Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Lifeline for Horsham protein plant
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
Less than a year after it faced liquidation, Horsham proteinmanufacturing business Australian Plant Proteins’ future appears secure after investment company
My Co acquired it last month.
Australian Plant Proteins, APP, creates protein-isolate powders from pulse crops using a patented process known as fractionation.
The powders have a range of uses, including as pre-workout and nutritional supplements, in vegetarian and vegan-friendly meat and dairy alternatives, as well as in snack foods and other baked goods.
The business was founded in 2016 by Brendan McKeegan and Phil McFarlane and opened its Horsham manufacturing plant in 2020.
In 2022 the business announced plans to construct a new South Australian facility with an estimated cost of more than $300-million, which it planned to operate concurrently with its Horsham manufacturing plant.
But by the following year the plans were scrapped when the federal and South Australian governments, which had pledged a combined $178-million towards the project, withdrew their commitments.
In June, 2024 the company entered into voluntary administration, with accountants Romanis Cant reportedly
recommending it be liquidated. But a saviour emerged in early April, with Australian businessman Terry Paule purchasing APP through his investment company My Co.
My Co’s website states the company has a focus on investing in food, agricultural and bio-tech startups, with a portfolio of more than 10 businesses including APP.
My Co chief executive Vicky Pappas said the company was thrilled to acquire APP and was committed to keeping the Horsham plant open.
“APP will employ around 18 fulltime staff at our Horsham manufacturing facility when full production
is achieved in the coming months,” she said.
“It’s worth noting that our manufacturing site is heavily automated and uses state-of-the-art equipment, which gives efficiency and guarantees quality of products.
“My Co’s acquisition is focused on protecting local jobs and supporting the Horsham community. We are committed to retaining all Horsham-based employees as we invest in expanding APP’s operations and capabilities.”
Ms Pappas said she believed that APP had a bright future despite its recent financial troubles.
“My Co is confident in APP’s profit-
NEW OWNER: Australian businessman Terry Paule purchased Australian Plant Proteins, APP, through his investment company My Co in early April, after the business entered voluntary administration in June 2024.
ability and long-term sustainability,” she said.
“The financial difficulties were driven by a range of external economic factors, not a failure of the business fundamentals.
“APP’s core offering – a high-quality, sustainable product with unique technology – remains strong.
“Our strategy involves leveraging My Co’s proven expertise in scaling food businesses, enhancing operational efficiencies, and expanding product lines.”
Ms Pappas said APP’s proprietary technology gave it an edge over competitors.
“My Co was drawn to APP because of its unique, patented fractionation technology, which enables the production of high-quality protein isolates from locally grown pulses like faba beans, yellow peas, lentils, and mung beans,” she said.
“This clean, non-solvent extraction process sets APP apart globally and aligns with My Co’s mission to foster food sector innovation and sustainability.
“We see immense potential in APP’s technology and its ability to support local farmers, protect regional jobs, and reinforce Australia’s status in the global plant-based food market.
“With growing consumer demand for nutritious, sustainable food options, we believe APP is well-positioned to expand its capabilities and presence both domestically and internationally.”
In a statement on social media, Mr Paule said he was ‘gobsmacked’ after acquiring APP.
“I’m realising just how significant this company is and why the world needs to know about the immense benefits of our faba bean protein isolate,” he said.
“I had the privilege of visiting our state-of-the-art facility in Horsham … and I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity ahead.”
CUT THE WASTE
KEEP THE SAVINGS
What a week...
Talk about a week being a long time in politics. Last week was like politics on speed.
It was a 5am start for me and what turned out to be thousands of farmers and CFA volunteers on Tuesday last week, leaving home in the dark, destination Parliament House, Melbourne.
I first got a sense this protest against the Emergency Services and Volunteer levy was going to be far larger than previous ones as I passed convoy after convoy of CFA trucks in a steady stream down the Hume Freeway. It unexpectedly lifted my spirits.
The crowds just kept rolling in, and in, and in. There were a few complaints that protesters couldn’t find the advertised sausage sizzle and it was going to be a long hungry morning, but all in good spirits.
It was also like a long-awaited reunion, hearing so many, ‘I haven’t seen you for years!’.
I even took a photo of the box of cow poo that so upset the Premier when it was delivered to her office. It was actually quite prettily presented in a pink box with bows and was obviously not something meant to be opened.
The State Opposition had already leaked the news it would repeal the levy legislation, but Liberal leader Brad Battin confirmed it to great celebration from the protestors. No tensions evident between the Coalition as Nationals leader Danny O’Brien stood shoulder to shoulder with Battin. More on that another time when this debacle of David Littleproud leading the split of the Federal Coalition is resolved.
Farmers and CFA volunteers spoke emotionally about their lifetimes of serving their community for little reward.
An exhausted VFF president Brett Hosking,
Country Today with
Libby Price
who has done himself so proud working tirelessly to try to get a resolution, was a tad teary as he spoke.
In my not very humble opinion, the protest was somewhat taken over the head of the United Fire Fighters Union, Peter Marshall.
Let’s not forget the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Inquiry last year found the union had ‘unprecedented influence over the operation and decision-making of the fire service, which prevented the service from functioning properly’, and that ‘the staff involved were motivated to misuse MFB information to further the interests of the Victorian branch of the UFU or its secretary, Peter Marshall’. Marshall had exerted enormous power over the Andrews government having helped it win the 2014 election. Then came the protracted industrial dispute over pay for his union members. It was largely Marshall who persuaded thenPremier Daniel Andrews to bring together all paid fire fighters under Fire Services Victoria, the very reform that really left volunteer firefighters now fighting a different fire, a fight for their very existence. It must have left a very bitter taste in the mouth of the Allan government that Marshall had once again chosen to do what he thought was in his own best interests.
Ready to write a new book
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Norton Estate winery’s Chris and Sam Spence are looking at an exciting future – they have their packaged home and business on the market, and are set to launch two new wines.
One is a carefully planted 200-yearold cultivar from America, the other an incidental fire season-dedicated rosé.
Mr Spence said this season was the first they have had grapes affected by smoke.
“In the 22 years the vines have been producing fruit properly, we’ve had mostly good years, but we have never had smoke taint until this year,” he said.
“But the positive is – and there’s always a positive – the skin on the shiraz grapes is thicker, so we got rid of the skins and used the juice to make rosé.
