Thursday 9 October 2025

Keeping soil in place when your paddocks are bare

Kerri Goschnick, Agriculture Victoria Land Management Extension Officer

Maintenance is the key to reducing soil and sediment movement in paddocks.

While spring rain is valuable for pastures and replenishing farm dams, run-off may also carry sediment into livestock dams, particularly where there is exposed soil in heavily grazed paddocks.

Hay bales or netting held together with steel posts or stakes to control sediment flow into dams can be a good starting point, although the cost of hay and the hazard of steel posts should be considered. Coir logs are a potential alternative to hay bales.

Cash back into the pockets of drought-affected farmers

The Victorian Government is driving down business costs for Victorian primary producers and providing critical cash flow help for drought affected farmers.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently announced the rollout of the Duties and Fees Relief Package, which will waive fees for farmers over the next financial year and deliver more than $10 million in relief to Victorian producers.

This is part of the government’s $144 million Drought Support Package which is making sure our state’s world-class agriculture industry can get through these difficult times – protecting our farming families, our food supply and the jobs and communities that rely on it.

Click here for more information on the duties and fees covered by this package.

For the full range of supports available to drought-affected farmers and communities, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or phone 136 186.

Use your dairy effluent now on silage regrowth

Rachael Campbell, Agriculture Victoria Ballarat

Now that paddocks are being cut for silage, dairy effluent can be applied to areas with some green leaf still present. This can be done after cutting to promote valuable pasture regrowth for an extra grazing and to replace lost nutrients.

Dairy effluent contains many important nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

An effluent test is the best way to determine the most appropriate application rate for your farm as nutrient levels vary widely between farms.

World first beetle lure developed for almond crops

Agriculture Victoria research scientists have developed a new, pesticide-free way to help almond growers manage a major pest in their orchards.

Agriculture Victoria Senior Research Scientist Dr Samantha Edley said the almond carpophilus beetle (Carpophilus truncatus) is a serious challenge for almond growers, but a world-first lure developed at AgriBio and trialled at the Mildura SmartFarm offers a targeted approach to tackling it.

‘The lure mimics natural odours that attract the beetle and draws it into a purpose-built trap, making it easier to detect and manage outbreaks early.

‘It uses a precise mix of synthetic pheromones and yeast odours that are highly attractive to the beetle.

‘The lure is designed to be very specific to this pest, which means it doesn’t attract or affect beneficial insects.’

‘It’s a new and sustainable tool for growers that could reduce the need for broad chemical sprays.’

‘The lure has been extensively trialled in almond orchards across the Sunraysia region, and it has shown impressive results.

'When used as part of a mass trapping strategy – known as attract and kill – it can reduce damage by around 60%,’ she said.

The almond carpophilus beetle emerged as a serious pest in Australia in 2013 and is now present across all almond-growing regions.

‘It attacks at hull split and can severely damage crops if not detected early, costing the industry millions of dollars in lost value from kernel damage and impacts to crop quality.

‘This breakthrough will help reduce pest-related losses, improving the long-term quality and profitability of Australia almond production’.

‘Almond growers across the country are trialling the trap as a monitoring device, which will help them be more informed about the pests in their orchards,’ Dr Edley said.

The lure is now being prepared for commercial release through Agriculture Victoria Services, with the potential to support more productive and sustainable almond production across the country.

The release will be staged, with the lure becoming available for monitoring in late 2026, with expectations for late 2027 as an attract and kill tool, pending further trials and approval from the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).

This research is part of the Almond Integrated Pest Management project, delivered in partnership with Agriculture Victoria, Hort Innovation, the Almond Board of Australia and Agriculture Victoria Services.

To learn more about the research, visit integrated pest management.

New wine strategy to boost regional jobs and growth

The Victorian Government is shaping the future of Victoria’s wine industry – creating more regional jobs and helping grow the state’s $9.5 billion wine sector.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence has unveiled a 5-year strategy to grow agriculture, boost innovation, and create jobs that strengthen regional economies.

The strategy was developed in partnership with industry through a steering committee, which included Wine Victoria CEO Stephanie Duboudin and Chair Dan Sims, following extensive consultation.

