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Thursday 13 February 2025
Maintain ground cover to protect soils
By Clem Sturmfels, Land Management Extension Officer
Isolated dust storms recently are a reminder of how fragile some of our soils are.
They are also a good reminder there is still time to prevent this damage by de-stocking more vulnerable areas of the farm. While dust storms contain mostly mineral materials, they also contain significant quantities of organic matter, one of the most valuable components of our soils.
Leaving stock in a paddock for an extra couple of weeks to make use of remaining water supplies can be all it takes to expose the paddock to the risk of wind erosion.
Detection of avian influenza at Euroa poultry farm
Agriculture Victoria has confirmed the presence of avian influenza at a poultry property in northern Victoria, which has now been placed into quarantine.
Diagnostic testing performed by the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness at Geelong confirmed high pathogenicity H7N8, which is different from the strains that impacted Victorian, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory poultry farms during 2024, which have been eradicated. The strain detected is also different from the H5N1 avian influenza strain that is impacting the USA and other parts of the world.
Agriculture Victoria staff are on the ground to assist control, support the business and investigate further.
A control order under the Livestock Disease and Control Act 1994 is being established. This will include a restricted area extending approximately 5km around the impacted property and a control area in the eastern portion of the Strathbogie Shire to prevent movements that could spread the virus.
Victoria’s Acting Chief Veterinarian Cameron Bell praised the poultry business for alerting Agriculture Victoria as soon as they suspected the presence of disease in their flock.
‘Avian influenza is commonly spread by wild birds, and unfortunately, despite the business having excellent biosecurity controls in place, poultry have been infected.
'The business has acted quickly to identify the infection within the flock and are working closely with Agriculture Victoria officers to contain the outbreak.' Dr Bell said.
Avian influenza is a viral disease of birds found globally. Virus strains are described as low pathogenicity (LPAI) or high pathogenicity (HPAI).
While cases among humans in direct contact with animals infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses are possible, the current risk to the public remains low.
Every producer should have an on-farm biosecurity plan and know the signs of diseases that could affect their animals.
All poultry and bird owners across Victoria are reminded to follow best biosecurity practices such as keeping poultry sheds, yards, aviaries and equipment clean, and restricting contact between poultry and wild birds.
Bird owners should also ensure their footwear is clean, always wash hands before and after handling birds or eggs and quarantine new birds before integrating with existing ones.
Consumers should not be concerned about eggs and poultry products from the supermarkets, they do not pose a risk and are safe to consume.
Poultry farmers, backyard flock and bird owners are urged to report any cases of unexplained bird deaths to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or to your local vet.
Have you got your emergency kit ready?
When a bushfire is likely to impact your property, staying to defend it or preparing to shelter in place can be extremely dangerous.
You must be mentally and physically fit, have all the necessary personal protective equipment, have an ample supply of food and water and an emergency and evacuation kit packed and ready to go.
Prepare an emergency and evacuation kit even if your plan is to leave early.
Moyston workshops - all you need to know about water
Agriculture Victoria in conjunction with a local farmer are running a 2-day water workshop at Moyston in Western Victoria on 18 and 25 March.
The 2-day workshop will cover a broad range of topics from siting and construction of farm dams, planning and designing a water reticulation system, preparing a water plan and the more practical aspects of pipeline installation and construction.
Agriculture Victoria Land Management Extension Officer, Clem Sturmfels said the workshop is suitable for people new to farming as well as those with plenty of farming experience.
‘Whether you are looking at your water options, planning to build a new dam or have signed up for the new East Grampians Rural pipeline this workshop is for you.
‘The workshop will commence at 10 am and run until about 3 pm on both days.
‘Each day will start with presentations and activities in the Moyston Recreation Reserve rooms followed by a farm visit after lunch,’ he said.
Mr Sturmfels said a highlight of the workshop will be a presentation by local farmer Anthony Pola who, with his wife Jane and parents John and Karyn, run a mixed farming enterprise about 10 km north of Moyston.
