EXCITEMENT never stopped at this year’s South GippslandFarming Expo, as the Gippsland Dairy IndustryLeadership Group (GDILG) unveiled the new Gippsland Dairy Strategy.
Launching the strategy was GDILG chair, MattGleeson, andGippsDairyregional manager, Karen McLennan, who were proud to besharing the work withthe expo attendees on the day.
About 100 people attended the launch, including the Gardiner Foundation CEO and other GDILGmembers. The launch was also shared on the GippsDairy social media channels.
“This first-of-its-kind strategy sets out a bold, unified vision for Gippsland’s dairy future-fromfarmto factoryto fridge,” GippsDairy said.
“With Gippsland producing 1.9 billion litres of milk in 2023-24 (nearly aquarter of Australia’s total!), this strategyisamajor step toward securing long-term sustainability, growth, and prosperity for our dairy sector.”
New strategy for farmers
visibility in broader regional planning.
“The Gippsland industry contributes $4 billion annually to the regional economy. There are over 6000 workers in the Gippsland dairy industry, with 2800 fulltime and part-time on farm, and another 3600 involved in processing. And then there's the rest of the industry, including tractors, vets, and so on.”
During the presentation, Mr Gleeson and Ms McLennan shared pieces of the strategy and collaborative efforts that have helped bring it together.
Established in 2016in response to economic and environmental pressures, includingfluctuatingmilkprices, rising feed costs, and prolonged dry conditions, the GDILGhas since evolved intoakey leadership group within the Gippsland dairy sector.
The GSILGcomprises representatives from arange of organisations such as the state government, local governments across Gippsland,government-funded organisations, industry bodies and milk processors.
GDILG put the strategy together as they saw aneed for an industry-wide strategy approach, working on strengthening connections across the dairy supply chain, focusing on effortsonfostering industry growth, attracting investment to the region, shaping regionalplanningprioritiesand elevating the profileand influence of the Gippsland dairy sector, ensuring its contributions are recognised and valued.
Duringthe previous Expo session, South Gippsland Shire Councillor Scott Rae shared the importanceofdairy, which Mr Gleeson had highlighted.
“At the start of today's session (Matt Harms panel session), Cr Rae mentioned the importance ofdairy inthis council,” Mr Gleeson told the crowd.
“One of the main aims for me is to elevate the profile and influence with the dairy sector,withinGippsland, and to lift its
The GDILG is committed to ensuring the success of this strategy, where aworking group will oversee the implementation of key initiatives, supporting projects that alignwith the strategy’s objectives. The plan will serve as avaluable tool to influence decision-making, strengthen industry connections, and highlight both challenges and opportunitieswithin the Gippsland dairy sector.
This strategy underscores the region’s attractiveness for investment and affirms key priorities for industrystakeholders
The GDILG remains dedicated to driving positive outcomes for Gippsland’s dairy industry, securing its future, andreinforcing its pivotal role in the region’s economic and social fabric.
To view the strategy,gotohttps://www. dairyaustralia.com.au/gippsdairy/reports All things dairy -Pages 12-14
GLaWAC partnership‘part of energy future’
Philip HOPKINS
GIPPSLAND Aborigines' visionofthe region's energy future includes agenuine partnershipand healing of country, with potentiallandreturns and compensation, according to aregional indigenous leader, Troy McDonald.
Mr McDonald, chair of the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC), said the energy future was one of renewables, not 'harmful' fossil fuels, with recognition of the role of traditional owners anon-negotiables foundation for genuine healing of Country.
Giving the opening address of the recent Gippsland New Energy Conference in Traralgon, Mr McDonald said: "I recognise Gunaikurnai as custodiansofcountry, and also of sea country, sky and sky across Gippsland. Why sky?That's where the 'moeties', the beings that shaped culture, came from."
"We are here to discuss energy. We carry those responsibilities with us because the choices we makenow will shape the health of country and community for generations tocome," he said.
Mr McDonald saidhegrewupinthe Latrobe Valley, in Traralgon, "For more than acentury, Gippsland's energy economy has been powered by fossil fuels -coal, oil and gas -all extracted from Gunaikurnai Country. Contrary to popular belief, we have not been the beneficiaries of that," he said.
"The history brought jobs and prosperity to Victoria; it also brought scars on country and contaminationunder the water.Scars on cultureonGunaikurnaiculture;the Gunaikurnai people were disconnected fromthe land,and heritagewas also desecrated in that process. Theimpacts are still withus today.The Gunaikurnai are at the table as partners in the industry transition, not bystanders on this."
Mr McDonald said in talking of mine rehabilitation, "we can't confine that conversationtoengineering or technical stability"."Remediationmust also reflect culture,the environmental,social and economic impacts. All GLaWAC's policy instruments reflect these," he said. "For us, water -the Gunaikurnai word 'yarnda'- is sacred in Gunaikurnai culture; it sustains life. Any restoration of the mine site must respect the cultural value of water,and reckonwiththe truecost
of the harm thathas beendone before." Being at the table for the mine remediation opportunity -"this transition" -offers great promise, but "it must not repeat the mistakes of the past".
Mr McDonaldsaid it was crucialtoprotect cultural heritage through heritage management plans.
"Heal country by avoiding theharm of the fossil fuels era; secure economic opportunities for Gunaikurnai people through jobs, training, procurement andshared benefits, and upholdthe concept of free informed consent in every negotiations we conduct," he said.
"That means wewill come to the table withintent. This is notjusta technical transition; itisaculturaland social one aswell. Again, it's our opportunity to be part of the industryecosystem around renewables."
Mr McDonald saidPathways to Partnerships was one of GLaWAC's
instruments of "how we want to do business with the sector".
"The GLaWAC partnerships modelsets new standard for agreement-making," he said. This was anew standard. not just a casual chat with executives, but amarker on "how we want to be engaged".
"We believe agreements must include land returnsatsome point, cultural heritage protection,economic participation and long-term monitoring of all work that comes before us with this amazing opportunity," he said.
"We arealready working in partnership with offshore wind proponents.These partnerships are not simply commercial; they are about reconciliation, healing and self-determination.
They show what it looks like when traditional owners sit atthe table as equal partners, this is what ajust energy future requires."
landscapes, creating alegacy, land returns, potentialcompensation one day -weare prettyopenabout that-and business development."
Mr McDonald said resources and leadership were pillarsthat GLaWAC was building on, recognising the role of traditional owners in the process.
"These are non-negotiables, the foundation of genuine healingofcountry. From the Gunaikurnai perspective, andall traditional ownersinVictoria,thisa big priority for all of us," he said.
"The energy transition must not repeat the exclusion of traditional owners, which is what happened with the coal mining for decades. Government and industry must imbed cultural values into energy planning -afully resourced partnership to ensure the benefits flow to communities,not just corporations."
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Regarding remediation and regeneration, Mr McDonald said it was necessary to deal honestly with what has been left behind, the healing of 'Wurruck'-Wurruck means country -after coal. Prioritiesfor mine rehabilitation included sustainability. "Do not contaminate the water -that is, protect the water's sovereignty and quality," he said.
"Restore cultural heritage -tangible and intangible. Intangible cultural heritage is not just'stonesand bones';it's about stories that live in Country, in waterways, in the air, the trees.
Look beyond themine voidstowhole
Mr McDonald said healing country was a shared responsibility. "If we do this together, with honesty and respect, then Gippsland can show Australia and the world how to deliver ajust energy transition," he said.
Guidance from the elders council of the Gunaikurnaiprovided acultural governance framework: 'Learn from yesterday, be proactive today'.
"Aim forastrong and healthy mob and country tomorrow. This is the opportunity for us to do things differently, to walk with respect, to build an energy future for our homes and industries butalsofor the healing of Country," Mr McDonald said.
GLaWAC takes part in the energy future.
Photo: Contributed
VFF: Farmer push on Treaty
HOPKINS
Philip
VICTORIA'S farmers must be involved in the process and legislation to create a Victorian Aboriginal Treaty according to the industry's peak body.
The Presidentofthe Victorian Farmers Federation, Brett Hosking, acknowledged thatGovernmenthad reached an inprinciple agreement on Australia’s first Treaty.
Mr Hosking said the introduction of this legislation was be the first time it had been seen by many stakeholders. “It is critical that such asignificant piece of policy and legislation is considered through an open and transparent consultation process as it moves through Parliament," he said.
Mr Hosking saidfarmers and regional communities must formpart of this consultation. "Welookforward to engaging constructively to achieve the right result," he said.
“The government said themselves that these policies work best when people affected can have their say. This must be the way forwardonthis process.”
The Premier,Jacinta Allan,introducing the Statewide Treaty Agreementinto Parliament, said Treaty makes sense because it givesAboriginalpeoplea say in how their services arerun.
"It’s that simple. All families arebetter off when they have responsibilityover their lives, their futureand the things that affect them. Aboriginal families arenodifferent," she said.
"Our first Treaty sets clear rules to achieve real, practical change over time.It doesn’t take anything away from anyone -it’s about improving people’s lives and the services they use."
Ms Allansaid generations of advocacy by First Peoples had led to this important
moment."We recognise it.They have an unbroken relationship with the land where we live. We acknowledge it. Theynurtured the oldest living cultures on earth. We’re proud of it," she said.
"I thank the First People’s Assemblyof Victoria for the trustthey have shown in undertaking this journey with us.I acknowledge the Treaty Authority and its members for their role in ensuring afair negotiation.
"And,I acknowledge the workof the Yoorrook JusticeCommissionwho have faithfully recordedthe truth.Finally, I thank the Victorian people for coming with us on this journey, which continues still.
The first Treaty in Australia’s history will be in your name, too -and it will benefit us all."
The Victorian Government and First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria reached inprinciple agreement on Australia’s first Treaty after adecade of talks.
The firstnegotiated Statewide Treaty Agreement brings together First Peoples, through the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria, and the Victorian Government, to build anew relationship based on respect, trust andintegrity.It acknowledgeshe state's past and aims to allow all Victorians to move forwardtogether
The Statewide Treaty Billproposesto make the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria permanent and expand its responsibilities to deliver better outcomes for First Peoples in Victoria.Subject to the passage of the Bill through Parliament, the negotiated Treaty Agreement will be signed by both parties.
Ms Allan said policies and programswork best when the people affected by them have asay in how they aredelivered. "That’s why this Bill proposes to put decision-making power about initiatives and services that impact First Peoplesinto thehands of First Peoples’ Assembly," she said.
The Bill proposes that the expanded Assembly:
Be led by democratically elected Members providing representation of First Peoples;
Make decisions and rules about specific matters that directly impact First Peoples;
Formanindependent accountability mechanism as required by the National Agreement to Close the Gap;
Be consulted by government departments on laws and policies affecting First Peoples;
Lead ongoing truth-telling and healing across Victorian towns and regions, including capturing stories and retaining an archive of this information to support education of the broader public;
Make certain statutory appointments for existing designated First Peoples’ seats such as First Peoples appointments to the Heritage Council of Victoria, Lead the Aboriginal Community InfrastructureFund, the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll and NAIDOC Week, and;
Develop aFirst Peoples’ Institute to enhance leadership capability across the sector
"In Victoria, we have been on along and steadypath to Truth and Treaty for nearly adecade. We have passed legislation twice, developed policies, and made commitments across the government.We have taken the time required to lay strong foundations for Treaty, and this Bill represents ahistorical milestone in this journey," Ms Allan said.
Farming protection against Qfever
GIPPSLANDfarmers arebeing urged to protect themselves against Qfeverthis spring, particularly those in contact with cattle, sheep and goats.
Spring calving is apeak risk period when farmers areexposedtobirthing fluids,placental material, and animal waste, which increases the risk of contracting QFever Qfever is mainly spread by inhaling dust or air particlescontaminated by bacteria from infected animals.
It is aserious and potentiallylong-lasting disease that continuestodisproportionately affectthe Gippslandfarming community at alarming rates.
In 2024, Gippsland accounted for 45 per centofall Qfever casesinVictoria,the highest rate recorded in the state in the past decade.
Gippsland Region Public Health Unit (GRPHU)isencouraging all eligible workers aged 15 and over to get vaccinated before the calving workload intensifies.
GRPHU is working closely with local GPs,
farmers, andindustrybodies including GippsDairy and AgVic to raise awareness at this critical time of year
GRPHU Public Health Physician Dr Shereen Labib said vaccination remained the most effectiveway for workers to protect themselves.
“Don’twait until it’s too late,get protected this calving season,” Dr Labib said. “Get tested early if symptomsappear as Q fever is treatable with antibiotics if caught promptly, and make suretotell your GP if you work in ahigh-risk occupation.”
Qfever can cause severeflu-like symptoms, such as fever,headaches, drenching sweats, muscleaches and fatigue and in serious cases, it can affect the lungs and liver
Occasionally people can develop chronic Q fever which can affect the heart and joints.
About one- in-10 peopleexperience longtermfatigue, impacting farmproductivity due to inability to work and recovery may take months, or even years.
People most at risk include farmers, stock agents,livestocktransporters, shearers wool handlers, and abattoir workers in close contact with cattle, sheep and goats.
Family members and others living with high-risk workers arealso urged to remain vigilant, as the bacteria can cling to contaminated clothing, boots, and equipment brought into the home.
Dr Labibalso urgedpeopletowear P2 masks and gloves when working with birthing animals as well as washing hands and arms thoroughly with soapywater after animal contact.
For moreinformation,ortofindout wheretoget vaccinated, visit: lrh.com.au/ news/q-fever-awareness-campaign-forfarm-workers/
Qfever is abacterial infection caused by Coxiella burnetii, which is transmitted to humans from wild and domestic infected animals, most commonly cattle, sheep and goats.
Need for control on flystrike in sheepthisspring
WITH rain and warmer temperaturesheading into spring, sheep producers will need to keep flystrike prevention front of mind.
Agriculture Victoria Livestock Extension Officer,Brittany Price, said producers should plan ahead to implement flystrike prevention and control programs to assist in managing the disease.
FlyBoss is afreewebsiteresource that providesproducers withspecific tools for flystrike control. Ms Price said these controls include shearing or crutching, breech modification, selective breeding, dag management, and preventative chemical treatment.
"The FlyBoss website allowsproducers to compare their currentmanagement system with an alternative systemtaking into account theirlocation. This can help inform decision making in relation to the dates of shearing and crutching, and preventative treatment application," she said. "During high-risk periods,producers must inspect their stock regularly to identify and treat any fly struck sheep."
