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Thursday 18 May 2023
In this edition:
Flood and storm information
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A range of support measures are available for flood and storm-affected farmers.

Information about these measures can be found at agriculture.vic.gov.au/floods.

For any urgent animal welfare needs, please contact 136 186. 

Farmers are encouraged to contact the Agriculture Recovery team on 0427 694 185 (Mon-Fri between 8.30 am and 5 pm) or recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Technical information and decision-making support 

Agriculture Victoria is working with Victorian farmers and industry to prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters (including floods and storms) through delivery of technical information and decision-making support services to help farm business recovery, including:

  • grazing, cropping and pasture management
  • irrigation and horticulture system rehabilitation
  • soil erosion management 
  • land management
  • animal health and nutrition 
  • farm mapping and planning 
  • water quality
  • weed management.

Ag recovery newsletter

Farmers and service providers are encouraged to subscribe to the ag recovery digital newsletter to access latest events and information.

Ag recovery events

For information on events and field days across the state please visit the Events page on the Agriculture Victoria website.

Victorian Primary Producer Flood Recovery package

Flood and storm-affected farmers and growers are eligible to apply for financial support via the current flood recovery grants.

Applications for primary producer and rural landholder financial supports related to the October 2022 to 13 January 2023 flood and storm event have been extended to 13 July 2023.

Applications close at 4 pm on Thursday 13 July 2023.

The extension applies to:

  1. Primary Producer Recovery Grants: Up to $75,000 grants to support the cost of recovery and get businesses up and running again. Note: This replaces the $10,000 Primary Producer Flood Clean–Up, Relief Grants announced on 19 October. Producers that have received a Primary Producer Flood Clean–Up Relief Grant of $10,000 can now apply for up to a further $65,000 under the Primary Producer Recovery Grant, bringing the total to $75,000.
  2. Rural Landholder Grants: Up to $25,000 grants to support the costs of disaster impacts for small-scale producers.
  3. Primary Producer Concessional Loans: Up to $250,000 to restore or replace damaged equipment and infrastructure, or to cover short-term business expenses. This loan has been amended to allow primary producers who suffered a significant loss of income as a direct result of the 2022 Victorian floods and storms but who did not suffer direct damage to assets to apply for a concessional loan of up to $100,000.
  4. Primary Producer Transport Subsidies: Up to $15,000 to support the transport of emergency fodder or stock drinking water, and the movement of livestock.

To apply for support or for more information, visit the Rural Finance website.

Rural Financial Counselling Service

The Rural Financial Counselling Service offers free and independent financial information, options, decision-making support and referral services to farmers and small, related rural businesses who are in, or at risk of, financial hardship.

They can also assist farmers to apply for financial assistance.

To connect with your local service call 1300 771 741 or visit the National Emergency Management Agency

National Centre for Farmer Health: flood response support

The National Centre for Farmer Health is committed to supporting primary producers whose properties, livestock or crops were damaged or lost in the floods and storms through the delivery of initiatives to boost farmer mental health and wellbeing, including:

  • A supportive online community through the #BuildingFarmSpirit social media campaign
  • Free access to online psychology support delivered by farmer health trained psychologists
  • Support for community events providing social connection and mental health promotion opportunities for farmers, farming families and farming communities
  • Distribution of mental health resources and support information.

More information is available on the National Centre for Farmer Health website.

Hailstorm support
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The Victorian Government is supporting growers and farmers in the City of Greater Shepparton and Yarra Ranges Council local government areas affected by the 23 March 2023 hailstorm event to get back in business, with concessional loans to support their relief and recovery efforts.

A Hailstorm Primary Producer Concessional Loan of up to $250,000 to restore and replace damaged assets, and meet general expenses incurred while the clean-up is underway is available, with applications closing at 4pm on 14 November 2023.

Growers and farmers whose properties were impacted or suffered a significant loss of income as a direct result of the March 2023 hailstorm event can apply.

Rural Finance administers this program which is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Visit the Rural Finance website for application forms and program guidelines or call Rural Finance on 1800 260 25 if you have any questions.

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Citrus traceability
Citrus traceability banner image

International Day of Plant Health on May 12 offered a great opportunity to learn about the systems that support food security – like traceability.

