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| Avian influenza - remain vigilant |
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As we continue to respond to the avian flu outbreak, we’re urging bird owners to remain vigilant.
Look out for symptoms and report any unexplained bird deaths to the VicEmergency hotline on 1800 226 226.
For more information, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/avianflu
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| Ag Vic contacting land owners near Meredith and Terang |
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Agriculture Victoria will be contacting property owners located near the avian influenza affected farms in the Meredith and Terang areas to check in. Residents in the area may be contacted via phone or text.
We will be asking if you have chickens or other livestock on the property, and about the health of the animals.
Gathering this data helps us to plan our avian influenza response and lift the quarantine measures that are in place as soon as possible.
Be aware of scams. Agriculture Victoria will not ask for financial information or credit card details.
If you have any questions or want to report sick or dead birds, please contact the VicEmergency hotline on 1800 226 226.
For more information, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/avianflu
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| Avian influenza community information sessions |
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Agriculture Victoria will be reaching out to local communities at our pop-up information stalls over the next couple of weeks.
The team will be at:
Bannockburn Central Shopping Centre from 10 am to midday
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Thursday 8 August
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Saturday 10 August
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Thursday 15 August
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Saturday 17 August
Terang Co-Op Supa IGA from 11 am to 1 pm
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Friday 9 August
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Friday 16 August
Find out more at agriculture.vic.gov.au/avianinfluenza
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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.
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| Rural Women’s Network Leadership and Mentoring program applications now open |
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All rural and regional based women working across the agriculture supply chain are encouraged to apply for the Rural Women's Network Leadership program.
This program is being delivered by LeadershipVic over two residential retreats and aims to develop and empower women as leaders and change makers in their careers and in their communities.
All study and accommodation costs to participate in the program are covered, with additional capped allowances for childcare and travel provided to those who require this support.
Applications close 2 September 2024.
Click here for more information.
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| Free financial counselling |
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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.
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| Applications open for Animal Welfare Advisory Committee |
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The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is seeking expressions of interest for the position of member of the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (AWAC), for a term of up to three years.
AWAC is a non–statutory ministerial advisory committee, whose primary role and function is to advise the Minister for Agriculture on matters concerned with animal welfare in Victoria.
Applications close Sunday 11 August 2024.
Find out more and apply here.
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| Winter webinar series recordings now available |
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Agriculture Victoria ran a series of lunchtime webinars recently to help farmers manage the dry conditions.
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Land management, sacrifice paddocks and stock containment areas, with Agriculture Victoria’s Clem Sturmfels: watch here
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The importance of nutrition, with Animal Health and Nutrition Consulting’s Dr. Jillian Kelly: watch here
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Managing lambing and lactating ewes, with Dynamic Ag Livestock Consultant Dr Steve Cotton: watch here
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| Celebrating the best of Victoria this Melbourne Show |
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Hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the world are expected to visit the Melbourne Royal Show this September and experience the best agriculture, food, and entertainment Victoria has to offer.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence joined Melbourne Royal President and Chair Matt Coleman and Chief Executive Brad Jenkins today to launch Victoria’s largest and most iconic annual community event.
Running from Thursday 26 September to Sunday 6 October, the show provides a unique and valuable opportunity to promote and celebrate the diversity of the Victorian agricultural industry alongside plenty of exciting activities and entertainment for all ages to enjoy.
This year’s show received a $40,000 sponsorship from Agriculture Victoria to promote initiatives that reinforce positive biosecurity measures that underpin our world class food and fibre products.
The show includes exhibitions of animals and agriculture, award-winning food and beverage experiences, arts and crafts, along with carnival rides, showbags and live entertainment. It also will provide plenty of educational opportunities aimed at children that help explain and build a connection with rural living.
Last year’s show saw more than 450,000 people pass through the gates over the 11 days, providing an estimated total economic benefit of over $220 million to the state.
The Victorian Government also offers support to the state’s many other agricultural shows through the $300,000 Agricultural and Pastoral Society Grants Program. The grants go towards projects that help encourage community involvement in Agricultural Shows.
2024 Melbourne Royal Show tickets are now available to purchase. To buy tickets today or to learn more about the activities on offer visit royalshow.com.au.
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GRDC invests $3 million in soybean breeding
The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) will invest $3 million in a new five-year soybean breeding program that will be led by the University of Adelaide and aims to deliver new elite soybean varieties to Australian growers.
Read the media release here.
BCG Podcast: Alternative weed control technologies
In BCG's series On the Horizon: Farm Tech Janine chats to Professor Michael Walsh from Charles Sturt University about alternative weed control options. The conversation covers mechanical controls, electronic laser controls, microwave lasers, gametocides, allelopathic chemicals, microjet sprayers and intense blue light technology which includes the Weed Seed Destroyer.
Click here to listen to the podcast.
