In this edition:

• Applications open for Corella Management Grant Program
• Firearms and equipment destroyed in illegal spotlighting bust
• Cherries Traceability - what's an RFID?
• Building a stronger farm business for tomorrow
• Fox and wild dog bounty
• Catch the latest dairy updates at Tatura SmartFarm
• Book early for Ballarat sheep and beef conferences
• Biosecurity Basics Episode 5
• Make this your moment – the Governor of Victoria Export Awards
• In case you missed it
• What's on

Applications for funding to address the impacts of Long-billed Corella and Little Corella populations on community are now open.

Local government authorities, farmers and committees of management are among those eligible to apply for grants to address agricultural, infrastructural, environmental and social impacts.

A total of $250,000 is available in Victorian Government grant funding.

The Corella Management Grants Program guidelines align with the Victorian Corella Strategy 2022-2032.

The strategy promotes a ‘living with wildlife’ approach to encourage positive attitudes to corellas, as part of a broader strategy for living with wildlife in Victoria.

Find more information about the grant program here.

Five men from Bendigo have received penalties in the Benalla Magistrates Court for illegal spotlighting, hunting and firearms offences in the Tatong area near Benalla.

The men were ordered to pay a total of $4,067 in fines and court costs, and had their firearms, scopes, ammunition, gun bags and spotlights forfeited and destroyed.

The Game Management Authority’s (GMA) Director of Compliance and Intelligence, Zac Powell, said the GMA was patrolling areas where illegal spotlighting had been reported.

'Officers intercepted the men in two vehicles at night on 26 November 2023 travelling along Middle Creek Track in the Tatong area,' Mr Powell said.

The men were found with unsecured firearms, ammunition and spotlights in their vehicles and had shot a deer in recognised deer habitat at night. Their firearms and equipment were seized on the spot.'

Mr Powell said it is illegal to hunt any game species at night, it is dangerous and can put communities, properties and livestock at risk. It is also illegal to travel in a vehicle in recognised deer habitat 30 minutes after sunset with unsecured firearms and ammunition.

'Those who break the law face significant fines and penalties, including prosecution, and having equipment confiscated and Game and Firearms Licences cancelled. In some cases, offenders may face jail terms.

'Thank you to the community members and hunters who report illegal spotlighting to the GMA. These reports help us to target high-risk areas and help keep the community safe.'

Hunters and the public are urged to report illegal spotlighting to the GMA through its website or by calling 136 186. If an urgent response is required, call 000.

The GMA assesses all reports of illegal behaviour and works closely with its partner agencies, including Victoria Police, to conduct enforcement and compliance operations across Victoria.

Confused about RFID?

Watch our video from the Cherry Growers Australia and Agriculture Victoria Cherries Traceability Pilot that takes you behind the scenes of cherry production, showcasing the cutting-edge RFID technology implemented at Cherry Hill Orchards.

Discover how RFID technology automates fruit tracking from harvest to dispatch, ensuring premium quality, integration with global standards, and building capacity for future growth.

Learn from industry leaders about the benefits of automated on-farm traceability, the integration of RFID inventory tracking with the enterprise resource planning ERP system, and the adoption of GS1 Australia traceability standards.

Agriculture Victoria’s Goulburn Murray Horticulture Farm Business Resilience Program is supporting growers to build on their knowledge and skills to strengthen their farm business and be better equipped to manage the risks associated with a variable climate.

Agriculture Victoria Horticulture Program Coordinator, Andy Clark said the free, short business course will run at the Tatura SmartFarm at the end of May and mid-June.

‘Specialists will present on Wednesday and Thursday 29 and 30 May on topics including identifying and managing risks, strategic planning and setting business goals, managing people on farm, succession planning and farm safety, as well as onsite biosecurity planning.’

‘Following on from this, on Wednesday and Thursday 12-13 June, session topics will include climate risk and natural resource management, cost of production, financial management, budgeting, and profitable decision making.

‘These sessions will focus on building on and strengthening your business productivity, rather than on individual business information, for example individual finances.

‘The course includes an in-depth workbook and a 1-on-1 online pre-course briefing and follow up session with a course facilitator.’
Mr Clark said each session will commence at 1 pm and will run for approximately 4 hours.

Food and refreshments are provided at each session.

To register for the course, click here 

For more information contact Andy Clark on 0436 804 656 or at andy.clark@agriculture.vic.gov.au

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

Victoria’s bounty collections resumed on 4 March 2024.

Please continue to 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.

Goulburn Valley dairy producers are encouraged to come along and hear from expert presenters on the latest dairy genomic research and livestock supplements to address climate and emissions.

Agriculture Victoria Dairy Industry Officer, Richard Smith, said the event will be held at the Agriculture Victoria Tatura SmartFarm on Thursday 6 June, starting at 10:30 am.

