• Bird owners urged to remain vigilant
• Don’t fluke it, drench strategically
• Avoiding the full force of cold weather on cows
• Shifting gears for National Farm Safety Week
• Biosecurity Basics – episode 10
• Choosing the best feed this winter
• Grants to help bring the agricultural show season to life
• Get it right every time – is it fit to load?
• Consider the risks when operating machinery
• Dry seasons and drought support
• Fox and wild dog bounty
• Free financial counselling with RFCS
• In case you missed it
• What's on

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

Dr Jeff Cave, Agriculture Victoria Senior Veterinary Officer

We all know there are chemicals available to treat internal parasites such as liver fluke.

A question worth considering is when to strategically use those chemicals.

Liver fluke is an internal parasite that lives in the bile ducts of cattle, sheep and goats and has a complex life cycle that requires a snail called Lymnea tomentosa to be involved.

The snail can be identified by its characteristic cone shaped shell and the spirals of the shell which rotate in a clockwise direction. The snail occurs in swamps, drains, billabongs and irrigated pastures.

Liver fluke can be treated using chemicals known as flukicides. Flukicides should be used strategically at specific times of year to minimise pasture contamination and to effectively kill the stage of fluke present in stock, but it should be noted that withholding periods apply.

The snail cannot survive frosty conditions so consideration should be given for giving flukicides following the first frosts.

It should be remembered that liver fluke control strategies vary by region and even property to property.

Producers should talk to their veterinarian for specific recommendations. This will enable them to put in place an effective and economical fluke control plan for their property.

For further information please contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria veterinary or animal health officer, or in NSW your Local Land Services.

With a winter blast forecast for eastern Victoria, reducing the impacts of cold weather on cattle is essential to both animal production and welfare.

During cold weather, the energy requirements of a cow can increase by up to 20%, with lighter cows being more affected than those in adequate condition.

Agriculture Victoria Livestock Industry Development Officer Nick Linden said the impact of cold weather, particularly when combined with wet and windy conditions and low pasture availability, can severely affect cows that are already low in body condition.

‘It is important to keep an eye on the forecast weather conditions and if possible, move cattle into sheltered paddocks or those with windbreaks. This will reduce the impacts of chill by keeping animals out of the wind and give a better return on supplementary feeding.

‘Poorer condition cows have a higher maintenance requirement through winter as they have to work harder to stay warm,’ Mr Linden said.

‘Separating the lighter condition cows will enable producers to better manage these in-need cows with a specific feed and supplement plan and reduce competition for feed.

‘Lighter cows will suffer more from cold stress than fatter cows - fat is an excellent source of insulation as well as being an important energy reserve.  We really need to look out for the lighter cows.’

Lighter cows can also result in weaker calves being born in the spring, poor joining rates for autumn calvers or cow mortality.

Mr Linden said hungry cows can be cold cows and cattle will eat more in cold weather to generate body heat. Roughages like hay are broken down by microbial action, and this process generates heat. In addition to roughage, it’s important to keep an eye on the protein and energy levels of the diet.

‘While consuming roughages will help the cattle to stay warm, it is important to ensure adequate protein in the diet to feed the rumen bacteria.

‘Without the rumen bacteria being well fed, cattle will struggle to consume the roughages needed to generate heat and stay productive.

‘Managing lighter condition cows separately, using sheltered areas of the farm, knowing the energy and protein of the supplements being fed and monitoring fat scores of stock through winter are all important ways to minimise the impacts of cold weather on your stock, especially for animals in lighter condition as a result of the late autumn break experienced in many parts of the state.’

For more information visit:

• Wintering Cattle? Tips to Keep Them Warm
• Preventing Cold Stress in Cattle: Importance of Adequate Herd Nutrition

The Victorian Government is putting workplace safety for agriculture workers first this National Farm Safety Week, with funding to provide free access to educational resources, aimed at equipping young people with farm safety knowledge.

Acting Minister for Agriculture Steve Dimopoulos recently announced a $100,000 grant to the National Centre for Farmer Health to support the delivery of farm safety education in schools, teaching young people about the risks they are exposed to when visiting, living and working on farms.

Agriculture makes up 2% of Victoria’s workforce while having 14% of workplace fatalities. In 2022/23 young people aged 15 to 19 comprised 6.3% of total workplace injuries and 13.3% of non-work related injuries on farms.

The ‘Shifting Gears’ teaching resource will provide educators with materials to facilitate meaningful discussions about farm safety within their classrooms.

The resources have been funded through the Farming Safe and Well program and will be available for use from January 2025.

This initiative aligns with the theme of this year’s National Farm Safety Week theme, ‘In Safe Hands’, which emphasises the importance of keeping our farmers and their families safe.

Throughout farm safety week, Farmsafe Australia will share practical safety tips from farmers to increase the safety of everyday tasks and foster a more safety focused farming culture.