Flystrike in sheep can show up as restlessness, loss of appetite, a strong smell, and visible maggots in thewool. The following treatment method is recommended for fly struck sheep:
Shear struck wool and a5cm barrier of clean wool around the strike close to the skin to remove maggots;
Collect the maggot-infested wool into amaggot-proof (plastic) bag and leave the bag in the sun for acouple of days to kill all maggots;
Apply aregistered flystrike dressing to the shornarea to prevent re-strike;'
Remove struck sheep from the mob and place in an isolation paddock and monitor (stuck sheep attract more blowflies), and;
Cull struck sheep from breeding programs.
Ms Price said if treatment was not aviable option, humane euthanasiamust be carried out. "As with all veterinary treatments, it is essential to observe the withholding period and keep accurate records of any treatments administered," she said.
For further information on the management and treatment of flystrikeplease visit: www.flyboss.com.au
To find information about available drought supportvisitwww.agriculture.vic.gov.au/ drought or call 136186.
Photo: Contributed
Action needed to fight weeds, pests
RichardSMITH, Dairy EXTENSION OFFICER
WITH many farmers buying morefodder than usual, it’s atimely reminder about the increased risks of introducingweeds to your property.
Thereare key steps thatfarmers should follow to minimise the risk of introducing andspreadingunwanted weeds and pests. To minimise the risk of these weeds and pests establishing across your farm, make sureall purchased fodder is fed in adesignated containment area, feedpad or sacrifice paddock,which has been sited to mitigate risks.
Feeding out in restricted areas allows for better observation of any new plants geminating and enablesquick eradication andcontrol ofany weeds or peststhat might emerge,therefore reducing the risk of theseweedsand pests becomingestablished in the area.
Ongoing drought conditions arecreating significant challenges for Victoria’s livestock industry, particularly acritical shortage of fodder,withfarmers needing to look interstate to source supply.
AgricultureVictoria is providing a free and tailored service to suppliers, transporters and farmers to help them to efficiently navigate the permit requirements to bring feed into Victoria while managing biosecurity risks.
When buying feed, famersare encouraged to request aCommodity Vendor
Declaration with every load. Commodity Vendor Declarations contain background information about the fodder source, including whether it has been sprayed or treated with chemicalthat is still within awithholding period (WHP), export slaughter interval (ESI) or export animal feed interval (EAFI).
Permit applications for fodder are being prioritised by AgricultureVictoria to allow for timelyfodder movement. To ensurethat fodder movementoccurs, once aPlant Biosecurity Permit is applied for,AgricultureVictoriawill contact the farmer within two working days to discuss and assessthe specifics of their import request. Aplant biosecurity permit will be issued free of charge for fodder movement.
If an inspection of fodder by Agriculture Victoriaisrequiredonits arrivalto Victoria(whichwillbestipulated as apermit condition), thecostofthis inspection will also be waived.
For moreinformation go to https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/ farm-management/droughtsupport/ moving-hay-and-fodder-across-states
Thisinformation iscritical for quality assuranceprograms, along with documentation of additional information such as the location wherethe fodder has been sourced from, the producer, datepurchased, the transporterand wherethe fodder has been fed on farm.
Formoreinformation about drought support visitwww.agriculture.vic.gov au/drought or call 136
MLA upbeat on beef output this year
AUSTRALIA’Sbeef industry is on track to break production records in 2025, according to Meat &Livestock Australia’s (MLA)latest Australian Cattle Industry Projections -SeptemberUpdate. Despite aslighteasing inherdnumbers the national cattle herdisforecast to remain stable at 31 million head, supported by strong seasonal conditions in the north and strategic herdmanagement in the south.
MLA Acting MarketInformation Manager Erin Lukey said these figures reflect the latest seasonal,market and production data
“These projections areavital tool for the red meat industry.They provide aclear,evidencebased outlook that helps producers, processors and exporters make informed decisions,” Ms Lukey said.
“By understanding the trends in herd composition, production capacity and global demand, the industry can better plan for the futureand remain competitive in adynamic global market.”
Production and slaughter
SLAUGHTERis forecast to rise8.6 per cent to 9.02 million head in 2025, supported by robust cattle supply and processing capacity.
Carcase weights areexpected to remain stable at 309.5kg/head, ahistorically high level. This stability is underpinnedbya strong proportion of grain-fed cattle in the slaughter mix and solid feed availability following autumn rainfall. While increased female slaughter typically reduces average weights, the impact has been offset by improved pastureconditions resulting in higher quality cows, and the continued trend of finishing cattle at heavier weights through feedlots and improved pasturesystems.
“The herdhas evolved to support higher turn-offwithout compromising productivity,” Ms Lukey said. “This is areflectionofimproved breeding efficiencyand ashifttowardmore strategic herdmanagement across the board.”
Exports and global demand
BEEF exports areforecast to reach 1.5 million tonnes shipped weight in 2025, as Australia continues to capitalise on global supply constraints causedby declining production in key competitor marketssuch as the United States and Brazil.
With the US progressing into aherdrebuild phase and Brazil facing herdcontraction following heavy slaughter and drought recovery, Australia is uniquelypositioned to meet rising international demand.
This export strength is further supported by Australia’s robust processing capacity,consistent product quality, and long-standing trade relationships across North Asia, North America, and Southeast Asia.
Looking ahead
THEherdisexpected to remain stable through 2026beforeeasingslightly in 2027due to drierseasonal conditions.However,ongoing improvements in carcase weights and processing efficiency areexpectedtosupport high production levels.
This stability is supported by consistent seasonal conditions in northernAustralia and cautious stocking practices in the south,where producers areprioritising corebreeding stock over expansion
“The industry’s focus is shifting from expansion to maintaining productivityand sustainability,” Ms Lukey said.
“This positions the industry well to respond to both domestic andinternational demand in the yearsahead, ensuring that Australia continues to lead inefficiency, quality and resilience across theglobalred meat supply chain.”
For more informationgotohttps://www. mla.com.au/prices-markets/Trends-analysis/ cattle-projections/?
Anger over ‘bee ban’
THE state governmentis shutting down long established beekeeping sites on public land,putting apiaristsonnotice,according to The Nationals’ Upper House Gippsland MP,Melina Bath.
Ms Bath said it was aconcerning development for Victoria’shorticulture sector; beekeepers had been advised by the DepartmentofEnergy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) that future applications will no longer be supported, and existing licences will not be renewed.
Adding to the blow, the state government has disbanded the ApicultureonPublic Lands Engagement Group (APLEG) - the beekeeping industry’s key communication channel with government, she said.
Speaking in State Parliament, Ms Bath condemned the decision as contradictory to Labor’s own Apiculture on Public Land Policy.
“Honeybees play avital role in food security, regional jobs, and horticultural exports with asignificant portion of Victoria’sh dependent bees,” said “DEECA doning sound science when beekeepers need support
most, risking serious consequences as varroa mite threatens Victoria.”
Ms Bath said beekeepers had successfully operated on public land for years, including Wilsons Promontory National Park where 16 sites arenow being removed, and across East Gippsland.
“It’s appalling that asector so vital to our food security is being treated this way as many rely on honeybee pollination. Bees cannotthrivewithoutaccess to floral resources, and our public land provides essential forage that supports pollination and underpins Victoria’s food supply," she said.
“The Allan Government shouldbepromoting the coexistence of land uses, and this decision is just the latest in aseries of Labor moves to lock up public land. This decision must be reversed. Labor must honour its own apiculturepolicy -food security, pollination and environmental health depend
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Kikuyu grass a‘boom’
THREE new strains of kikuyu grass have been identifiedashaving commercial potential for dairy pastures -apotential game-changer for farmersbattling tougher climatic conditions.
Initial findings by Dairy UP researchers indicate that allthree lines have promising dry matter production, genetic diversity, disease resistance and nutritional value. For farmers whose pasturelandsare increasingly subject to moisturestress and warmer temperatures, new climateready kikuyu grasses could provide greater flexibility.
Dairy UP researchers in collaboration with Hatton’s TurfResearch arenow conducting further trials on the candidate varieties.
The project lead,ProfessorRichard Trethowan from the University of Sydney, saidthatonly two new kikuyucultivars had been released for grazing since the launch of the initial grasses morethan 50 years aggo.
Professor Trethowan said that compared to the varieties currently used on NSW dairy farms, the new lines potentially have better disease resistance, good biomass production tolerance to salinity and drought, and represent significant new diversity for nutritional factors
withHatton’s Turf Research hasbeen breeding improved kikuyu grasses for more than 15 years. Thirteen kikuyu genotypes developed by the university and owned by Hatton’s wereevaluatedinsmall, replicated plots at the Plant Breeding Institute at Cobbittyduring2021/22, leading to the threelines being identified as candidates with potential commercial value for dairy pastures.
These three lines werefurther assessed in 2024/25 through replicated strip trials on three dairy farms in southernNSW at Bega,Berry and Camden.The trials ran from NovembertoMay with the strips managedasclosely as possible tothe farm’s practices.
Dry matter produced at on-farmtrials variedbetween 8t/haand 14t/ha, but theunusually wet season meantthere wasn’tanopportunity toobservedifferences in ability to tolerate dry conditions and subsequent impact on yield, Professor Trethowan said
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“Current kikuyu pasture cultivars are limited in adaptation, nutritional quality and scope, ” he added
The University of Sydney in collaboration
Further field trials will be conducted over the 2025/26 summer to better understand the performance of the lines under different seasonal conditions This will also include a field inoculation trial of black spot and kikuyu yellows
The project is a collaboration between researchers from Dairy UP, University of Sydney and Hatton’s Turf research
More information: www dairyup com au
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Ag Vicjobs on the line to be slashed
AT least 31 AgricultureVictoria staffworking on biosecurity, weed and pest control will lose their jobs by year’s end, and the Plant Production Sciences Branch, home to researchers specialisinginagronomy, genetics and allied fields, has been made redundant.
These roles underpin on-farmbiosecurity advice, surveillance and rapid response capacity during outbreaks. Industry warns that this lost capability will be costly and slow to restore.
The state NationalsMPfor Gippsland East, TimBull, saidthe cuts wouldhurt regionalcommunities and wereyet another symptom of agovernment stripping back servicesthat benefitthe bush to service debt racked up on costly city-based projects.
“This is the latest round of cutbacks on top of fisheries officers, Parks Victoria and Department of Energy Environment and Climate Actionpositionsand all because we have agovernment with debt heading to $192 billion, with interest repayments alone of $28 million aday," he said.
“I don’t oppose aleaner public service, butsavings should come from the endless army of spin doctors the Labor Government employs, not from front-line services that directly support our communities.
“And don’t forget, this is the same government that said earlier this year it would not cut any front-line staff.”
According to a Weekly Times report, information sent to staffsaysthe redundancies arepartof“astrategic shift towards
strengthening researchand innovation,” but will involve “some reduction and realignment …reducing science capability in some areas”. The memo states Agriculture Victoria’s Plant Production Sciences Branch will be “dissolved”, with a“scale back of science capabilities in crop agronomy, hydrogeology, plant functional genomics and spatial data sciences”.
Seventeenscientists’ rolesare listed as “proposed no longer required”, while six new positions will be created as part of the overhaul.
The Opposition agriculturespokeswoman, Emma Kealy, said the harsh reality is that the Premier’s latest cuts aretargeting Victoria’s outstanding team of agricultural research scientists.
The AgricultureVictoria staffreductions follow asteep slumpinthe number of properties inspected for invasive pests and weeds -from4989 in 2012-13 to just 1440 in 2024-25.
Mr Bull saidthis latest round would mean even worse outcomes. “They are basicallysurrendering the fightagainst
invasiveweeds. If they weregoing to cut anything, it should be the very expensive brumby-culling program, which many in our community oppose,"hesaid. “I have not yet had confirmation on whether that is continuing.”
Local business success
LATROBE Valley businesses again showcased their credentials at the Gippsland Business Awards.
FordSwim Centre, Traralgon, Outlook Industries Australia, Yinnar and The Shed Shop, Traralgon took out honours in their respective categories.
said the company's ability to evolve with industry changes while maintainingstrong community ties and delivering consistent quality,set themapart as aleader in regional business excellence.
The categorywinnerscame from across the region were:
The Awards chair,Graeme Sennett, congratulated all the winners on their achievement.
"The variety and diversity of businesses across the Gippsland region is remarkable,” Mr Sennett said.
“Once again, the calibreofthe awards' finalists hasprovided thejudgeswitha huge challenge in selecting winners from such an impressive array of businesses.”
Latrobe Health Services Chief Executive, Ian Whitehead also congratulatedthe winners.
“The winners of the Gippsland Business Awards exemplify the drive and excellence that defineour region,” Mr Whitehead said.
“Latrobe Health Servicesisproud to support their success in our first year as naming rights sponsor.”
Each GBA finalist is assessed and independently rated by fivedifferent judges across eight judging criteria.
Leongatha’s AW Smith &Sons joined an impressive list of Gippsland businesses to be inducted into the Gippsland Business Awards Hall of Fame.
AW Smith &Sons was recognised for its outstanding longevity, innovative practices and unwavering commitment to customer service over decades of operation. Judges
Accommodation &Tourism - Boat Harbour Jetty B&B, Port Albert
Beauty &Personal Care Services - The Makeup Hub of Gippsland, Warragul
Business and Professional Services –GippsSAFE Security, Drouin
Food &Agribusiness - Gippsland Wine Company, Loch
Healthcare &Wellness - FordSwim Centre, Traralgon
Hospitality &Food Service - Sweet Life Cafe &Cakes, Leongatha
Innovation Excellence - Outlook Industries Australia, Yinnar
Manufacturing &Construction - East Coast Boats, Bairnsdale
The Nationals’ StateMember for Gippsland East,Tim Bull, says front-line staffcuts to AgricultureVictoria will be devastating for the region.
Lyall Dairies on show with 100-stand rotary
Katrina BRANDON
STEPPING into aside quest from the 26th annual SouthGippslandFarming Expo, morethan 300 people toured a100-stand rotary dairy.
Bracing against the cool chill, visitors couldwatch therotary in action from multiple angles, learnabout its operation, efficiency, and the farm's history, and then take atour back to the farm’s loafingyard.
Unfortunately for visitors, the scheduled drone demonstration was cancelled due to intense winds.