The Australian citrus industry exports a whopping 304,000 tonnes of fruit each year to export countries at a value of $500 million!

And to make sure the whole world knows exactly where their Australian citrus is coming from, we’ve helped fund technology that links the buyer back to the orchards where it’s grown.

The Citrus Traceability Project has labelled 600,000 bags and boxes of citrus fruit with specially marked QR codes – every code is unique and scanning enables two-way flow of information from farm to fork.

Learn more HERE

Subscribe to Victorian Biosecurity Matters newsletter
Vic Biosecurity Matters newsletter banner image

Agriculture Victoria has launched a new monthly e-newsletter, Victorian Biosecurity Matters, to serve as a key hub for all biosecurity-related content.

The monthly publication will cover topics such as emergency animal diseases, marine pests, pest animals, plant diseases, weeds, pest insects and mites, food safety and on-farm biosecurity plans.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, Victorian Biosecurity Matters has something for everyone.

Subscribing to the free newsletter is easy.

Feral pig monitoring videos
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Feral pigs are becoming an increasing threat to biosecurity, agricultural production and the natural environment in Victoria.

Learn more about feral pigs and control methods HERE

Retiring grain scientist’s career celebrated
Image of Joe Panozzo

Caption: Dr Joe Panozzo, retiring Agriculture Victoria researcher

One of Agriculture Victoria’s most respected researchers, Dr Joe Panozzo recently retired after more than 35 years of service with Agriculture Victoria.

In the eyes of his former colleagues, Dr Joe Panozzo remains an incredibly humble and approachable person despite all of his achievements in agricultural research.

Commencing with grower funded Victorian Wheat Institute as a wheat quality scientist in the 1980s, Dr Panozzo worked closely with three wheat breeding programs to determine quality traits in the early generations of the breeds.

A friend and mentor to many, he has supervised 11 PhD students during their studies at Horsham and continues to instil his passion for agricultural research as an honorary supervisor at the University of Melbourne.

Dr Simone Warner, head of Agriculture Victoria Research thanked Dr Panozzo for his service to Victorian agriculture.

‘Dr Panozzo is recognised globally for his vast experience in grains research. He has led research and development projects in wheat breeding, pulses, oilseeds and ruminant feed nutrition that many organisations have benefitted from.

‘The significance of his scientific contributions is evident in the 140 plus publications that bear his name and his team’s research findings have been cited more than 4,300 times.

'Agriculture Victoria is very thankful to Joe for his contributions that have been such a benefit, to our organisation and Victoria.'

Acting Research Director and Horsham SmartFarm Site Manager, Dr Garry Rosewarne said Dr Panozzo has been a great colleague and friend to many.

‘I worked with Joe first-hand in our pulse breeding programs and he has revolutionised how we assess quality in such a way that it goes hand in hand with our genomics capabilities.

‘His wealth of knowledge and experience will be sorely missed,’ Dr Rosewarne said.

Dr Panozzo said he would look back at his time at Agriculture Victoria with fondness and the Horsham site as a truly wonderful place to undertake agricultural-based research that had clear economic benefits for Victoria.

At the height of his career, Dr Panozzo was awarded the Farrer medal which perpetuates the achievements of Australia’s first wheat breeder William Farrer and the prestigious Australasian Grain Science Association FB Guthrie Medal for ‘outstanding scientific achievement and contribution to knowledge in the field of grain science’.

Primary producer loans and more disaster recovery assistance for hail-impacted Victorians

Victorian primary producers in the City of Greater Shepparton and Yarra Ranges Local Government Areas can now apply for concessional loans of up to $250,000 following a hailstorm event on 23 March this year.

The loans are part of a range of assistance through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

The concessional loans will support eligible primary producers to re-establish operations, restore and/or replace damaged assets and pay for working capital expenses that cannot be met due to a loss of income.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt said the hailstorm was the third significant storm to have impacted the City of Greater Shepparton Local Government Area during the current horticultural season.

'Significant infrastructure damage was sustained, including orchard netting and poles. Unfortunately for this event, hail netting offered limited protection given the size of the hail and the direction of the storm,' Minister Watt said.

