| Thursday 23 November 2023 |
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| Farm fire preparedness tip – stock containment |
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Where will you place your stock during an emergency?
It’s crucial to have a refuge paddock or stock containment area ready for your livestock during emergencies, with adequate feed and water for their safety.
Use the Fire Preparedness Toolkit and web resources to start planning for stock containment areas, emergency feeding and water budgeting – available at agriculture.vic.gov.au/bushfires
Download a copy of the toolkit.
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| New biosecurity strategy keeping Victoria prepared |
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The Victorian Government has released a new framework to further strengthen the state’s biosecurity systems from the paddock to our borders.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently visited Auravale Alpacas in Belgrave South to launch Victoria’s Biosecurity Strategy, which calls for greater community collaboration to prepare for and respond to future biosecurity threats.
Victoria will face intensifying biosecurity risks – driven by climate change, increasing trade and travel, and changing land use – so a clear, statewide strategy was required to ensure the state’s $20.2 billion agriculture industry remains protected.
The new strategy outlines 5 overarching goals and 20 actions that will aim to safeguard the state against pests and diseases including foot-and-mouth disease.
The goals aim to build better partnerships with key stakeholders, strengthen the state’s capacity to prepare and respond to emergencies, and identify more ways government can support Victoria’s biosecurity system as a whole.
The Biosecurity Strategy was formed through extensive engagement with Traditional Owners and nearly 450 stakeholders covering all aspects of Victoria’s biosecurity system – from farmers and industry groups to land managers and emergency management agencies.
Biosecurity and emergency animal disease preparedness is a top priority for the Victorian Government. In the Victorian Budget 2023/24, an investment of $17.4 million will continue to strengthen our emergency animal disease preparedness, bringing the total investment since 2022 to $43 million.
To learn more about Victoria’s Biosecurity Strategy, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/2023-biosecurity-strategy
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| A taste you can trace – Episode 7 |
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Traceability can help reduce food waste along the supply chain, ensuring fresh produce arrives at the end of its journey in top condition.
In this episode, Luke Wood from Escavox discusses the tech used to follow food around the globe and how traceability can transform export businesses.
Listen online via the AgVic website.
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| Sign up to the Weed Spotter newsletter |
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The Weed Spotter newsletter provides updates on the latest in weed news in Victoria, recent infestations found and removed, and where to go to report suspected weeds in your area.
Subscribe to the Weed Spotter newsletter here.
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| Free financial counselling with RFCS |
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Have you been impacted by recent floods, fires or dry seasonal conditions?
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 Rural Financial Counselling Service website or call 1300 771 741.
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| Continuing to manage the risk of Varroa mite spreading to Victoria |
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Agriculture Victoria continues to manage the risk of Varroa mite spreading to Victoria.
Field teams are continuing port surveillance, conducting targeted surveillance and deploying sentinel hives at points of general risk along the Victorian/NSW border.
Call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881 if you see or suspect Varroa.
For more information visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/varroa
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| Celebrating Victoria’s robust biosecurity system |
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As the country celebrated National Agriculture Day recently, it’s crucial to recognise the exceptional efforts of Victoria’s Biosecurity System.
Recent 2022–23 performance data paints a clear picture of the essential work conducted by Agriculture Victoria staff on the ground.
Throughout the year, Agriculture Victoria conducted a total of 10,490 inspections, audits, and investigations of plants, animals, chemicals and invasive species, reflecting the dedicated effort to ensure the health and safety of Victoria’s agriculture.
In addition, they processed 26,611 services and permits online, streamlining the processes that support the agricultural industry.
Agriculture Victoria’s commitment to safeguarding the state’s agriculture is further exemplified by their response to animal disease investigations. Agriculture Victoria staff handled 1,764 animal disease investigations, of which 434 were conducted to exclude emergency animal diseases.
Agriculture Victoria responded to 16 biosecurity emergencies and incidents during the year, demonstrating their readiness to address unexpected challenges in the sector. Staff successfully completed 3 biosecurity emergency response exercises, highlighting their effectiveness in managing potential threats.
'These numbers articulate the resilience and profound significance of our agricultural industry,' Agriculture Victoria Biosecurity Executive Director Katherine Clift said.
'Reflective in the numbers, our staff quickly mobilised their expertise, initiated extensive surveillance and offered support measures following the varroa mite detection just over the Victorian border in NSW.
'Their swift response not only illustrates their commitment to biosecurity but also highlights their dedication to protecting Victorian bees, a vital component of a sustainable environment.'
In addition to these remarkable efforts, Agriculture Victoria conducted 669 investigations related to suspect and emergency plant pests and surveyed a staggering 1.77 million hectares of grain crops, which accounts for nearly half of the grain produced in Victoria.
They also responded to 73 exotic pest animal reports, resulting in 16 positive detections across 7 different species, and eradicated 100 state-prohibited weed sites.
On the trade front, Agriculture Victoria issued 4,986 livestock health export certificates and 3,791 plant health certificates, enabling safe and efficient movement of agricultural products.
On this day, we encouraged all Victorians to take a moment to reflect on the outstanding achievements of our agricultural sector of our biosecurity system in protecting and supporting our agriculture sector which is a cornerstone of the Victorian economy supporting over 68,870 jobs and generating more than $20 billion annually in 2021-22.
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| Irrigation incentives available in Central Gippsland (MIA) |
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Funding is now available for initiatives that help you achieve water, labour and cost savings along with wider environmental benefits.
The proposed irrigation upgrade must be on an approved farm plan to be eligible.
Eligible projects:
Re-use systems:
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Maximum size 1 ML for every 10 ha of catchment
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Incentive of $400/ha (ex. GST) up to a maximum 50% of project costs.
Best practice surface irrigation:
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Incentive of $200/ha (ex. GST) up to a maximum 50% of project costs.
