• Coronavirus update
• Monitoring continues for Japanese encephalitis
• Your AgTech Bytes journey
• Victorian April climate outlook
• Unearthing soil constraints to crop production
• The Victorian Fox and Wild Dog Bounty is now digital
• Farm finance – young farmers getting prepared together
• Remember to Beat the Bite
• Latest AgVic Talk podcast -  Caylem Roberts and Russell Adcock
• Milking Victoria’s dairy export potential for all it’s worth
• Look up and live
• Gorse community grants now available
• Fox and wild dog bounty collections details for the south-west
• In case you missed it
• Putting small-scale producers on the map
• What's on?

Keep up to date with all the latest restrictions and requirements at coronavirus.vic.gov.au

Agriculture Victoria is working closely with both the pig and horse industries in response to Japanese encephalitis.

There are now a total of 22 properties with pigs confirmed with Japanese encephalitis in Victoria.

These are located across the Wangaratta, Moira, Greater Shepparton, Campaspe, Gannawarra, Loddon, Greater Bendigo and Northern Grampians local government areas.

A number of suspected cases are under investigation.

The detections are the result of national surveillance efforts to identify new cases and determine the extent and spread of the disease and the source of its introduction.

Japanese encephalitis has also been confirmed in piggeries in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia and in a small number of feral pigs in the Northern Territory.

Agriculture Victoria is working closely with industry, conducting surveillance activities and providing advice and information to farmers, livestock and horse owners.

Infection is not spread directly from pigs to people, and there is no risk to humans from eating pig meat.

Only infected mosquitoes can spread infection.

Pork is safe to eat.

In general, spread is through the movement of some species of migratory water birds and through the movement of infected mosquitoes, often over long distances.

It does not usually spread directly from animal to animal (i.e. it is not considered contagious).

Victorians are being reminded to protect themselves from mosquito bites particularly when spending time outdoors.

Japanese encephalitis vaccines are recommended for people at a higher risk of exposure to the virus, such as those working with pigs.

All people should undertake measures to reduce exposure to mosquitos.

For more information about Japanese encephalitis virus and animals visit Agriculture Victoria’s website.

For more information about Japanese encephalitis virus and human health contact your GP or phone NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 606 024, or go to health.vic.gov.au/jev

Wherever you are on your AgTech journey Agriculture Victoria has an AgTech Byte for you. 

Three new ones have just been released, along with the important Glossary of AgTech.

Click on the links below to read them:

1. IoT and Digital Agriculture 
2. Planning AgTech Investment 
3. Sensing and Automating AgTech.

You can find the others here on the AgTech sensor demonstration project page.

These webinars with Agriculture Victoria seasonal risk agronomist Dale Grey, focus on the current seasonal climate outlook for Southern NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.

The outlook is based on model projections for rainfall using current oceanic, atmospheric and soil moisture conditions.

RECORDING AVAILABLE HERE: Recording Registration - Zoom

The passcode is: April2022!

Growers and advisers will be better equipped to manage soil constraints in their paddocks after the development of a three-dimensional (3D) mapping strategy, currently trialled at farms in western Victoria.

This will give a greater understanding of the dynamics and location of constraints to crop production that lurk in the depths of the soil profile.

Agriculture Victoria senior research scientist Professor Roger Armstrong is leading the research, working closely with a team of scientists, technicians and PhD students.

The research effort is part of the Victorian Grains Innovation Partnership (VGIP) between Agriculture Victoria and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).

“Growers often have trouble identifying what the soil constraints are in their cropping paddocks, the soil profile can be highly variable, and often they only analyse the topsoil,” Professor Armstrong said.

“However, our research is enabling us to use soil sensor technologies to 3D-map the location and severity of multiple soil constraints at a paddock scale.

“We then use the soil maps we have created and overlay them with ‘above-ground’ crop growth rates, which were developed using a range of crop sensor technologies,” he said.

“Combining the soil and crop-focussed maps links the 3D spatial arrangement of soil constraints within a paddock to crop performance.

"It can then provide a basis of how to manage these constraints, including soil amelioration using gypsum, organic matter or whether to leave unchanged.

“Our findings will inform the way growers assess soil-based crop constraints and how to tackle the problem to achieve optimal crop production and maximum profitability,” Professor Armstrong said.

So far, four farmer’s paddocks have been mapped using the new sensing techniques, located in the state’s medium-rainfall zone at Nurcoung, Nurrabiel and Wallup and in the high-rainfall zone at Wickliffe.

