| Thursday 5 September 2024 |
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| Will my dam fill this year? Soil moisture keeps score |
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Farmers in Victoria are encouraged to closely monitor their soil moisture and dam water levels over the coming months to ensure water availability is included in future planning.
Agriculture Victoria Land Management Extension Officer, Clem Sturmfels said during an extended period of below average rainfall and a change of season coming, the lack of runoff into farm dams is something to keep track of.
‘Farmers need saturated soils to generate runoff, the exception being when dams are located below a road or rocky hilltop.
‘Ensuring soils get to the point of saturation and generate runoff at this time of the year may be a challenge due to the rapid growth of crops and pastures and increasing rates of evaporation. Above average or high intensity rainfall will be needed to fill dams.
‘High intensity rainfall or thunderstorms can quickly fill dams, however they can pose a pollution risk and shouldn’t be relied on in a dry year’, said Mr Sturmfels.
Agriculture Victoria manages soil moisture probes in various locations across the state. The probes provide real time soil water content data by recording soil water content from 30cm down to 1 metre as a reference point for a paddock.
‘The probes have been calibrated to the specific soil type in the paddocks and reflect a moisture percentage based on the maximum and minimum soil moisture available to plants. This has been determined by monitoring over many years and a range of seasons’, said Mr Sturmfels.
‘These probes can be a useful guide to general conditions in your area however it is also important to check conditions closer to home. A more detailed assessment can be made using a post hole auger or by driving a crowbar or steel probe into the ground.’
Subscribe to the Soil Moisture Monitoring newsletter and find out more information on the Agriculture Victoria website.
Information on preparing your farm for dry seasonal conditions can be found on the Agriculture Victoria website.
Clem Sturmfels is hosting a webinar on farm dam management on Wednesday 11 September from 12:30 to 1:30 pm. Clem will talk about dam water storage, best management techniques and discuss tools for calculating how much water is in a dam. Register here: Dry season spring webinar series – water and dam management.
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| More support for communities to fight pests and weeds |
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The Victorian Government is investing an additional $780,500 in support for community groups to protect their local environment, industries and cultural heritage from biosecurity threats.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently opened the third round of the Partnerships Against Pests grants program which provides community groups funding to deliver projects that educate, strengthen relationships and promote collaboration to manage established weeds and pest animals at a local level over a 2 year period.
Grants of between $10,000 and $50,000 are available to a wide range of agricultural and environmental not-for-profit organisations, including Landcare groups and networks.
This is on top of $250,000 made available to Victoria’s 4 Community Pest Management Groups – the Victorian Blackberry Taskforce, the Victorian Gorse Taskforce, the Victorian Rabbit Action Network and the Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party – to expand their reach and strengthen partnerships with local communities.
The Partnerships Against Pests grants program has been embraced by Victorian community groups which have used the funding to help strengthen efforts to reduce the impact of invasive weeds and pests on Victorian landscapes.
An example of this from Round 2 of the program is a $30,000 grant for Bush Heritage Australia, in partnership with DJANDAK share the story about how they successfully removed wheel cactus at Buckrabanyule - a sacred site for the Dja Dja Wurrung people and wider Kulin Nation.
The Partnerships Against Pests funding is being used to promote this story of ‘Country, cactus and combating invasives’, so that a much wider audience can learn from their collaboration.
To help more community groups to access grants, Agriculture Victoria will host a webinar at 11 am on Monday, 9 September to brief interested organisations on the application and submission process.
For details about the Partnerships Against Pests grants program and webinar visit, agriculture.vic.gov.au.
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| Livestock predation survey preliminary results |
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Preliminary results from Agriculture Victoria’s recent livestock predation survey will be discussed at targeted dingo conservation and management consultation activities being held across the state this week.
More than 500 Victorian livestock producers responded to the survey issued in July, providing valuable information about the levels and frequency of livestock attacks on their properties, the effectiveness of control methods and the impact of livestock predation on farmers and their local communities.
The insights collected through the survey will be considered alongside scientific research; conversations and perspectives from Traditional Owners, environmental and agricultural groups; and feedback collected through stakeholder engagement activities as part of Victoria’s review of its approach to dingo conservation and management.