'As well as help for farmers, there are also other forms of disaster assistance available for this event, including debris-removal help for residents, and assistance for local councils to fix up roads and public assets.'

Victorian Minister for Agriculture, the Hon Gayle Tierney MP, said she was pleased to announce this financial support for hard-hit horticultural growers who have felt the full impact of storms since November.

'The March storm hit growers in the Goulburn Valley on the eve of harvest and caused significant damage to the apple harvest (and compounded the impacts of previous flood and storm events),' Minister Tierney said.

'This financial support recognises the significant impact that the recent storms and floods have had on many in the horticultural sector.

'This additional provision of a concessional loan of up to $250,000 to eligible growers recognises the impacts sustained by many in this sector in the past six months and acknowledges the need to support our fruit and vegetable growers.'

For more information on the new concessional loans and the range of financial support measures available for the October 2022 to 13 January 2023 floods and storms visit Rural Finance at www.ruralfinance.com.au or call 1800 260 425.

More skills for young Victorian farmers
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Looking to extend your skills?

We’re making it easier than ever for young farmers to learn new skills for their chosen career or retrain to get the job of their dreams.

Even with a previous qualification, Victorians are now eligible for Free TAFE and other government-subsidised courses, giving an additional 2 million Victorians access to more than 500 courses without having to pay full fees.

With free TAFE, you could undertake courses in agriculture, dairy production, horticulture and more without the cost of tuition.

Want to know more? Find the course you’re looking for HERE 

Victorian Gorse Taskforce community grants now open
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Speak with your local community group about applying for a VGT grant.

Funding
Community groups may apply for funding up to $8,000 for on-ground gorse control works on private land. All participating landholders involved may receive up to $1,500 in grant funding and must match this with their own monetary contribution.

Timeline
The 2023-24 Community Grants Program is now open and will close on 30 June 2023. If gorse is a problem across your area the VGT encourages you to connect with your local community group and apply now.

Eligibility

  • Grants are available to Victorian community groups e.g., Landcare or Friends of Groups only.
  • Funding is available for gorse control on private land only.
  • Projects must promote and carry out gorse control that aligns with the Gorse National Best Practice Manual.
  • Incentives to participating individual properties must be capped at $1,500 per property ownership.
  • Participating landholders must sign a three-year voluntary work agreement that commits them to maintaining all necessary follow-up gorse control at their expense.

For more information and to check out the grant guidelines and application form click HERE

Or send your inquiry to info@vicgorsetaskforce.com.au

Fox and wild dog bounty collection details for North East, Goulburn Broken and Loddon regions
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Participants are reminded the Victorian Fox and Wild Dog Bounty is now digital.

Agriculture Victoria introduced the new system last year to streamline the application process, reduce wait times at collection centres and allow participants to keep track of bounty applications.

To register for the digital system visit our bounty homepage and follow the prompts.

For assistance, please chat to our bounty collection staff on collections days or call the Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

Tatura collections

Address: Depot, 255 Ferguson Road, Tatura.

Collection type: Fox only

Time: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

  • Monday 29 May
  • Monday 26 June
  • Monday 24 July
  • Monday 21 August
  • Monday18 September
  • Monday 16 October.

Wodonga collections

Address: 14 Moorefield Park Drive, Wodonga.

Collection type: Fox and wild dog

Time: 9 – 11 am

  • Tuesday 30 May
  • Tuesday 27 June
  • Tuesday 25 July
  • Tuesday 22 August
  • Tuesday 19 September
  • Tuesday 17 October.

Ovens collections

Address: 5338 Great Alpine Road, Ovens.

Collection type: Fox and wild dog

Time: 1:30 – 3:30 pm

  • Tuesday 30 May
  • Tuesday 27 June
  • Tuesday 25 July
  • Tuesday 22 August
  • Tuesday 19 September
  • Tuesday 17 October.

Benalla collections

Address: Depot, 89 Sydney Road, Benalla.

Collection type: Fox only

Time: 10 am – noon

  • Wednesday 31 May
  • Wednesday 28 June
  • Wednesday 26 July
  • Wednesday 23 August
  • Wednesday 20 September
  • Wednesday 18 October.

Mansfield collections

Address: Depot, 128 Highett Street, Mansfield.