‘Anthony will discuss their experiences in installing more than 5 km of piping, tanks and troughs across their farm.
‘He will also touch on their experience in siting, designing and constructing a drought reserve dam’ he said.
Further information on drought and dry seasonal conditions support available can be found online by calling 136 186.
This project is funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by Glenelg Hopkins CMA and Agriculture Victoria.
Apply for an On-Farm Drought Infrastructure grant today
Eligible drought-affected farmers in the south west can now apply for up to $5,000 in co-contribution grants to support establishing on-farm infrastructure such as:
- 💧 water infrastructure upgrades (pipes, tanks, troughs, dams)
- 🐑 stock containment areas
- 🌾 grain and fodder storage.
For more information visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or call 136 186
Back on Track - National Centre for Farmer Health research trial closes 28 February
Back On Track is an innovative, peer-guided mental health initiative designed to support farming communities.
Funded by the Gardiner Foundation and led by the National Centre for Farmer Health, this program focuses on improving mental health outcomes for farmers by providing practical, culturally appropriate support delivered by trusted community members.
Recycled water boost for crop research and green spaces
New water recycling infrastructure in Horsham will help parks and gardens stay green and support Victoria’s world class agricultural research thanks to support from the Victorian Government.
Minister for Water Gayle Tierney and Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently announced the completion of the $11.8 million Horsham SmartWater and Integrated Water Management project including new water recycling infrastructure at the Horsham Wastewater Treatment Plant providing more recycled water to the region.
Victorian finalists announced for 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award
Three inspiring Victorian women have been named as finalists for the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, recognising their leadership, innovation, and contribution to rural industries and communities.
The award celebrates women driving positive change in rural and regional Australia by empowering them with the skills, support, and leadership opportunities to shape their industries and communities.
Now in its 24th year, the award is a nationally recognised program of influence, providing each state and territory winner with a $15,000 Westpac grant, professional development opportunities, and access to a powerful alumni network.
Image: Sherri Symons from Ellerslie
Japanese encephalitis virus detected in Goulburn Valley pig herd
Agriculture Victoria can confirm Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus has been detected in a Goulburn Valley pig herd.
JE virus is considered established in mainland Australia and therefore there will be no quarantine or movement restrictions put in place.
Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer Sally Salmon stressed that the detection, which is the first in a pig since April 2022, is not unexpected.
Episode 2: Justin Ahmed
The global agrifood innovation system is complex. It’s made up of everything from researchers to entrepreneurs, to investors. Each a cog in the large AgTech machine.
How do you make sure that that machine is running smoothly?
Justin Ahmed is the Director of Beanstalk, a company that greases those cogs as a food and agriculture innovation advisory and venture builder.
International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Recently for International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Agriculture Victoria profiled four of the amazing scientists who work for us.
🔬 Dr. Christy Vander Jagt - Senior Researcher, Genomics and Cell Sciences team at AgriBio Bundoora. Leading a project to reduce methane emissions from cows by establishing a breeding value for ‘methane efficiency’ in the Australian dairy industry.
🌍 Anna Weeks - Systems Modeller, Landscape and Water Science team. Exploring key relationships between agricultural productivity and factors like climate, soil, topography, and land use.
🌱 Dr. Sukhjiwan Kaur - Head of Applied Genomics and Predictive Breeding team in Plant Sciences. Developing cutting-edge genomic tools to accelerate crop improvement and make plant breeding faster and more efficient.
🌾 Dr. Audrey Delahunty - Researcher at Mildura and Horsham Smart Farms, Crop Agronomy team. Focusing on improving pulse production with climate-resilient crops like heat-tolerant lentils and new farming methods to diversify and grow the pulse industry.
In case you missed it 📰
Media articles and releases
Be on the look out for Brown marmorated stink bug
Victoria's ToBRFV eradication response continues
What's On
Details about Agriculture Victoria events can now be found in one spot at agriculture.vic.gov.au/events.
On-Farm Emissions Action Plan Pilot update
Join our upcoming webinar to hear from our On-Farm Emissions Action Plan pilot team. The team has been working with 250 farm businesses across Victoria to estimate their emissions profile and identify actions to manage and reduce emissions while maintaining productivity.