The government’s investment in ‘Shifting Gears’ follows the $900,000 provided to the National Centre for Farmer Health in the Victorian Budget 2024/25 for the delivery of agriculture-focused health and medical services, research, and education which will lead to direct benefits for farmers and their communities.

For more resources to support safety, health and wellbeing on farms, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au.

Jacob Pearce has been in a decade-long battle with weeds, some of which pose a biosecurity risk. 

He now has the upper hand on his 260-acre property west of Melbourne. To share what he's learnt he joined us for this episode of Biosecurity Basics.

Listen via the AgVic website.

When choosing the best feed to purchase for sheep or cattle, there are a few things to take into account – especially when feeding over winter.

What to feed

In this short video, Livestock Officer Nick Linden looks at the key considerations in choosing supplements for stock by calculating their requirements and the energy density of feed against its cost.

Watch it here.

Costing out your feeds

Am I better off feeding grain or hay?  And what is the cost?

In this video, Livestock Officer Nick Linden looks at the calculations to use to make sure what you’re feeding to your animals is the most cost-effective option.

Watch it here.

Victorian agricultural and pastoral societies looking to improve their infrastructure or boost awareness and involvement in regional shows will get more support from the Victorian Government.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently announced the $300,000 Agricultural and Pastoral Society Grants Program is open to applications ahead of the 2024/25 Show season.

The program aims to support Agricultural and Pastoral Societies in projects that help stimulate community involvement in activities that promote agriculture.

Eligible organisations can apply for grants of up to $10,000 for infrastructure development and other business activities to celebrate Victoria’s agricultural communities, industry and produce.

The grants can be used to upgrade or establish new facilities, enhance public amenities, improve essential infrastructure, improve business management activities, biosecurity planning and promote reporting of livestock movements.

Previous projects funded under the program include new animal yards, fencing, shade covers and lighting or upgrades to shearing pavilions, luncheon halls, public amenities and viewing stands.

In previous rounds the Sale and District Agriculture Society received a grant of $10,000 to replace aged and damaged horse yards with 66 safer and more robust horse yards.

The project also included replacing existing weathered and unsafe wooden fence in the cattle show area with new durable treated pine and galvanised steel panels.

The Port Fairy Agricultural Show received a grant worth more than $7,000 to purchase portable picket fencing to provide safety for the show exhibits and families with small children eager to interact with the animals.

Applications close on 23 August.

To learn more about the Agricultural and Pastoral Society Grants Program or to apply today, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au

Livestock must be inspected prior to being loaded and they must not be suffering from conditions that could cause, or would be likely to cause, increased pain or distress during transport.

Agriculture Victoria Senior Veterinary Officer Jeff Cave said if you are in doubt about an animal’s suitability for transport, you can always ask your private veterinarian or any Agriculture Victoria animal health officer or veterinary officer if livestock are fit to load.

Furthermore, a guideline titled ‘Is the animal fit to load?’ has been produced by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA). This guideline can be viewed electronically on MLA’s website or ordered from MLA at MLA publications

In summary, an animal is not fit to load if it: 

• is not able to walk normally or bear weight on all its legs. This may be due to a recent or old fracture, an injury, a deformity or an infection.
• is not strong enough to make the journey 
• is suffering from severe distress or injury
• is in a condition that could cause it increased pain or distress during transport
• is blind in both eyes
• is in late pregnancy.

Dr Cave said if you identify an animal that is unfit to load you have a few options. 

‘You could treat the animal and transport it when it has recovered and is fit to load. Naturally this is not an option in cases that are not readily treatable. 

‘Alternatively, you could humanely destroy the animal. A knackery service is available in many areas to help with this option.’ 

‘Finally, you could consult a veterinarian and only transport the animal under veterinary advice.’

Dr Cave said remember, the person in charge of the animal is responsible for its welfare. Community values and expectations will not accept anything less.

For further information on animal welfare contact your local animal health staff at Agriculture Victoria or call 136 186.

Find the ‘Land transport of livestock standard guidelines and more information here.

Due to a recent on-farm death WorkSafe has created an alert to remind farmers, growers and others who regularly operate powered mobile plant to consider the risks when operating machinery on-farm.

This safety alert aims to help you build your knowledge on the safe use of powered mobile plant to reduce risks to you and your workers on farms.

Take the time to read this safety alert and forward this information onto other farmers who regularly use farm machinery including augers.

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.

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.

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.

Farmers invited to ‘Take a Wellbeing Break’

A series of wellbeing workshops targeting farming communities is being delivered as part of Agriculture Victoria’s Farm Business Resilience program, with the first to be held in Dimboola.

Read the full media release here.

Partnering with community to manage pests and weeds

Efforts to support long-term management of rabbits, blackberries, serrated tussock and gorse across Victoria have been bolstered with support from the Victorian Government to four community pest management groups.