Protect your paddocks with a stock containment area
Farmers are encouraged to consider containment feeding to protect pastures and paddocks from soil erosion over the next few months.
Read the full media release here.
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Details about Agriculture Victoria events can now be found in one spot on our website.
Visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/events to find out what's on.
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| Australian Barley Technical Symposium |
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Join the Australian Barley Technical Symposium (ABTS) and network with 100-150 national and international delegates in a meeting representing all sectors of the Australian barley industry –agronomists, chemists, maltsters and brewers, research scientists, plant breeders, technical and marketing personnel, grain traders and barley growers.
The symposium theme is ‘Harvesting the potential of barley’, with sustainability threaded through the program to address our future industry needs at all levels from the grass roots ensuring barley is grown sustainability, to encouraging our young scientists and future industry leaders, and embracing new developments, technologies, and innovations that allow our barley to be processed sustainably.
Learn more and register at abts2024.com.au
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| Sign up for winter seasonal outlook webinar |
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14 August
12 noon - 1 pm
Online
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Join our webinar on Victoria’s seasonal climate outlook for spring.
Seasonal Risk Agronomist Dale Grey will discuss the recent seasonal conditions and look at what the latest global models are forecasting for spring.
Climate Specialist Graeme Anderson will join Dale to delve deeper into the current seasonal risks and help bust some common myths around making sense of forecasts.
Register here.
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15 August
1:30-2:30 pm
Online
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Join Invest Victoria, the Victorian State Government’s investment attraction agency and Food Frontier, the independent think tank for alternative proteins in Australia and New Zealand and host of the AltProteins 24 Conference for a webinar on Australia's alternative proteins sector.
This event will explore Australia’s plant based, precision fermentation and cell cultivated industries and provide insights into the broader ecosystem capabilities highlighting Victoria's competitive advantage.
Topics to be covered:
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Learn about the evolving landscape of plant-based, precision fermentation, and cell-cultivated industries in Australia.
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Gain insights from Food Frontier's latest Australian Plant-Based Meat 2023 State of the Industry report, highlighting the resilience and growth trajectory of the sector despite economic challenges.
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Learn about Victoria's competitive edge in the alternative proteins ecosystem and the support available for international companies through Invest Victoria.
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Hear from Eden Brew, an animal-free dairy company, on their journey relocating operations to Victoria and how the Victorian Government facilitated their transition.
Click here to register or visit events.global.vic.gov.au to learn more.
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| GRDC National Grower Network Forum |
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20 August
5 - 8:30 pm
Swan HIll
21 August
9 am - 1.30 pm
Pyramid HIll
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The Grower Network Forum is designed for GRDC to hear directly from you around the local grain production challenges and opportunities for research development and extension.
You will hear about what GRDC is currently investing grower levies in, and can provide direction on where you think it should be most effectively spent to improve your bottom line.
The forum will feature guest presentations on GRDC Projects from:
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Dr Jason Brand, Frontier Faming Systems presenting on Pulse agronomy pulses in the low rainfall zone.
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Dr Yolanda Plowman, BCG presenting on disease management in Southern Vic Mallee.
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Chris Davey, Next Level Agronomy discussing local weed control.
For more information on the NGN forums, visit the National Grower Network page.
To register, click Eventbrite links below:
Swan Hill
Pyramid Hill
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| GRDC Grains Research Update |
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| Adaptive skills for your farming future |
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8.30 am – 3 pm (Day 1) and 9 am - 3 pm (Day 2)
20 - 21 August
Goroke
Goroke Recreation Reserve
Main Street
27 - 28 August
Joel Joel
Joel Joel Hall
Joel South Road
17 - 18 September
Skipton
Skipton Golf and Bowls Club
26 Rokewood-Skipton Road
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Presenter; Dr Kate Burke.
Kate is an independent farm consultant who has a PhD and extensive experience in crop agronomy and dryland agriculture.
Her expertise is sought by large corporate enterprises but she most enjoys working with farmers that have a commitment to improvement. Using an evidence-based approach, Kate will guide you towards 'excellent farming'.
Topics include:
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Key profit drivers and high-level benchmarks
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Income verses cost of production and impact of rotation
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Calculating basic financial benchmarks
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Understanding your personal appetite for risk
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Understanding your production potential to assess variation in profit
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Managing climate variability and farm financial performance
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Scenario planning for the 2024 and 2025 seasons and beyond.
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This event is free.
Participants who complete the 2-day course and business plans will be eligible for a free, 45–90 minute one-on-one planning review with Kate Burke.
The Farm Business Resilience Program is jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Victorian Government’s Future Agriculture Skills Capacity Fund.