Victoria’s duck abundance survey about to begin

The Game Management Authority (GMA) will begin its annual survey of Victoria’s game duck population on Tuesday, 21 October 2025.

The survey will be conducted by wildlife biologists, who will record the presence, species and number of game ducks at more than 850 waterbodies across Victoria, including wetlands, farm dams, sewerage treatment plants, streams and rivers. The survey will also include ground counts where the helicopter is unable to operate.

Satellite imaging will be used to determine how much water is in game duck habitats in Victoria, which informs an estimate of the total abundance of each game duck species in the state.

The GMA is continuing this research as part of the Victorian Government’s Sustainable Hunting Action Plan. The results from the survey will be used as one of the key inputs to support Adaptive Harvest Management for setting sustainable duck hunting arrangements each year.

GMA Research Principal, Dr Jason Flesch, said regularly collecting data is critical to understanding what drives the abundance and productivity of game duck populations.

'Results from this survey will help to accurately estimate total game duck abundance, based on the environmental conditions at the time,' Dr Flesch said.

'This research is the most comprehensive survey of game ducks undertaken in Victoria. It benefits wildlife conservation by increasing our understanding of the ecology of Victoria’s game duck populations and the health of their habitats.'

The 2025 survey is scheduled to take place from Tuesday, 21 October until Saturday, 8 November, inclusive. The flight schedule may change from day to day, depending on weather conditions or other factors. 

Residents in surveyed areas may see a helicopter flying at low levels for a short time and for no longer than is necessary. Disturbance to livestock will be minimised or avoided. The safety of people and livestock is a priority.

The results of the survey will be published on the GMA website in 2026.

Drought support information

• Farm Drought Support Grants of up to $5,000 to support on-farm drought management activities like infrastructure improvements, water carting and pasture re-establishment
• expert technical support through the one-on-one farm advisory service
• local workshops and events to connect with other farmers and discuss drought issues and management strategies
• fee and duty relief package to reduce costs linked to biosecurity and food safety regulations and duties.

Find more information about drought support: www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.

Drive change: Be the next VGT Chair

The VGT is seeking a passionate and strategic leader to step into the role of Chair.

This is a unique opportunity to guide the development of VGT’s new gorse strategy and help shape the future direction of community-led pest plant management across the state. 

As Chair, you’ll work closely with landholders, community groups, and government partners to drive innovation, strengthen collaboration, and ensure gorse control efforts are effective and sustainable. 

If you’re ready to make a lasting impact and lead the next chapter of VGT’s work, we encourage you to apply.  Applications close 7 November 2025. 

Click here for more information and a copy of the position description.

Managing weeds from introduced fodder sources – With many farmers purchasing more fodder than usual, it’s a timely reminder about the increased risks of introducing weeds to your property.

Save the date for Wimmera Pulse Field Day showcase – Farmers, agronomists and industry are warmly invited to the annual Wimmera Pulse Field Day on Wednesday 22 October at Kewell.

Spring Webinar Series: Bounce back pastures

Date and time: Wednesday 15 October from 12:30 - 1:30 pm

Online zoom webinar

Join Andrew Speirs, senior agronomy consultant, Meridian Agriculture as he shares insights into the impact of drought and if pastures will bounce back, how individual species have coped and practical recovery strategies for post-drought success.

Run rabbit run...managing feral rabbits

Thursday, 16 October from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, at Kergunyah. Property location provided after registration.

Do you have blackberries on your property? If you do you probably also have rabbits.

Blackberries act as a pest harbour for invasive species such as rabbits. Managing rabbits in the landscape is important as they threaten our environment, agricultural production and cultural heritage.

Rabbits pose a community-wide challenge. However, overcoming rabbits is not impossible, it just takes an understanding of the best practice management techniques.

This free half-day workshop packed with valuable insights and practical tips, will help you learn how to manage feral rabbits on your property and engage with others to do the same.

This workshop is part of our Busting Blackberries Series and focuses on effective rabbit management. This event will be complemented with blackberry control specific events throughout October and November 2025.