The100-stand rotary dairy, owned and operated by the Lancey family in Nyora, is named Mt Lyall Dairies.
On the farm, the Lancey family milks up to 1200 cows and is aiming to milk 1600 cows this year.The 100-stand rotary can milk up to 600 cows in an hour,with the capacity to speed up or slow down if needed.
All generations of the Lanceys were present at the tour with Graham Lancey, who helped bring the Mt Lyall Dairies into motion.
“I've played hardfor 40 years,” Graham told the crowd as they stood in the centre of the rotary.
“I left school at 15 and had done a farm apprenticeship. Mum and Dad werebuilding, probably about 250 cows in those days, 40 years ago, ina 12-unitherringbone, which we could fit 11 in. They built a 42-unitrotary in 1988, reached acapacity of around 700 pounds, and then installed a70-unit rotary.
“(We) put a70 unit rotary in 24 years ago, and got up to 1500 pounds last year Last year,weput 1500 pounds on it, and we decided to try installing 100-unit road fans.”
The first official milking for the new 100stand rotary was early July.
At the beginningofthe tour session,
visitors weredivided into two groups to facilitateamoremanageable day.Between food and conversation,the Mt Lyall Dairies milking team started their usual meeting, marking the beginning of the real show.
As each cow entered the rotary, attendees weredirected down the staircase into the middle of the rotary, wherespeeches began.
From exterior to interior and above, visitors got to view the rotary in action at all angles.
Leading the dairy conversation,Chris Lancey talked about the installation of the rotary, how it works and the capacity of the dairy.
Duringthe dairysession, attendees weregiven the opportunity toask Chris questions.
Chris said that the cows reacted better than he thought to the new rotary, saying that they weren’t stop-starting and that they loaded onto it “exceptionally well”.
During the installation and build of the rotary and shed, the family installed a camera in the building to capturea timelapse of the construction, which started on January 8.
Alongside their curiosity about the rotary, somewerealsointerested inthe farm’s vat capacities, which Chris explained were around 41,000 litres.
Moving alongtothe loafing yardfor session two, Callum Lancey took over the conversation.
The conversation shiftedfrombuilding sheds to composting and allowing the cows to graze, with the added flexibility to head inside the shed if needed.
When building the shed, Callum saidthat therewas alot to consider and to look up beforethe build.
“A planning permit is required,” he said. “That's 12 months of planning, site investigation, security, technical environment, and impact statement.
“Councils want to knowwhereyou put
the checks. They don't carehow many cows arebeing milked or whereyou plan to put them in licenses and dairies. They will download overlay maps if you mention cultural heritage, flood zones, or environmental concerns, which will trigger more permits for them to get through.”
The Lanceys make their own bedding for their livestock out of compostmaterial. The compost materialisbrought together by woodchips that have come from greenery on sites in Melbourne.
Moreiscoming out of civilisation. Callum also mentioned that alot of the food given to the cows in the barns comes from vegetables that shopping centres don’t use or can’t sell or put on their shelves.Things such as greensand pumpkinsare someof theproducts that areincluded in the mix.
With extra time up their sleeves, avisit to the calf shed was next.
Closing up the tour,the South Gippsland Farming Expo organiser and tour farm organisersthanked the Lanceys for their hospitality beforesending everyone home.
South Gippsland welcomed a100-stand rotary installation at theMtLyall Dairies in July
Over 300 people participated in the Mt LyallDairies farm tour as part of the South Gippsland Farming Expo.
Photos: Katrina Brandon
Dairy expo ‘lift off’ defies bad weather
Katrina BRANDON
WASHED and blown away, the 26th annual South Gippsland Dairy Expo lifted offfor another year last month.
In collaboration withthe South Gippsland Shire Council, the StrzeleckiLions Club organised two full days of farming content, featuring a100-cowrotarydairytour, boot racing, and numerous exhibitors for attendees to engage with.
Taking place at the Korumburra Showgrounds, day one of the Expo (September 3) brought on wind and sun. Despite the weather conditions, hundreds of people attended the Expo.
Launching the farming discussion, Matt Harms took to the stage featuring ‘The Incredibles’ of the farming world for his 13th and final display. Six people were brought onto the panel to sharetheir successes in the farming world, along with tips and tricks for the futuregeneration.
Mr Harms warmly welcomed the panel, whichconsisted of large-scale dairy and beeffarmersRussel Follett, Davidand PennyConn, seed merchantand dairy farmer Peter Notman, respected rural accountant Colin Wright and dairy farmer and industry stalwart, John Versteden. He also extended awarmwelcome to the crowd of about 90 people and introduced ahidden legend, John Mulvaney, to the event.
South Gippsland ShireCouncilcouncillor, Scott Rae, brought the panel into session.
“Not all heroes wear capes, some wear gumboots,” Cr Rae told the crowd. “For 26 yearsofthe farming expo…agriculture is the beating heart of South Gippsland,
which is home to morethan 1500 agricultural businesses -the highest number of any local government area in Victoria.”
With space limitations and availability for those businesses, the Expo featured more than 80 companies offering awide range of services, including machinery, feed, new and improved technology, farming services, food and drink stands, face painting, tree services, and groups, among others.
As theafternoon came around,those who registered for the free Mt Lyall, Lancey Farm100-cow rotary tour began to set off for the event after 2pm.
Morethan 300 people attended the farm tour,with some taking the complimentary bus to andfromthe farm and expo.During
the farmtour,freefood and an active demonstration of the rotary took place. The Lancey family hosted theevent, explaining to theaudienceabout their farmand its operations.
Unfortunately, on day two of the event, visitors were unlucky with gusts of strong windand heavy rainfall, causingvisitors to sprint for cover and flipped umbrellas. Fortunately for stallholders, this sparked conversations that may haveneverhappened if the rain had kept them under the marquees.
Until 1.30pm, Expo attendees wereable to explore. When agap appeared between clouds, businesses, and groups, locals caughtthe eyes of other locals, revealing
deep and personal conversations
Gathering underneath theKorumburra Showground’s pavilion, about 50 people gathered ready to race in the gumbootathon. Participantsinthe race wore authentic farm-type gumboots over a120metresprint, wherethey werepractically skying through the middle of the football oval, due to water sitting on top of the field. With one racer losing hisboot, the racers ran in amen’s and women’s section. Gumboot race winner in the women’s section,Sarah Lewis,toldthe Gippsland Farmer,“It’sso awkward(to run in the gumboots) because you couldfeel the boots slipping.
“(It’s a) bit wet in the middle of the race -but it’s all smiles at the end.”
Although therewas abit moretime for minglingafter the event, the gumbootrace and the gapbetween the raineffectively concluded the event.
For more information, go to https:// dairyexpo.org.au/
Gumboot-athon winners;
Women’s
First place -Leongatha’s Sarah Lewis
Second place -Warragul’s Abbie
Hoiberg-Cox
Third place -Gippsland dairy farmer
Lauren Finger
Men’s
First place -Gippsland dairy farmer Simon Finger
Second place -Drouin David Olsen
Third place -Korumburra South’s Hayden Bull
Washed away on daytwo of the Expo, hundreds of people attended the event throughout both days.
Hundreds of people enjoyed the South Gippsland Dairy Expo on September 3, with only afew brave enough to embrace the persistentrainonSeptember 4.
Leongatha’s Tyler(3),Ella (3) and Cody (5) came to the South Gippsland Dairy Expo for the tractors and facepainting.
Photos: Katrina Brandon
The South Gippsland Dairy Expo’s Gumboot-athon washighly popular with the final results being tallied by ahair capturedby adrone
Australian milk production setfor decline
AUSTRALIAN milk production is set to fall again in the current season,asongoing feed shortagesand asmaller milkingherdin drought-affected areas continue to impact, Rabobank says in newly-released research.
This comes as global milk supply surges, with production increasing across other key dairy-exporting regions across the world.
In its Quarter 3Global Dairy Quarterly, the agribusiness banking specialist’s RaboResearch division forecasts a1.7 per cent decline in Australian milkproduction for the full 2025-26 season, to reach 8.05 billion litres.
This follows a0.7 per cent year-on-year fall in the 2024-25 season, with Australian milk production falling 61 million litres to 8.315 billion litres.
Report co-author,RaboResearch senior dairy analyst, Michael Harvey, said this decline had reflecteddroughtconditions and feed shortages, which had dragged on milk production, “particularly across the south-east corner of the country”.
“This included thewesterndistricts of Victoria, where production dropped more than five per cent,” he said.
“Unfavourableconditions also dragged production lowerineasternVictoria and Tasmania.”
Thereport said overall July milk production in Australia was down four per cent to start the new (2025-26) season, which began on July 1.
Mr Harvey said “in welcome news”, there had been good rainfall in July for many key dairy regions in Australia, helping to ease rainfall deficienciesindrought-impacted areas.
“However,soil moistureis still an issue with morerainfall needed,” he said, “and feedshortagesare expectedto persist.
“Positively, though, above-average rainfall is forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology across many regions over the next three months.”
Mr Harvey said “veryhighhay prices” werethe “main pressurepoint” for dairy
farmers in local feed markets.
“Strong demand for supplementary feed to bridge winter feed gaps, combined with limitedsupply, has pushedhay prices higherin2025. And prices areexpected to remain at higher levels for some time.”
The report noted Australian farmgate milk prices for the 2025-26 season werelocked in at higher levels than the previous season.
“Across Australia’s southern export region, 2025-26 prices arearound 10 per cent higher than last season’s closing prices, at AUD 9.00/kgMS or higher,” Mr Harvey said.
When it comes to dairy exports, the report said, Australiahad a“solid” seasonin 2024/25, with exports rising 1.5 per cent on the previousseason in volume terms and 12 per cent in value terms.
Mr Harvey said therewas astrong surge in the country’s butter exports, which jumped 34.6 per cent on avolume basis to 16,350 metric tonnes, while skim milk powder and wholemilkpowderalso posted double-digit gains in exports.
“In addition, Australian cheddar cheese exports increased 26.4 per cent last season reaching 30,639 metric tonnes,” he said.
In the domestic market, retail prices are
edging higher again, Mr Harvey said, following twoprevious quarters of deflation across local dairy aisles.
In terms oflocaldemandthough, Australian consumption of drinking milk was shown to have fallen (by 1.8 per cent) to total 2.34 billion litres in the 2024/25 season, the report said.
While Australian milk production remains at subdued levels, it’s adifferent picture globally, the report says, with global milk supply on the rise across key dairyexporting regions.
RaboResearch expects milk supply growth across the ‘Big 7’ dairy-exporting regionsNew Zealand, the EU, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and the US, as well as Australia -to increase by 1.8 per cent year-on-year in the second half of 2025 to peak, beforeslowing to 1.1 per cent year-on-year growth in 2026.
The report says this growth is driven by overall improving farmmargins, recovery from disease outbreakslast year (avian influenzainthe United Statesand foot and mouth diseaseinparts of Europe) and favourable weather conditions.
In the US, milk production posted its strongest growth rate since 2021 -with July production up 3.4 per cent year-on-year,
while New Zealandexperiencedarecord start to its new season production.
Mr Harvey saidChina -one of the world’s largest dairy importers -was still battling a consumption slump,while thereare mixed recovery signals in South-East Asia.
“In the US, concerns around the labour market and the impact of tariffs areweighing on consumer confidence,” he said.
Despite the increase in global supply, international dairy marketsface headwinds on thedemand side, Mr Harvey said, leading to agrowing exportable surplusthat couldput downward pressure on dairy commodity prices into early 2026.
“Globally, weak consumer confidence, particularly among low and middle-income earners, continues to weigh on discretionary spending,” he said.
“The ongoing sluggish demand is evident across many food service channels. Dairy demand in grocery channels is also underwhelming in many countries.Household arepaying morefor dairy products, as inflationindairyaisles is rising in some regions.”
The report said therehad been some progress made on the global dairytrade front, with several trade deals concluded.
“The US and China have agreed to extend their trade truce, and the EU is working on new dairy import quotas,” Mr Harvey said
“These arepromising steps, but it’s still unclear how much they’ll actually influence global dairy trade.”
Meanwhile, the report said, La Niña could affect southernhemispheremilk production, with too much rain in Australia and too little in South America.
“Goingforwardthe global market appears well supplied,” Mr Harvey said.
“If demand picks up gradually, it should be enough to counter the volume without overwhelming the market, althoughwe could still see some downside pressureon prices in the short term.”
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Farmers line up for soil carbon tests
Eric BARKER
WHILE the legitimacy of soil carbon projects is subject to vigorous debate between the carbon industry and scientists, morethan 700 projects arenow officially signed up.
From corporates to family cattle companies, producers from awidespread area across the country aregiving it ago.
Two of theseproducers areRussell Lethbridgefromthe NorthQueenslandbased WerringtonCattle Company, who is also onthe boardof Meat &Livestock Australia and Richardand Prue Post from Glenavon Angus at Guyra.
BeefCentral recently spoke to thepair to find out why they aresigning up, what is involved and what they hope to achieve.
Werrington Cattle Co is in the early stages of signing up to the program, with the baseline soil samples already taken they arenow waiting to hearback from the Clean Energy Regulator.Soil samples have been taken across 10,000ha on the family’s RainmoreStation, near Alpha, in Central Queensland.
Once the projectis signed up, the Lethbridge family planstoplant Desmanthusand Stylo legumesintothe buffel pastures, increasegrazingdensity and extend rest periods.
“They aretwo changes of practices that we werewantingtodoonour property anyway,” Mr Lethbridge said.
“But it made sense to include the carbon project inthe mix becauseIamofthe opinion thatwe areall going tohaveto knowour emissions andsequestration numbers down the track," he said. "The clock is counting down on big companies having to report on scope 3emissions.”
Having worked closely with the RCS network since the late 1990s, the Lethbridge
SPRAYING
• Weeds
• Liquid fertilizer
• Pesticides
family had been ledintothe project by RCS subsidiary Carbon Link.
“You need to develop arelationship which has trust both ways, they have been part of the soil carbon space since the start and they wereable to lead us through the project,” Mr Lethbridge said.
The property is in the brigalow belt of Central Qld, on the easternside of the Great Dividing Range, but west of alot of other stations that have already signed up for soil carbon projects.
Mr Lethbridge said Rainmorehad a lower average rainfall than most of the otherproperties signed up, however,he was confident it could increase soil carbon and ultimately productivity.