Collection type: Fox and wild dog

Time: 2 – 4 pm

  • Wednesday 31 May
  • Wednesday 28 June
  • Wednesday 26 July
  • Wednesday 23 August
  • Wednesday 20 September
  • Wednesday 18 October.

Broadford collections

Address: 5 Mollinson Street, Broadford.

Collection type: Fox only

Time: 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

  • Thursday 1 June
  • Thursday 29 June
  • Thursday 27 July
  • Thursday 24 August
  • Thursday 21 September
  • Thursday 19 October.

Bendigo collections – fox only

Address: Corner Midland Highway and Taylor Street, Epsom.

Time: 10.30 am – 12.30 pm

  • Tuesday 13 June
  • Monday 10 July
  • Monday 7 August
  • Monday 4 September
  • Monday 2 October
  • Monday 30 October.
AgVic Talk on all things AgTech and Energy
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AgVic Talk podcast is back for season five, this time talking about the future of Agricultural Technologies (AgTech) and Energy.

From solar-powered poultry farms to on-farm drone trials and the difficulties of connectivity in rural and remote areas, this season covers everything you need to further understand the evolving world of AgTech and Energy.

These 14 episodes are the latest in the AgVic Talk series, which began as a pilot in August 2020 to cover contemporary commentary on how members of the agricultural community recover, grow, modernise, protect, and promote Victorian agriculture.

You can subscribe and listen to AgVic Talk wherever you get your podcasts:

  • Subscribe to AgVic Talk on Spotify
  • Subscribe to Apple podcasts.
Free online training modules for Emergency Animal Disease Awareness
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Farmers across Victoria are encouraged to complete a series of free online training modules to help them protect their animals from diseases and biosecurity threats.

Agriculture Victoria’s online training modules aim to give farmers an overview of the risk and impacts of an emergency animal disease (EAD) outbreak.

They raise awareness of Foot-and mouth disease and Lumpy skin disease, what a livestock standstill means for the industry and how people can visit farming properties safely.

The four modules include:

  • Foot-and-mouth disease awareness
  • Lumpy skin disease awareness
  • Come clean, stay clean, go clean – when visiting farms
  • Livestock standstill for Foot-and-mouth disease.

Each module takes about 15 minutes to complete. To get started, click here.

What's On

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.

Register now! 2023 BWBL Conference and dinner
BWBL Conference banner image

The Ag Vic 2023 BestWool/BestLamb Conference will be held at the Bendigo Showgrounds on Tuesday 20 June.

A pre-conference dinner will take place on Monday 19 June at the All Seasons Resort Hotel in Bendigo to celebrate 25 years of the BestWool/BestLamb program.

Our dinner guest speaker will be Mark Wales, former SAS and winner of TV series Australian Survivor.

The line-up of conference speakers is sure to inform, challenge and excite participants with the most up to date sheep industry research and information.

Early bird registrations are now on sale until 31 May.

For the conference program and registration click HERE

For more information contact Lyndon Kubeil on 0418 532 085 or lyndon.kubeil@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Save the date – Riverine Plains is back with the 2023 Innovation Expo, 24-25 August
Riverine Plains expo banner image
 

Riverine Plains is back with the 2023 Innovation Expo, 24-25 August.

Join farmers, researchers, suppliers, and future thinkers to learn, network, and challenge thinking about local farming systems. The theme, 'Putting Farmers First – Driving Decisions using Data'.

Learn about the latest technology and management trends impacting farming businesses and rural communities.

Follow Riverine Plains to stay up to date.

Timmering – Better Pasture Management workshop

Join us for a practical workshop that will help you assess the current state of your pastures to decide what action to take to optimise pasture growth, quality and sustainability.

Thursday 1 June, 9:30 am – 3 pm

Meet at Marg & Peter Richards shearing shed, 220 Tehan Road, Timmering

Hosted by the Timmering BWBL group.

Hands-on practical sessions in the paddock. Please wear clean, appropriate footwear and clothing and bring a chair. Light refreshments will be provided.

Topics

  • Objectively assess the current state of your pastures using MLA’s Pasture Paramedic
  • Identify constraints to pasture growth, feed quality and utilisation
  • Use grazing management to improve productivity and persistence of pastures and reduce weeds
  • Assess pasture performance using tools/apps to record livestock movements
  • Livestock feeding tools
  • Flood and storm support available.