Of the 500 survey respondents, approximately 72% were located in eastern Victoria, 3% in the north west.
The survey showed that livestock predation is an ongoing concern to sheep farmers whose properties border public land.
Just over half of the survey respondents reported incidents of livestock being maimed or killed by a wild dog or dingo in the past 5 years.
Valuable insights into the methods of control being used to manage predation were revealed through the survey.
Most producers (84%) said they were using a mix of lethal and non-lethal control methods to manage predation with the most common forms of control methods being shooting, 1080 ground baiting, trapping, farm hygiene, exclusion fencing and guardian animals.
Agriculture Victoria is grateful to the hundreds of producers who took the time to take part in the survey.
Having up-to-date insights and perspectives from producers in relation to livestock predation on private properties across the state is an important input to Victoria’s dingo conservation and management review.
The survey results will continue to be analysed to help build Agriculture Victoria’s understanding of producer' perspectives on this complex issue.
Find out more about consultation sessions being held across Victoria this week.
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| Facing tough conditions? Don’t go through it alone |
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Agriculture Victoria is encouraging farmers to take up ongoing support and assistance to help manage current difficult seasonal conditions.
Agriculture Victoria’s Aimee McCutcheon said Agriculture Victoria continues to monitor conditions across the state.
‘We know there’s been below average rainfall across most of Victoria during autumn and winter and that it’s a critical time for cropping, livestock and dairy production.
‘It’s important that farmers know that support is available to them to help make early and informed decisions.
Ms McCutcheon said the Agriculture Victoria website explains what support is available to farmers, including financial support and assistance, mental health and wellbeing support.
‘One example is the Australian Government’s Farm Household Allowance which is a fortnightly payment for eligible farmers.
‘Our website also provides access to other organisations that can help, such as the free services from the Rural Financial Counselling Services and the National Centre for Farmer Health.’
Ms McCutcheon said Agriculture Victoria offers extensive practical information, resources, tools and calculators to help farmers with forward planning, feed budgeting and livestock management.
‘All these free resources are available online 24 hours a day, or you can speak with staff at your local office.’
Visit the Agriculture Victoria website today – agriculture.vic.gov.au for more information plus details of events coming up in your region or online.
For information on technical support, contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or email recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au
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| Barwon farmer fined $10,000 with conviction for animal cruelty |
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A Barwon farmer recently pleaded guilty in the Geelong Magistrates Court and was fined $10,000 with conviction. A disqualification order to own or person in charge of livestock was also imposed for 7 years.
The farmer, Mr Torrick Ouaida, was the person in charge of approximately 200 sheep in Lara between July 2022 and August 2022.
The 200 sheep were contained to an area of approximately 2 hectares with no pasture and only poor-quality straw available to eat.
While attending the property officers observed a number of recently deceased sheep that had died within the past 48 hours, were in emaciated body condition and had various levels of predatory markings. Three of the sheep had died during or very shortly after lambing.
Mr Ouaida failed to provide proper and sufficient feed, and failed to provide veterinary treatment to the sheep, most of which were pregnant or lactating ewes.
Following a sentencing indication, Mr Ouaida pleaded guilty to 2 counts of animal cruelty and 2 of aggravated cruelty resulting in the death of 20 sheep and the serious disablement of a further 14 sheep.
His Honour took into account Mr Ouaida’s lack of priors, plea of guilty and his personal circumstances at the time of offending and remarked this is a matter that often carries very large fines.
Agriculture Victoria Compliance Manager Daniel Bode said the weight of the 7 year disqualification order is substantial and will ensure that animals are protected from further pain and suffering.
‘It sends a very clear message that those who continually commit offences against animals should not have the privilege and opportunity to care for them in the future,’ Mr Bode said.
‘Apart from the obvious pain and suffering of the animals, animal welfare breaches can jeopardise Victoria’s reputation as a humane and responsible producer of food, which can, in turn, affect all producers.
‘This is a reminder to all livestock producers that animal cruelty will not be tolerated by the Victorian Government or our community.’
