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| Farm fire preparedness tip – farm mapping |
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Have you included a farm map in your fire preparedness plan?
A farm map can be a useful tool in an emergency by clearly showing critical assets, water sources, assembly/evacuation and exit points and stock refuge areas.
Check out the tips on developing your farm map in our Fire Preparedness Toolkit.
Download a copy of the toolkit.
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| Watch now - webinars on managing seasonal variability |
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Missed our recent webinar series or want to rewatch a session?
Click below to catch up on best preparing your farm for the changing seasons.
Managing Seasonal Variability – A Farmer’s Perspective
Central Victorian farmer Mr Ben Greene will explain how he and his wife Jodie manage seasonal variability while still running a profitable and sustainable farming operation.
Climate Update and Tools
Confused about the climate predictions for spring and summer? Join renowned Agriculture Victoria Seasonal Risk Agronomist Dale Grey for the low down on the season ahead.
Fodder Conservation
Hay, silage or straw? Join Agriculture Victoria Dairy Extension Officer Michelle Jolliffe to hear the latest information on fodder conservation.
Siting and Design of a Stock Containment Area
Do stock containment areas really work? How big should I make the pens? How much do they cost? Presented by Agriculture Victoria Land Management Extension Officer Clem Sturmfels. Clem’s detailed presentation is based on more than 30 years experience working in this field.
Animal nutrition and feeding during dry times
A session on animal considerations as we move into possibly dryer/hotter spring and summer conditions. Includes the use of Stock Containment Areas. Covering some of the basics and principles involved in feeding your stock through summer. Presented by Nick Linden, Agriculture Victoria Livestock Industry Development Officer.
Is Your Farm Water Supply Up To Scratch?
Presented by Agriculture Victoria Land Management Extension Officer Clem Sturmfels. Clem has spent much of his career helping farmers with the design, construction and repair of farm dams. He is also experienced in the design and construction of farm pipelines.
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| Free financial counselling with RFCS |
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Have you been impacted by recent floods, fires or dry seasonal conditions?
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 Rural Financial Counselling Service website or call 1300 771 741.
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| 23 March hailstorm support – applications closing 14 November |
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Applications close at 4 pm on 14 November 2023 for Concessional Loans available to support producers impacted by the 23 March hailstorm event.
Primary producers in the City of Greater Shepparton and the Yarra Ranges local government areas whose properties were directly impacted by the 23 March hailstorm or who suffered a significant loss of income as a direct result of the hailstorm event are eligible to apply for a Hailstorm Primary Producer Concessional Loan of up to $250,000 to restore or replace damaged assets, and meet general expenses incurred during the clean-up.
For more information, visit the Rural Finance website or call 1800 260 425.
For assistance in applying contact the Rural Financial Counselling Service on 1300 771 741.
Rural Finance administers this program which is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
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| Keep your bees and hives healthy this summer |
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Keep your bees happy, healthy and productive as the weather warms up - bee aware of the biosecurity basics:
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Be aware of biosecurity threats, such as Varroa mite
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Practice good hygiene and sanitation
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Check your apiary and monitor hives and the health of the honeybee brood frequently
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Respect and be aware of laws and regulations established to protect the honeybee industry, Australian agriculture, and the local region
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Report anything unusual to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881.
For the latest information, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/varroa
Biosecurity basics here: http://beeaware.org.au/biosecurity/biosecurity-basics/
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| EOI – Victorian Agriculture and Climate Change Council |
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Expressions of interest are now open for the next term of the Victorian Agriculture and Climate Change Council (the Council).
Those interested in being considered for the Council can apply through the Join a Board website.
The Council is a ministerial advisory council that provides advice to the Minister for Agriculture on how the agriculture sector can prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change, and be part of the transition to a net zero emissions economy.
The Council plays a key role in supporting the Victorian Government to deliver strong and lasting action on climate change for the agriculture sector, which is already experiencing the impacts of an increasingly variable and extreme climate.
This includes working with industry to build on the action already being taken.
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How to apply: Go to the Join a Board website to read more about the role and to submit an application
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Applications close 5 pm, 12 November 2023.
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| A taste you can trace - Episode 6 |
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Discover the world of traceability and how it is ensuring brand Australia is top of mind.
Hear from Michael Dosser, Group General Manager at Results Group, about the many benefits of introducing traceability into your business using a recent pilot with the Australian Table Grape Association as evidence.
Listen online via the AgVic website.
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| Irrigation incentives available in Central Gippsland (MIA) |
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Funding is now available for initiatives that help you achieve water, labour and cost savings along with wider environmental benefits.