Presenters

Lisa Warn (Ag Consulting) Managing ewe and feed requirements for pregnancy management and beyond.

Erica Schelfhorst (Ag Vic) Tools available to plan livestock feeding requirements.

Registration and information contact Erica Schelfhorst
on 0429 807 689 or erica.schelfhorst@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Barraport – Better Pasture Management workshop

Join us for a practical workshop that will help you assess the current state of your pastures to decide what action to take to optimise pasture growth, quality and sustainability.

Tuesday 6 June, 9:30 am – 3 pm

CFA shed Barraport West Road, Barraport

Hosted by the Boort BWBL group

Hands-on practical sessions in the paddock. Please wear clean, appropriate footwear and clothing and bring a chair. Light refreshments will be provided.

Topics

  • Objectively assess the current state of your pastures using MLA’s Pasture Paramedic
  • Identify constraints to pasture growth, feed quality and utilisation
  • Use grazing management to improve productivity and persistence of pastures and reduce weeds
  • Assess pasture performance using tools/apps to record livestock movements
  • Livestock feeding tools
  • Flood and storm support available.

Presenters

Lisa Warn (Ag Consulting) Managing ewe and feed requirements for pregnancy management and beyond.

Erica Schelfhorst (Ag Vic) Tools available to plan livestock feeding requirements.

Registration and information contact Erica Schelfhorst
on 0429 807 689 or erica.schelfhorst@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Mudgegonga – Carbon, farming and productivity workshop

This field day will comprise some presentations at the Mudgegonga Hall and an afternoon in the paddock. The field day is designed to look at the practicalities of what farm emissions look like and what options there are for reducing them.

When: Wednesday 7 June, 9:30 am – 4 pm

Where: Mudgegonga Public Hall, 1395 Myrtleford-Yackandandah Road, Mudgegonga

Some case studies and practical information will be supplied so that you can go away and consider some of these opportunities in your operation.

Many of the terms provided by the media will be demystified and discussed as part of the day. This day will discuss where things are up to with respect to farms and emissions, the day will provide a chance to understand some of the main themes around the topic.

Tickets are $30, booking fee for venue and catering.

For tickets click here

For more information, contact Lachlan Campbell on lachlan.campbell@necma.vic.gov.au or call 0400 852 482.

Baynton – Better Pasture Management workshop

Join us for a practical workshop that will help you assess the current state of your pastures to decide what action to take to optimise pasture growth, quality and sustainability.

Wednesday 7 June, 9:30 am – 3 pm

Baynton Hall, Baynton, Located on Darlington Road

Hosted by the Burke & Wills BWBL group

Hands-on practical sessions in the paddock. Please wear clean, appropriate footwear and clothing and bring a chair. Light refreshments will be provided.

Topics

  • Objectively assess the current state of your pastures using MLA’s Pasture Paramedic
  • Identify constraints to pasture growth, feed quality and utilisation
  • Use grazing management to improve productivity and persistence of pastures and reduce weeds
  • Assess pasture performance using tools/apps to record livestock movements
  • Livestock feeding tools
  • Flood and storm support available.

Presenters

Lisa Warn (Ag Consulting) Managing ewe and feed requirements for pregnancy management and beyond.

Erica Schelfhorst (Ag Vic) Tools available to plan livestock feeding requirements.

Registration and information contact Erica Schelfhorst
on 0429 807 689 or erica.schelfhorst@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Stock Sense Biosecurity Webinar

Two experts in the biosecurity world will teach us about what biosecurity planning entails.

14 June, from 6-7:15 pm

Dr Joan Lloyd (Joan Lloyd Consulting) has over 37 years’ experience in the animal health industry. She will be speaking about biosecurity planning and identifying disease risks.

Dr Jeff Cave (Ag Vic Senior Veterinary Officer) will be speaking about FMD and LSD, traceability and animal health declarations to manage incoming disease.

There will be opportunities for questions so make sure to register!