“We will change from a redhead rosé just this year to be something else, dedicated to the season that was.
“It’s yet to be bottled and the name announced, but it will be a 2025 vintage released in the next few months.”
Mr Spence said the other wine, unique in Australia, would coincidentally have the vineyard’s name.
“We have nurtured a unique, 200-year-old cultivar from America – we’re only the second vineyard in Australia to have it – it’s a red wine grape and it’s called Norton, so it has our name. It will be the Norton Estate Norton,” he said.
“You can’t compare it to anything else because it’s its own variety – a little bit European, a little bit American in its style. It’s very rich in tannin, but lively and fruitful in the mouth.”
The Lower Norton vineyard is a result of the work and determination of two generations.
The couple, along with Mr Spence’s parents Don and Wendy, planted the vines 29 years ago, converting what Mr Spence described as ‘a few sheep on a hill’ to a still-expanding winery.
Connections to fourth-generation Best’s Winery vigneron Viv Thomson assisted the Spences’ learning – in both the making of their wine, and the expansion of their business.
“My father Don and mother Wendy, they were good friends with Viv, dating back to about 1972,” Mr Spence said.
“When Viv found out we were going to have a play around with some wine grapes, he visited and showed us what
to do. He was basically born in a vineyard, and became a real mentor and a lifetime friend.”
The Spences have tripled the size of the cellar door and built a deck and alfresco area, reflecting the vineyard’s expansion from the first planting of a hectare of shiraz to cabernet, sauvignon blanc, and more shiraz.
The vineyard now averages about 23 tonne of fruit each year, resulting in between 15,000 and 20,000 bottles of wine.
The Spences have celebrated life events and special occasions with people and the community, from engagements and weddings, baby showers,
Mouse population boom
Last season’s weather-impacted fallen grain and a warm summer has sustained mouse populations, presenting a risk to new season’s crops.
CSIRO mouse management specialist Steve Henry said weather that caused grain loss provided soil moisture, which enabled mice to keep breeding through summer.
“This means we are seeing high numbers of mice in parts of Queensland, New South Wales, and parts of the Wimmera where we think there’s been significant grain loss prior to harvest, associated with a weather event,” he said.
Mr Henry said farmers would
needed to be prepared to bait as they sow.
“If mice are present in high numbers when the crop is been sown, you can see significant damage to the freshly sown crops,” he said.
“The mice get switched on to the lines of the seeder, and they’ll actually just march along a single furrow and take all the freshly sown seeds, so they are plants that never get an opportunity to germinate and grow and produce grain.”
Mr Henry said it was important that farmers understood how many mice were present in their stubbles before they sow their crops.
“If they’re seeing high numbers of mice, they need to be prepared to bait as they sow to try and minimise that damage that mice might cause,” he said.
“The advantage of spreading bait as farmers sow the crop is that a lot of that residual food gets buried as the crop gets sown, and then when mice come out after the seeder’s been through, the bait is the first thing they find on the surface.
“It’s really important that, if possible, farmers reduce food prior to baiting, that would enable them to get the best result.”
and significant birthdays. In recent months the couple has afforded some time away from the vineyard, holidaying and weighing up retirement options.
“We have travelled around to different destinations, which has opened our eyes to what other parts of Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales have got, so who knows,” Mr Spence said.
“People say they’re going to write a new chapter in the book. I’ve got a feeling we’ll write a completely different book.”
Ewe feed and management
Wonwondah and district sheep farmers are set to benefit from a best practice ewe management and feed planning breakfast workshop on June 12.
Hosted by Agriculture Victoria, presenter and livestock consultant Dr Steve Cotton of Dynamic Ag will discuss how to manage and feed ewes for reproduction and lamb survival during dry seasonal conditions.
Agriculture Victoria south-west regional manager meat and wool Kate McCue said Dr Cotton’s tips would inform and support producers preparing for a late autumn break.
“Dr Cotton is well known to industry as both a speaker and consultant, as well as a co-ordinator of some of our BestWool-BestLamb groups’’ she said.
“This workshop is a great opportunity for producers to discuss their goals and concerns with Steve among fellow farmers and leave feeling equipped to meet their ewe and lamb demands this season.”
The workshop will start with a complimentary breakfast from 7.30am, with the workshop at 8.30am. Topics will include best-practice ewe management; improving reproduction and lamb survival; ewe feed requirements before and after lambing; lamb feed requirements; and management tips for a late autumn break.
The workshop is part of the Farm Business Resilience Program jointly funded by the Federal Government’s Future Drought Fund and the State Government’s Future Agriculture Skills Capacity Fund.
Registration is essential, with the workshop location provided after registering. Registration details and further information is available at ww.agriculture.vic.gov.au/events. Dry seasons support is available at agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or by calling 136 186.
TO NEW BEGINNINGS: Chris and Sam Spence, owners of Norton Estate winery, have their home and business on the market, while ready to launch two new wines. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
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Council questions renewables plan
BY LAUREN HENRY
Yarriambiack
Shire Council
will make a submission to the State Government’s draft transmission plan and seek clarification as to why two major projects are not included in the updated renewable energy zones, REZ.
VicGrid, a State Government department, released a draft plan that identified seven onshore renewable energy zones – two of which are in the Wimmera.
The Wimmera Southern Mallee zone is located alongside the Henty Highway, north of Horsham – an area already host to the Murra Warra wind farm, with others in planning phases; while the other zone is in the Gramians Wimmera REZ, north of Stawell – already earmarked for a major transmission line project.
Yarriambiack Mayor Kylie Zanker said each of the two zones were planning to generate between 320 and 480 megawatts of new wind energy.
“In contrast, the energy parks planned for Yarriambiack Shire are significantly larger. The Campbells Bridge project is set to produce 1000MW, and the Warracknabeal Energy Park will generate 1650MW,” she said.
“We seek to understand the implications for these large-scale projects, specifically whether their capacities will be reduced.
“Given the maximum megawatts identified, we anticipate the number of prospectors in these areas will decrease substantially”.
The plan sets out how much more wind and solar energy Victoria is expected to need over the next 15 years and identifies the most suitable locations for new renewable energy and transmission projects.
A
‘Look Over the Farm Gate’ mental health and wellbeing grant program will be available statewide to help communities come together and support farmers and farming families under stress.