Commercial crops grown in these paddocks included wheat, barley, faba beans and canola.

The VGIP aims to improve the enduring profitability of Victorian and Australian grain growers through world-class research and innovation.

For more information about research at Agriculture Victoria visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/about/our-research

For more information on the project led by Professor Armstrong visit this GRDC GroundCover article 

The Victorian Fox and Wild Dog Bounty is now digital.

To streamline payment processes for fox and wild dog bounty participants, we have introduced a digital bounty application system.

Registering is easy.

Access the form at agriculture.vic.gov.au/bounty and simply input your email and banking details.

The new system will ensure payment is quick and easy, and will also allow participants to keep track of bounty applications.

Over the coming months as we transition to a digital system, hunters will still have access to the paper-based system.

Please pre-register online, chat to our bounty collection staff on collections days or call the customer service centre on 136 186.

Acceptable entire fox scalps and entire wild dog body parts will be collected from eligible members of the public at specific dates and times, and from scheduled collection centres.

Please note that no fox scalps or wild dog body parts will be accepted at any public counter or state government office.

Collections will only be accepted at the designated times.

For collection times and locations in your region visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/bounty

Young farmers across Victoria are being invited to come together for farm finance workshops at a number of locations, as well as to network and ask questions.

Agriculture Victoria Young Farmer Coordinator Sarah Wallis said it was wonderful to be able to offer the Farm Finance – Getting Prepared sessions as in-person events after having to shift to an online format for the past two years.

“This year it’s about coming together, being together and interacting with our financial specialists to ask those burning finance questions in a safe space,” Ms Wallis said.

“Our take on this is to provide the kind of experts at these workshops who can cut through the ‘bank speak’ and enable young farmers to be well prepared when applying for financing,” she said.

ORM Agribusiness consultant Jane Foster said the workshops will be an opportunity to have open and transparent conversations about farm finance and get some tips on how to communicate in ‘bank speak’.

“By the end of the session participants will have a new clarity on finance and how the whole system works,” Ms Foster said.

Young farmer Josh said workshops like the Farm Finance – Getting Prepared sessions were a great way to bring like-minded people together.

“It’s great to have these programs running again as we come out of the pandemic, they’re an excellent opportunity to network and come together.”

All sessions will be held between 6 and 8.30 pm and are scheduled for:

• Bairnsdale – Wednesday 4 May
• Maryborough – Wednesday 11 May
• Wangaratta – Wednesday 18 May
• Ouyen – Wednesday 25 May
• Horsham – Wednesday 1 June.

Register now for Agriculture Victoria’s Young Farmers Network Farm Finance – Getting Prepared Workshop.

CLICK HERE to find out more.

The Farm Finance – Getting Prepared series is supported by Agriculture Victoria’s Smarter, Safer Farms program.

Here are simple steps to protect you and your family from mozzie bites: 

👉 Cover up as much as possible – wear long, loose-fitting clothes. 
👉 Use mosquito repellent containing picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin. 
👉 Use mosquito nets or insect screens. 
👉 Use mosquito coils where you gather to sit and eat. 
👉 Use a ‘knockdown’ fly spray on any mosquitoes in your tent or accommodation before you go to bed. 

For more ideas to keep yourself and your family safe from mozzies CLICK HERE

Listen to this podcast to hear how Caylem Roberts is creating a pathway into agriculture.

While Russell Adcock – Agriculture Victoria Senior Aboriginal Employment and Engagement Advisor - talks about achieving self-determination and how his role helps make this happen.

You can hear more from Caylem and Russell by searching for AgVic Talk' wherever you get your podcasts or listen 🎧 online via our website agriculture.vic.gov.au/AgVicTalk

The Victorian Government is supporting another local food producer to make new products, boost sales in international markets and respond to supply chain risks.

Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas and Member for Tarneit Sarah Connolly recently visited Purearth Foods in Truganina, which has been awarded $485,000 from the $15 million Food to Market program.

The funding will help the company purchase and install new processing equipment to increase efficiency and reduce allergen risk between dairy and plant-based products.

The specialised equipment will also enable the development of new products while also increasing production volume of existing lines.

By increasing production capability, Purearth Foods will take its milk and plant-based products to new domestic and international markets.

The facility expansion will also allow for additional manufacturing capacity to support local independent brand owners.

Once complete, the $4 million upgrade will create an additional 15 full-time manufacturing jobs as well as support local supply chain partners and farmers in the longterm.

The $15 million Food to Market program is funded through the government’s Agriculture Strategy.