The proposed irrigation upgrade must be on an approved farm plan to be eligible.
Eligible projects:
Re-use systems:
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Maximum size 1 ML for every 10 ha of catchment
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Incentive of $400/ha (ex. GST) up to a maximum 50% of project costs.
Best practice surface irrigation:
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Incentive of $200/ha (ex. GST) up to a maximum 50% of project costs.
Flood to pressurised (spray) irrigation conversion:
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$600/ha incentive (ex. GST) up to a maximum 50% of project costs.
Check out this chat with Rob Hornby, who recently converted his farm from flood irrigation to a system using pipe and riser technology.
For more information please contact one of our irrigation extension officers:
Alexis Killoran: 0428 387 869 or alexis.c.killoran@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Caelan McIntosh: 0476 885 716 or caelan.mcintosh@agriculture.vic.gov.au
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Farm biosecurity simplified with new animations
Victorian livestock owners can brush up on their farm biosecurity knowledge using a series of easy-to-follow animations.
Agriculture Victoria has released a series of new animated videos, highlighting a range of important biosecurity information in a simple format.
Read the full media release here.
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Livestock committee recruitment drive now open
The Victorian Government is calling for a wide range of industry professionals to apply for positions on Livestock Advisory Committees to improve animal health, strengthen the state’s biosecurity and support business management.
Read more here.
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2023/2024 State and Territory Landcare Awards
Nominations for the 2023/2024 State and Territory Landcare Awards are now open!
In each state and territory, the Landcare Awards will be granted to recognise the achievements that encompass climate action, environmental leadership, sustainable agriculture, First Nations, Women in landcare, youth, Coastcare and children.
Nominating is free. You can nominate yourself, or you can nominate someone you know who should be recognised.
Nominate here.
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Details about Agriculture Victoria events can be found in one spot on our website. Log on to the Events page to keep in touch with upcoming events.
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| Exploring Exports Sessions |
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Ready to grow your agri-food business by exploring export opportunities but not sure where to start?
Or have you had a bit of export experience but want to take it further?
Agriculture Victoria is delivering a series of in-person workshops to support agri-food and beverage SMEs to navigate the pathway to export.
By the end of the workshop, you can expect to:
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Understand the key steps of the export process
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Have identified relevant export risks and ways to protect your business
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Know how to approach enquiries from international buyers
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Have heard from experienced agri-food exporters about how they identified demand and have built sustainable international partnerships
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Have a plan for your next steps on the pathway to export.
Agriculture Victoria is partnering with Shirley Ng from the Australian Industry (Ai) Group to provide tailored, agri-food and beverage specific export information to support your exporting journey.
The workshops are free to attend for one attendee per business, and places are limited. A light lunch will be provided.
Dates and locations, click to register:
For more information, contact Alice Ritchie at pathwaystoexport@agriculture.vic.gov.au or call 0429 386 781.
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| Commercial Feasibility of Gasification and Pyrolysis on-farm |
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Are you considering investing in pyrolysis or gasification for your farm?
Agriculture Victoria’s upcoming webinar will provide insights into the generation of renewable energy using advanced thermal treatment systems.
Join topic experts to discuss the commercial feasibility of the technology and hear from 2 commercial case studies using these technologies.
When: Monday 13 November 11:30 am – 1 pm
Where: Online
Register your place here.
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| Managing Safety and Compliance on Dairy Farms |
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In an industry deeply ingrained in practicality and hands-on operations, Safe Ag Systems helps to alleviate the paperwork burden without compromising productivity.
Join GippsDairy for a demonstration of Safe Ag Systems, striving for/or maintaining rigorous safety and compliance standards.
An informative 'fly on the wall' session from WorkSafe, running through things to expect from a WorkSafe perspective if a dairy business is to be inspected.
Register your place:
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| East Gippsland Landcare Network 'focus on weeds' bus tours |
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When: Saturday 18 November and Sunday 19 November, 9 am to 3 pm.
Register your place here.
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| EAD Preparedness webinar 2: waste disposal |
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When: Monday 20 November, 10 – 11 am
Register your place here.
If an EAD outbreak is declared, Agriculture Victoria is responsible for the destruction and disposal of animal carcasses as required, including those that can be buried on-farm.
To eradicate an EAD, it is important to quickly dispose of carcasses after they are destroyed, as well as dispose any infected animal products, materials and wastes, as soon as possible, to reduce the risk of the disease spreading.
It is important that disposal is done in a way that minimises the spread of disease and any adverse effects on the environment, public health and the community.