In response to deteriorating seasonal conditions, the State Government announced drought support for an extra 13 local government areas, including Horsham, Northern Grampians and all
Cr Zanker said the council would seek clarification regarding the Curyo Windfarm, up to 1000MW, and the Wilkur Energy Park, up to 776MW, not being within the footprint of a REZ.
“We wish to understand if those projects will still be considered, given the uncertainty these proposed projects place on our community,” she said.
“Both projects have initiated Environmental Effects Statement, EES, processes. The commencement of these EES processes has imposed limitations on farming communities regarding the development of certain areas of their land.”
Cr Zanker said the council would also be asking about private transmissions projects, such as the WiRES project planned within the shire.
“As a council, we have observed the anxiety and concern that proposed projects have caused among our community members,” she said.
“We seek clarity from the Victoria Transmission Plan so that our community can comprehend its impacts.
“It is important the community re-
view those zones, along with the likely scale of generation in each REZ.
“I encourage the community to visit the community engagement hubs established or to provide feedback via the feedback form available on the Engage Vic website.”
Yarriambiack council endorsed its position statement on mining, renewable energy, and transmission lines in January, acknowledging the widespread community concerns, but stating the council had no authority over the projects.
“However, council will continue to advocate for legislative reforms to ensure that community members residing close to mining, transmission, and renewable energy infrastructure are considered, and their health, wellbeing, and the social cohesion of our community are taken into account,”
Cr Zanker said.
Member for Mallee Anne Webster said the State Government had ‘sharpened its sights on Marnoo, Navarre, Beulah, Warracknabeal, Normanville and Quambatook’ to bear the brunt of the VNI West transmission line, wind
turbine and solar panel energy targets.
Dr Webster pointed out all seven zones fell in electorates held by federal Coalition MPs – three in Mallee; two in Wannon; and one each in Nicholls and Gippsland. “While this is good news for the Horsham, Robinvale, Charlton, Donald, Wycheproof and Kerang communities that were included in the original 2021 REZ mapping – and earmarked as Tier 1 top priority on page five of Labor’s September 2024 plan – I am very concerned that yet again Labor’s railroading of the energy agenda again identifies political targets instead of listening to the community and the science,” she said.
Dr Webster noted the new mapping goes out of its way to avoid much of the Labor-held greater Ballarat region and state electorate of Ripon – which were in the original ‘V3’ REZ mapping – and Labor-held Bendigo seats, which were in the original ‘V2’ REZ mapping.
“I will always take a strong stand fighting for regional communities, particularly where locals have not
been listened to and where energy cowboys pay lip service to gaining social licence,” she said.
“Victoria’s newest REZ mapping will further embolden the cowboys to crack on with non-disclosure agreements, buying off farmers and pitting neighbour versus neighbour, stirring bad blood where it had never been so before.”
VicGrid will host community consultation sessions, from 10am to 3pm, at Horsham’s Centre for Participation, 39 Urquhart Street, every Tuesday until June 17; and at Grampians Community Health, 8-22 Patrick Street, Stawell, every Wednesday until June 18.
• Following strong and widespread opposition to the VNI West transmission project, Buloke Shire Council voted to formally oppose the project in its current form.
The Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector project proposes a high-capacity double-circuit overhead transmission line that will cut across agricultural land, forming a conduit between the Western Renewables Link project at Bulgana, east of Stawell, to New South Wales.
In a statement, council said ‘while some individuals are directly affected by the proposed alignment, many others have voiced concern about broader issues including land use, farmland protection, consultation processes, and the cumulative impact of transmission infrastructure on rural communities’.
“This opposition reflects the dissatisfaction with the engagement and planning process to date, as well as a lack of confidence that the project will deliver fair and lasting outcomes for the Buloke community, farmers, landholders and the environment.”
Mental health program a key part of drought support
of West Wimmera. Ararat was among 11 municipalities announced last year to be a drought-declared area, eligible for $5000 on-farm drought infrastructure grants.
Ararat Mayor Jo Armstrong said there would be continued support for the regional drought co-ordinator role, and additional funding for small businesses through the appointment of a small business financial counsellor.
“While we recognise the broader financial pressures facing our community, including the incoming Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund Levy, the immediate need for drought support for our farmers remains paramount,” she said.
“I strongly encourage all eligible primary producers to carefully consider the criteria and apply for the available State Government assistance. This
support is crucial in helping our rural sector to navigate these persistent and challenging dry conditions.”
The government has also allocated $9000 for the National Centre for Farmer Health in Hamilton.
Agriculture Victoria’s farm business technical and decision-making support will include a range of technical specialists who can support farmers to manage the impacts of increas-
ingly difficult seasonal conditions. Other support includes Rural Financial Counselling Service, the Federal Government’s Farm Household Allowance, and low interest loans available through Regional Investment Corporation.
People can find out more at agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or by phoning 136 186.
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Lodging a claim
Lodging an insurance claim can be a stressful and overwhelming process, especially a er a natural disaster like the recent bush res in the Grampians.
Whether it’s damage to your home, loss of business assets, or personal property, dealing with the a ermath is emotionally draining.
During times like these, personalised claims support is invaluable.
Personalised claims support means having an expert by your side to guide you through the process.
Insurance brokers act as your advocate, managing the paperwork, liaising with insurers, and ensuring your claim is handled swi ly and fairly. eir expertise ensures that all necessary de-
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tails are provided, avoiding costly mistakes that can lead to reduced payouts or rejections.
e recent bush res have underscored the importance of having someone in your corner.
For many a ected, the insurance process can feel daunting and confusing, especially in the wake of signi cant loss.
A broker’s knowledge of the claims process can expedite recovery, allowing homeowners and businesses to focus on rebuilding rather than navigating complex policy details.
Time is a crucial factor a er a disaster.
Personalised claims support takes the pressure o by dealing with the insurer on your behalf, saving you time and e ort.
is support provides peace of mind, knowing you’re not alone in a challenging time.
“Ultimately, insurance isn’t just about premiums and policies—it’s about protection when the unexpected happens.
“With personalised claims support, you have an expert ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve, so you can focus on moving forward and rebuilding.”
Abbie Wilson, National Insurance Brokers
Proud supporter of local farmers
Armstrong: fix this, or step aside
BY LAUREN HENRY
Ararat farmer Rob Armstrong told a heart-wrenching story to the thousands of people who descended in front of Parliament House in Melbourne last week to protest the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund.