Anyone wishing to make a specific complaint regarding livestock welfare can contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or aw.complaint@agriculture.vic.gov.au
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| Avoid exposure losses following shearing |
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Dr Jeff Cave, Agriculture Victoria Senior Veterinary Officer
A sheep’s fleece is a great insulator against the cold, so imagine the effect when it’s suddenly gone.
A freshly shorn sheep may experience a three-fold increase in heat loss, therefore highly prone to hypothermia.
Freshly shorn sheep are at greatest risk of cold stress in the first 3 days (or nights) after shearing, and remain at risk for up to 2 weeks, with mortalities seen in some mobs up to 4 weeks after shearing.
Although there is little wool growth, acclimatisation and considerable skin thickening occurs after shearing.
It is therefore important to monitor predicted weather conditions before putting shorn sheep into a paddock after shearing.
The impact of cold weather, particularly when combined with wet and windy conditions, can have severe impacts on sheep.
The effect of cold weather will depend on its duration, rainfall, wind speed and temperature.
The type of weather most likely to cause catastrophic sheep losses due to hypothermia is usually associated with the passage of a strong cold front or a rain-bearing depression.
Sheep grazier alerts are issued when a combination of rain, wind and low temperatures reaches a critical level.
If a sheep grazier alert has been received at the end of shearing, shed as many sheep as possible and provide hay for the duration. Once the bad weather has passed, move the sheep to a paddock with adequate shelter and continue to provide supplementary feed.
In areas prone to winter storms a 'cover comb' or 'snow comb' can be used when shearing.
Once cold, freshly shorn sheep may become extremely difficult to move so always put shorn sheep into a protected paddock with plenty of shelter from the cold. Off-shears paddocks should be small and well protected from cold winds by relatively impermeable shelter belts.
Extra feed should be provided to sheep for up to 4 weeks following shearing to meet their increased energy requirements.
Shearing a month before lambing encourages ewes to seek shelter and hence protection for their lambs. However, pre-lambing shearing must only be considered if ewes are in good condition and have free access to good feed and shelter. Heavily pregnant ewes should not be subject to the handling and feed deprivation that shearing involves.
For further information please contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria veterinary or animal health officer, or in NSW your Local Land Services.
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| Emergency Management Training - Livestock Industry Liaison Exercise |
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Collaboration between industry and government is key during an emergency animal disease (EAD) outbreak, and the Livestock Industry Liaison plays an important role in this response.
If you work in the livestock industry and want to learn more about this role, we have an opportunity for you. From 29 - 30 October, Agriculture Victoria and Animal Health Australia will host Exercise Audiatur —a scenario-based exercise responding an EAD outbreak.
This exercise will take place at Agriculture Victoria’s Attwood Centre, providing valuable insights into how emergency responses are coordinated.
Registration Details
To participate, contact your Peak Industry Body to submit an Expression of Interest before tomorrow Friday, 6 September.
For more information click here.
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| Latest The Fast Break newsletter now available |
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This newsletter details oceanic and atmospheric climate driver activity over the last month and summarises three-month model predictions for the Pacific and Indian oceans, rainfall and temperature for Victoria.
To subscribe or to view the latest issue click here.
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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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Victoria’s bounty collections continue.
Please 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.
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| Free financial counselling with RFCS |
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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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Verdict upheld for Gippsland farmer guilty of animal cruelty
Gippsland farmer Jeremy Rich has failed recently in his attempt to have his conviction and sentence overturned in the County Court of Victoria.
Read the full media release here.
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Feedback sought on dingo conservation and management
Farmers, Traditional Owners and environmental groups across the state are being called upon to help shape the review of dingo conservation and wild dog management in Victoria.
Read the full media release here.
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Details about Agriculture Victoria events can be found in one spot on our website. Visit the Events page to keep in touch with upcoming events.
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| Voice your views – webinar |
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When: Friday 6 September, 1 to 2:30 pm.
Register here.
The government is reviewing its approach to dingo management to most appropriately balance the protection of livestock and the conservation of dingoes.