“Wewill be focused on retaining more water on our property. The amount of water that soil with alot of soil organic carbon can hold is huge compared to the soil with lesser carbon,” he said.
“NAP Co has been doing alot of this work at Cungelella Station and they have really beenthe leader with developing these methods of getting diversity into pastures.
“Adding pasturediversity is bit of arisk mitigationand Iam hopingitshields us from things like pasturedieback if we ever get it inthe future. So, there arealot of win-wins here.”
RichardAND PRUE Post
The Post family is further into the soil carbon journey than the Lethbridges, having signed up in 2022 and nearing their second round of soil tests to see if therehas been an increase in carbon.
Thefamily had just come out of the 2019 drought, the worst on record for the New England and had also purchased multiple properties adjacent to the home farm. “We were always going to have a lot of capital
SPREADING
• Fertilizerpellets
• Powder/granules
• Seed
expendituretorenovate andimprovethe carrying capacity of the farms we had bought,” Mr Post said.
“Very specific to us was oursituation whereweweresitting on aplace that was very high in soil carbon and highly productiveand we hadacquiredproperties that had low productionand weretested tobe very low in soil carbon.”
Having been involved in financial markets beforerunning Glenavon, Mr Post said he had watched closely thedevelopmentof carbon markets. He said the first step was gettingcomfortablewiththe soilcarbon framework.
“The information on the Clean Energy Regulator’s website is firstclass for a government department. So, the easy part for mewas gettingcomfortablewiththe framework, legislation change and regulatory risk,”hesaid.
The familyrunsthe projectthemselves workingclosely withArmidale-based Precision Pastures. Mr Post said they had donea “carbon starter report”with Precision Pastures looking at their starting point and what might be achievable over 25-years - which he said made lot things line up.
“Of the list of eligible activities stipulated by the CER we were looking at doing the bulk of the list anyway,” he said.
“Wewerejust about to spend alot of money on these properties, my wife and I areinour mid-40s and we werecomfortable with the 25 years on our succession plan timeline. And we had just come out of the 2019 drought, so we werevery opento change.
“Even if it didn’t come to anything, we thought we werebetter offbeinginsidethe carbon tent than outside it.”
Mr Post saidhehad not budgeted on
PHOTOGRAMMETRY
• Farm mapping
• Contour maps
• Crop health
• A Aerial photography
gaining income from ACCUs, however,he was optimistic about increasing soil carbon.
“I am not budgeting anything financially for the project because Iamnaturally conservative. But Iamoptimistic that we will show some improvement in soil carbon because we know that we arealready lifting our productionand we know that is somewhat consistent with soil carbon,” he said.
“I am well awarethat most re-tests in soil carbonhave shown modest change, and somehaveevenshownnochange “Wedon’t have enough dataonwhat those projects that aresuccessful aredoing differently to everyone else. But we will know alot of that in the next 5-10 years as a large chunkofthe projectsinNSW,like ourselves, approach their first re-test.”
Having recently trawled through the Australian Carbon Credit Unit register,Beef Central has found several other interesting projects that aresignedup. TheAustralian Agricultural Company has officially signed up aprojectat Glentana Stationnear SpringsureinCentral Qld.
Several other projects aresigned up in this area. AA Co briefly mentioned the project in its annual report, however it said because meaningful changes in soil carbon take time, it was expecting moredetailinfuture reporting cycles.
One producer in amorearid part of Queensland has signed up, with plans to make longertermcommitments to spelling and increasing grazing densities.
Flux tower research conducted by Agrimix has also resulted in some projectsbeing signedup, includingEssexStationin Central Qld.
-BeefCentral
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Soil carbon projects is up for debate Photo: Contributed
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Shorn sheepatrisk of coldstress
Dr Jeff Cave, Agriculture Victoria Senior VeterinaryOfficer
IT is well known that wool is an excellent insulator,therefore imagine the effect when it’s suddenly gone. Afreshly shorn sheep, especially if in light condition, may experience athreefold increase in heat loss and therefore prone to hypothermia.
Shornsheep areatgreatestrisk of cold stress in the first three days(or nights)after shearing, and remain at risk for up to two weeks,withmortalities seen in some mobs up to four weeks after shearing.
Although thereislittle wool growth, acclimatisation and considerableskin thickening occurring after shearing. It is thereforeessential to closely monitor predicted weather conditions beforeputting shornsheep into apaddock after shearing.
The impact of cold weather, particularlywhen combined with wet and windy conditions, can be severefor sheep. The impact of the cold weather will depend on its duration, rainfall, wind speed, and temperature.
The type of weather most likely to cause catastrophic sheep losses due to hypothermia isusually associated with the passage of a strong cold front or arain-bearing depression. Sheep grazier alerts areissued when acombinationof rain, wind, and low temperatures reaches acritical level. If asheep grazier alert has been
received at the endof shearing, shed as many sheep as possible and provide hay for the duration. Once the bad weather has passed, move the sheep to apaddockwith adequate shelterand continue to provide supplementary feed. In areas prone to winter storms, a'covercomb' or 'snow comb' can be used, whichleaves0.5cm of wool to help protectagainst hypothermia. Once freshly shorn sheep get cold,they may become extremely difficulttomove, so always put shornsheep into a protected paddockwith plenty of shelterfromthe cold and wind. Off-shears paddocks should be small and well protected from cold winds by relatively impermeable shelter belts.
Extrafeedshould be provided to themob for up to four weeks following shearing to meet their increased energy requirements. Shearing amonth beforelambing encourages ewes to seek shelter and hence protection for their lambs.
However, pre-lambing shearing must only be considered if ewes arein good condition and have free access to goodfeed and shelter. Heavily pregnantewes should not be subject to the handling and feed deprivation that shearing involves.
For further information, please contact your local veterinarian or an AgricultureVictoria veterinary or animal health officer
Insulate: extra feed needed to help shorn sheep against the cold.
Areyou losing money due to silage spoilage
Silage is simply forageorgrain crops that have been harvested and stored in amanner to preserve nutrientsby rapidly reducing thepHofthe materialvia microbialfermentation.
Optimalfermentation is an anaerobic process (occurring in the absence of oxygen)that goes throughseveral phases to achieve astable endpointand preserve the maximum nutritional value of thefeed. Due to thedifference in gas-filled porosity and oxygeninthe toplayer and the resulting nutrient degradationversusthe coreofa silage pile, theeconomic impact of top-layerspoilageinasilage pilecan be significant.
Spoilage typically results in lossesof both quality andquantity,affecting the
overall efficiency of feedutilisation,which directlyinfluencesfarmproductivityand profitability Hereare some key pointsrelated to top-layerspoilage:
• Nutrient degradation: Thespoiled top layer of silage losescriticalnutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins andvitamins. Thisreduces thenutritional value of the silage, requiring thepurchaseofadditional feedorsupplements to meet animals’ dietaryneeds.
• Microbial contamination: Nutrient degradation and loss arefunctions of microbial contamination.
When exposed to an oxygen-rich environment, yeasts,molds and other spoilage microorganisms thriveonthe nutrients
• Reducedfeedintake: Animals may refuse consumptionofspoiled silage, leadingtoreduced feed intake and potential problems duetoinadequate nutrition.
• Decreasedmilkproduction or reduced growth rate/efficiency of gain:For dairy andmeat-producingruminants, substandardsilagecan resultinlower productivity and increased feed costs, leading to financial losses.
• Suboptimal immunity: Mycotoxins consumed by ruminants can be detoxified
in the rumen; however,highlevelsof mycotoxins can compromise theimmune system, leading to various health issues. These mayinclude an increaseinsomatic cell count, reproductive problems and otherhealth complications indirectly caused by immune suppression. Traditionally silagestacks have been covered withtarpaulinsheld downbytyres. Thisincrediblylabour intensivemethod leaves areasthatare unevenly secured and weighted differently allowing oxygen, water andmould to contaminatethe stack. What is needed is an easy to use, light and evenlyweightedway to holddown the tarp without degrading the silage. Enter BlackgoldFodderSolutions. They supply sidewalls that arecustomised to suit your stack
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Federal funds set for ‘farmers in need’
AS Australian agriculturefaces tougher conditions such as drought and achangingglobaltrade environment, the federal government will provide$1billion to assistfarmers across regionalVictoria and Australia.
The Albanese Labor Government is injecting an extra $1 billioninnew concessional loan funding through the Regional Investment Corporation (RIC), bringing the total agricultural support through RIC loanstomorethan $5billion.
The RIC provides low-interest loansto eligible farmbusinesses and farm-related small businesses, helping them manage challengingtimes such asdroughtsand natural disasters.
It also supports first-time farmerstohelp
establish their businesses and assists with succession planning for the next generation of farmers.
This additional investment represents a long-termcommitmenttohelping farmers adapt to changing conditions and unexpectedbusiness disruptions, while strengthening thegrowthand resilience of the agricultureindustry.
In other words, these loans aredesigned to help farmers manage risks, invest in innovation and preparefor the realities of achanging climate and economy.
So far,morethan 3400 loans have been approved through the RIC, with morethan $3.6 billion in settled funds delivering direct benefits on the ground to farmers.
This new loan funding is about giving
farmers certainty, ensuring thescheme will remain available beyond June 30, 2026.
TheGovernmentisalsobroadening the RIC’sscope to includeassistance for improving climate resilience, boosting productivityand supportingagriculture in Australia’s move to net zero.
This fundingcomesat atime when Australian farmers and producers are on track for arecord-breaking year,with figures showingthe agricultural, fisheries andforestryindustryisset to pass $100 billion this financial year
Thisrecordgrowthisdriven by strong prices for livestock and animal products -including beef, lamb and milk -which is projected to lift the value of livestock production to $41.6 billion.
SenatorRaffCiccone, afederal Labor Senator for Victoria and Chair of the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee, said these forecasts wereatestament to the dedication, innovation and resilience ofour farming communities.
"In addition to key farmsupport measures, the Albanese Government is strengthening international trade relations, investing $2 billion in biosecurity and backing regional workforce training to help secure the industry’s future," he said.
"While challenges remain, federal Labor is committed to equipping farmers across Australia with the tools they need to adapt, grow and lead in a changing climate and global market."
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CEO Craig Barker with sons Guy and Tom
‘Virtual fencing’ astepcloser in Vic
Katrina BRANDON
THEstate government is developing new regulations to support the rollout of virtual fencing for cattle, bringing the state in line with other jurisdictions across Australia.
Victoria and South Australia arethe only statesyet to legalisethe technology, which uses wireless electronic collars that emit noises and deliver pulses to indicate where cattle can and cannot go.
AgricultureMinister Ros Spence said that she had consulted widely on the change.
"I'm convinced thatVictorianfarmers should have the option to use virtual fencing and herding technology if they choose to," she said.
"It can improve productivity, improve pastureand grazing management, reduce the need for physicalfences,and reduce exposure to work health and safety issues."
During this year’s GippsDairy Muster in Churchill,Mark Billing, the president of Dairy Farmers Victoria (DFV), highlighted the work and importance of getting virtual fencing approved andimplemented on Victorian farms.
Mr Billing, the founding chair of the DFV, is afourth-generation farmer withmore than 40 years of experience in the industry.
In May, the state government announced it would allow farmers access to virtual
fencing and herding technology by the end of 2025.
While this is abreakthrough for Victorian farmers, farmers across the country, including those in Tasmania and Queensland, as well as in countries such as New Zealand and the United States, arealready utilising the technology.
Victoria is home to morethan two-thirds of Australia'sdairy industry, with most cattle grazing in open pastures, which Mr Billing highlighted at the Muster,stating thatvirtualfencingcould be groundbreaking for local farmers.
Halter, aNew Zealand company,possesses diverse expertise across technology, agriculture, and business, and is committed to transforming the futureoffarming. Morethan 300,000 animals arecurrently managed by Halter,including 25 per cent of all dairy cows in Tasmania.
According to Charlie Baker,vice president of strategic relations at Halter,the virtual fencingcollars were“100timesweaker” than ashock delivered by an electric fence
Atrial of virtual fencing technology has been conducted at Ellinbank’s SmartFarm since July 2024, utilising solar-powered smart collars on dairy cows.The collars utilise electronic cues to confine animals within avirtualfenceand direct themto
specific areas of the farmvia mobile devices.
Morerecently,Mr Billing spoke to the ABC about thetechnological advancement.
“Once the technology is on board, there arealot of things farmers can do to manage their farmbetter," he said.
According to an article, the state government would need to amend animal cruelty laws regarding shock collars to permit the use of virtual fencing.
Mr Billing told the Muster that virtual fencing is “morepalatablefor those who have been against virtual herding or virtual fencing, and that's partly because the pulse that the collars provide will be smallerthan that of an electric fence”.
“Weare being excluded from other
industries because of legislation. And that's pretty much been our drive to government allthe waythrough,” he said.
“Thenew legislation for animal welfare is moving through the government at the moment, and there's atwo-year period wherethe regulations for that new legislation will be consulted upon.
“Being able to fence offareas to protect the pasturevirtually is again abigger opportunity for us, for emissions reduction.”
For moreinformation on the Haltercollars and virtual fencing, go to https://www. halterhq.com/en-au
Federal government sets new emissions targets
THE federal government’snew target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 62 to 70 per centby2035 has been labelled a“charade” by federal Nationals leader,David Littleproud.
The Prime Minister,Anthony Albanese, said thegovernment’s decision, made as part of its drive to reach zeronet emissions by 2050,was based on advice from the Climate Change Authority’s advice.
“It’s the right targettoprotect our environment, to protectand advanceour economy and jobs,and to ensurethatwe act in ournationalinterest andinthe interest of this and futuregenerations,” Mr Albanese said.
“It’s based upon the science, and it is independent advice to the government.” Federal Treasurer, JimChalmers, saidthe governmenthad modelledthe economic impacts of 65 per cent in the 2035 target,saying it would lead to a larger economy and higher wages than if the country failed to act.
However,MrLittleproud said Labor’s 2035 emissions reduction target was an expensive charade on Australian families that would lead to moretaxes, higher electricity costs and families paying more at the checkout. The 2035 target was a deception,given Laborwas fallingwell short of its 2030 emissions reduction target, and Labor could not explain how it would reach its reckless target or how much it would cost working families.
“Laboris recklessly trying to achieve the impossible,rather than doing what’s sensible, and thosefamiliesand communities that can least afforditwill bear the burden,” Mr Littleproud said.