While farmers in the droughtdeclared local government areas of Ararat, West Wimmera, Northern Grampians and Horsham will get a reprieve on the new fund in the next financial year, all other farmers face a 150 per cent increase from the previous Fire Services Property Levy.
CFA and VICSES volunteers will be eligible for a partial rebate, estimated to equate to a 16 per cent reduction, but only on their primary place of residence.
Meanwhile residential and commercial ratepayers face about a 100 per cent increase, and industrial properties will increase by 64 per cent.
The fund, which will replace the Fire Services Levy from July 1, will inject about $1.6-billion into State Government revenue.
Mr Armstrong’s humble, and at times emotional, speech was warmly welcomed by protestors.
He had attempted to travel to Melbourne’s CBD by train but delays –which affected many protestors making the 10am rally in Spring Street – had forced him to eventually travel by an Uber to the city.
Out of breath due to him hurrying, Mr Armstrong – a Country Fire Au-
thority volunteer for 39 years – was forthright with his words, saying he had been fighting the levy since the day it was announced.
He told a story about fires in February, 1969, where a woman named Dorothy Tucker was babysitting four kids aged two, four, six, and eight years old.
“When the fire threatened the family farm, she wrapped the kids up in wet towels, loaded them into an old SJU and tried to drive them to safety, but the smoke was too thick – she hit a tree trying to escape,” he said.
“Dorothy carried those children to the main road on foot, a firefighting unit, a local volunteer farmer, was out chasing the fire.
“They couldn’t see through the smoke, so they drove with the windows down, listened for the gravel under their tyres so they could stay on
the road, and then the smoke parted just enough and they saw her huddled over the children.
“The fire had already passed over them. They were badly burned. They spent months in the Royal Children’s Hospital, but they survived.
“I was one of those children.”
Mr Armstrong said every time he was called to a fire as a CFA volunteer, he heard voices in his head telling him not to go, but he went anyway.
“Because maybe one day I’ll get the chance to help someone the way Dorothy and those volunteer farmers helped me,” he said.
“But if the levy had existed back then, many farmers wouldn’t have had the money left to buy their own fire equipment.
“If the levy had existed back then, maybe they wouldn’t want to risk their life to fight fires and be charged
“If this government refuses to listen, we will stop the food from leaving the farm – meat, vegetables, cereals, grains, a week at first. And if you don’t listen, we’ll do it again. And if you don’t listen, we’ll do it again”
– Rob Armstrong, left
for it through the nose. Maybe no one would have come to save us.”
Mr Armstrong said the levy threatened to put everyone in rural Victoria in danger.
“The ESV Fund does not support farmers. It does not support anyone. It punishes us. It taxes us. The taxes are people who show up,” he said.
Mr Armstrong called on Premier Jacinta Allan and Treasurer Jaclyn Symes to see the damage they were doing to all Victorians.
“We don’t sell our souls to the highest bid like you and Jaclyn did on Wednesday night. We’re respectful people. We value our neighbours. We back our communities,” he said.
“You sold us out and now we are standing up. You have showed no understanding, no conscience.
“If you and your treasurer still believe in serving Victorians, you’ll listen. You’ll fix this. If not, step aside because the State Government – it doesn’t belong to you – it belongs to the people who keep it running. The people you are supposed to serve.”
Mr Armstrong, also an Ararat coun-
cillor, said the government had exposed rural councils to enormous risk.
“Councils still have to pay the State Government whether the levy is collected or not,” he said.
“That means farmers can’t pay, won’t pay, and the councils will be left withholding all the debt.
“At this rate, rural councils will be bankrupt within two years.”
Mr Armstrong said if all 39 councils stuck together, they could say they would only collect the levy at the residential rate for all ratepayers.
“Because what’s really going on here – this levy isn’t about delivering better emergency services, it’s about plugging a hole that the government has created themselves,” he said.
“They’re now trying to refill the bucket with not city taxes, but from the pockets of volunteers and primary producers.
“It’s not a policy, it’s a betrayal.”
Mr Armstrong said for the first time in his entire life, farmers were ‘truly united as one’.
“We may be only one per cent of the population, but we feed 100 per cent of the people,” he said.
“Jacinta, you have woken a sleeping giant.
“You can’t control if you don’t respect the farmers and you won’t have any food.
“And if this government refuses to listen, we will stop the food from leaving the farm – meat, vegetables, cereals, grains, a week at first. And if you don’t listen, we’ll do it again. And if you don’t listen, we’ll do it again.”
STANDING STRONG: David Ferrier, Kate Reilly and Dee Ferrier, of Birchip, joined the thousands of people in front of Parliament House last week to protest the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund.
Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER
Virtual fencing regulations closer
The Victorian Farmers Federation has welcomed the State Government’s announcement of draft regulations to enable the legal use of virtual fencing in Victoria.
Virtual fencing uses collars with GPS and wireless technology to control livestock without physical fences. If the animal leaves a designated area, the collars send out three warning noise and vibration cues and additional stimulus to encourage the animal to return to the area.
Agriculture Minister Ros Spence announced last week that new regulations would be prepared for the use of virtual fencing and herding technology for cattle in Victoria.
The announcement follows years of advocacy by the VFF and the broader farming community, as the government engaged with industry, manufacturers and researchers about virtual fencing to understand the animal welfare impacts of the technology that will create better and more efficient farms.
Ms Spence said further engagement would occur with relevant stakeholders, including animal welfare groups, with the regulations to be finalised by the end of the year.
She said the new regulations would make sure the roll-out of virtual fencing across the state would improve
animal welfare outcomes, farm safety, productivity and staff wellbeing.
However, the VFF says more must be done to ensure farmers can access and implement the technology, particularly in the face of deepening drought conditions.
VFF president Brett Hosking said the announcement was a long-overdue recognition of the need to modernise Victoria’s outdated rules.
“This is a win for common sense and a testament to the advocacy efforts of the VFF and our members,” he said.
“Virtual fencing is already proving its worth in other states. It’s time Victorian farmers had the same opportunities to improve livestock management and reduce pressure on our land.”
While recognising the legislation as a positive step, the VFF is urging the government to make existing drought and preparedness funding eligible for virtual fencing and stock containment infrastructure once the regulations are finalised.
“The timing of these changes is critical,” Mr Hosking said.
“We’re in the middle of a challenging season, and farmers need every tool available to manage feed, protect soil, and rotate stock efficiently. Virtual fencing is one of those tools.