Our understanding about dingoes in Victoria has evolved as a result of new scientific research. Evidence suggests that a significant proportion of wild dogs are pure dingoes, not hybrids as previously believed.
No decision has been made yet on future policy settings beyond 1 October when the current unprotection order is set to expire.
The livestock predation survey showed that many landowners would like a further opportunity to meet in person to discuss how they are impacted by current regulatory settings and to provide views on how Victoria could achieve a balance between dingo conservation and predation management. If you have a question for DEECA or wish to provide further input, please join us from 1pm to hear from senior DEECA staff.
Feedback from this consultation will build on our understanding of the economic and social impacts of the dingo unprotection order, as informed by recent stakeholder engagement, correspondence, and data collection exercises.
DEECA values the insight you can bring to this issue, and we hope you can join us at short notice. Find out more about the review.
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| Partnerships Against Pests grants webinar |
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When: Monday 9 September, 11 am to 12 pm.
Where: online.
Register here.
Are you a member of a community group looking for funding to tackle established invasive species? The Partnerships Against Pests grants program can provide funding of up to $50,000 for 1 and 2-year projects that boost your community's capacity to manage established weeds and pest animals.
Join our webinar to learn more about Round 3 of the Partnerships Against Pests grants program. The webinar will include information about the Partnerships Against Pests program objectives, the grant application and submission process and give attendees the opportunity to ask questions.
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| Latrobe Catchment Integrated Pest Plant and Animal Initiative |
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When: Tuesday 10 September, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Where: Kernot Hall, 1 Monash Way, Morwell.
Register here.
Latrobe Catchment Landcare Network is hosting the 2024 Latrobe Integrated Priority Pest Plant and Animal Initiative, a regional, multi-stakeholder forum on strengthening regional community capacity and delivering better weed and pest management control at this fully catered day. The forum is supported by Agriculture Victoria’s Partnerships Against Pests grant program.
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| Farm Business Success workshops - south, west and central Gippsland |
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Join us for the future planning Farm Business Success workshops.
Gippsland farmers are invited to attend these free workshop series to strengthen their business and plan for managing risks in a changing climate.
Sessions will cover:
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action planning and farm risk management
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farm finances and profitable decision making
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managing people and farm safety
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adaptation and natural resource improvement.
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| Dry season spring webinar series – farm dam management |
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Farm dam management
When: Wednesday 11 September, 12:30 to 1:30 pm.
Where: online.
Register here.
Clem Sturmfels, Agriculture Victoria Land Management Extension Officer will talk about dam water storage. Clem will cover best management techniques and go through tools for calculating how much water is in a dam.
Webinars will be recorded and shared to all registered participants.
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| Tackling Worm Management in Sheep |
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Have recent wet summers and warmer winters increased the impact of Barbers Pole and other sheep worms on your enterprise?
Think you may have an issue with drench resistance but not sure how to find out?
Want to hear about the latest management strategies for decreasing worm burden in your sheep flock?
Three workshops with Dr Ben Blomfield, a veterinary consultant from Melbourne University’s Mackinnon Project, will kick off a 3-year Enhanced Producer Demonstration Site (EPDS) project on sheep worm management.
Bengworden:
Tuesday 17 September, 4 – 6 pm
Gippsland Ag Centre, 345 Bengworden Road, Bengworden
RSVP: Monday 16 September
Buchan:
Wednesday 18 September, 10 am – 12 pm
Buchan Football Clubrooms
5609 Buchan-Orbost Rd, Buchan
RSVP: Tuesday 17 September
Swifts Creek:
Wednesday 18 September, 5 - 7 pm
Swifts Creek DEECA office, 13 McMillan Avenue, Swifts Creek
RSVP: Tuesday 17 September
Register here.
This event is a part of a Producer Demonstration Site (PDS) project, joint-funded by Meat & Livestock Australia and Agriculture Victoria, which is being run in conjunction with the Bairnsdale BestWool Best Lamb Group and supported by the Gippsland Agriculture Group.
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| Effluent filtration farm walk |
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When: Tuesday 17 September, 10 am to 1 pm
Where: 165 Mewburn Park Road, Tinamba.
Register here.
