Parched

Cowwarr export Jane Kelley had her PhD conferred at the Latrobe University graduation ceremony in December 21, 2021. Photo: Contributed

Congratulations

Doctor Kelley

JANE Kelley, daughter of Dave Kelley and Sonny Stephens of Cowwarr, had her PhD conferred at the Latrobe University graduation ceremony in December 21, 2021. Dr Kelley studied the prevalence of a parasite called liver fluke in dairy cattle. She showed that liver fluke was endemic in irrigation regions in Victoria, resistant to drugs and costs the dairy industry approximately $129 million/year. These findings have informed control strategies that have been implemented on-farm by industry. Jane completed her Primary School education at Cowwarr (1995-2001) followed by secondary education at Traralgon College (2002-2007). In 2008-2009, Jane completed an Associate Degree in Horticulture at Melbourne University - Burnley Campus and won the Aboriculture Award. Then from 2010-2012, Jane completed an Agricultural Science Degree at Latrobe University. In 2013, Jane completed her Honours year, was Dux and undertook a research project on liver fluke which led to Jane becoming one of eleven winners of a 2014 National Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. The field work for the research was done on a number of dairy farming properties in the Macalister Irrigation District.

Grants are available

GRANTS of up to $25,000 are now available to help reimburse primary producers for clean-up and recovery activities as a direct result of the Severe Weather event of June 9-11, 2021. The Exceptional Circumstances Recovery grants can be used to cover activities including removing fallen trees, removing silt and debris, specialist support for landslip and erosion remediation. The support can also contribute to the cost of repairs or replacement of damaged farm infrastructure such as fencing and equipment. To apply for a grant or to see if you are eligible, visit www.ruralfinance.com.au

Strengthening state’s biosecurity is a focus

HELPING to strengthen Victoria’s biosecurity system for the future will be the key focus of the inaugural Victorian Biosecurity Reference Group when it meets for the first-time next month. Eleven members with vast experience, knowledge and skills in biosecurity operations, agriculture policy, citizen expertise, community engagement, biosecurity science and managing biosecurity risks have been appointed to the new group, which has been established as part of the state government's $28 million program to strengthen Victoria’s biosecurity system. Agriculture Victoria’s Biosecurity Services executive director Katherine Clift said it was encouraging to see the response to the call for Biosecurity Reference Group nominees. Dr Clift said it demonstrated how invested industry and community members are in their desire to help contribute to a stronger biosecurity system for Victoria, and to be part of the process. “Biosecurity is key to not only protecting our agriculture sector, but also our environment, biodiversity, cultural heritage, economy and way of life,” she said. The Biosecurity Reference Group was established in response to calls from industry and the community to establish stronger partnerships with government on biosecurity and for more formal opportunities for non-government stakeholders to have input into decision-making. "Reference Group members will play an important role in providing feedback to Agriculture Victoria on proposed investments and activities to help ensure they are practical and relevant to industry and community," Dr Clift said. The Biosecurity Reference Group members are:  Andrew MacLean, Landcare Victoria chief executive officer  David Reid, Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria Policy and Technical manager  Danyel Cucinotta, Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) vice president, Farmers Business and Regional Development Committee chair and third-generation egg farmer at LT’s Egg Farm  Gerald Leach, Victorian Rabbit Action Network chair, VFF Land Management Committee chair and livestock and cropping farmer  Dr Hugh Millar, Victorian Division of the Australian Veterinary Association president  Liz Summerville, Australian Livestock and Property Agents Association Southern Regional manager  Lyn Coulston OAM, Victorian Blackberry Taskforce chair and Upper Murray Landcare Network secretary  Jenny Treeby, Australian Table Grape Industry Development manager  Dr Jessica Lye, Citrus Australia National Biosecurity manager  Dr Ron Glanville, Biosecurity Advisory Service principal consultant  Professor Tom Kompas, Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis (University of Melbourne) chief investigator A further two members representing the aquaculture and grains sectors are set to be added soon.

Sale set to host farming conference next month

VFF: Port regulation needed

THE Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is calling for urgent government action to strengthen port regulation and improve Australia’s port efficiency with the Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into Australia’s Maritime Logistics Systems underway. VFF Infrastructure and Transport chair Ryan Milgate said the significant pressures facing the agriculture supply chain are being compounded by high port and stevedore costs, insufficient regulation and low productivity. “We need both the Victorian and Federal governments to work together to stop Australia becoming a destination of last resort,” he said. “Even before the pandemic Australia had some of the least efficient ports in the world and this has only gotten worse during COVID-19. “Not only are we facing massive delays and difficulty accessing ports, we continue to face escalating port and stevedore charges.” Mr Milgate added that insufficient port regulation is contributing to the high costs with aggregate rent per square metre at the Port of Melbourne more than double any other port in the country. The Essential Services Commission’s recent Inquiry into Port of Melbourne Compliance with the Pricing Order found there was significant and sustained non-compliance with regard to pricing. “As a critical monopoly infrastructure that is central to the prosperity of Australians, it is imperative that there is greater regulatory oversight of port and stevedore pricing,” Mr Milgate said. “These high costs and delays across port operations really risk doing long term damage to our vital export markets and makes Australia less attractive for international shipping lines. “It makes it incredibly hard for Victorian farmers to maintain access to export markets under these conditions."

STORE CATTLE SALE

Mr Milgate said says farmers need action as they face the inevitable flow-on costs. “We are asking government to act to relieve pressure. The longstanding domestic port inefficiencies act as a real disincentive to visit Australian ports and add more cost to landside costs to shipping services,” he said. WELLINGTON Shire Council will host the Gippsland-wide Farming for Success 2022 Agriculture Conference next month, showcasing innovation, emerging markets and growth in the industry. Guest speakers from the agribusiness sector will share their experiences at the conference in Sale on Tuesday, March 8. Wellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye said the sector was a major employer and economic contributor to the region. "Farmers here in Wellington have had everything thrown at them in the last five years, from drought to fire, flood to earthquake, and on top of it a worldwide pandemic," Cr Bye said. "By bringing the industry together like this, people can share their experiences and learn from others, and they will continue innovating in order to remain strong into the future." Guest speakers at Farming for Success 2022 include Damian Bell from Wagner Corporation, Angus breeder Luke Stuckey, Molly Coleman from Buhler, Jon Lambert from Heartwood Plantations, Jeremy Haw from Hussey & Co, Jen Smith from Gippsland Agricultural Group, and Food and Fibre Gippsland's Elena Nauta. The conference will be hosted by ABC's national rural reporter Kath Sullivan, who grew up in Sale. It will be held at Laurels Function Centre at the Sale Turf Club from 9am to 4pm. Tickets cost $20 which includes morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. Visit wellingtonvic.eventbrite.com to book online. Farming for Success 2022 is funded by Regional Development Victoria, Invest Gippsland.

Thursday 3rd March at 11.00am, GRLE Sale

• Good entries to hand • Further entries invited