“Once regulations are in place, we want to see support made available, not just through words, but with prac-
tical funding that helps farmers adopt this technology where it’s most urgently needed.”
A trial of Halter virtual fencing technology at Agriculture Victoria’s Ellinbank SmartFarm in Gippsland will continue conducting research until June 30 – giving Victorian farmers the chance to experience it first-hand.
Since July 2024, dairy cattle at the SmartFarm have been fitted with solar powered smart collars that use electronic cues to contain animals within a virtual fence and guide them to areas of the farm via a mobile phone app. It also allows farmers to monitor their cows’ location, health and reproductive status.
Ms Spence said Agriculture Victoria was actively contributing to the de-
in Horsham,
velopment of the Australian Animal Welfare Guide for Virtual Fencing, a project led by the Federal Government’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
The guide aims to support a consistent regulatory approach across states and territories, while ensuring optimal animal welfare outcomes where virtual fencing is used.
“We know that Victorian farmers are looking to use virtual fencing and herding technology to improve productivity and farmer safety, which is why we’re making decisions to ensure farmers have the best technology up to date,” Ms Spence said.
“It is critical that we have appropriate safeguards in place to protect animal welfare, while enabling innova-
tion on farms. These new regulations will provide a framework to achieve this.”
Mr Hosking said the VFF also reiterated its disappointment over recent policy decisions, such as the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund levy, which had added pressure to rural communities already managing severe cost and climate pressures.
“We won’t forget the government’s decision to ignore rural voices on the unfair levy,” he said.
“But we’ll always support policies that help farmers do their jobs better and virtual fencing is one of them.”
The VFF will continue to work closely with the government and industry to ensure the final virtual fencing framework is safe, practical and aligned with the needs of Victorian producers.
The VFF and United Dairyfarmers of Victoria have worked closely with manufacturers, researchers and regulators to support the responsible roll-out of the technology.
UDV president Bernie Free noted the technology’s potential to transform operations for dairy producers.
“Dairy farmers have been ready to adopt virtual fencing for years,” he said.
“We’ve done the groundwork, and while this announcement is welcome, we can’t afford to wait much longer.”
RSPCA plea to horse owners
Reports of cruelty and neglect towards horses are increasing across the state amid rain deficiencies, prompting budget-bound RSPCA Victoria’s inspectorate to issue a plea to horse owners.
RSPCA Victoria chief inspector Michelle Green said more than 8100 horses were involved in cruelty reports this financial year, a 53 per cent increase on the previous year.
“This year we have already taken in 183 horses, with more than 60 horses still in our care,” she said.
“The majority are at various agistments across the state due to the limited capacity at our shelter.
“Caring for these horses comes at a cost, with each horse estimated to remain under our care for an average of 120 days costing nearly $50 per day, per horse.”
RSPCA chief executive Liz Walker said RSPCA Victoria received ongoing funding from the State Government of $2.3-million per year, which covered about 21 per cent of its inspectorate costs, forecast to be $10.8-million this financial year.
“While we’re incredibly grateful for the funding we receive annually, and the additional one-off boost of $2.5-million received this financial year, this barely
makes a dent in the amount it costs to keep our inspectors on the road and to care and rehabilitate the animals coming in through the inspectorate,” she said.
“In addition to existing safety concerns for our inspectors, without sufficient funding, sadly we will likely need to restrict the species of animal we investigate, rehabilitate and rehome, removing horses, poultry and livestock from our scope of work.”
There are 28 inspectors on the road to investigate more than 10,000 cruelty reports across the state.
The RSPCA seized 10 horses from an Ararat property earlier this year.
“Our inspectors are the only authorised officers under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, who currently enforce and prosecute horse welfare in the state and with horses not currently covered by local laws, without other law enforcement agencies picking it up, neglect and cruelty towards horses will be left unchecked across the state,” Dr Walker said.
Anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals with first-hand information is urged to make a report to RSPCA Victoria at rspcavic.org/cruelty-report or by calling 9224 2222. For more information on horse care, people can visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/ horses/basic-horse-care.
NEW HOME: Horsham’s Crop Smart team, Trevor Ryan, Steven Jardine, Angus Martin and Bodie Colbert in front of their new Dimboola Road, Horsham, store.
Crop Smart relocates to Horsham
Crop Smart has relocated from its Dooen store to a new site in Horsham, marking a significant step in the company’s evolution.
The move also honours a 19-year partnership with Darren Mills, the driving force behind the original Dooen location.
Independent and Australian owned, Crop Smart was founded in 2006 as a one-person operation.
It has now grown to include a formulation plant and a network of stores across South Australia, Victoria, and southern NSW, offering expert advice and in-field support to deliver solutions that optimise farm productivity and profitability, supplying agricultural chemicals, fertiliser, crop nutrition, seed and animal health products.
Crop Smart executive chairman Matt Durden said the relocation was a strategic decision enabling
the company to enhance its operational efficiency and provide a more convenient service for customers across the Wimmera.
He said the new Horsham site would ensure continuity of customer service and high-quality farm inputs the local farming community had come to expect.
“This move has been in the works for some time as our company and Darren’s own farm businesses both continued to grow, so we’re entering this new chapter together with mutual excitement,” he said.
Mr Durden said the Dooen store, Crop Smart’s first ever site and situated on Mr Mills’ farm, had been a cornerstone of the business for nearly two decades, thanks in large part to the dedication and expertise of Mr Mills, his family and his employees.
“Their combined commitment
WE GROW BETTER CROPS
has been instrumental in Crop Smart’s expansion throughout the Wimmera region, with this amicable parting of ways allowing Darren to focus on his expanding farm while Crop Smart continues to grow and evolve,” he said.
“Darren has been an incredible partner and friend to Crop Smart over the years. His passion and hard work have contributed significantly to our growth in the Wimmera region.”
Mr Durden said Crop Smart expressed its sincere gratitude to the Wimmera farming community for their support over the past 19 years, and the team were looking forward to welcoming customers to its new location.
An official opening event at the new site at 52-56 Dimboola Road, Horsham, is scheduled next month.
Preventing twin lamb disease
BY DR JEFF CAVE, AGRICULTURAL VICTORIA SENIOR VETERINARY OFFICER
Aswe move towards winter, sheep producers may begin to see cases of pregnancy toxaemia, or twin lamb disease, in their ewes.