“This reckless target opens the door to moreand higher taxesunder Labor, like broadening the Safeguards Mechanism to tax moreindustries and businesses. It
also opens the door to aCarbon Border AdjustmentMechanism, taxingproducts like the steeland cement thatbuild housesand fertilisersand chemicals that help grow our food.
“When Labor taxes industries, transport and businesses,Australian families end up paying, through higher prices at the checkout and local job losses.”
Mr Littleproud said the2035 target was morerecklessLabor ideology being forced onto regional Australia, with devastating consequences to regional communities, industries and jobs.
“Labor’s failing renewables-only policy is impacting regional communities right now -damagingagriculturalland and food production, steamrolling the rights of communities and increasing energy costs for familiesand businesses,”he said.
“Labor is destroying the very thing it’s meant to protect -the environment -with its all-renewables obsession at any cost. We areseeingthe nativeenvironment being ripped up with transmission lines, industrialsolarpanels and wind turbines.
“No country of the industrial size and scale of Australia has an all-renewables approach. ForLabor to achieve any kind of target, it has already given out more than $60 billion worth of subsidies, but our energy bills continue to increase.
“Thegovernmentwill still not tell us theirintegratedsystem plan,which is what the energy grid will look like, what the actualcost of it is,despite the fact Australia only produces alittle over one per cent of total global emissions.”
Emissions have fallen by about 27 per cent since the baseline year of 2005, with federal previously emissionsprojected to fall by 51 per cent by 2035.
Virtual fencing is becoming closer to being in use for Victorian farmers, with moreadvancements on theway
Photo: Katrina Brandon
Dumbalk ‘foxtail’ plant in full bloom
Katrina BRANDON
FLOURISHING and bringing anew life to a Dumbalk farmer’s garden, afoxtail agave, or agave attenuata, has bloomed.
The agave attenuata is an evergreen succulent perennial that produces arosette of silvery, pale green leaves. It is characterised by the absence of teeth or terminal spines and blooms aflowery stalk upwards later in life, eventually taking on a“fox tail” like shape.
Originating from Jalisco, Mexico, this plant is rareinthe wild but can thrive in hot and dry climates, which can be easilyreplicatedinAustralian gardens. The Foxtail Agave produces many 'suckers' or offshoots. These offshoots increase the clumping of the foliage, resulting in thicker growth.
Agaveattenuataisamonocarpic plant, meaning it flowers only once in its lifetime. When it reaches maturity, typically after 10 to 15 years, it produces atall flower spike that can get up to eight feet in height. The flower spike is covered in greenish-yellow flowers, which give the plant its foxtail-like appearance.
Reaching up to five feet tall, the plant owner (who wishes to stay anonymous) said that watching the bloom of the plant was quite impressive, despite the blooming cycle taking “a fair while”.
“It's been going for awhile,” the owner said.
“There’s asatisfaction in just seeing it. I thought it was afree-standing plant, but it's actually on abig stalk.”
The agave’s owner has lived in the
Dumbulk area for around three years, during which the plants had already called their home. Sparking morelife in the garden, the owner,who isnot abotanistat heart, has taken to the garden life, calling it something like no other
“I'm not abotanical botanist by profession or whatever,but it's just nice,” they said.
“It's nice to see awhole lot of plants around, learnwhat they are, and then all of asudden, out of nowhere, they do something incredible.
“I've alwaysliked growingthings, and it's just fun, it's relaxing, and it's interesting. It's therapeutic to have dirt running through your fingers, even though I try to wear gloves It's just relaxing, and it sort of clears your mind.”
As a mind-boggling plant, over the time it has taken to bloom (about four to five months), the owner told the Gippsland Farmer that it just kept getting interesting in how it was moving and forming. Growing to such aheight, the owner draped it around the tree for further support so it could bloom without pressure.
Theysaid, “Allofasudden,I seethis thing, and Ithought, ‘What's that?’
“It gotmoreand moreexciting. There's no sign of flowers underneath, all it is woven almost like blades of grass that have just woven around it.”
For more information on the agave attenuata or Foxtail agave, go to https://thursd.
Branching over three metres tall,the Foxtail Agave is continuing to bloom.
Photo: Contributed
Royalgoldfor Gippslandcheesery
Katrina BRANDON
RESULTS areinfor the Royal Melbourne Food Awards, with local Gippsland cheesery, Prom Country Cheese, being one of many winners.
Prom Country Cheese won five medals in the awards, winning two golds, two bronze and asilver
DanielHales,owner of Prom Country Cheese, told the GippslandFarmer that the awards help sharerecognition for the work his team does.
“I feel that the awards arearewardfor my team’s efforts,” Mr Hales said.
“(The awards) areagreat sense of achievement. That’s what the awards aremainly about, but it does bring in recognition for the work that they (the team) do, being cheesemaking, packaging and overall quality control.”
Prom CountryCheeseisbased in Moyarra, asmall town in South Gippsland.
Not only focusing on cheese, Mr Hales and his family and team work on all aspects of the cheeseprocess, right down to what’s in their paddocks.
Mr Hales runs a family-owned and operatedorganicfarmoutside of Inverloch, milking about 130 cows.
Having acquired the Prom Country Cheese business over three years ago, Mr Hales has developed his passion for milk from being amilk producer to nurturing his product.
Prom Country Cheese produces avariety of cheeses ranging from blues, camembert andhard-rinded creations.
Winning gold was Prom Country Cheese’s Kongwak Reserve, which is araw milk cheese.
how they place against the whole country.
“The awards arean official tasting, in which we get tasting notes from the experts. It has been agood information-gathering exercise.”
In previous years,the business has entered numerous competitions, but this attempt was specifically targeted.
Fornow,the business is focusing on creatingthe cheeses, with wholesale options being its primary outlet for the cheese.
Mr Hayes said that by selling wholesale around Victoria, he has found thathis products have become moreaccessible to his customers.
“Wehave been focusing on the cheese makingonthe farmingsideofthings, which has beengoodbecause it'smade us focus moreonour wholesale aspect of the business.
“(Wehave)justbeen building those relationships with other small businesses around the area wherewe'repretty passionate about the local Gippsland area. Thereare all these pockets wherepeople are doing pretty amazing things and creating fantastic foods and preserves and more.”
Mr Hales highlightedthe importance of staying connectedwiththe local areas, sharing that as locals, sometimes “we forget to stop and smell the roses”.
He also said thatthis year has been challenging due to the green drought.
According to Mr Hales, therewerehundreds of entriesacross the entirefood sector at the Royal Melbourne Food Awards. Going in, MrHales was unsureofwho hewas up against.
Now,MrHales said thatwinningthese
In Australia, producing raw milk cheese is incredibly challenging due to stringent regulations and guidelines.Inrecent years, the business has undergone rigorous efforts to become one of the first producers of raw milk cheeses in Australia.
awards has opened up some doors for his business.
“Becausewe won agold medal at the Royal Melbourne, that opens the door for us to be able to enter the Grand Area Awards,” he said.
“KongwakReserveand Inverloch Blue won golds, which we can now enter to see
“It's been achallenging one, but at least herein South Gippsland, where alittle bit moreyou'reabit moreisolated from it all,” he said.
“We seem to have a lot more consistent rainfall than the rest of the state, which is usually abad thing in winter.But this year it was quite the opposite.”
Looking to the futureofhis business, he is excited about what is next.
Prom Country Cheese owner Daniel Hales celebrated afew wins in the Royal Melbourne Cheese Awards last month.
Photo: Katrina Brandon
New milestone for Narkoojee Winery
Katrina BRANDON
NESTLED between Tyers and Glengarry, the Narkoojee Winery is celebrating 45 years.
Feeling proud, Narkoojee's owners, Harry and ValFriend, told the Gippsland Farmer that whilethey initially didn’t see themselves at this point, they arehappy to see the business flourish.
Tracking back to Narkoojee’s beginning, Harry’s parents, Edna and Athelstan Friend, namedthe farmafterextensive research and coming up with the name that meant aplace of flowers. The farmstarted as adairy farmuntil later on, when Harry became moreinvolved.
Harry’s beginnings started in New South Wales, wherehis family later moved to the area and purchased the property.
Unlike Harry, Valwas bornand raised in Traralgon and even attended Grey Street Primary School.
Growing up, neither of them considered the prospect of establishing aflourishing winery,but they looked intothe education worldfor their occupationaldesires Landing in Footscray,Val ended up teaching at aschool up thereand later married Harry.
At that time, Harry’s parents still owned the farm, and the happy couple visited the farmonweekends.
“This was Harry's parents' farm, and we would come up on weekends,” Valsaid.
“For along time, we lived in Melbourne. We (later) planted alittle vineyardover there in the paddock,and decided,‘Oh,thisis pretty good’. And that'swhen we retired (from teaching).”
Bit by bit, Harry and Valstarted to plant morevarieties of grapes, growing their vineyardin1980.
Earlyon, they entered the Rutherglen
Wine Show and weredelighted as they took out the amateursection,which helped spark theirnext course of actioninto business. As Harry’s parents were starting to need moreassistance, Harry and Valmoved up to the farmand entered moreamateur awardsections.
For about 10 years, Valserved as the principal at Monash before assisting with the business.
Following in the business, Valand Harry’s
son Axel started at Narkoojee, while their other son joined the educational world. In an interview with Wineries of Victoria, Axel shared his entry into the business and his passion for the vines.
“As a child visiting the farm, I developed a strong desire to become a dairy farmer,” Axel said.
“This motivated me to begin a degree in agricultural science after graduating from high school. However,bythis time, my
parents had started planting grape vines on the property. Isoon found myself helping them with the vineyardand making the early wines.”
Valand Harry said that the best part of the business over the years, and still is, is meeting everyone who comes through their doors, and the conversations to be had over aglass of wine.
For moreinformation, go to https://www. narkoojee.com/
Narkoojee’s owners, Harry and ValFriend, arecelebrating 45 years of their business.
Photo: Katrina Brandon
ARE YOU READY for fire season?
Victoria’s bushfirerisk for spring 2025
AN early starttothe fire season is likely this spring, with an increased risk of fires in drought-affected areas across Victoria. This is according to the AustraliaSeasonal BushfireOutlook for spring 2025.
In the past 18 months, Victoria has had recordlow rainfall across the west of the state,westcentral and through southwest Gippsland. The rainfall deficit has also expanded into the north-central and central highlands. This has resulted in an increase in fuel, such as dead plant material and vegetation.
The more fuel available,the hotterand
moreintense abushfirecan become and the faster they can spread.
Autumn wasverydry across Victoria butrainfalldid occur in June and July.In particular,heavy rain fell in the south-west, central, easternand north-east ranges.
While the rainfall has left the top layer of soil damp, lower-level soil remains dry in some areas. Thereisuncertainty in how long the top layer of soil will stay damp.
While forest firepotential is likely to remain suppressed through early to midspring, alack of spring rainfall could see underlying dryness rebound. This could drivearapidshift to above-normal fire potential in late spring and summer
Areas with arid vegetation types may dry out quicker and supportbushfires with any warmer,windy weather
Green growth in paddocks is also likely this spring, but this can hide dry conditions underneath. Grass is likely to dry out earlier than normal. Easternand parts of northernVictoria areexpected to be at normal risk.
Wetter weatherisforecast in the north of the state. Thereremains uncertainty about the rain expected. If less rainfall occurs, areas likethe Otways andDandenong Ranges may quickly switch to aboveaverage firepotential.
Monitoring of rainfall andfuel conditions will occur throughout spring. This is to identifykey risk areas leading into the summer period.
Emergency services will also continue to watch conditions closely. They arewell prepared to respond to any emerging risks.
October,2025
AREYOU ARE YOU READY READ for fire season?
CLIMATE TROUBLE, AUSSIE PUMPS IS READY
HereatAussiePumps,the team understands thevital natureofVictoria’s abilitytoproducequality milk and milk products.
To us, Gippsland is thecentreand as such, hasa national importancethat is largely ignored by therestofthe country. Here, Aussieexplains thedevelopments they havemade over theyearsto provide dairy farmers and processors with products that areoutstanding in quality and value for money.
THE CLIMATE ISSUE
Whenitcomestoclimate, thereisno normal.
We cansee thepossibilityofafire season from hell ahead, with either flood or drought as partofthe equation.
Our Chief Engineerhas beenworking on newproduct developments over the winter and is now launching new pumps that can makea difference to the three climate issues, drought, floodand bushfires
WHATAWHOPPER!
One of the new pump concepts designed over the last months is Aussie’s QP205HF/GX200. It’s based on theAussie FireChief,the pump that changed the waypeople think abouthigh pressure bushfirefighting
We developed anew impeller andvolute that provides areal difference.
The pump wasnicknamedthe “Whopper” because afarmersaw it at afield dayrecentlyand saw the performance curve.
His comment …“What aWhopper!”
The pump delivers morewater at pressure.
The pump is priced waybelowlist prices of companies like Daveyand Ongabut producesupto480 litresper minute and amaximumhead of 67 metres
In adrought, it can transfer water fast from dam to dam and in aheavy downfall candothe same thingto maximise water retention.
FIRE SEASON AHEAD …ENTER THE ‘IMPOSTER’
Youdon’tneedtobea weather forecastertorealise that we areheading fora blistering summer.
Seeing the events of theNorthern Hemisphereover their summer,you get atasteofwhatit’sgoingtobelikewith 40 plus degreetemperatures.
TheCFA andthe volunteersare well awareofthe danger andagain, Aussie hasworked hardtoprovide advanced products that will performbetter than any other similarequipment.
Anew version of theFireChief that has extraordinarily high pressureispartof theworkwehave beendoing
We worked withHondatomatch the GX1605.5 hp to an Aussie Fire Chief that willnow deliver up to 90 metres head with asingle impeller.
Thatperformance is normally equated to atwinimpeller pump.
It’snicknamed the “IMPOSTER” because it’sa single impellerpumpthatthink’sit’s atwin.
That means alowerprice point witha hugesingle 7” impellerthat enables the pump to outperform all competitors
Thepump comesina powdercoated steel frame which makes it easy to handle,oritcan bemountedonAussie’s FireCart.
AUSSIE BUSHFIRE SURVIVAL GUIDE
It’s FREE!
Thisindispensable guide provides informationonhow to protectbothfarm
and Urban Interfaceproperties. Now in its 2025 edition, Aussiecontinues to build additional information into the guide
It’sbased on real life experiencesfrom professional firefighters, volunteersand homeowners workingtowardsprotecting propertyand lives.
