• Cherries Traceability - what's an RFID?
• Empowering Victoria's next marine biosecurity heroes
• Book early for Ballarat sheep and beef conferences
• Biosecurity Basics Episode 5
• Applications open for Corella Management Grant Program
• Heytesbury dairy farm water survey now open
• Make this your moment – The Governor of Victoria Export Awards
• Fox and wild dog bounty
• In case you missed it
• What's on

Confused about RFID?

Watch our video from the Cherry Growers Australia and Agriculture Victoria Cherries Traceability Pilot that takes you behind the scenes of cherry production, showcasing the cutting-edge RFID technology implemented at Cherry Hill Orchards.

Discover how RFID technology automates fruit tracking from harvest to dispatch, ensuring premium quality, integration with global standards, and building capacity for future growth.

Learn from industry leaders about the benefits of automated on-farm traceability, the integration of RFID inventory tracking with the enterprise resource planning ERP system, and the adoption of GS1 Australia traceability standards.

The Victorian Government is empowering the next generation to become marine biosecurity heroes through a new educational activity at SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium.

SEA LIFE officially launched their Junior Marine Biosecurity Officer program recently, which has been designed to increase marine pest awareness and encourage the reporting of suspected sightings to Agriculture Victoria.

The activity will lead young Victorians along a trail throughout the aquarium, keeping an eye and ear out for information about invasive marine pests along the way and filling out an activity book.

Once participants have completed their activity book, they will receive a certificate that declares them a Junior Marine Biosecurity Officer.

Agriculture Victoria, in partnership with SEA LIFE Melbourne, will run the program throughout May - which is a busy period for school excursions at the aquarium.

Marine pests are highly invasive, non-native animals and plants that can cause significant harm to Victoria's marine environment and once established, are nearly impossible to eradicate.

Biosecurity is a shared responsibility, and it is collaborations alongside industry like this one that are vital in helping to spread the word about marine biosecurity.

Click here for information on how you can help and Victoria’s ongoing response to marine pests. 

To attend SEA LIFE Melbourne and complete the Junior Marine Biosecurity Officer program head to visit sealife.com/melbourne.

Sheep and beef producers!

Book now to secure your early bird discount for the upcoming BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef conferences running for the first time in Ballarat at The Goods Shed Ballarat.

The program kicks off with the BestWool/BestLamb conference on Wednesday 19 June from 9 am followed by a combined dinner that evening for the beef and sheep industries.

The BetterBeef conference will take place the following day on Thursday 20 June.

With early bird discounts, a 1-day conference ticket is only $80 and a full package 2-day conference and dinner ticket is $200.

Early bird ticket sales close on Friday 📆 May so don’t delay!

Visit our events web page to learn more.

Episode 5: Designing a farm map with Clem Sturmfels and Ian Powell

What is the importance of a farm map?

Clem Sturmfels, Land Management Extension Officer, explains how a farm map helps landholders manage biosecurity risks, manage public access, and meet industry assurance requirements. 

Gippsland cattle farmer Ian Powell explains how he created a farm map and how it is used to protect his property from biosecurity risks.

 🎧 🎧 Listen to Biosecurity Basics via the AgVic website.

Applications for funding to address the impacts of Long-billed Corella and Little Corella populations on community are now open.

Local government authorities, farmers and committees of management are among those eligible to apply for grants to address agricultural, infrastructural, environmental and social impacts.

A total of $250,000 is available in Victorian Government grant funding.

The Corella Management Grants Program guidelines align with the Victorian Corella Strategy 2022-2032.

The strategy promotes a ‘living with wildlife’ approach to encourage positive attitudes to corellas, as part of a broader strategy for living with wildlife in Victoria.

Find more information about the grant program here.

WestVic Dairy is seeking farmer input via a Dairy Farm Water Survey to understand the current operating conditions on dairy farms, in relation to water supply and security in the Heytesbury and surrounding districts.

The information collected in the Dairy Farm Water Survey will be analysed and used to support future planning for the dairy and water industry.

The Heytesbury area has limited access to groundwater and relies heavily on surface runoff to fill dams for water supply for dairy farms.

The dry seasonal conditions in 2015, highlighted that many dairy operations had very little to no runoff, leaving farmers with critically low water reserves to support stock drinking water, plant washing, vat cleaning and fire-fighting requirements.

The survey specifically aims to collect information from dairy farmers in the region to understand the following:

• impacts of previous dry seasons on farm water supply
• impacts of reduced water availability on farm
• changes that have been made on farms in response to water supply issues
• plans to address water security on farm in the future
• ideas and suggestions for industry support.

The survey will close on Friday 24 May 2024. Hard copies of the survey form are available on request.

Responses will remain confidential, and data used for reporting will be de-identified.

The survey can be completed via this link.

This project has been funded through the South-west Victoria node of the Federal Government's Future Drought Fund.

If you would like more information or have any questions, please contact WestVic Dairy on (03) 5557 1000.

Get ready to shine in the spotlight!

Applications have now opened for the Governor of Victoria Export Awards (GOVEA).

Open to all Victorian exporters, regardless of business size or total export sales, winning a GOVEA isn't just about recognition; it's about catapulting your business to new heights.

GOVEA winners automatically receive a place as finalists in the National Export Awards.

Boost your brand and gain exposure to potential clients, investors, and partners, both locally and globally.

Showcase your innovation to the business community in 2024.

Apply now by visiting global.vic.gov.au/govea.