Twin lamb disease occurs when ewes have an inadequate energy intake during the last four to six weeks of pregnancy.
During this final period of pregnancy, ewes’ energy needs increase substantially, as she is providing energy for both herself, and her rapidly growing lamb.
Ewes that are carrying twins are particularly susceptible, hence the name.
In fact a ewe carrying twins has one and a half times the energy requirements of a ewe with a single lamb, and more than twice the energy requirements of a dry ewe.
The table below shows energy requirements in megajoules – MJ ME/day – for sheep maintained at condition score three with single lambs or twin lambs.
Sheep weight (without foetus) kg
Medium frame 50kg 8 12
Sheep fed in containment areas generally require 10 to 16 per cent less energy compared
with animals walking around paddocks looking for feed.
An outbreak of twin lamb disease is often triggered by stress and environmental conditions that cause a low intake of food such as during yarding or holding off feed or severe weather conditions.
Affected ewes usually appear dopey, blind and unresponsive.
The condition may progress over several days.
The presence of affected ewes is an indication that all is not well in the remainder of the flock.
Many other ewes may also be sub-clinically affected and may progress to become further cases of twin lamb disease.
Twin lamb disease occurs because of a breakdown of body fat at a rate with which the ewe’s liver is unable to cope.
As a result, on autopsy an affected ewe’s liver will appear swollen, yellow, crumbly and greasy.
Affected ewes can occasionally be successfully treated by an energy-rich drench such as glycerine, provided the drench is given during the early stages of the disease.
More importantly, good quality supplementary feeding should be given to those ewes most at risk.
Increasing the ewe’s energy intake through appropriate ration formulation during the last eight weeks of pregnancy can prevent twin lamb disease.
For further advice, people can contact their local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria veterinary or animal health officer.
Further information on ewe nutrition can be found at www.feedinglivestock.vic.gov.au.
For more information and support during drought and dry conditions, visit www. agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or call 136 186.
Benefits of stock containment
Agriculture Victoria is encouraging livestock producers to consider effective stock containment strategies to help maintain core herd or flock numbers and support pasture recovery.
Agriculture Victoria’s land management extension officer Kerri Goschnick said dry seasonal conditions and limited rainfall continued to place pressure on grazing operations, impacting pasture growth and causing bare ground across many paddocks.
“Stock containment refers to confining livestock in designated areas, where farmers can effectively manage feed, water and shelter,” she said.
“This allows farm paddocks to rest until an autumn break causes pastures to recover and withstand livestock grazing.
“Stock containment doesn’t necessarily require a complicated system; it can be as simple as a sacrifice paddock with good quality water and access for feeding.
“Farmers should be aware that there is a higher risk of weed infestation when importing feed to supplementary feed livestock.
“Establishing a stock containment area to use supplementary feed will contain the weed seeds to a manageable area.
“Weeds to look out for include parthenium weed, particularly in fodder sourced from parts of Queensland and NSW.
“It is important that animals in containment have their nutritional, water and shelter needs met.”
Agriculture Victoria can assist in planning feed budgets and stock containment area design and management.
Further information can be found by searching Agriculture Victoria’s website.
For more information about drought and dry seasonal conditions support head to agriculture. vic.gov.au/dryseasons.
Take action against weeds and pests
Partnerships Against Pests program grants of $10,000 up to $50,000 are available to community groups for projects focused on managing established weeds and pest animals.
Round four of the $5-million program, worth $637,000, will allow groups to develop and deliver community education programs and action for up to two years and can include up to $10,000 for capital items.
Capital items can include monitoring technology and weed and pest management equipment, such as monitoring cameras to track feral pigs, hoes to eradicate serrated tussock or bait laying equipment to manage rabbits. Equipment for
demonstration and education such as projector screens may also be eligible for funding.
Buloke and Northern Grampians Landcare Network facilitator Andrew Borg said the program had been invaluable for kickstarting the network’s pest and weed management efforts.
“Without funding through the Partnerships Against Pests program we would not have been able to commence upskilling of our volunteers and regional land managers to combat invasive pests and weeds,” he said. Applications close on Friday July 4. For more information people can visit agriculture.vic. gov.au.
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ADVERTISEMENT
Drought proof your farm with prickly pears
Having recently purchased land near Horsham, I plan to establish a site for growing and breeding the prickly pear—Opuntia cus indica.
This highly productive species was domesticated thousands of years ago by the natives of the Mesoamerican regions, especially around Mexico and is legal to grow, unlike most species that are noxious weeds.
I have begun to plant an arboretum of available varieties as a genetic resource allowing for cross-pollination by bees and hopefully interesting new varieties will appear.
Instead of paying top dollar for hay during a drought and also culling breeding stock, a relatively small arboretum of prickly pears means a readily available store of
fresh and highly nutritious food is at hand. These plants can also grow on poor soils provided it’s well drained.
Unfortunately Australians still harbour fears associated with prickly pears due to past disasters when wild Opuntias species escaped and covered large areas of northern NSW and southern QLD over a hundred years ago. Many farmers were forced to abandon their land as a result.
The rst wild opuntias arrived with the rst eet in 1788, needed to harvest the red dye produced by the cochineal aphid that feeds off Opuntia pads.
Before that time the Spanish provided the dye, but England and Spain were at war preventing the usual supply of dye for the English red coat army.
Since those early days, some 30 wild Opuntia species have naturalised in Australia and are classi ed as noxious weeds. These dif cult to control plants reproduce much faster than the relatively benign and legal Opuntia cus indica.
ICARDA is a worldwide organisation looking to produce resilient livelihoods in dry regions around the world. It’s sponsored by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.
This publication has a vast amount of information and references.
This publication gives an overview of the state of opuntia cus indica culture throughout the world.
Leading countries producing fresh fruits for human consumption include Israel, Italy and the Americas.
Brazil and Mexico are world leaders in animal fodder production including mechanical harvesting of attened stems known as cladodes or paddles.
China has utilized Opuntia cus indica as a food crop that also stabilizes light soils in semi-desert areas, a large industry including irrigation to produce high fruit yields.
Some farmers expressed
concern that birds will spread this cactus, but I’ve found that chemical mix of paraquat and diquat is highly effective at killing Opuntias, where a single droplet will eliminate a young plant.
Applications for prickly pear include treatments for diabetes, hypertension and in ammation along with anti-in ammatory and antioxidant qualities.