Join us for a practical demonstration at Tom Gannon's farm in Tinamba, where we'll showcase the successful implementation of a self-cleaning filter system for effluent application through different irrigation systems.
This innovative project highlights how Tom's new effluent filter has enhanced irrigation and fertigation efficiency as well as environmental management by preventing blockages and improving nutrient distribution.
What to expect:
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live demonstration of the self-cleaning pontoon and inline filters in action
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how effluent can be utilised through both centre pivot and pipe and riser irrigation systems
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discussion with Tom about his experience with how the filters have improved irrigation uniformity and reduced nutrient and maintenance requirements
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free barbecue lunch after the demonstration and discussion
This demonstration project has been supported in partnership with Agriculture Victoria and the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority.
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| Farm Business Success Program: Online Short Course |
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The Farm Business Resilience Program is supporting farmers to develop the knowledge and skills they need to improve their farm business and be better equipped to manage the impacts of drought and a changing climate.
Agriculture Victoria, in partnership with Cumbre Consultants, is inviting you to join other farmers in a free online short course with specialists on the following topics:
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business planning and risk management
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farm finances and profitable decision making
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managing people on farm, farm safety and wellbeing
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climate adaptation and natural resource improvement including soil, water, crops and pastures.
Course dates:
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Monday 9 September, 11 am to 2 pm - Climate risk and natural resource management
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Thursday 19 September, 11 am to 2 pm - Business success
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Monday 30 September, 11 am to 2 pm - People success
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Monday 14 October, 12 to 2 pm - Plan review.
Location: Online.
Register here.
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| Identifying and managing lameness - South Gippsland, MID and West Gippsland |
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Come meet Gippsland Hoof Cares, Dean Rowley, and learn about hoof health and care in wet conditions and preparing your cows for the months ahead. Learn how to identify lameness, caring for cows, how to avoid lameness, what causes it and how we can help and care for cows that may suffer lameness. Discussions and questions about practices are welcome.
South Gippsland:
Monday 16 September, 11 am - 2 pm
Yarram, on farm. Address will be sent via text before event.
Register here.
MID:
Tuesday 24 September, 11 am - 2 pm
Riverslea, on farm. Address will be sent via text before event.
Register here.
West Gippsland:
Friday 4 October, 11 am - 2 pm
Labertouche, on farm. Address will be sent via text before event.
Register here.
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| Pasture 101 - MID, West and South Gippsland |
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Join GippsDairy for a workshop that will introduce farmers to dairy cow nutrition and pasture.
This practical, on-farm event is aimed at new entrants to the industry and people with little to no pasture knowledge.
Topics will include:
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when to graze
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where to put the Strip Grazing Fence
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when to graze the paddock again
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how to get the most production out of your pasture
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what to do with surplus grass growing
A light lunch will be provided. Please bring along a chair and be sure to register early.
MID:
When: Tuesday 1 October, 9 am - 2 pm
Where: Fulham, address provided after registration.
Register here.
West Gippsland:
When: Wednesday 2 October, 9 am - 2 pm
Where: West Gippsland, address provided after registration.
Register here.
South Gippsland:
When: Thursday 3 October, 9 am - 2 pm
Where: Inverloch, address provided after registration.
Register here.
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| Solar powered automated fixed sprays farm walked |
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When: Wednesday 2 October, 10 am to 1 pm.
Where: 83 Punt Lane, Clydebank.
Register here.
Join us for an exciting showcase of the automated irrigation system that's enabled Wilandra Farms to maximise their solar energy utilisation.
Sandra Jefford and Wilco Droppert will discuss their decision making process, what they learned along the way and how this system has impacted their management of the farm.
Gain insight into the “SmartBox” solar and irrigation automation system developed by Steve Soutar, CEO of Alternative Energy Innovations.
What to expect:
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live (automated) demonstration of the centre pivots and fixed sprinklers that run off the solar energy generated on farm
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hear from Sandra and Wilco, and ask them any of your burning questions
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discussion with Steve Soutar about the process of system automation
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free barbecue lunch.
This demonstration project has been supported in partnership with Agriculture Victoria and the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority.
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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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