The guidehelps to select theright equipment from pumpand engine to hose andnozzlekits.
Allaimed at gettingthe very best result in an emergency
AUSSIE’S DAIRY PACKAGE
Thecompany has worked hard on supportingdairy farms over the last30 years
They nowpresent apackagedesigned specifically helping dairies to be more cost effective
KEEPING BALES AND YARDS CLEAN AND TIDy
Aussie’snew high pressuresteamer cleansand sanitisesatthe same time.
The big AussieAdmiral produces 3,000 psi pressureand flowsupto19lpm
Thebestpartisthe machine is idealfor applications involving up to 10 houra day duties
It’sa favourite with mines andbig constructioncompanies as well.
Thebig flow provides an adequate stream to remove animal waste and the steam temperatureupto130 degreesC, enables acomplete hygienic process
The AussieAdmiral is available to Gippsland farmers at aspecial price for spring.
Call your local Aussie Pump dealer.
WASTE PUMP CORROSION FREE!
All dairies need to pump corrosive liquid likewhey andcontaminated water
These liquids canbevaluable liquids in terms of potential fertiliser as well
Aussie’snew 316 stainlesssteel self-priming centrifugal pumps are available in electric motor drive (single or three phase) or even engine drive configuration.
Big 3” and4”pumps will move corrosive liquids up to 2,000 lpm with headsas high as 35 metres
That’svertical head!
Aussie’spumps areself-primingand willliftthrougha 6metreverticalhose or pipe
The reason Aussie went 316 SS is because they sawtoo manywornout cast ironpumps.
They even changed out theimpellersin cast iron6”pumps, partoftheir upgrade campaign,to316 SS impellers.
Aussie’s 6” dairywaste pump,also favoured by local governmentbodies, produces flowsover 4,000lpm.It’s economicaswelland Aussiecan get amazing performance from these big 6” trash pump with a15kWtwo pole motor
For furtherinformation, callyour local Aussie PumpShop andtheywillgiveyou thefulldetails
Aussie local dealers arefirstrateand will steer youtowardsthe best equipment on the market…built by Aussie Pumps! For informationonAussie’sFREE Safety Training Program forpressurecleaner operators, visit https://aussiepumps.com. au/courses/blaster-safe-operator/
The Aussie Pumps team showcase firepump options: Left –“The Whopper” FireChief
QP205SEHF/GX200 Right –“The Imposter” FireChief
QP205SX/GX160
Initial testing of the new firepumps
Aussie’snew dairypumps in 316 stainless steel, they even self-prime!
Putting PhillipIsland farms on the map
Philip HOPKINS
WHEN it comes to farming and food, Phillip Island is apocket dynamo. The island in WesternPort is 101 squarekilometres in size with apermanent population of 12,000.
For Sarah Hudson, an experienced journalistwho grew up on Phillip Island, it was time to rightthe image of the island and putitonthe farming and food map. Yes, it’s got plenty of seafood,but its bounty was morethan just ‘fish and chips’.
For Sarah, agraduate of RMIT journalism followed by acadetship at the Herald-Sun, it was astint at The Weekly Times helped bring her back to her rural roots. She travelled all around Victoria andparts of New South Wales writing profiles of farmers and the food they produced.
“The places that got much of the foody attention wereDaylesford, Beechworth, Grampians and the Mornington Peninsula, but Gippsland Ifelt broadly, but also specifically Phillip Island, whereIgrewup, did not get as much of the attention -they got the lion’s share; it’s about marketing,” she told Gippsland Farmer.
“It was time forPhillip Island. We werenot known for our culinary creations/skills, but we’ve stepped it up in recent years, and I wanted to highlight that.”
The upshot was, ayear or so ago, Sarah, who isajournalistwiththe local newspaper,produced ‘Over the Bridge. Farms and Restaurants of Phillip Islandand Beyond’. It includes beautifulphotos by Steph Thornborrow. Despite one or two businesses that have disappeared, or have been bought by new owners, the book is still very relevant and available locally.
“Itwas amatterofwhere we started and stopped. We do span the island, but how far to go? On the mainland, Inverloch for example,has fantasticproducers Many people do not know Glen Forbes or Grantville, (South Gippsland) but do know PhillipIsland. So,we called it‘Over the Bridge’,” she said.
Sarah had always thought about farms, restaurants and local food, but the concept of sustainability was adriving force. “Food withnomileage;I like thatconcepttoothe sustainability element and supporting farmers,” she said.
“It’s ahardjob, at the farmgate. Thereis aromance to them, but they need as many value-add possibilitiesaspossible. It’s a cliché, but too many people don’t know where their milk or produce comes from. It’snot overtbut thereisanelement of that in the book.
"Phillip Island farming is not broad acre, it’s very niche and small-scale farming, innately farmgate, bespoke -that’s the kind of farming is what we focus on here.”
Production, not just geography, also determinedhow big the book would be, plusthe smallresources they had.The research and writingweredone out of hours from her part-timejob atthe weekly Phillip Island Advertiser Sarah’stintatthe Weekly
Times gave her some of the knowledge of the language and concepts of farming.
“I felt confident, Iknow wool -microns, the nuances of each industry. Ihave interviewed enough wine makers, cheese makers,dairy farmers and understand their importance. Ihave the broad knowledge to interview a range of farmers and interpret it for the average person,” she said.
“I understand the nuances of each industry, wine, beef, cheese, dairy farmers, importance of mastitis, terrenoire- helps to have abroad knowledge and interpret for the average person.”
The book featuresmorethan 30 individual businesses, notjust at the farmgate but restaurants trying to support locals.“We have acouple of vineyards,Purple Hen and Phillip Island Winery -wineries like on the Mornington Peninsula. The island is in abit of arain shadow; it can be quite dry comparedwith South Gippsland,” Sarah said.
Rick Lacey and his wife Maria Vitols, at Purple Hen, have 11 hectares under vine, producingninedifferent varieties
“Rick was an agriculturaleconomist. He lookedfar and wide for somewheretohave
awinery, but chose Phillip Island for that climate aspect,” said Sarah.
Then thereisBassine Cheese, located at Bass, not far from San Remo, which is the gateway to the island. “He’s an old school dairy farmer who wantedto valueadd; he now creates awhole range of beautiful cheeses.”
On the mainland at ChippinEstate Produce, located in Glen Alvie, selfsufficiency is the theme. He owner,Shane O’Keefe, hasa passion for growing food on his two hectareproperty, bought in 2000 permaculture. Apartfromthousands of garlic buds, “he does agood job selling vegies and fruit -unusual produce”, said Sarah.
“He delivers to people, boxes supplies to people -areally salt of the earth guy.
”The island has quite afew beer businesses. At Green Gully Brewing, Luke Smith “lovesbeing creative”, said Sarah. He brewed his first beer aged seven (!)and started home brewing aged 18. Atraditional, artisan-style brewer,heoperatesfromhis two-hectare farmjust outside Cowes.
“At Ocean Reach, they have even used salt water from their favourite surf break
offCapeWoolamai for their beer.” Simon Bismiresurfed for the first time aged 9at Woolamai, creating the inspiration for the family business’s first beer.The brewery supplies beer to the taphouse, or cellar door,inthe main street of Cowes.
Rusty Water Brewery, whose restaurant overlooks WesternPort, is “food with a view”,the producesourced from around theislandand Gippsland. The providore also includes owner Neil Gillins’ own range of beers, with production outsourced and brews sold under the PhillipIslandBrewing Company label.
Phillip IslandHoney:“Aone-armband, David Severino does an extraordinary job. He goes with all the pollinators to Sunraysia;there is amass migration of pollinators taking bees around the state,” Sarah said.
“He comes back here, puts hives on the island and in national parks. It’s abig job. Whenbees areswarminginspring,he goes and collects those bees from holiday houses. People have not been there for six months,they arriveattheir house with bee swarms. He’s very busy, collecting, and does all the honey production and selling.
”Phillip Island Strawberries has aunique growing system -a hydroponic vertical growing system wherethe strawberries cascade down a192-metrevertical tower -‘astrawberry forest’. One motivation for this growing style was the fact that Roger Morris,who ranthe business with his wife Faye, had lost his right armbelow the elbow in an industrial accident.
On Phillip Island, someone has to supply the product for ‘fish and chips’, not to mention the fish for local restaurants: step forwardthe San Remo Fisherman’s Co-op, aided by Bass StraitDirect, aretail fish outlet at Newhaven that sells up to 60 fish species, depending on the season.
“The boats go to Bass Strait and Tasmania, right through to Lakes Entrance. It’s abig catch area, with abig push in recent years onsustainability,” said Sarah.
Not to be forgotten is the Churchill Island farm, owned by Phillip Island NatureParks. “This is wherethe first wheat wasgrown in Victoria,” said Sarah. “It’s ademonstration farmbut they also grow produce used in their café.”
An update of the book beckons, but having the time is tough: “It would be good,” said Sarah, butthe newspaper publishes other books, and puts out aregular magazine, The Island.“Asecond edition is aquestion oftime.”
The book is still available locally and new citizens receive the book at citizenship ceremonies.
Therewill be no new book if the push for tourism puts too much pressureonfarmland. The state government’s Distinctive Areas and Landscapespolicy aims to ensurethat farmland stays.
“Otherwise, we will kill the golden goose if it keeps growing,” Sarah said.
QUICK CROSSWORD
ACROSS 1 Baby dog(coll)(3) 3 Of an unemotional disposition(10) 10 Voter(7) 11 Utterrapidly (4,3)
12 Clickers(9)
13 Alaw –himself (4)
15 Ionised part of Earth’s atmosphere(10)
17 Cicatrice (4)
19 Simple (4)
20 To continue indefinitely (10)
23 Germanautomobile manufacturer (4)
25 Maryland city(9)
27 Nimbleness (7)
28 Annoying (7)
29 Synchronous(10)
“If
“I
9-LETTER WORD
Using thenine letters in the grid, how manywords of four letters or morecan you list? The centrelettermust be includedand each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.
The sound source, the Giant Gippsland Earthworm(Megascolidesaustralis), was the main topic of arecentfarmtour in Moyarra.
Beforebraving the cold wind to search for the gurgles, Giant Gippsland Earthworm expert, Alison Oates, and regenerative agricultureconsultant, Chris Alenson, spoke about regenerative farming and the unique creature.
About 20 people attended the session at the South Gippsland property, including farmers, enthusiasts of giant earthworms, and other curious minds.
Organising theeventwas the Bass Coast LandcareNetwork, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Startingout ofthe wind and deepin conversation, the discussion beganwith amention of therecent census tracking of the Giant Gippsland Earthworm, which involved studying the soil's hydrology to gain abetter understanding of its habitat.
Ms Oates started the day by discussing the background on habitat biology and why the Gippsland species is so special.
“The GiantGippsland Earthwormcan grow up to about three meters in length,” she told the group.
Living in the top levels of the soil, Giant Gippsland Earthworms live in very small, scattered colonies,and they need aparticular habitat to survive the really moist, wet soils, andthey might only be afew metres.
From just afew metres to up to 50 metres, the habitat of the colonies depends on soil moistureand many other factors.
Moreoften than not, the Giant Gippsland Earthwormscan be found oneastern slopes,nearnaturalsprings in the hillside and also in the gullies. But, according to Ms Oates, due to the dry climate, they have had less activity.
“I found aproperty acouple of days ago, and Ifound alittle minor gully,” she said.
“We'renot hearing many gurgles this year because it's so dry, which makes it abit difficult. We found them all along the contours of the creek. Ifound some on the other side of the creek too, but on the westerly face of the slope, it's only very close to the creek wherethe soil dried out in the spring seats and gullies I've talked about, that's the sort of place you'll find them.”
Living entirely underground, Ms Oates said that the earthworms don’t surface and that thereisalso amisconception that holes and mounds in their habitat come from the burrowers.
The earthworms arecompletely subterranean,and theycan burrow down to depths of one to two meters.
“They have acomplex system,” Ms Oates told the group.
“They have not only horizontal tunnels, but verticaltunnelsaswell. And the moisture-filled burrows help with oxygen exchange.”
Open to moremystique, the Giant
Gippsland Earthwormishermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs. Mating occurs underground in winter,and they produce large egg cocoons, which arelaid in chambers in spring and summer. The cocoonscan bequite long, and they'reanorangey colour
The eggs take up to ayear to incubate, with only one egg produced per year,based on current knowledge about the worms.
When looking for the burrows and the worms, Ms Oates said that when you stand on the burrows, you send vibrations through the soil, making them move. The gurgles from the worms arefromthem moving rather than themselves.
When farmers and other workers aredone with the soil, Ms Oates said that the habitat is not only for the worms but also for other critters. Ms Oates noted that due to development and various historical events, many of the environments of the worms have been lost or disturbed.
Ms Oates said, “Earthworms arevery sensitive to both too much water flooding or drying the soil, many colonies occur in the soaked seatsorpersistently damp gullies, and the soil moisturebalance is easily disrupted by drainage works at local and landscape level.
“A couple of years ago, as part of another earthwormproject, adesign and guide for plantinginthe revegetation earthworm habitat was developed. So, we divided the zone wherethe earthwormhabitat is into three zones.
"Zone one is just along the creek line, where theactualhabitat is,where you find the colonies, then out from that for 30 metres, we recommended just planting grasses, shallow-rooted small shrubs, but mainly grasses, and then30metres out from that, just normal planting to the correct ecological vegetation plant.”
Wanting to find out moreabout the mighty worm, Ms Oates said that she hopes the censusinspiresfarmers and other landowners to sharetheir possible sites wherethey have felt vibrations or gurgling-likesounds.
This concluded Ms Oates’ presentation.
Following along,Mr Alenson was next, discussing soil and regenerative farming, and explaining the science behind it.
Mr Alenson studied geology andthen transitioned into the earth sciences, as well as qualifications and sustainable labour.He said that after extensive study and labourin soils and environmental growth, he spent a lot of time lecturing on soils and soil health.
“We've done heaps on tryingtounderstand what soil health is all about, not just from chemical soil analysis, but physicallyexamining the soil and seeing we can recognise what it actually is,” Mr Alenson said.
“I play around with different compostand different mixes, and just get an understanding so that the top part of my property is actually on tertiary volcanics.