‘We will hear from three specialists, including Ainslie MacDonald, Research Fellow with the Primary Industries Climate Challenges Centre at Melbourne University.

‘Ainslie will provide an update on supplements that inhibit methane production and explain the efficiency, safety, costs and impacts of methane mitigation options.

‘Agriculture Victoria’s Research Director Dr Jennie Pryce will share her extensive knowledge in and updates on dairy genomic research and development.

‘We will also hear from PhD student Laura Jensen, who will present her PhD project on heat tolerance Australian Breeding Value (ABV) and the use of sensor data.

Please note as lunch and refreshments will be provided, registrations are required.

If you would like to register to attend or would like more information, contact Richard Smith at Agriculture Victoria on 0436 803 765 or at richard.smith@agriculture.vic.gov.au.

Early bird tickets are now available for BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef conferences to be held on 19 and 20 June in Ballarat, at The Goods Shed.

Agriculture Victoria Senior Specialist, Lyndon Kubeil said this was the first time since 2019 the two conferences would be held together and in the new location of Ballarat.

‘We are holding everything under the one roof this year - the sheep and the beef industry conferences, dinner and trade displays will all be at The Goods Shed, an exciting new venue near Ballarat Railway Station,’ said Mr Kubeil.

‘The event will start on Wednesday 19 June at 9 am with registrations for the BestWool/BestLamb conference, followed by a combined dinner for the beef and sheep industries at 6 pm that night.

‘The BetterBeef conference will be held the following day on Thursday 20 June.’

The program will include keynote addresses and concurrent sessions, giving participants the ability to tailor their time to suit their needs and interests.

Mr Kubeil said there will be an excellent line up of presenters, including agribusiness professionals John Francis from Agrista and Cam Nicholson from Nicon Rural Services, who are presenting on both days and are sure to draw a crowd.

‘John Francis’ session ‘Thriving under pressure – are you ready for the next challenge?’ will help producers make more informed decisions when faced with obstacles impacting their farm business.

‘Cam Nicholson’s presentation on “Grazing Management – balancing the compromise” will show us how to make better decisions and find the right strategic balance between the plant and the animal in a grazing enterprise.

Ticket sales will be capped this year to accommodate the size of the new venue.

‘We encourage people to book early and be rewarded with early bird discounts on tickets, with a 1-day conference ticket only $80 and a full package 2-day conference and dinner ticket for $200.’

Early bird tickets close on Friday 31 May.

To secure an early bird ticket discount, click here

Contact Lyndon Kubeil on 0418 532 085 or visit the Agriculture Victoria events page to learn more.

This event is delivered in partnership with Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) and is supported by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) and Farm Business Resilience program.

Episode 5: Designing a farm map with Clem Sturmfels and Ian Powell

What is the importance of a farm map?

Clem Sturmfels, Land Management Extension Officer, explains how a farm map helps landholders manage biosecurity risks, manage public access, and meet industry assurance requirements.

Gippsland cattle farmer Ian Powell explains how he created a farm map and how it is used to protect his property from biosecurity risks.

Click here to listen via the AgVic website.

Get ready to shine in the spotlight!

Applications have now opened for the Governor of Victoria Export Awards (GOVEA).

Open to all Victorian exporters, regardless of business size or total export sales, winning a GOVEA isn't just about recognition; it's about catapulting your business to new heights.

GOVEA winners automatically receive a place as finalists in the National Export Awards.

Boost your brand and gain exposure to potential clients, investors, and partners, both locally and globally.

Showcase your innovation to the business community in 2024.

Apply now by visiting global.vic.gov.au/govea.

Applications close 14 June.

New Chair for Horse Traceability Taskforce

Victorian biosecurity specialist and former Queensland Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Ron Glanville will lead the National Horse Traceability Implementation Taskforce as its new Chair.

READ THE MEDIA RELEASE IN FULL 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.

Ready to grow your agri-food and beverage business by exploring export opportunities but not sure where to start?

Join us for a free Export Development Program.

Agriculture Victoria's Pathways to Export is partnering with Export Connect to deliver a series of in-person masterclass workshops in Gippsland and Melbourne and online export strategy webinars.

In-person sessions:

• Friday 24 May – 9 am – 4 pm, Agriculture Victoria Attwood Centre, 475-485 Mickleham Road.

Webinars:

• Export Pricing: Tuesday 21 May – 2 – 4 pm
• Pitch Development: Tuesday 28 May – 2 – 4 pm
• International Buyer and Exporter Panel: Tuesday 4 June – 2 – 4 pm.

Register here for 1 or more sessions.