Uses in the cosmetics and skincare market is expected to boom. These applications are for people in wealthy countries but by far the most valuable use is to save human and animal lives in drought stricken regions in undeveloped nations.
Africa has large regions in long term drought and these living water stores reduce the water needs of grazing animals as well as providing an invaluable source of pollen for bees that are being devastated by the varroa mites.
General uses
• Juices
• Biofuels
• Stock Feed
• Fire Retardants
• Soil Bioactive components
Edible gums from pads and water soluble oils from seeds are highly sought after. Lubricating food producing machinery is best used with nontoxic oils obtained from the Opuntia.
Farmers interested in a trial arboretum can collect free
paddles for propagation early next year.
These are simple to grow but if you want to know more about this project please leave your details: rappard48@gmail.com
The ancient Aztecs revered the prickly pear because it sustained their lives in a dif cult environment. They named it the gift from the Gods, but will farmers see it in the same light? Sadly, when chatting with farmers what often comes to mind is the fairy tale about the golden goose and we know how that ended.
I’m looking for interested people who appreciate future challenges farmers will face and are prepared to spend an hour or so each month to learn how to grow the prickly pear in preparation for mechanical harvesting. I’m happy to mentor the group until they’re ready to run their own patch and further improve mechanical harvesting techniques.
In Conclusion
We know the planet is heating and it’s imperative we react sooner rather than later as traditional crops will eventually be growing outside their optimal growing range. The prickly pear has a high optimal temperature range as well as the ability to store water and nutrients, becoming an effective insurance policy should traditional crops begin to fail.
March 2025.
AI streamlining receival process
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Grain receival centres across the country could be equipped with new technology to grade grain more quickly and uniformly by harvest, after further commercial trials of an artificial intelligence system at Horsham and Minyip last week.
Cropify co-founder and chief executive Anna Faulkner, who gave several on-site demonstrations using lentils at Shannon Bros and Wimpak with co-founder and chief operating officer Andrew Hannon, said the device had been met with positive reviews.
“We have had growers come through with buckets of lentils and we’re testing them,” she said.
“It’s been really interesting for them, too, because they know what quality of lentils they have, and we want growers to be comfortable with this technology, and the only way to do that is for them to see it and see the results.”
Ms Faulkner said the software analyses the samples in about six minutes.
“At harvest time, and depending on the quality of the sample, current grading can take anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes, while growers and contractors are idling in line,” she said.
“This not only takes the subjectivity out of it, removing the inconsistencies of different opinions of a sample, it’s also done in a shorter, consistent time, improving efficiency across the site.
“Growers will have a consistent result, whether they come to this site or any other that is using our instrument.”
Ms Faulkner said they started trying to operate the program on a mobile phone.
“The results were inconsistent, and Grain Trade Australia won’t accept them as tradable tests,” she said.
“We may do something on mobile phones a year or so down the track – we might have a light version – it’s novel and not tradable, but it’s something the farmer can use as a guide.”
The sample is screened, put onto trays and photographed, the images are uploaded and analysed using offsite software, before the results are sent via SMS to the grower.
The scanning hardware fits on a benchtop, requiring little infrastruc-
tural change, and removes a degree of training, allowing more users to multi-task.
While there are competitors looking to launch similar machines, Cropify’s machine remains a first of its kind.
Years of testing have ensured a stable, consistent environment to test samples of lentils, as well as chickpeas, field peas, lupins, fava beans and broad beans, with wheat grading still being refined.
ABOVE: Cropify co-founders Anna Faulkner and Andrew Hannon are marketing new grain grading equipment for handlers. Together with Cropify grain grader Bec Spence, left, the team gave several on-site demonstrations using lentils at Shannon Bros and Wimpak last week, met with positive reviews. Picture: PAUL
It has been trained to so far recognise 18 of the 38 targeted weed seeds, as well as poor colour, or damaged or inferior grain.
Mr Hannon said he had been in the grain industry for nearly 30 years, and subjective testing had always been an issue.
“For as long as I can remember the grains industry has been looking for a solution to subjective testing,” he said.
“As a demonstration, we’ve run the same 404,953-lentil sample to show there’s one lentil variance, that’s about 0.0002 per cent variation.”
Ms Faulkner said the equipment was at the ‘pointy end’ of the process, where the grading was refined, and
investors sought. “We’re 95 per cent there. We’re well-aligned with the full-time graders, and we are getting lots of data from the trials this week, which will show us where we have to make tweaks,” she said.
“We will send that data to Grain Trade Australia to get approval for this as an approved instrument.
“We don’t require that, but it’ll give the whole industry comfort that we’re approved to trade, so that’s our aim.”
Cropify will give further demonstrations of the Australian-designed and made AI equipment at Mallee Machinery Field Days at Speed in August.
CARRACHER
E-Catalogue OUT NOW
BY ALASDAIR WOODFORD, HARWOOD ANDREWS
Stamp duty is typically payable on all transfers of property in Victoria.
Section 56 of the Duties Act 2000 provides a stamp duty exemption, which is relevant to farmland in Victoria.
In order to obtain the exemption, the farmland must be exempt from land tax under the ‘primary production’ land tax exemption.
Primary production means that the land is used for: cultivation for the purpose of selling the product of cultivation; maintenance of animals or poultry for the purpose of selling them; keeping of bees for the purpose of selling their honey; commercial fishing; and cultivation or propagation for sale of plants, seedlings, mushrooms or orchids.
To be exempt from paying stamp duty, the transfer of property must also be between relatives. A relative includes a child, grandchild, parent, brother, sister, uncle, aunty or any partner of these. Additionally, a relative includes an appropriately structured farmland trust.
The use of a farmland trust can assist with both asset protection and succession without requiring paying stamp duty.
A farmland trust can be utilised for asset protection and succession purposes.
For example, if a husband and wife are under-
Birchip Cropping Group has appointed two new members to its board – Marisa Collins and Giles Cunningham, who are set to bring deep scientific, educational, and on-ground production expertise to help shape the future direction of the organisation.
Dr Collins, associate professor in agronomy at La Trobe University, joins the BCG Board with more than two decades of experience in agricultural research, education, and industry collaboration.
Hailing from a family farm in the Mallee, Dr Collins has worked across Australia’s leading agricultural research institutions including the University of Melbourne, CSIRO, University of Queensland, and La Trobe University.