“I've taken soils to workshops and said, ‘Have afeel of this’.This is why it's so compact. AndI getpeople toclosetheir eyes and feel the texture of the soil through their fingers. It's incredibly fine.”
Next, Mr Alenson spoke about the importance of sustainable agricultural practices, grounded in ecological principles and supported by research from journals such as The Lancet.
The journal continues to exploreecological and historical perspectives, soil health principles, landscape observations, nutrient cycling, soil biology, and practical sustainable strategies.
Mr Alenson said that when he works with farmers who have soil deficiencies, he’d like to think that people take asustainableapproach andchooseaninputthat is essentially environmentally benign
He explained, “I deal with farmers and they've got low potassium, the normal usage andcheapest isprobablypotassiumchloride, but thechloride anion is quite toxic. Let's move on to magnesium sulphate.It's moreexpensive, but less environmentally damaging.
“Wecan choose the right path if we need to makeavailableadequateamounts of organicmatter.Sothat dependsvery much
on your production system.”
According to Mr Alenson, around 50 per cent of plantroots actually decompose and cycle during the growing season.
After listening to the experts, it was time to go on foot to find the worm.
Whilst they couldn’t findthe Giant Gippsland Earthwormin the flesh, the groupfound afew burrowsand heard a few gurgles amongst ridges on the property.
FARMERS and landholders arebeing asked to report suspected locations of the Giant Gippsland Earthworm.
For the first time since 1980, alarge-scale census is underway to map whereGGEs still occur
As almostthe entire GGE population resides on private land, efforts to understandtheir distribution and survival rely heavily on the participation of landholders. To make it easy toget involved,afree mobile phone app has been developed. Farmerscan download it by searching 'Giant Gippsland Earthworm' in the Apple App StoreorGoogle Play Store(look for the cartoon wormlogo).
Adding records is simple, takes only afew minutes, and will contribute to the species’ survival. All responses areconfidential and will help guide futureconservation efforts. Agroup of local organisations leads this project.
Theseinclude the Gippsland Threatened Species Action Group in partnership with the South Gippsland, Bass Coast and Latrobe Catchment LandcareNetworks, GGE expert Dr Beverley VanPraagh, and alocal plant ecologist. The ‘Census of the GiantGippsland EarthworminSouth and West Gippsland is funded by the federal government underthe Saving Native Species Program.
For moreinformation and to have alisten to agurgle, go to https://www.giantearthworm.org.au/
For moreinformation, including how to identify signs of GGEsonyour property, visit: www. giantearthworm.org.au
The Giant Gippsland Earthworm (Megascolides australis) werethe main topicofarecent farm tour in Moyarra last month. Photos: Katrina Brandon
Evidence of the Giant Gippsland Earthworm wasfound on South Gippsland farmer,Burke Brandon’s farm, last month on afarm tour in search of the worm.
Stategovt supports healthierflocks
THE state government is supporting anew research program at AgricultureVictoria’s Hamilton SmartFarm, using next generation technology to help Australian farmers raise healthier,moreproductive flocks.
The Minister for Agriculture, Ros Spence,announced that the MultiMix forageresearchprogram isnow underway, to determine which combinations of multispecies pasturemixes work best for Australian sheep producers-research that will support meat sheep production while also cutting methane emissions.
The Government is investing $2.4 million to support AgricultureVictoria to officially launch the program, with additional support from Meat& Livestock Australia and the ZeroNet Emissions Agriculture Cooperative Research Centre(ZNE-Ag CRC), bringing the totalfundingto $5.5 million to deliver the three-year program.
The Hamilton SmartFarmensures our scientists remain at the forefront of agricultural research and can provide Victorian farmers with the skills and knowledge they need to continue to thrivein achanging climate.
This research will deliverimportant insights into the benefits of using mixed pastures as an alternative to perennial ryegrass, currentlythe main sourceof feed for Australian sheep farms. Globally, researchers areexploring diverse pasture mixes by blending different plant species to create moreresilient and productive pastures.
Mostofthe researchtodatehas been conducted in higher rainfall zones, so it’s importanttounderstand how well these pasturemixes will performunder drier Australian conditions.
These mixes can grow deeper roots, requireless fertiliser,and may even help
reduce enteric methane emissions from sheepand cattle. ThegoalofMultiMix is to findthe right combinationofplant types that areboth productive even in drier seasons and can reduce methane emissions from grazing livestock.
The pasture trialsstarteda couple a months ago, with 25 hectares of pasture trialsalreadysown at the Hamilton SmartFarmas part of the first stage of the project and is ready for sheep to grazenow.
The program is part of the Government’s ongoing work to deliver cutting-edge agricultural research and innovation with industry, farmers and research institutions to test, trial and apply new ideas in Victorian conditions.
Ms Spencesaidthis nation-leading research would help preparesheep grazing pastures for futureclimates, to help farmers grow moreand securebetter returns.”
Meat&Livestock Australia’s General Manager for Research Development and Adoption, Sarah Strachan, said in the face of increasingly variable climates andrising input costs, producers areactively seeking pasturesystems thatreduce relianceon nitrogen inputs throughenhanced legume content and improved resilience.
“Thisproject is aligned with MLA’s new 2030 strategy to have productivity-led investments in sustainability,thatcontribute to the industry net zeroambitions," she said.
The ZeroNet Emissions Agriculture Cooperative ResearchCentreResearch Director, Professor Ben Hayes, saidthe project was abig step in our mission to deliver practical, science-backed solutions that help Australian producers transition to low-emissions farming.”
“By validatingmultispeciespasture systems in lower rainfall zones, we’renot only addressing methane mitigation, we’re responding to producers’ calls for more resilient,productivefeed-baseoptions,” he said.
For moreinformation, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/about/research/ research-smartfarms
The stategovernment is supporting research using next-generation technology to help Australian farmers raise healthier,moreproductive flocks.
Photo: Katrina Brandon
Valley Farmersdiscussfodderfuture
Katrina BRANDON
FARMERS learnfromfarmers, Gippsland Agricultural Group (GAGG) general manager,Jen Smith, said at last month’s Valley Farmers night.
Valley Farmers is anew farming support group wherefarmers from the Latrobe Valley can come together,shareagricultural knowledge across all farming types, and listen to experts in the field while enjoying awarmmeal.
Last month’s event, named Fodder Future, was the fifth official meeting of the group, organised by Matt Lloyd.
About 40 people attended the Valley Farmers event, held at the Yinnar Bowls Club, with new farmers, experienced farmers,and next-generationfarmers participating in the conversation.
Guest speakersatthe eventwereMs Smith and agronomist Brett Tonkin, RAGT Territory Business Manager for North East Victoriaand Gippsland. The eventalso marked the first partnership between Valley Farmers and GAGG.
“This group (GAGG) is just aphenomenal example of success on what farmers can achieve if they self-organise,” Mr Lloyd told the group.
Ms Smith runs sheep and cattle at Tambo Crossing with her husband, in addition to her work with GAGG for the past five years.
Starting her speech, Ms Smith highlighted the importance of the young farmers in the room and said thatitwas great to see them receiving the support they needed to help securetheir futureinthe industry.
“I think it's fantastic to see Valley farmers supporting young people coming along and
learning and being part of things,” she said.
“We've got a massive labour shortage for all aspects of our agricultural industry in our region. These sorts of groups and initiatives work when you bring people together; we never stop learning and contributing to others. The success of groups like this isn't due to having brilliant technical experts. It's because farmers learnfromfarmers. That's wherethe power is.”
Throughout her presentation, Ms Smith delved into projects related to fodder, hay, and silage production, as well as supporting farms during tough times.
“Everything we do is focused on our production systems within our farms. Howdo we manage them better? How do we make better decisions? How do we set things up?”
Expanding into helping farmers, GAGG partnered with the Wellington Shireand East Gippsland Shire, with the support of hundreds of local farmers, to establish its own research farm, as well as an additional property. Both properties are council-owned.
During the East Gippslandbushfires, GAGG successfully secured agrant to build acentrethat was fit for purpose for their research.
Throughoutthe experimentationprocess, Ms Smith said that they learnalot from their mistakes and failures, and try to push the parameters of the trial. During the trials, they ran ryegrass varieties and sowed the paddocks.
“If it's wet, we'll sow and see how wet you can sow,” she said.
“If it's dry, we'll sow anyway and see what we can do in lots of different areas. (We have) 21 active projects at the moment.”
Everyyear,the GAGG grouphostsa spring field day, wherefarmersand likeminded individuals cansee the projects being undertaken and observe how things arebeing done differently. The research undertaken is also publishedonthe GAGG website, typically around February.
Ms Smith also mentionedthatGAGG operate on other properties.
“Wealso operate on several satellite farms, and so this is to push out into communities, up into the high country, or out into Toongabbie, RosedaleorDargo, different places wherepeople aredoing various things,” she said.
“Often, afarmer will be doing something, a certain activity, they'll be growing acertain crop or trialling something new. And we'll partner with them. They put all the inputs in and conduct all the activities, and we'll measure,monitor,and evaluate that activity. We will then organise afew days and sharethose learnings with other farmers in their area.
“When wefirst kicked off and we're developing the site, we used contractors, obviously, to do that physical labour,and the volunteers and the farmers to install all the crops, and the trials and the demos, do all the reporting and various information.”
From knowledge to challenges, Ms Smith mentioned that since the farming industry in Gippsland is “younger” than other regions, thereisalack of services available in the area. Another thing she highlighted was that the land is considerably cheaper in Gippsland than in other farming regions in the state, but it is quickly catching up.
The need for product growth and increase is needed.
Following on, she said that means farms can’t affordtobeunproductive and that farmers need to learnwhat they need to know to improve productivity on their farms progressively. Efficiencyinfarmuse and in farm carbon emission was highlighted as abarrier for farmers.
Moving on to GAGG’s projects, Ms Smith discussed howcreating solutionsand options for farmersdiffers, as each farm has its own unique recipe.
“Everything is different everywhere, on every single farm, but it's about what are the things that you can participate in, to get involved in, to glean information, to get your own recipes from your own farm,” she told the group.
“Every single kitchen produces aslightly different sconethat everybody goes and collects all of those recipes from different places and comes up with something for their own future.
“Thoughtupisa program of work that sort of came up about three years ago -real push to to be able to grow, cut, storefodder for future, whether you'refilling that winterfeed gap, whether you're feeling that Autumnfeed gap before the break, whether you want to stick it in the ground for 30 years, and wait for that next round or 400 years, as it would be in South Gippsland. We all need to consider what it means to have homegrown fodder cut and stored for the future.”
One of the first projects that GAGG completed at the research farmwas acomparison of different rye grass varieties. They looked at how the product would perform in that system and the cost of the seed.
About 40 people participated in last month’s Valley Farmers’ Fodder Future dayatthe Yinnar Bowls Club.
When examining the varieties, they also considered the early maturity, which depends on the feed base on the farm.
Ms Smith explained,“When we start to comparethose out annuals on the cost of the perennials, what fits really challenges that paradigm to actually, maybe with the perennial fashion blends that we'regetting, with the breeding selection and variety and stuffthat they'redoing, the advancement in seed breeding and productivity.
“I think it's like everything you know; our computers used to be massive, and now we have phones.
“The seed breeding industry is getting better and better all the time, and bringing those improvements to us quicker.”
Another projectshe discussedwith the group was acollaboration with the Universityof Melbourne, comparing multi-species systemstomonocultures.
Over asummerand winterperiod, they areexamining land performance in multispecies versus monocultures.
During this project, Ms Smith said that weed control became very challenging.
Ms Smith mentioned that GAGG has started working on projects for seed companies andhas conducted various comparisons between them.
One project,undertakenasa summer research option, examinedvariousmixtures. Unfortunately, this one failed.
“Thisproject wasactually atrain wreck,”
Ms Smith said.
“I’ve resown twice because it got wet, and then the brassicas fell out of the system because we had atough time. Many things that we do in this sort of trial and testing space fail. It's important for you to record that and to see that, to understand that and to hold those stories, not to shyaway from sharing them, because there's learnings in those failures, and often there's more learnings in the failures.
“I think if, as farmers, we can get better at sharing our failures. And we'resaying the peoplefromrepeating our mistakes, they can go and maketheir own mistakes.”
Moving into the intermission, Mr Tonkin was up next.
Bringing along areal-life example of the work he provides, Mr Tonkin invited local farmer Jason Lee to the front to give aQ&A session.
Two yearsago, Mr Lee boughtafarmand has been “ticking along and just leasing blocksof land and all thatsort ofstuff comes up in the area”.
Mr Tonkin asked Mr Lee about resilience in his farmbusiness.
“By growing lots of grass, we sort of have acheap source of feed, so that allows us to know what our cost of production is,” Mr Lee answered Mr Tonkin.
“So then if the milk price goes up or down, we knowwhatour costofproductionis and whether we can make money or not.”
In response, he followed up by asking Mr Lee when he has afair gap in his farm, how he fills it, and whether it is excess grass in spring that is converted into silage.
“Through the springs on quite heavily stocked,” Mr Lee said.
“So we'resix cows per hectare. Whenever the grass is growing below or above 86 kilos, we'll cut the surplus and load it up. We'll be bringing in water from our side blocks and topping it up.
“We'll sort of, we'll cover cows down. We'll sort of hit December.We'll sort of celebrate the bottom line, and whetherornot there's amargin melting those numbers, or if it's dead stock, or let's reassess things as we go to see what's profitable.”
Mr Tonkin said that bringing Mr Lee up helped him make the point that the most crucial thing is resilience to the feed base of the farm, and it is to ensurethere’s no bareground.
He also pointed out that it is essential to understandwhatyour soil is doingand what it needstothrive, considering the typeoffarmthe farmer is working with. Mr Tonkin also mentioned that the seed type can also come into effect when considering success with soil.
Considering the other factors,such as sowing, Mr Tonkin said that many things can affect the outcome of the property.
“With over-sowing, you've got abit of
moistureavailable, so established plants will always get first crack at the moisture,” he explained.
“If you aredry sowing,with anoversowing system,you'renot goingtohave as many plants survive spraying out, and whetheryou're cultivatingorjoining in, either there's ahigh weed burden or the paddocks thinned out to the point where there's not really much value in saving what's there.