Agriculture Victoria is running a two-day workshop on centre pivot and lateral move (CPLM) irrigation systems facilitated by Peter Smith, Sapphire Irrigation Consulting.

The workshop is targeted at farmers and service providers involved with the design and installation of CPLM systems or aiming to optimise the performance and management of an existing system.

Participation will be free of charge.

Participants will learn and understand:

• the key design considerations for an efficient CPLM system with uniform application
• the financial considerations associated with the purchase and operation of a CPLM
• planning considerations when installing a CPLM
• the key measures and indicators of CPLM system performance
• technology options including variable application rate, end guns and sprinkler packs
• irrigation scheduling and operation for improved agronomy
• energy efficiency considerations.

Kerang workshop

Dates: Tuesday 25 June and Wednesday 26 June - 8:30 am to 4 pm
Location: Kerang Agriculture Victoria Office
Contact: Adam Taylor - 0439 412 366
RSVP: Wednesday - 19 June.

Numurkah workshop

Dates: Thursday 27 June and Friday 28 - 8:30 am to 4 pm
Location: Shamrock Hotel Numurkah
Contact: Chris Pollard - 0473 085 873
RSVP: Wednesday - 19 June.

Choose your distance to register and help build stronger and more resilient farming communities!

Run it, walk it, push it!

For more information or to register click here

Agriculture Victoria and the City of Greater Bendigo are inviting you to a free workshop on buying and selling healthy livestock, and understanding what is ‘fit to load’ in a small farm context.

• Are you a hobby farmer or manage a small–scale landholding in the Bendigo area?
• Are you buying or selling livestock, or is it something that you are planning to do in the future?
• Do you know the legal requirements when buying and selling livestock, and what support people are available to assist locally?

When: Wednesday, 12 June at Quality Hotel Lakeside, 286 Napier Street, Bendigo from 6 – 8:30 pm.

The workshop will cover:

• How to buy and sell animals as a small livestock producer
• Do I need a livestock agent?
• Can I buy animals off Facebook?
• Who pays for transport?
• Can I view them before I buy them?
• What are my obligations as a hobby farmer or livestock owner?
• How to know if your animal is healthy before bringing it onto your farm
• Understanding ‘fit to load’
• What are the legal requirements of buying and selling livestock?

To register or for more information click here

‘Natural capital’ is the latest innovative thinking about our environment and how it relates to the economy, and the North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) wants to give local farmers and businesses an opportunity to benefit from it.

The forum will be held at Bendigo’s Capital Theatre on June 13, from 9 am to 5 pm.

Topics and speakers include:

• ESG Insights: From Global Trends to On-Farm Practices - Katie McRobert, General Manager / Acting CEO, Australian Farm Institute
• Farm-scale Natural Capital Accounting - Jim Radford, Associate Professor, Department of Environment and Genetics, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University
• Enhancing farm profitability, resilience and sustainability - Angela Hawdon, Strategic Engagements Manager, Farming for the Future
• Understanding On-Farm Emissions - Alison Kelly, Farm Emissions Specialist, Agriculture Victoria
• Farmers Insights - Hear from farmers who have engaged with natural capital and carbon markets.

The forum will help people understand what natural capital is, what it means for farm businesses, and weight up the opportunities and the risks.

For bookings and more information, go to North Central CMA Events page.

Tickets are $25 and are limited.

For more information and/or to register click here

The GSSA conference at Bendigo on 17-18 July will offer something for everyone.

The central theme will focus on ‘Evidence Based Decision Making’ and the topics have been built around what farmers need to know.
Delegates will be able to choose from two bus tours.

One to a property north of Bendigo integrating lucerne into a profitable livestock system and one to a higher rainfall perennial pasture property south of Bendigo.

Topics will include:

• Carbon - An informed farmers perspective
• Carbon neutral livestock production - is it possible?
• Soil carbon and fertility
• Measuring and knowing your soil carbon levels
• Old clover identification and sub optimal clover nodulation
• Paddock livestock weighing
• What bugs you?
• Use of drones in agriculture
• Facial livestock recognition
• Remote pasture measurement
• Running lambs on improved varieties of perennial ryegrass vs more persistent Victorian ryegrass - animal responses above yield responses
• N efficiency and endophytes in ryegrass pastures
• Introduction to fertiliser calculator tool.

Click here for more information - 2024 GSSA Annual Conference

The Southern Australia Livestock Research Council (SALRC) is excited to announce their third biennial Livestock Conference with the overarching theme of Environmental challenges and opportunities for Australian livestock industries.

Sessions will include keynote speakers and group workshop activities and cover the following:

• improving land, air and water
• solutions for human capacity
• economic considerations and market impacts.

Click here for more information about the upcoming conference.

If you would like to register for conference updates you can join the mailing list here.

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