The team will provide an update and share insights on the emissions pilot and participant Jonathan Jenkin will discuss his experience with the program and how they have used their action plan and knowledge of their emissions to make changes on the farm.
Click here for more information and to stay up to date with our upcoming climate webinars.
Date: 27 February, 12 - 1 pm
Review and Renew – Feed and Fertiliser Workshop: Heywood, Allansford and Colac
This workshop delivered by WestVic Dairy will provide participants with strategies for improving their farm business planning. This includes skills for calculating feed requirements, post drought pasture re-establishment and maintaining pasture for optimal utilization for stock or fodder.
Heywood
Date: Tuesday 18 February
Time: 7 - 9:30 pm
Location: 1885 Princes Hwy, Heywood.
Allansford
Date: Friday 21 February
Time: 11 am - 2 pm
Location: Allansford Hotel, 1-3 Graves Rd, Allansford.
Colac
Date: Tuesday 25 February
Time: 7 - 9:30 pm
Location: Colac Bowls Club, Central Reserve, Gravesend St, Colac.
These events are part of the Victorian Government’s Drought Support Package for south west Victoria. Find out more or call 136 186.
Uncertain Times – New Year, Recover, Reset and Regenerate: Hamilton, Dergholm and Harrow
The workshop will provide the skills knowledge, decision making triggers and resources appropriately timed for the next phase of decisions and farming activities leading up to the potential ‘autumn break’ period for mixed farming business’s in the western district of south west Victoria.
Fully catered; please advise of any dietary requirements upon registering.
Hamiliton
Date: Wednesday 19 February
Time: 9 am - 4 pm
Location: RIST Auditorium - 915 Mt Napier Rd Hamilton.
Dergholm
Date: Thursday 20 February
Time: 9 am - 4 pm
Location: Dergholm Hall, 3502 Casterton-Naracoorte Rd, Dergholm.
Harrow
Date: Friday 21 February
Time: 9 am - 4 pm
Location: Harrow Bush Nursing Centre, 24 Blair St, Harrow.
These events are part of the Victorian Government’s Drought Support Package for south west Victoria. Find out more or call 136 186.
Stock water planning webinar
Agriculture Victoria invites farmers and service providers to a webinar to learn more about stock water planning options to expand water availability on their property.
Learn how to assess your farm water needs and hear practical information from Southern Rural Water on the process to increase the size of dams, site new dams and/or drill a bore for stock and
domestic use.
Date: Wednesday 19 February
Time: 12:30-1:30 via Zoom
The session will run for about an hour
Horticulture food safety - drop-in sessions
Come and have a chat to Agriculture Victoria Food Safety staff.
Information and resources will be available to help growers navigate the new Food Safety Standards for berries, melons, and leafy vegetables.
Date: Thursday 27 February
Time: 1 - 2:30 pm
Location: Werribee - Velisha Farms, 372 Duncans Road, Werribee South.
Looking after your livestock, looking after you
Farmers are invited to a one-day workshop to help keep your animals and you going during challenging times.
Locations: Goroke Community Centre, 85-101 Main St, Goroke
North Park Community Sports Centre, Lamont Street, Stawell
Dates: 13 Mar, 9 am - 3 pm (Goroke)
31 Mar, 9 am - 3 pm (Stawell)
Climate change and farming workshop with Graeme Anderson
The Surf Coast and Bellarine Bestwool/Best lamb group invite producers to learn more about climate change with Graeme Anderson, Agriculture Victoria’s Climate Specialist. Graeme comes with 35 years experience in science, farm planning and agricultural industry development.
Date: Monday 3 March
Time: 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
Location: Boronggook Drysdale Library, 2-8 Wyndham St, Drysdale.
All you need to know about water workshop
Everything you need to know about farm water.
Location: 2 Moyston Great Western Road, Moyston
Dates: 18 Mar and 25 Mar, 10 am - 3 pm
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
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