Register HERE

Numurkah – Developing a biosecurity plan for dairy farmers

14 June, 10:30 am – 2:30 pm

Shamrock Hotel, 5-13 Melville St, Numurkah

Everyone has a role in minimising biosecurity risks and impacts to the industry.

Agriculture Victoria is delivering this biosecurity workshop for Victorian dairy farmers to help you develop a biosecurity plan which can be used in conjunction with your current milk quality and LPA requirements.

This workshop will provide you with increased knowledge of how to better protect your livestock from pests and disease and how simple, practical, low cost, good biosecurity practices can be built into daily farm activities.

Topics include

  • Developing a biosecurity plan
  • Designing a farm map
  • Implementing a biosecurity plan – what you can do now.

A light lunch is included.

If you feel unwell, please do not attend this event.

Note: If you have already commenced a biosecurity plan, please bring it and your laptop along to the workshop.

For more information contact Richard Smith on richard.m.smith@agriculture.vic.gov.au or 0436 803 765.

Tallangatta – Developing a biosecurity plan for dairy farmers

15 June at 10:30 am – 2:30 pm

Tallangatta Football Club; Address: 2c Akuna Ave, Tallangatta

Everyone has a role in minimising biosecurity risks and impacts to the industry.

Agriculture Victoria is delivering this biosecurity workshop for Victorian dairy farmers to help you develop a biosecurity plan which can be used in conjunction with your current milk quality and LPA requirements.

This workshop will provide you with increased knowledge of how to better protect your livestock from pests and disease and how simple, practical, low cost, good biosecurity practices can be built into daily farm activities.

Topics include

  • Developing a biosecurity plan
  • Designing a farm map
  • Implementing a biosecurity plan – what you can do now.

A light lunch is included.

If you feel unwell, please do not attend this event.

Note: If you have already commenced a biosecurity plan, please bring it and your laptop along to the workshop.

For more information contact Richard Smith on richard.m.smith@agriculture.vic.gov.au or 0436 803 765.

Elmore – Livestock targets workshop

Join us for a practical workshop that will help you understand livestock feed demands, pasture targets and setting targets over the year.

Thursday 15 June, 9:30 am – 3 pm

Elmore Football Netball Club, Raywood Road, Elmore.

Hosted by the Campaspe BWBL group.

Hands-on practical sessions in the paddock. Please wear clean, appropriate footwear and clothing and bring a chair. Light refreshments will be provided.

Topics

  • Assess pastures for feed quantity and quality
  • Calculate pasture growth rates
  • Construct feed budgets (three types will be demonstrated – are stock getting enough to eat, how long will paddock last and three month budgets
  • Options to manage seasonal variation in feed supply (supplementary feeding, stock containment, increasing feed supply using Nitrogen, Gibberellic acid, rotational grazing
  • Apply tools to calculate supplementary feed requirements.
  • Flood and storm support available.

Presenters
Lisa Warn (Ag Consulting) Managing ewe and feed requirements for pregnancy management and beyond.

Erica Schelfhorst (Ag Vic) Tools available to plan livestock feeding requirements.

Registration and information contact Erica Schelfhorst on 0429 807 689 or at erica.schelfhorst@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Baynton – Livestock targets workshop

Join us for a practical workshop that will help you understand livestock feed demands, pasture targets and setting targets over the year.

Tuesday 27 June, 9:30 am – 3 pm

Baynton Hall, Darlington Road, Baynton.

Hosted by the Burke & Wills BWBL group.

Hands-on practical sessions in the paddock. Please wear clean, appropriate footwear and clothing and bring a chair. Light refreshments will be provided.

Topics

  • Assess pastures for feed quantity and quality
  • Calculate pasture growth rates
  • Construct feed budgets (three types will be demonstrated – are stock getting enough to eat, how long will paddock last and three month budgets
  • Options to manage seasonal variation in feed supply (supplementary feeding, stock containment, increasing feed supply using Nitrogen, Gibberellic acid, rotational grazing
  • Apply tools to calculate supplementary feed requirements.
  • Flood and storm support available.

Presenters
Lisa Warn (Ag Consulting) Managing ewe and feed requirements for pregnancy management and beyond.

Erica Schelfhorst (Ag Vic) Tools available to plan livestock feeding requirements.