Yarrawonga – Farm office and Xero efficiencies workshop

Delivered by Carmen Quade from AgriFocused, a small rural-based training and
business specialising in the Agribusiness industry.

Sebel Yarrawonga, Wednesday 22 October from 9 am - 3 pm

In these workshops we look at strategies, tools and tips to speed up the office work
and specifically address how best to use Xero in a farm business.

The Xero component of the workshop will be hands-on, with participants
encouraged to bring a laptop and try out the suggestions in their own set of books
or in the demo mode.

Limited spots, only 20 participants per workshop. Babies welcome, course hours within school drop off and pick up.

Cost - Riverine Plains members: $100, non Riverine Plains members: $150
(plus GST and platform fees), includes course fee, morning tea, lunch, tea and coffee.

For more information or to register to go Farm Office and Xero Efficiencies Workshop Yarrawonga

Take a load off your mind – keep your farm safe

Farm safety is everyone’s business.

Intereach, Dairy Australia and Primary Care Connect invite all dairy employers, employees and new arrivals to a free 2-hour Farm Vehicle Safety Session. Learn practical tips for safe driving on and off farm, understand your legal and moral responsibilities, and connect with trainers and support services who can help keep your team safe.

Thursday 23 October from 11 am – 1 pm at Kyabram Community and Learning Centre, 21–25 Lake Road.

Light lunch provided

RSVP to Shane Byrne, Dairy Australia in Murray, via shane.byrne@dairyaustralia.com.au or 0402 971 593.

Hear from WorkSafe, Jacobs Ag Solutions, Victoria Police, PDV Safety Compliance and a driving instructor.

For more information, visit www.intereach.com.au or call 1300 488 226.

Webinar – Farm fire preparedness 

Date and time: Monday 27 October from 7 - 8:15 pm

Online and free

Managing the risk of bushfire for your farm is vital.

Whether you’re a livestock producer, run a horticulture enterprise, a small landholder, or are new to farming it’s important to prepare for the coming fire season. Join us for this upcoming webinar about Farm Fire Preparedness.

Planning and preparing for the bushfire season includes identifying risks and undertaking tasks to prepare your farm well ahead of the fire season.

In this webinar, Agriculture Victoria’s Kylie Macreadie and will discuss key preparedness activities, tools and templates to help you plan for the fire season. Landholders impacted by recent fires will share their stories of preparing for fire, putting a fire plan into practice and share information on the recovery process.

Topics include -

• preparing farm infrastructure
• farm asset inventories and insurance
• fire preparedness checklists, action plan and map
• planning for impacts and recovery
• updating your Property Identification Code (PIC)

Setting Strategies for Farm Business Success

Want to build a stronger, more productive and effective farm business management strategy?

This 2-day workshop led by Gavin Beever will examine aspects that help make an effective farm business strategy. 

Thursday 30 and Friday 31 October, from 8.30 for 9 am sharp start – 3 pm, lunch and snacks provided.

Topics:

• succession planning
• financials
• farm resources
• human relationships
• setting business goals
• climate risk and natural resource management
• latest in AgTech
• tools and skills that will get you to where you want to go.

 Presenters:

• Gavin Beever, Principal Consultant, Cumbre Consultants
• Dale Grey, Agriculture Victoria Seasonal Risk Agronomist
• Brendan Williams, Managing Director Autonomous Ag.

Location: Powlett Plains and District Community Centre 1243 Wedderburn, Serpentine Road, Powlett Plains

For more information, contact either Roger Harrower on 0407 729 024, roger.harrower@agriculture.vic.gov.au or Darryl Pearl on 0417 432 711, darryl.pearl@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Webinar – Boosting livestock performance with eID

Date and time: Friday 7 November from 3 - 5 pm

Join us for a webinar with a focus on the practical implementation and use of eID data to boost farm productivity and reduce methane emissions.

Why should farmers attend?

Sheep eID allows for tracking individual animal performance with precision. By leveraging this data, farmers can unlock new opportunities to increase productivity across the flock and reduce emissions by identifying and managing high-impact animals.

Suitable for farmers just starting with eID or more experienced farmers looking to refine your data strategy.

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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