“Jason's got somereally high phosphorus levels on the farmhere, but as he said on these out blocks.That's its quite low phosphorus is always going to be your biggest driver for persistence and for establishment as well. So, roots need phosphorus, and they willchase it. So, if it is high in phosphorus soils, root expansion will be quite quick,and we get an established plant very quickly.”
Movingonwith the night, the group asked Ms Smith and Mr Tonkin about the projects and other topics, which related to the presentations.\
ANNOUNCED on September 29, Valley Farmers organiser Matt Lloyd launched the new Valley Farmers website via Facebook. Mr Lloydsaid that he was excited that the group had reached the new milestone. For mo re inf or mat io na nd events withValley Farmers, go to https://www.valleyfarmers.com.au
RAGT TerritoryBusinessManager for North East Victoria and Gippsland, BrettTonkin; Valley Farmers organiser Matt Lloyd; and Gippsland Agricultural Group (GAGG) general manager,Jen Smith, hosted last month’s Fodder Future event Photos: Katrina Brandon
Australian food security at ‘great risk’
THE Leader of The Nationals, David Littleproud, said the latest 2025 AUSVEG Industry Sentiment Report shows Australia’s food security is at risk, as two in five growers consider leaving the industry. Mr Littleproud said the decision to walk away was beingaffected by Labor’s anti-agriculturepolicies, including redtape affecting productivity and profitability,asthe Horticulturecompliance and regulation: reducing the burden by 2030 report is also released.
“Every Australian should be worried that 40 per cent of the industry is considering leaving within the next year,with afurther 40 per cent saying they would also quit if they had aviable exit strategy,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Losing 80 per cent of our growers would be disastrous. When supply goes down, prices go up. So families will bear the burden of Labor destroying the agriculture industry at the supermarket checkout.”
Mr Littleproudadded 62 per centof those surveyed indicated they werefinancially worse offcompared to 12 months ago, and 53 per cent expected to be worse offbyJuly 2026.
“The cost of compliancefor vegetable growers has gone up to $213 million per annum. This huge cost is also impacting our farmers emotionally, with nine in ten reporting negative impacts of compliance audits on their stress levels and mental wellbeing," he said.
“Growers should be focusing on their crops, not being forced to fill out forms. It is no wonder confidence across the industry has been smashed. It is worryingthat Labor not only has no plan to fix it, but continues to increase the burden farmers face.
“Ourfarmers producethe nation’s food and fibre- they should be supported by Labor to get the workers they need, and by Labor being tough on supermarkets, instead of being slapped with morered and green tape and compliance to make food production even harder
“I am not surethat Australians would want to live in acountry whereweare importing vegetables and not growing our own -but if thereisnot change soon, this is the road we areheading down.”
Meals
Photo: iStock
Offshorewind auction delayed
David BRAITHWAITE
THE stategovernmenthas delayedthe first roundofauctionsfor offshire wind project to bid for publicly-funded support packages.
Duringa wind energy summit in Melbourne last week, Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio confirmed the auctions would not start this month as initially planned, with anew timeline to be announcement by the end of the year
The auctions involve developers bidding for government support packages to help get their offshorewind projects over the line.
Victoria has set agoal of having two gigawatts of offshorewind by 2032.
The announcement of the delay came after potential developers of offshorewind farms pulled out of the process amid financial concerns.
The stategovernment is also seeking federal funding for the support packages, which would include subsidising offshore windgeneratorstobackuptheir investment decisions.
Minister D'Ambrosio said she had been toldbythe industryitneeded moretime becauseofuncertaintyoverfundingand whereships could dock for the construction of the first turbines.
"While our aspiration was to have those preconditions in place by the end of September,and great effort has gone into attempting to achieve this, it has not been possible," she said.
Ms D'Ambrosio said Victoria had lost 12 monthsfromits original timeline due to issues with feasibilitylicences,finalising regulations and the initial rejection of an offshorewind construction hub at the Port of Hastings because of environmental concerns
"In addition to that, we arevery conscious of changes in the internationalmarketand supply chains thatneed to be factored into our planning," she said.
"Tobeclear,what Iamannouncing today is not an end to Victoria or Australia's offshorewind aspirations …weare absolutely committed, and Icontinue to be optimistic about the possibilities of a national partnership."
Ms D'Ambrosio said aport to construct turbines was essential and the government remained focused on getting the Port of Hastings project approved. Star of the South, offthe Gippsland coast, is Victoria's most advancedoffshorewind farm. The chief executive of its proponent, Southerly Ten, Charles Rattray said while the news was disappointing, it didn't"change the reality that offshorewindisessential to Australia's energy future".
"With 90 percentof coal-firedcapacity forecasttoretireby2035, offshorewind energy is needed to ensureenergy security,
price stability and apathway to net zero," Mr Rattray said.
"Gippsland has powered Victoria for over a century- andit cancontinuetodosowith offshorewind. With consistent winds, existing port and grid infrastructuretotap into, and askilled energy workforce, Gippsland is uniquelypositioned to deliverAustralia's first offshorewind project.
"A successfulfirst projectinGippsland won't just deliver much-needed new capacity, cut emissions and create regional jobs -itwill pave the way for anational offshore wind industry."
The Seaspray WindfarmStrategy Group (SWSG), which opposes offshorewindfarms within 25 kilometres of the coast, stated the delay was an opportunity to get the planning for projects right.
"This week's release of Australia's Climate Risk Assessment makes it clear that coastal townslikeSeasprayare on the frontline of climatechange," the groupsaid ina statement last week.
"The Seaspray community is not against renewable energy, in fact, we understand betterthan most that reducing climate change impacts is essential to our future, but offshorewind must be doneresponsibly. Thatmeans genuineconsultation with affected communities andensuring projects arelocated no closer than 25km from shore, so the burden of visual, and social impacts is not unfairlyplaced on towns like Seaspray.
"As adirectly affected community, SWSG will continue to advocate for transparent planning and balanced outcomes that both advancerenewableenergyand protect Gippsland's iconic coastline."
The delayofthe auction rattledinvestorsand underlined the need to remove unnecessary risks, according to Better Transmission Gippsland, which is campaigning for transmission lines between the offshore wind farms and the Latrobe Valley to be underground.
BetterTransmission Gippsland chair Kirra Bottsaidthe solution was already on-the-table.
"Underground transmission gives proponents confidence that projects will not be heldupbycommunitybacklash. It'sthe fastest way to remove uncertainty and get steel in the water," she said.
MsBottsaid underground high-voltage direct current transmission was not only safer and morereliable, it also smarter in the long run.
"By installing conduits at the start, future lines canbeaddedmoreefficiently and morecost effectively, further driving down costs. It's a'build once, build right' solution that keeps costs down over time," Ms Bott said.
Mr Rattray said Minister D'Ambrosio
Government dropswind fees
THE federal government has promised to lower annual fees charged to offshore winddevelopersina bid to averta slowdownofinvestment in the major renewable energy sector,the Australian Financial Review has reported.
The move to slash redtape and financial burdensholding up innovation follows an earlier report that Origin Energy-backed Navigator North was putting on hold a proposed $8 billion Victorian offshore wind farmamid uncertainty about the economic viability of the industry.
The government'snew economic incentives include waiving annual levies applied to feasibility; research and demonstration licences; and cutting yearly fees on transmission and infrastructure licences by half.
Application fees for researchand demonstration licences will be reduced from $300,000 to $20,000, and fees for transmission and infrastructurelicences by half.
Lice nce fees areapplied to developers
reaffirmed at last week's summit Victoria's commitment to offshorewind as acornerstone of the state's energy plan.
"With sevenyears of developmentwork behind us on Star of the South, we know Gippsland has some of the world's best offshorewind conditions -weare ready to deliverand harness this untapped resource for Australia," he said.
"Wewill continue to engageconstructively with government,industrypartnersand communities to unlockthe full potential of offshorewind for Australia."
CleanEnergyCouncil offshore wind general manager Morgan Rossiter said the government's decisionwould provide moretime to ensurethe first auction would succeed.
"Today's decision reflects the Victorian government's commitment to ensuring the auction design process is fit-for-purpose, giving developers moretime for projects to advance their business cases, so that we can establish an industry for local workers to turntowhen coal exits the system," Ms Rossiter said.
"These projectsare large and complex, and like any new industry, requiresupport to establish and mature. For the 11 feasibility licence holders in the Gippsland area, awarding offtake contracts for the first 2GW
is critical to providing revenue certainty.
"TheGippslandoffshorewindareaoff the cost of Victoria is capable of generatingenoughenergyduringpeak summer periods, to reduce the need to draw on gas peaking plants or see large industrial sites turnoff on hot summer days when energy demand rises."
Friends of the Earth offshore wind campaigner Anna Langford said her organisation remained hopeful the federal governmentwould commit thefunding needed for Victoria to hold its first offshore wind auction by the end of the year
"Communities in futureoffshorewind regions deserve greater certainty after hearing the benefits of offshorewind talked up for so many years," she said.
Voices of the Valley presidentWendy FarmersaidLatrobe Valley communities could not wait any longer for the roll-out of offshorewind to begin.
"Our communities need the offshorewind industry to create thousands of good jobs, hope for the future, and ensureour future energy security," she said.
"Victoria's ageing coal fired power stations have all announced closuredates. If offshorewind is not constructed on time, we will not be able to replace their energy supply."
to guarantee exclusive rights to explore the feasibility of sites while also preventing the practice of speculatively buying and holding large areasofprime seabed.
The AFR reported that annual fees of up to $1 million have become onerous for companies trying to enter asector fraught with high investment risks.
The Climate Changeand Energy Minister,Chris Bowen ,said cutting redtapewould would help developers focustimeand funds on projects that would create regional jobs but stressed the government would not abandon its obligations to en suresocial licence.
"TheAlbanese government is cutting fees andred tape while continuing to demandbestpractice community engagement for potential offshorewind projects," he said. "Wewant to make it easierfor developersto buildan Australian offshorewind industry, create thousands of great long-termjobs and generate cleaner,cheaper power for millions of homes."
FarmingExpo through thelens
Gippslanddairy farmer Simon Finger showed others at the South Gippsland Dairy Expo howrunning in gumboots is done. ce. July
Hundr ddairy rotary at Mt Lyall Dairiesduring the South GippslandFarmingExpo last month.
James Sammerho Stockfeed enjoyed wandering around cha ing Expo. Photos:Katrina Brandon
South Gippsland farmer Burke Brandon sharing experiences with Gippsland Giant Earthworms and regenerative farming.
Photo: Katrina Brandon
CFAmilestone aswomen step up
TRAILBLAZING womenacrossthe south east region arestepping up into roles which have only ever been held by men.
Deputy Chief Officer South East, Trevor Owen, said it was amazing to see dedicated women taking on the challenge of leadership roles.
“Thesewomen arebringing fresh perspectives, strength, and dedication to their positions and inspiringthe next generation of female leaders in CFA,” he said.
In Golden Beach Paula Grosveld is stepping down as Captain of the brigade after 20 years and will be stepping into the role of Group Officer for Banksia Group.
Her new role will involve supporting the brigadesinher group to deliver the bestfor their communities as well as supporting memberstoachieve theirpersonal goals within CFA.
"I hope Ican bringareal sense of respect, kindness, and commitment to the role so that all the brigades know that if they need anything from the group, we will be there to support them," she said.
Paula has been involved with CFAfor 39 years and throughout that time has held various roles.
Paula is passionate about young people getting involved and hopes she can inspire those coming through the ranks to step up into leadership roles.
"Hopefully Ican just carry onfromthe last few group officers and build on what we already have," she said.
Golden Beach sitsinCFA's District10 in East Gippsland and Paula said she is really proud to be from an area that has over 90 group management and brigade management positions filled by women.
"In District 10 we have huge representationofwomeninBrigade Management Teams and in group management teams,"
she said.
'It is just amazing that the women here put up their hand and they have acrack and it's awesome to see these women grow and learnalongside them."
Next door in District 11 Bronwyn “Bronnie” Jonkers from Wairewa brigade is the secretary, treasurerand now the fourth Deputy Group Officer of Orbost Group.
Bronnie is thefirst female DGO in Orbost Group. Bronnie has been avolunteerfor justoverfiveyears,startinginWairewa beforemoving to Stratfordand then back to Wairewa.
Since then, Bronniehas been on a whirlwind of aride,completing Women’s Challenge Camps, doing lots of training and waselected to the position of 4th Lieutenant at StratfordBrigade along with Fundraising Coordinator role beforemoving back to Wairewa.
As amum of three kids Bronnie knows aboutkeepingbusy but hopes she can
continue to learnand push herself in her new role.
"I have grown to love being able to help as much as Ican," she said.
"I signed up thinking Iwouldjust be a firefighterand fight fires but since being in CFAIhave just continued to grow."
She encourages allgirls andwomento think about getting involved in CFA.
"It is agreat community to get involved in and youmake alot of new friends, all the women aresupportive and you will be really supported in pushing yourself,” she said.
CFA’s District 8isgetting two new lieutenants, Alida Goodchild at Tyabb and Claire Maloney at Carrum Downs.
Stepping into the role of fourth lieutenant for the Tyabb brigade is an exciting new step for Alida Goodchild.
"Therehas never been afemale lieutenant at Tyabb," she said.
Alida said she is proud to be stepping into this role and hopes she can bring her
strengths to the forefront.
"Thereare morewomeninthe brigade than we have ever had," she said
"I really want to lead by example and show that they too can enter these roles and step up in the brigade to take on leadership roles."
In her role as fourth lieutenant Alida will be supporting the brigades mental health program, helping withfundraising and social events like brigade dinners, hydrant maintenance, and social media.
"They really tailor the portfolios to what you aregood at andtheymovearound depending on who is in the role so you can really thrive in your areas," she said.
ClaireMaloney is not only the first female lieutenantinthe CarrumDowns brigade but she is the firstfifthlieutenantthe brigade has ever had.
On top of this she is stepping into the role of protectiveequipmentmanager,which is also afirst for the brigade as they prepare to welcomeanew breathing apparatus (BA) vehicle to their brigade.
"It's fun to be at the decision table with the brigade managementteamand geta peek behind the curtain."
Clairesaid over the years she has been involved with CFA, the desiretotake on morechallengesand leadership has developed.
"I don'tthinkI startedoff with thatin mindbut it has definitely grown on me," she said.
The confidence Clairegets to take on leadershiproles sheattributestodeveloping and running aconfidence course for crew leaders.
"I definitely learned lots through that and it helped me to get the confidence to step up into other roles."