Fifteen Victorian agri-food businesses have been awarded funding under the second tranche of the program for projects delivering on the strategy’s vision for a Victorian agriculture sector that is strong, innovative, and sustainable.

To learn more about the 10-year Agriculture Strategy here

Stay safe from overhead powerlines. When you enter a job site, STOP.

Get out of the vehicle. Look up and around to understand the entire area of work.

FIND OUT MORE HERE.

#powerlines #energysafevictoria #LUAL

Through the Community Grants Program the Victorian Gorse Taskforce (VGT) works to support communities in reducing gorse in their local area.

The VGT are interested in helping landholders looking to control their gorse long-term.

The program looks to educate and build community capacity around gorse and gorse control so that communities can take real ownership and overcome the problem.

Now is the time to plan ahead and start a conversation with your community about gorse in your area.

Eligible Small Grant projects can attract up to $5,000 in funding.

The 2022 – 2023 Small Community Grants are now open and will close on 28 May.

If gorse is a problem on your land or across your local area, the VGT encourages you to connect with your local community and apply now.

For more information email: info@vicgorsetaskforce.com.au

Find out from the Victorian Gorse Taskforce.

Victorian fox and wild dog collections have recommenced.

Electronic funds transfer (EFT) is the preferred method of payment, so please bring your EFT details to the collection centre.

Acceptable entire fox scalps and entire wild dog body parts will be collected from eligible members of the public at specific dates and times, and from sites scheduled as collection centres.

Please note that no entire fox scalps or entire wild dog body parts will be accepted at any public counter or state government office. Collections will only be accepted at the designated times.

2022 Ballarat collections

Please note: Bounty collections at Ballarat have been relocated to Ballarat Field and Game (Haddon Common Bushland Reserve), 726 Bells Road, Haddon.

Collection type: Fox only

Time: 1 – 3 pm

Dates:

• Monday, 2 May 
• Monday, 30 May 
• Monday, 27 June 
• Monday, 25 July 
• Monday, 22 August 
• Monday, 19 September
• Monday, 17 October.

2022 Colac collections

Please note: Bounty collections at Colac have been relocated to 23A Hugh Murray Drive, Colac East.

Collection type: Fox only

Time: 1.30 – 3.30 pm

Dates:

• Tuesday, 3 May 
• Tuesday, 31 May 
• Tuesday, 28 June 
• Tuesday, 26 July 
• Tuesday, 23 August 
• Tuesday, 20 September 
• Tuesday, 18 October.

2022 Geelong collections

Address: 16 Cadman Terrace, North Geelong.

Collection type: Fox only

Time: 9.30 – 11.30 am

Dates:

• Tuesday, 3 May
• Tuesday, 31 May
• Tuesday, 28 June
• Tuesday, 26 July 
• Tuesday, 23 August 
• Tuesday, 20 September
• Tuesday, 18 October.

2022 Hamilton collections

Address: Depot, Hamilton Centre, Research Station Road, Hamilton.

Collection type: Fox only

Time: 1.30 – 3.30 pm

Dates:

• Wednesday, 4 May
• Wednesday, 1 June
• Wednesday, 29 June
• Wednesday, 27 July
• Wednesday, 24 August
• Wednesday, 21 September
• Wednesday, 19 October.

2022 Warrnambool collections

Address: 703–709 Raglan Parade, Warrnambool.

Collection type: Fox only

Time: 8.30 – 10.30 am

Dates:

• Wednesday, 4 May
• Wednesday, 1 June
• Wednesday, 29 June
• Wednesday, 27 July
• Wednesday, 24 August
• Wednesday, 21 September
• Wednesday, 19 October.

For more information CLICK HERE.

Backing farmer health with increased health checks and improved referrals

Agriculture Victoria is investing in more health checks and referrals to encourage farmers and their families to prioritise their health and wellbeing.

Hamilton

Western District Health Service. McKellar House, Tyers Street.

Phone: (03) 5551 8533

Email: agrisafe@wdhs.net

Penshurst

Western District Health Service, Sheppard Community Health Centre, 146 Cobb Street.

Phone: (03) 5551 8533

Email: agrisafe@wdhs.net

READ THE MEDIA RELEASE IN FULL HERE

The Victorian Government is helping to put Victoria’s innovative small-scale and craft producers on the foodie map and showcasing the exceptional food and drink they have to offer.

Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas today visited Stomping Ground Brewery and Beer Hall in Moorabbin to announce more than $750,000 of grants under the government’s Small Scale and Craft Program which have been awarded to 10 Victorian producers as part of Stream Three grants program.