Registration and information contact Erica Schelfhorst on 0429 807 689 or at erica.schelfhorst@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Irrigation Insights 2023
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Friday 21 July at Rich River Golf, Moama, from 9 am to 5 pm.

Irrigation insights is a collaborative, cross industry event which addresses the needs of grain, rice, cotton and dairy farmers in Northern Victoria and southern NSW.

As a cross-industry event, we bring researchers, experts, key thinkers and primary producers from multiple sectors together to explore irrigated agriculture and learn how multiple industries are tackling the big issues and opportunities facing agriculture

Program highlights
Session 1 – Navigating our Changing Climate
With our changing climate it’s vital for farmers and industry to understand how they can adapt their farming system to thrive in the future. Gain an insight into bridging the gap between predications and practice in terms of climate and our water operating environment.

Session 2 – Resilient Irrigated Farm Systems
Irrigation systems and technologies are changing, providing growers with more options for effectively using water effectively on farm to maximise production and minimise losses. Hear from the experts about the latest advances and information on different irrigation and farm systems.

Session 3 – Soils in Focus
Soils are the foundation of every irrigated farm system; this session explores our soils and how we ensure we maintain and improve this valuable asset.

Session 4 – Grounding AgTech in practice
There are lots of opportunities with AgTech – sensors, automation, farm management software, imagery, and smart farm equipment that offer huge benefits, hear more about what’s available and how farmers are engaging with them to enable best practice.

For more details and to register go to 2023 Irrigation Insights Conference – Irrigated Cropping Council

Future Drought Fund Science to Practice Forum – registrations are open

Registrations are now open for the Future Drought Fund’s 2023 Science to Practice Forum, 6-8 June 2023.

The annual forum is a showcase of the innovative tools and practices helping Australian farmers and communities respond to a changing climate and prepare for future drought.

Award-winning television journalist and presenter of ABC TV’s Landline, Pip Courtney, will host this year’s online forum and facilitate engaging discussions, with each day focussed on a particular theme:

  • Tuesday 6 June – Research and Development: Data-driven projects, stories around research trials and outcomes, future-driven content and content relevant to opportunities under the Future Drought Fund for Natural Resource Management, farming systems groups and research bodies.
  • Wednesday 7 June – Farmers, Producers and Agricultural Advisors: Stories of drought and preparing for it, ‘call-to-action’ presentations, content relevant to opportunities under the FDF for producers and their communities, farmer and farm-advisor delivered stories.
  • Thursday 8 June – Community and Policy: Community and social projects, including presentations on farmer wellbeing and community resilience in the context of drought, policy discussions and input from FDF network partners.

The forum connects participants to research and activities building the sustainability of Australian agriculture and is an opportunity to collaborate and network with like-minded people.

Register for the 2023 Science to Practice Forum via Eventbrite.

Tallangatta, Rochester and Numurkah – Biosecurity workshops for dairy farmers

Victorian dairy farmers are invited to join Agriculture Victoria’s upcoming workshops to learn about developing and updating their on-farm biosecurity plan.

Three workshops will be held on 14 and 15 June at Tallangatta, Rochester and Numurkah.

It is critical that dairy producers have an updated on-farm biosecurity plan, to safeguard their businesses, industry and our state from emergency animal diseases and pests.

With many dairy farmers currently active in building or upgrading feeding and housing infrastructure, there are more people than usual, such as contractors, visiting farms.

During these workshops, participants will learn how to understand the emerging biosecurity threats to agriculture, identify potential biosecurity risks, and develop a property specific plan tailored to individual farm needs.

These workshops are being delivered to ensure Victorian dairy farmers are equipped with the information and skills they need to develop an effective on-farm biosecurity plan.

To find out more or to register your interest call or text Richard Smith on 0436 803 765.

Mark your calendars!

From 3-8 December scientists, industry experts and leading horticultural and viticultural growers will converge on Tatura for the Second International Symposium on Precision Management of Orchards & Vineyards (PMOV23).

Agriculture Victoria is accepting Abstract Submissions for PMOV23 (ccem.eventsair.com/pmov2023/) until 31 May.

More information will be available in the coming months, so keep your eyes peeled!

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Contacting Agriculture Victoria

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-us/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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