On-farm burial is the first preference where possible, as it removes the risk of spreading the disease that may occur if carcasses and other products were taken off-farm for disposal.
The extent to which on-farm burial can be used will depend on the size, location and characteristics of the farm and the number of carcasses that need to be buried.
Topics include:
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Waste generated in an EAD emergency - amounts and distribution
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Overview of waste disposal strategy
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On-farm carcass burial guidance
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Planning ahead for on-farm waste disposal sites using the Navigating Farm Development tool.
Presenters:
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Bronwyn Green, Project Director, EAD Waste Disposal
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Ann McDowell, Agriculture Victoria, Agriculture Sector Development Officer.
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| Soil Moisture Monitoring Field Day |
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When: Thursday 23 November, 11 am – 1:45 pm
Where: Agriculture Victoria office and Busch Organics
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Grower focused analysis of probe located in a vegetable crop
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Discussion / Q&A with Sentek and the growers
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Lunch provided and networking opportunity
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Noel Jansz (Elders agronomist) on installation and ground truthing
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Q&A with the growers / agronomists on practical integration into day-to-day operations.
Email emily@foodandfibregippsland.com.au to register.
Agriculture Victoria office
11 am - 12:30 pm
1 Stratford-Maffra Rd, Maffra
Busch Organics
12:45 - 1:45 pm
290 Redbank Rd, Stratford
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The MLA Updates are coming to Bendigo Victoria on November 23, with the theme of Sustainability from Paddock to Plate.
The day-long event will showcase solutions and technologies which embrace sustainability and help set Australia’s red meat and livestock industries up for success.
When: Thursday 23 November.
Time: 9 am to 6:30 pm, with the plenary session starting at 10 am. MLA’s AGM will also be held from 3:30 pm onsite.
Where: Fosterville Gold Exhibition Centre at the Bendigo Showgrounds, 42 – 72 Holmes Road, Bendigo.
To register click here.
Find out more at the MLA website.
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| Australian Women in Agriculture 2023 Conference |
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The Australian Women in Agriculture National Conference is coming to Bendigo in November to celebrate the role of women in the agricultural industry.
The conference provides a platform for women to connect, learn, and grow.
A variety of speakers that will inform, influence, innovate and inspire.
Friday 24 November gala dinner
Friday afternoon we will kick off with drinks and canapes from 5 pm and then roll into a gala dinner from 6 pm.
Saturday 25 November conference 9:30 am to 2:30 pm
The conference features inspiring speakers, informative workshops, and networking opportunities, fostering a sense of community and support among women in agriculture.
It addresses important topics such as leadership, sustainable farming practices, and personal growth.
Ultimately, the Women in Agriculture Conference is a testament to the resilience, innovation, and influence of women in shaping the future of agriculture.
Registration options
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Full package (Friday and Saturday) $180
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Networking evening and gala dinner (Friday 24) $85
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Conference (Saturday 25) $110
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AWiA members - 10% discount on ticket prices.
Tickets at: awia2023conf.eventbrite.com.au
For more information visit www.awiaconference.com.au
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| Feed pads, renewable energy and more! |
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Join national experts and specialists on the latest key technologies seen first-hand on-farm.
When: Wednesday 13 December, 9 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Jelbart Dairy, Leongatha South (exact location provided on registration).
Register your place here.
This free event will include interactive elements involving our special guests - short talks, a visit to 3 locations on the property and a panel session.
Topics covered will include:
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Reducing the environmental footprint
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Technologies and programs in reducing methane emissions
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Australian guidelines for loose housing, cattle shelters and feed pads
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Related climatic past and future trends.
Our guest speakers:
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Tim Jelbart – Jelbart Farm
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Jennie Pryce – Agriculture Victoria
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Karen Romano – Dairy Australia
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Peter Best – Innovative Farm Services.
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| Australian Dairy Conference - February 2024 |
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Australia’s premier dairy event will return to the Victorian capital of Melbourne in February 2024 from 12-14 February.
Program details and more information to be released throughout 2023.
Find out more here.
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| Raising the Roof 2024 - save the date |
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Raising the Roof, the Australian dairy industry’s only major event which focuses specifically on intensive farm systems, will be held in the Hunter Valley in New South Wales from 27–29 February 2024.
When: 27 - 29 February 2024
Where: Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Tickets on sale soon.
For more information email karen.romano@dairyaustralia.com.au
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Enjoying the Gippsland Ag News? Then why not forward to a friend or subscribe yourself.
It's easy – simply click this link.
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| Contacting Agriculture Victoria |
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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.
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