Read the full media release here.

New term for Victorian Agriculture and Climate Change Council

New members have been appointed to the second term of the Victorian Agriculture Climate Change Council to help the Victorian agriculture sector prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change.

Read the full media relase here.

Public consultation opens for new Victorian Wine Strategy

Those with a keen interest in shaping the future of Victoria's prestigious wine industry are encouraged to share their insights to contribute to the development of the new Victorian Wine Strategy.

Read the full media release here.

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.

When: Wednesday, 24 July, 12:30 – 1:30 pm.

Register HERE

Join Agriculture Victoria’s Clem Sturmfels for a session about land management, sacrifice paddocks and stock containment areas.

Webinars will be recorded.

South Gippsland Shire Council is hosting a 'Parma for South Gippsland farmers' event, featuring Warren Davies, The Unbreakable Farmer.

This event aims to provide support to farmers affected by natural disasters through financial and wellbeing support.

Join us and enjoy a mouth-watering chicken parma, cooked to perfection.

When: Monday 22 July - 6:30 to 9:30 pm. 

Where: Mirboo North Hotel.

Our guest speaker for the evening is Warren Davies one of Australia’s leading rural mental health speakers and advocates. He is a farmer, husband, father of five, son, brother, mate, neighbour, and everyday bloke.

Come along and connect with fellow community members, local businesses, and organisations committed to supporting our farming community.

Register now HERE

When: Tuesday 6 August - Wednesday 7 August - 10 am to 3 pm both days.

Where: Thorpdale Hall, 14 Johnstone Street, Thorpdale.

Presenter: Peter Smith, Sapphire Irrigation Consulting.

Register here.

Peter has a strong background in irrigation systems and management. He delivers training courses nationally and has a strong commitment to building skills for a resilient irrigation sector.

Topics include:

• designing spray irrigation systems for uniform application
• financial factors - purchase and operational costs of different systems
• planning for installation
• energy efficiencies of different systems
• key measures and indicators of spray irrigation system performance
• technology options - variable application rate, end guns and sprinkler packs
• irrigation scheduling and operation for improved agronomy.

Participants who attend the 2-day workshop will be given take-home reference materials. The irrigation extension team will be conducting follow up consultations.

This workshop is funded through the Sustainable Irrigation Program and delivered by Agriculture Victoria in partnership with the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority.

Bruthen: 

• Friday 9 August - 10 am to 2 pm.
• Venue TBC.
• Register here.

Maffra: 

• Tuesday 27 August - 10 am to 2 pm.
• Duart Homestead, 20 McLean St, Maffra.
• Register here.

Wonthaggi: 

• Tuesday 3 September - 10 am to 2 pm.
• Venue TBC.
• Register here.

Looking after your well-being and connecting with others is important in challenging times. This fun, practical Take a Well-Being Break workshop brings farmers/couples/families and service providers in your community together to provide well-being tools and information, connect and share ideas, and to identify strategies you can immediately implement to positively impact your well-being.

$20 per farming family/couple/person.

Lunch provided.

The workshop is funded by the Farm Business Resilience Program, which is jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Victorian Government’s Future Agriculture Skills Capacity Fund.

When: Wednesday 24 July and Thursday 25 July
Where: Rich River Golf Club in Moama.

Register here.

The conference is a collaboration between dairy, grains and cotton with the aim of providing information for profitable and sustainable farm business. The program features sessions covering the latest research, technological advancements, and sustainable practices.

Conference highlights:

• Exploring marketing and consumer trends - Ron Storey, Storey Marketing
• New technology in weed control - Michael Walsh, Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water and Environment, Charles Sturt University
• Latest advances in nitrogen fertiliser - Helen Suter School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne
• Over the gate - practices and innovation driving on farm productivity Panel - hear what other farmers are implementing to ensure productive sustainable businesses into the future
• Grain, forage and fodder - mitigating risk of summer crop options (cotton, maize, sorghum) - Kieran O’Keefe Regional Extension Officer, CottonInfo and Yvette Williams, Research and Innovation Coordinator Murray Dairy
• Seeds of hope: The Aussie Hay Runners' Journey - Peter Wuthrich Aussie Hay Runners.

The Gala Dinner on the evening of Wednesday 24 July, will commemorate 25 years of the Irrigation Farmers Network achievements in RD&E. Featuring Renee Anderson, farmer and ag industry advocate as the special guest speaker.

Livestock 2024 is the third biennial conference delivered by SALRC. This year's theme is environmental challenges and opportunities for Australian livestock industries.

Location: Atura Hotel, Albury NSW. 

Date: Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 August.

Get your tickets here.

Click here to register for conference updates.

Enjoying the Gippsland Ag News? Then why not forward to a friend or subscribe yourself.

It's easy – simply click this link.

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.