilient food systems, but the growth of alternative proteins presents significant economic opportunities, and a chance for us to continue to grow Victorian agriculture.’

Victoria is home to a third of the more than 40 companies spanning across plant-based meats and cellular agriculture in Australia and New Zealand.

Food Frontier’s 2023 industry data revealed the agriculture sector was the largest indirect beneficiary of the economic activity generated from plant-based meat manufacturing, accounting for 21% of total indirect economic contribution and 32% of total indirect employment.

Food Frontier’s Executive Director Dr Simon Eassom said growth in the domestic plant protein ingredient manufacturing industry will increase this contribution.

‘Australia has the potential to grow a world leading plant protein ingredient manufacturing industry, and Agriculture Victoria’s nation-leading pulses research will play a fundamental role capturing this agricultural value addition opportunity for the state.’

‘Join us to hear from the industry’s experts on how ingredients made from Australian grown grains could deliver improved taste, nutrition, and functionality for plant-based foods.’

Visit the AltProteins website to register for conference tickets.

The Gippsland Dairy Industry Leadership Group is seeking involvement from Gippsland dairy farmers and service providers in the development of a Gippsland Dairy Industry Strategy.

Dairy Australia will be holding a series of face to face and online workshops for anyone interested in contributing to the strategy.

These workshops will explore key drivers for priorities in a Gippsland-specific dairy strategy, and draw on the experiences of those participating in the consultation.

A Gippsland Dairy Industry Strategy will aim to: 

• promote Gippsland's strengths for attracting investment in dairy
• provide a strategic document to influence planning and decision making by government, private enterprise, and regional planners
• detail areas of focus to ensure a prosperous and responsive Gippsland dairy industry over the next 10 years.

This strategy development is financially supported by contributions from Gardiner Foundation, GippsDairy, Latrobe Valley Authority, and West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority. 

Gippsland themes identified during the consultation process will also help inform the development of the Dairy Australia Strategic Plan 2025-2030. 

Along with the workshops, Dairy Australia encourages you to contribute themes for the Gippsland Dairy Industry Strategy by completing this short survey. 

To register for one of our workshops, please follow the links below.

Wednesday 23 October - Maffra 

Thursday 24 October - Warragul 

 Friday 25 October - Leongatha 

 Tuesday 29 October - ONLINE 

 Thursday 31 October - ONLINE 

For more information, contact Karen McLennan at karen.mclennan@gippsdairy.com.au or on 0409 179 706.

Newsflash is our monthly email newsletter produced by our BetterBeef and BestWool/BestLamb network team. 

Newsflash contains:  

• beef and sheep news 
• technical articles 
• upcoming events 
• BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef Network profiles 
• government and industry information. 

Subscribe to the BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef Newsflash here.

Funded by Agriculture Victoria and Australian Wool Innovation.

The Gippsland Climate Change Network invites small to medium sized Gippsland businesses and enterprises to participated in a free circular economy Program.

Workshop dates: October 16, 23 and 30
Times: 10 am - 12:30 pm
Locations: Bairnsdale, Sale, Leongatha, Warragul, Morwell and online.

Register here.

Have you updated your plan for the current seasonal conditions?

Having a solid drought plan can help you with decision making in adverse conditions. 

Check out the dry seasons and drought support on the Agriculture Victoria website today.

Victoria’s bounty collections continue.

Please 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.

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.

Cream of the crop: Bringing Victorian produce to a wider audience through ice-cream

Agriculture Victoria and Food + Drink Victoria are introducing more Victorians to more local producers – through ice-cream.

Read the full media release here.

Supporting Swifts Creek to transition to the future

The Victorian Government is backing the Swifts Creeks community by providing more support to develop and progress innovative projects identified through their Local Development Strategy.

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: Wednesday 9 October, 12:30 to 1:30 pm.

Register here.

Agriculture Victoria invite beef producers to a webinar about bull selection and soundness.

Fertility is a significant driver of profitability in beef breeding enterprises so join Dr. Craig Wood, pervious President of the Australian Cattle Veterinarians to learn more.

Dr Wood has over 20 years’ experience in large animal veterinary medicine and works with many leading beef studs. The webinar will cover general bull management and describe what a veterinary bull soundness examination involves and discuss the benefits.

The Farm Business Resilience Program is supporting farmers to develop the knowledge and skills they need to improve their farm business and be better equipped to manage the impacts of drought and a changing climate.

Agriculture Victoria, in partnership with Cumbre Consultants, is inviting you to join other farmers in a free online short course with specialists on the following topics:

• business planning and risk management
• farm finances and profitable decision making
• managing people on farm, farm safety and wellbeing
• climate adaptation and natural resource improvement including soil, water, crops and pastures.

Course dates:

• Monday 14 October, 12 to 2 pm - Plan review.

Location: Online

Register here.

GippsDairy - AgVic Service Provider Update Breakfast, with Natalie Nelson presenting the 2024 results of the Dairy Farm Monitor Project. Additionally, Karen McLennan and RMCG Consulting will discuss the Gippsland dairy industry strategy planning for the next 10 years.

A great opportunity to network and to hear about the key market drivers of the last season and how these might impact this season. 

Sale: Tuesday 8 October, 7:30 - 9:30 am, Star Hotel, 173 Raymond St, Sale.
Register here.

Leongatha: Wednesday 9 October, 7:30 - 9:30 am, RSL Leongatha, Crn Smith St and Michael Pl, Leongatha. 
Register here.

Drouin: Thursday 10 October, 7:30 - 9:30 am, Middels, 94-114 Princes Way, Drouin. 
Register here.

When: Tuesday 8 October, 12 - 1 pm

Register here.

Online webinar for dairy farmers with cattle veterinarian and pinkeye researcher Mac Kneipp. Hear from Mac about the current understanding of pinkeye, key preventative strategies and optimising treatment outcomes. Opportunity for Q&A with Mac at the end of the webinar.

When: Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 October
Where: 285 Boggy Creek Rd, Riverslea.

10 am – 3 pm both days, plus lunch provided.

Wondering how you can get more out of your spray irrigation systems, or thinking about an upgrade?

Join us for a free interactive workshop tailored for irrigators aiming to elevate their irrigation game.

Whether you’re eyeing off a new pivot system or seeking to fine-tune your existing setup, this workshop is your gateway to optimised performance and sustainable management.

What you'll learn:

• designing the system for uniform application
• financial factors - purchase and operational costs
• planning for installation
• energy efficiency.

We'll also cover:

• key measures and indicators of spray irrigation system performance
• technology options - variable application rate, end guns and sprinkler packs
• irrigation scheduling and operation for improved agronomy.

Key trainer: Peter Smith, Sapphire Irrigation Consulting

Register here.

When: Thursday 14 November, 10 am - 1 pm 

Register here.

Come along to James Clyne’s farm in Newry to find out how he was able to get VRI to reduce water wastage and increase pasture production on his undulating centre pivot irrigated paddock. Free BBQ lunch provided.

Does it make cents to finish lambs? Join us for a webinar about finishing lambs in a tight season.

Presenter Geoff Duddy will use examples to assist with decision-making around finishing lambs on grain vs selling as stores.

Geoff is experienced in all aspects of sheep production, reproduction, nutrition and finishing.

Wednesday, 16 October, 12:30 - 1:30 pm, via Zoom

The sessions will run for about an hour with a chance to answer questions at the end.

To register click here

#FutureDroughtFund #FarmBusinessResilience

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It's easy – simply click this link.

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.