For more information and to register, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/events
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| 74th Australasian Grain Science Conference |
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20-22 August
Melbourne
Collins Square
Docklands
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The Australasian Grain Science Association (AGSA) holds an annual conference for grain scientists, post-graduate students, nutritionists, and others with an interest in grain science. The aim is to advance knowledge and understanding of grain science and the grains industry. This meeting is an opportunity for the grains industry to openly discuss the latest innovations in grains research.
AGSA has been meeting annually for 73 years. This year, the conference will be held in Australia’s café capital, Melbourne. #AGSA24 will cover a range of topics including:
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latest developments in science and technology
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commercialisation of science
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food nutrition from grains and byproducts
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plant-based products
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advances in crop adaptation in variable climate.
For more information visit www.ausgrainscience.org.au
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| 27th Wimmera Biodiversity Seminar |
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5 September
8:30 am – 8:30 pm
Goroke
Goroke Memorial Hall
27 Main Street
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Illustration: Tanisha Lovett
The Wimmera Biodiversity seminar is back for its 27th edition with the theme 'Pests, Partnerships and People Power'.
On Thursday 5 September, come along for an informative day ranging from weeds to pest control tech to water moulds, all hosted by Costa Georgiadis.
The seminar includes a day session, an afternoon tour and an evening session with a dinner.
More information and tickets are available from Humantix here.
In 2024, the Wimmera Biodiversity Seminar Working Group is pleased to offer a limited number of subsidised tickets to community members to attend this event. To learn more and apply, click here.
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5 September
Mildura
Mildura Sporting Precinct
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Save the date for STEM Idols 2024, a STEM education and career pathways information event intended for Year 9 students enrolled at secondary schools in the northern Mallee region.
Further information to be confirmed.
Organised by Northern Mallee Local Learning Network (NMLLEN) in collaboration with industry and partners.
Contact Monica Trehan on 0477 130 617 or email monica@nmllen.com.au
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| Wind Energy and Farm Business Information Day |
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10 September
8 am - 12.30 pm
Longerenong
Longerenong College
229 Longerenong Road
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Thinking about participating in a wind energy project? This local, evidence-based information may help inform your decision.
Expert speakers will be launching research findings that can help you make an informed decision.
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Economic Impacts: Dr Kate Burke (Think Agri) and Tayla Blight (Pinion Advisory)
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Ag Tech Impacts: Adrian Roles (AgTech)
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Public Liability Insurance: Mark Callanan and Chris Stallard (Amroc)
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Legalities: Dr Madeline Taylor (Macquarie University).
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This free event will be brought to you by Wimmera Southern Mallee Development, which aims to provide communities with clear information on the matters that mean the most.
With just 100 seats available, book your ticket now!
Funded by the Agriculture Victoria 'Regional Drought Resilience Planning Implementation Grant Program'.
Schedule
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8 am - Free breakfast in the Longerenong College Dining Hall (egg and bacon rolls, tea and coffee etc).
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8:45 am - Event starts at the Longerenong College Auditorium.
This event is being filmed as an information resource that will be published to WSMD's YouTube and promoted in WSMD marketing.
All efforts will be taken to film the presenters only, and not the attendees.
Click here for more information and reserve your spot.
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| Perennial Pasture Systems (PPS) 15th Annual Conference |
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Tuesday 17 September
Ararat Town Hall
Conference starts at 8:30 am
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This year’s conference has a theme of “Crashing Through The Price Crash” focusing on the fundamentals of farm management during less than ideal market and weather circumstances.
Presenters:
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Jason Condon from Charles Sturt University
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Steve Cotton from Dynamic Ag.
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Claire Yeo from BOM
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Michael White from Rural Counseling Financial Services
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Alistair Moorehead, from Agricom
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PPS member farmer, Scott Howell
The conference tour will be looking at meat industry value adding and marketing. The day will finish back at the Ararat Town Hall with the Annual Conference Dinner and guest speaker.
Conference only (includes seminar, conference book, morning tea, lunch and tour)
PPS members - $60 + GST (membership includes anyone involved in member enterprise). Agricultural Students; $0
Non-members - $90 + GST (new members can join on the day and receive member rate. PPS annual membership $66)
Annual Dinner Cost TBC.
The conference is open to anyone interested in agriculture to join its members at the 15th Annual Conference. Contact the PPS Project Manager at yadin061@tpg.com.au for further information.
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| Alt Proteins 24 Conference |
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10 October
8 am - 6 pm
Melbourne
Sofitel
25 Collins Street
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This year’s AltProteins conference, Serving Solutions, will spotlight the latest breakthroughs from industry leaders across Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA, Brazil, Sweden, Hong Kong, Singapore, Netherlands, and Germany.
Explore pathways to sustainable food systems and forge pivotal industry and consumer connections, guiding us toward a sustainable food future.
More information at www.foodfrontier.org/altproteins-conference.
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Enjoying the Grampians Mallee 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
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-us/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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