Flood to pressurised (spray) irrigation conversion:
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$600/ha incentive (ex. GST) up to a maximum 50% of project costs.
Check out this chat with Rob Hornby, who recently converted his farm from flood irrigation to a system using pipe and riser technology.
For more information please contact one of our irrigation extension officers:
Alexis Killoran: 0428 387 869 or alexis.c.killoran@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Caelan McIntosh: 0476 885 716 or caelan.mcintosh@agriculture.vic.gov.au
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Helping Victorians choose a pet with confidence
The Victorian Government is helping Victorians find a puppy from a reputable breeder, ensuring the highest animal welfare standards for their new best friend.
Read the media release here
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Barley loose smut seasonal update recording now available
Hear cereal grain pathologists Hari Dadu and Andrea Hill present on key topics.
Watch the recording here
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Protecting Victoria’s abalone from virus outbreaks
A significant leap forward has been taken that will help keep Victoria’s abalone, a marine snail, safe and healthy.
Read the media release here
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Victoria’s top MSA producers announced
Some of Victoria’s tastiest beef has been recognised in the 2023 Meat Standards Australia (MSA) Excellence in Eating Quality Awards, by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA).
The awards recognise producers from across the country who consistently deliver beef of superior eating quality, based on the parameters of the MSA program.
Read the full media release here.
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Gains for breeding program from US trip
The pulse breeding program at Agriculture Victoria’s Horsham Smart Farm is reaping the benefits from a researcher’s recent study trip to the United States.
Read the media release here
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2023/2024 State and Territory Landcare Awards
Nominations for the 2023/2024 State and Territory Landcare Awards are now open!
In each state and territory, the Landcare Awards will be granted to recognise the achievements that encompass climate action, environmental leadership, sustainable agriculture, First Nations, Women in Landcare, youth, Coastcare and children.
Nominating is free. You can nominate yourself, or you can nominate someone you know who should be recognised.
Nominate here.
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Details about Agriculture Victoria events can be found in one spot on our website. Log on to the Events page to keep in touch with upcoming events.
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| Healthy soils for weed management |
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Learn how to reduce weeds on your property through soil management.
South Gippsland Landcare Network invite you to learn from prominent soil scientist Declan McDonald on how to improve soil management to reduce weed infestation such as Ragwort and achieve a myriad of other on-farm benefits.
Declan McDonald is a Principal Soil Scientist with ReGen Soils. He has extensive experience working in agriculture and production horticulture. Skilled in Regenerative Agriculture Declan has worked closely with farmers and other land managers on a range of projects with Landcare and Producer groups. Declan has an undergraduate degree in Horticulture and a Master’s Degree focused on Sustainable Agriculture (Soils) from University of Sydney.
When: Saturday 25 November; 10 am – 12:30 pm
Where: Hallston Hall. 2650 Grand Ridge Road, Hallston
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Notepad and pen
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Hat and sunscreen
Register your place here.
This event is funded via Agriculture Victoria’s Partnership Against Pests program.
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| Managing fire risk on farms – tools, tips, resources and a seasonal update |
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Being well prepared for fire risk can assist farm businesses to recover faster in the event of a fire.
Join our webinar to hear more about the season ahead and how to prepare your farm for the fire season, using our newly released Fire Preparedness Toolkit.
When: Tuesday 28 November, 12 – 1 pm
Where: Online
Register here.
Kylie Macreadie, Land Management Extension Officer, will highlight farm preparedness activities and Dale Grey, Seasonal Risk Agronomist, will discuss what the current drier climate drivers of El Nino and the positive Indian Ocean Dipole are up to.
For more information and to stay up to date with our upcoming climate webinars visit our website.
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| Healthy, happy pigs – summer preparedness webinar |
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Love your pigs?
Please join us for our pig health webinar on Tuesday 5 December at 6 pm to ensure your pigs have a happy, healthy summer.
We’ll look at common illnesses, their signs and prevention.
We’ll also share an update on major diseases, including Japanese encephalitis and tell you about our free worm testing and biosecurity planning program.
Register your place here.
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| Digging deeper to better understand your soils |
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When: Monday 4 December, 2:30 to 7 pm
Where: Karoonda Park, Gelantipy
Register here.
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| Business of farming farm valuation and leveraging |
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When: Tuesday 5 December, 5:30 to 8:30 pm
Where: Lindenow Pub, Lindenow
Register here.
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| Feed pads, renewable energy and more! |
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Join national experts and specialists on the latest key technologies seen first-hand on-farm.
When: Wednesday 13 December, 9 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Jelbart Dairy, Leongatha South (exact location provided on registration).
Register your place here.
This free event will include interactive elements involving our special guests – short talks, a visit to 3 locations on the property and a panel session.
Topics covered will include:
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Reducing the environmental footprint
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Technologies and programs in reducing methane emissions
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Australian guidelines for loose housing, cattle shelters and feed pads
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Related climatic past and future trends.
Our guest speakers:
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Tim Jelbart – Jelbart Farm
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Jennie Pryce – Agriculture Victoria
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Karen Romano – Dairy Australia
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Peter Best – Innovative Farm Services.
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| Australian Dairy Conference – February 2024 |
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Australia’s premier dairy event will return to the Victorian capital of Melbourne in February 2024 from 12-14 February.
Program details and more information to be released throughout 2023.
Find out more here.
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| Raising the Roof 2024 – save the date |
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Raising the Roof, the Australian dairy industry’s only major event that focusses specifically on intensive farm systems, will be held in the Hunter Valley in New South Wales from 27 – 29 February 2024.
When: 27 – 29 February 2024
Where: Hunter Valley, New South Wales
Tickets on sale soon.
For more information email karen.romano@dairyaustralia.com.au
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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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