Scholarships open

Applications for the 2023 Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarships are now open.

The scholarships provide an opportunity for young farmers across the state to gain new skills and invest in their future.

Agriculture Minister Gayle Tierney encouraged the next generation of farmers to apply and contribute to the future of Victoria’s vibrant agriculture sector.

“Victoria’s young farmers will be responsible for leading the agriculture sector into the future and that’s why it is vital we support their pursuit of a profitable, rewarding career,” she said.

“The Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarship program provides the next generation of farmers with an opportunity to learn and invest in their career as part of the Victorian government’s commitment to the sustainability of the industry.”

The program offers scholarships of up to $10,000 with each recipient initially receiving up to $5000 to support their training and study, and up to $5000 to invest in putting their new skills into practice.

Successful applicants can receive training in areas such as business and risk management, genetics and pasture management, digital agriculture or adapting to climate change.

When they complete their studies, they can invest in professional development and business planning, on-farm practices or equipment and technology.

Applications are open to farmers aged 35 and younger who have been working in farm businesses for at least three days a week for the past three months, with at least two years total experience on-farm. Applications will close on May 8.

People wanting to learn more about the program and to apply can visit the Agriculture Victoria via agriculture.vic.gov.au ing, with good moisture underneath and the break two weeks ago,” he said.

“It’s been a good opportunity for our double knock weed program and ryegrass control.

“We hope our good start continues into the season because often when we start well it cuts off early.”

Mr Bartlett said he was not concerned by a below-average rain forecast.

“The crops will be able to grow down and it won’t be hard to tap into the soil moisture,” he said.

“We’re starting canola and vetch – while the soil is still warm, we want to get canola in the ground.

“We will then follow on with wheat, barley and lentils.

“At the moment supply is still behind for machinery parts, which is concerning, but chemical supply has been good.”

Mr Beddison said the forecast for a possible El Niño weather pattern later in the year was something to keep an eye on.

“It’s not as if we don’t need the rain, but it won’t be as significant a problem if we have below-average rain and didn’t have the soil moisture we do,” he said.

“We’re seeing good levels up to one metre down and more due to the rain at the end of spring that soaked in and our soil held it.

“We have water in the bank and as long as the plants access it, that will be a good start.

“Farming does always feel like getting one step closer all the time to something going wrong, but there’s confidence in the crops this season.

“Hopefully the dry forecast doesn’t come true and we string together another good year.”

Victorian Farmers Federation grains council president Craig Henderson said the industry was ‘reasonably’ positive heading into the season.

“The soil profile has moisture and the rain has got weeds going so we can kill them in good time,” he said.

“People are starting to get canola, vetch and oats in and closer to the end of the month cereals will start to go in.”

Mr Henderson said there were some concerns about El Niño towards the end of the year.

“It will all depend on any heatwaves or late frosts, but if we have below-average rain there is still the chance of average yields because of the soil moisture,” he said.