Applications close 14 June.

Victoria’s bounty collections resumed on 4 March.

Please continue to 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.

Get into AgSTEM program in full swing for school year

Agriculture Victoria’s free Get into AgSTEM education program is underway with schools across the state participating.

READ THE MEDIA RELEASE IN FULL HERE

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.

Ready to grow your agri-food and beverage business by exploring export opportunities but not sure where to start? Join us for a free Export Development Programme!

Agriculture Victoria's Pathways to Export is partnering with Export Connect to deliver a series of in-person masterclass workshops in Gippsland and Melbourne and online export strategy webinars.

In-person sessions:

• Friday 24 May,  9 am – 4 pm, Agriculture Victoria Attwood Centre, 475-485 Mickleham Rd.

Webinars:

• Export Pricing: Tuesday 21 May, 2 – 4 pm
• Pitch Development: Tuesday 28 May, 2 – 4 pm 
• International Buyer and Exporter Panel: Tuesday 4 June, 2 – 4 pm.

Register here for one or more sessions.

Residents are invited to community drop-in sessions where you can engage directly with representatives from Agriculture Victoria, Telstra, NBNCo and the Regional Tech Hub. 

Let's discuss how we can enhance internet connectivity in our community and make the most out of technology!

Topics for discussion:

• Could your internet connectivity be better?
• Want to know how to maximise your mobile signal?
• With 3G closing, what does it mean for you?
• Interested in on-farm technology?
• Discover the potential of the ‘internet of things’ for agriculture!

Dates and venues:

• Tuesday 21 May - Crossroads CFA Shed – 5:30 pm - 7 pm
• Wednesday 22 May - Summerfield Winery – 2 pm - 3:30 pm
• Wednesday 22 May - Lexton Hub - 5:30 pm - 7 pm.

Find out more at Pyrenees Shire Connectivity Roadshow - Pyrenees Shire Council.

Date: Wednesday 29 May
Time: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Where: Elmhurst Bush Nursing Centre 36 Green Street, Elmhurst
Cost: Free, lunch will be provided.

Presenter: Jess Revell, Principal Nutritionist and Animal Production Consultant, Rumenate Livestock Services.

Jess will share her extensive knowledge about ration formulation, intensive animal nutrition, extensive livestock production, reducing metabolic disease and seasonal management.

Jess is passionate about providing independent animal nutrition and health advice to achieve profitable outcomes.

Workshop topics include:

• Livestock feeding requirements
• Feeding a total ration
• Feeding after fire for pasture recovery.

Register here.

DATE: Friday 7 June

TIME: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

Join us for a hands-on session led by the Stock Sense team and expert stock handler, Jack Briscoe.

Agriculture Victoria District Veterinary Officer, Hannah Manning, will also be speaking on all things you should know when buying animals and fit-to-load when selling animals.

We invite you to bring along your questions for Hannah.

Learn invaluable techniques to care for your cattle with minimal stress and maximum safety.

Experience Stress-Free Stock Handling at Camperdown Saleyards.

Topics include:

• Stockmanship: Understand livestock behaviour for reduced stress and improved handling
• Low-Stress Handling Demonstrations: Witness safe handling practices for enhanced yard safety
• Practical Sessions: Gain special techniques for drenching, vaccination, and ear tagging
• Biosecurity Insights: Explore vital biosecurity practices and the importance of quarantine.

Find out more at - www.vff.org.au/event/stock-handling-workshop-camperdown

For further inquiries, please contact Stock Sense on stocksense@vff.org.au

DATE: Friday 14 June

TIME: 9 am – 12 pm

VENUE: Bannockburn and Districts Bowling Club, 65 Burnside Road, Bannockburn.

REGISTER HERE on the GRDC website.

Calling all growers and agronomists to join Nick Poole from FAR Australia for a workshop hosted by the Australian Fungicide Resistance Extension Network (AFREN), dedicated to addressing the pressing issue of fungicide resistance in our region.

Gain valuable insights and participate in discussions on the latest management practices shaping the future of the Australian grains industry.

The GSSA conference at Bendigo on 17-18 July will offer something for everyone.

The central theme will focus on ‘Evidence Based Decision Making’ and the topics have been built around what farmers need to know.

Delegates will be able to choose from 2 bus tours.

One to a property north of Bendigo integrating lucerne into a profitable livestock system and one to a higher rainfall perennial pasture property south of Bendigo.

Topics will include:

• Carbon - An informed farmers perspective
• Carbon neutral livestock production - is it possible?
• Soil carbon and fertility
• Measuring and knowing your soil carbon levels
• Old clover identification and sub optimal clover nodulation
• Paddock livestock weighing
• What bugs You?
• Use of drones in agriculture
• Facial livestock recognition
• Remote pasture measurement
• Running lambs on improved varieties of perennial ryegrass vs more persistent Victorian ryegrass - animal responses above yield responses
• N efficiency and endophytes in ryegrass pastures
• Introduction to fertiliser calculator tool.

Click here for more information - 2024 GSSA Annual Conference

Nominations for the 2024 Melbourne Royal Emerging Leaders in Victoria Award are now open!

Please download the nomination form here.

Send your application to emergingleaders@melbourneroyal.com.au

Applications close on Thursday 1 August.

The recipient will work, volunteer or significantly contribute within the agricultural industry, and must demonstrate how they will use prize money to further their development.

This award is only available to those within Victoria between the ages of 18 and 35.

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