Kingston Collective has been awarded $43,000 for its Bayside Beer Belt project.

The funding will support the creation of the Bayside Beer Belt tours which are set to offer an immersive and educational experience for visitors at over 10 local craft-breweries, including Stomping Ground Brewery and Beer Hall.

Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs are home to a number of unique local breweries and distilleries with the Bayside Beer Belt encouraging Victorians to support their local breweries and tap into its hidden tourism potential.

Stream Three provided grants of between $25,000 and $100,000 to eligible small-scale and craft agribusinesses to support projects that create a unique visitor experience, engage multiple small-scale and craft producers, and put their regions on the map.

The government’s Small-Scale and Craft Program has awarded grants to more than 300 businesses and invested $6.6 million in the sector.

The Small-Scale and Craft Program supports the 10-year agriculture strategy to create a sector that is strong, innovative and sustainable.

For more information CLICK HERE

Details about Agriculture Victoria events can now be found in one spot on our website. Log on to agriculture.vic.gov.au/events to find out what's on.

Would you like to learn more about AgTech but don't know where to start? Register for Agriculture Victoria's Unpacking AgTech webinar series to find out how.

In this webinar series we'll take a beginners look at all the things you should know before investing in AgTech.

Webinar 4: What makes good AgTech?

Date: Friday 6 May

Time: 12.30 pm.

REGISTER HERE

Immerse yourself in an exclusive three-part educational series to learn about global market opportunities, focusing on the China market, and how Agriculture Victoria’s new Pathways to Export program can assist your international trade journey.

Hear from the Victorian Government’s Deputy Trade Commissioner in China and key in-market experts who will help you gain a deeper understanding of international market opportunities.

Register for your exclusive ticket to export:

Part 3: Business Matching Essentials

Tuesday 24 May 2 – 3 pm

Register HERE

#AgTechApril

Technology on farms can be a lot of different things, but one of the keys to success is having a plan.

Why do you need it, what will it cost, what time will it take, who can help me, how do I fix it?

These are the questions we will be asking at the AgTech Ready Farms workshop series for livestock producers.

Join Nathan Scott, Achieve Ag Solutions and Chris Blore, Agriculture Victoria to learn about the problems that AgTech can help solve, compare products available, discuss the issues you can face when using it and how to fix it. All linked back to how AgTech can help you achieve your business goals.

The on-farm workshop sessions will include existing and emerging on-farm technologies, the latest industry research plus technical experts in the field.

Where: Sterling Place, Dunkeld

Session 1: AgTech and your business goals

When: Monday 2 May

Time: 4 – 7 pm

Session 2: Problem solving solutions

When: Monday 16 May

Time: 1 – 6.30 pm

Session 3: Your AgTech ready farm plan

When: Monday 30 May

Time: 4 – 7 pm

Register online with Agriculture Victoria for this free workshop series or for more information contact Chris Blore, Livestock Industry Extension Officer on 0428 155 781 or email.

Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) is supporting training for shearers and wool handlers to attract and retain new entrants into the wool harvesting industry, build the capacity and longevity of existing staff, and increase returns to woolgrowers through improved clip preparation practices.

All training aligns with nationally recognised qualifications and are designed to meet industry standards and needs.

Novice training:

• Hamilton                2 – 6 May
• Ballarat                  9 – 13 May.

To register for a course or for more information phone 1300 787 984 or email.

Contact the SCAA for a full list of upcoming course locations, dates and costs.

Access online training videos and resources for shearers, wool handlers, trainers, and woolgrowers on the AWI website.

Registrations are now open for the 2022 Great South West Dairy Awards gala dinner, to be held at the Warrnambool Racecourse on 12 May.

Hosted by WestVic Dairy, the event celebrates the most remarkable dairy people and achievements in our region.

Footy star Jonathan Brown, a Warrnambool local, will be speaking at the event, sharing his personal experiences on the event's theme, Celebrating Success.

Date: Thursday, 12 May
Time:  6 – 11 pm

Venue:  Warrnambool Racecourse, 2/64 Grafton Road, Warrnambool
Tickets:  On sale now for $65 plus booking fee.

Click here for more infromation and to register.

The evening will celebrate winners in the following categories:

• Dairy Farm Business Management Award
• Young Dairy Leader Award
• Service Provider Award
• Natural Resource Sustainability Management Award
• Employee Award
• Western Victorian Dairy Industry Honour Board
• Farm Photo Award.

More information about the nomination process and selection criteria can be found on www.dairyaustralia.com.au/westvic-dairy

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