Her research, funded by GRDC, AgriFutures and the Department of Agriculture, has focused on improving crop productivity through better water-use efficiency, understanding crop responses to heat and drought, and enhancing nitrogen fixation in legumes.
Her leadership in tertiary education has shaped modern agronomy curricula across Australia, and her commitment to linking science with the paddock is a natural fit with BCG’s mission.
“As a long-time admirer of BCG’s role in supporting farmers with practical, farmer-led research, I’m excited to contribute more deeply,” Dr Collins said.
“BCG’s ability to attract and develop top-tier talent, while staying deeply connected to growers’ needs, is something I’m proud to support.”
Mr Cunningham, a corporate farm manager with more than 15 years’ experience across dryland and irrigated systems, brings a commercial and operational lens to the BCG board.
With a background in strategic farm planning, agronomy, machinery investment, irrigation design, and financial governance, he offers critical insight into the practical and business realities of running high-performing farms.
“I’ve always believed the best innovation comes from applied research developed in close partnership with growers,” Mr Cunningham said.
“BCG is a national leader in this space, and
taking a farming enterprise in a partnership, and the farmland is owned in the name of either or both of them, the land is exposed to the risks of the farming business.
However, if the farmland were transferred to a farmland trust, this distinct legal structure is separated from the risk of the farming business. Further, if the parents were looking at succession of the farmland to one, on-farm child, to the exclusion of an off-farm sibling, holding the land in a trust allows a structured succession discussion separate from a wider estate discussion, including off-farm assets.
It falls outside of the assets on which a testator family maintenance claim can be made.
When considering if you are eligible for a section 56 stamp duty exemption, it is important for parties to be aware of their obligations and evidentiary requirements when applying.
In the example above, you would need to provide copies of the trust deeds for the farmland trust and explain to the State Revenue Office the capital – the property – of the trust can only be distributed to the ‘relatives’ of the parents. However, in this example it is very likely that the State Revenue Office would issue a full exemption to stamp duty.
If you require advice regarding the topics discussed, contact Harwood Andrews for more information.
BCG adds depth to board Transferring land between family?
APPOINTED: Giles Cunningham, a corporate farm manager with more than 15 years’ experience across dryland and irrigated systems, has joined BCG’s board.
I’m thrilled to support and represent the region’s growers on the board.”
BCG chief executive Fiona Best welcomed the appointments.
“We are thrilled to welcome Marisa and Giles to the BCG Board,” she said.
“Their diverse skill sets and deep commitment to agriculture will be invaluable as we deliver on our mission to create enduring prosperity for farming communities.
“I’m really looking forward to working with them both as we continue to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities facing our region.”
BCG chair John Ferrier, a Birchip-based farmer, also endorsed the appointments.
“The strength of BCG lies in its people, and the appointment of Marisa and Giles adds to that strength,” he said.
“They each bring unique insights and energy that will help guide the organisation in its strategic direction. It’s an exciting time to be part of BCG.”
Business is in the right mix
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Horsham business Crop Opti
is giving Wimmera and Mallee growers fertiliser choices closer to home, and the positive response is seeing the business expand after its first full sowing season.
Supplying just urea at its start, the business now has most starter fertilisers – monoammonium phosphate, MAP, and granuloc, as well as spreading fertilisers urea, super, and sulphate ammonia, fungicides, as well as house-made liquid fertilisers.
Crop Opti manager Travis Hair said his team of eight, in business for 16 months, was still learning.
“We still have a little bit of work to do, but we’ve been so wellsupported we’re looking to progress and put some extra bays of fertiliser in the shed, increasing from 3000 tonnes to 4500 tonnes, and moving the liquid fertiliser tanks outside,” he said.
“Buying fertiliser here means growers no longer need to travel to Geelong or Portland and wait in line, which will save them time at one of their busiest times of the year, and giving them a quick option to pick up big or small loads.
“They can pick up a truckload when they actually need it – it goes
“We’re always looking to invest in what we do, not just for us, but for our growers. We’re looking forward to getting better and better.”
– Travis Hair, right
straight from our shed into their truck, into their air seeder, into the ground, which eliminates the issues in having to store it.”
Growers can have soil tested and consult with agronomists onsite, and can have a personalised mix prepared; including three-way blends, and the addition of fungicides, all computer-controlled.
“Fertilisers are becoming nearly a prescription-type mix for a lot of people,” Mr Hair said.
“It’s not a one-size-fits-all, we’re not looking to jam a square block through a round hole; things have changed a lot in farming over the last 10 years, five years and even over the last three years.
“Because we have control over blends and treating, we can make it cheaper for the grower to pick it up at Horsham rather than Geelong or Portland.
“It saves them a bit of time and can allow them to use a better product.
“It’s a win-win for us and the grower.”
Mr Hair said he was happy with
the business’s progress, after his original business idea was met with trepidation from some.
“A lot of people early on that said it won’t work – the idea did get tried about 30 years ago in Warracknabeal, when Incitec actually built a shed, but being that we also do a lot of soil testing and precision ag nowadays, it is working,” he said.
Mr Hair said he enjoyed the flexibility of the business, and being able to talk with growers and improve their operations, so his business could improve.
“We’re always looking to invest in what we do, not just for us, but for our growers,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to getting better and better.”
Farm emissions and productivity workshops will be presented by farmer, agronomist and industry advisor Cam Nicholson at Apsley, and by soil scientist and leading expert in farm emissions Cass Schefe at Kaniva in July.
The workshops provide an overview of the external forces driving the need to track farm emissions, give short, medium and long-term options, and discuss calculators and data to be able to calculate emissions.
New legislation requires large business and financial institutions to report their carbon emissions, with many global and national businesses having already signed up to voluntary targets and emissions reporting.
The free workshop runs from 10am to 2.30pm, on July 15 at Apsley Golf Club, and on July 22 at Kaniva Neighbourhood House. People can register at Agriculture Victoria’s events webpage agriculture. vic.gov.au/support-and-resources/eventlisting?result_515616_result_page=3.
Brassica conference
A brassica conference at Horsham will bring together scientists and representatives from the canola and oilseeds sector to showcase new developments.
The Australian Brassica Conference, which takes place every two years, is the peak conference for canola research and development, focused on advancement of canola production and utilisation.
The July 21 to 23 event at Horsham SmartFarm will combine presentations, discussions, social events and a field tour. People can find more information and register attendance at brassicaconference.com.au.
