Sheep scouting
Money to build resilience plans
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Wimmera Southern Mallee Devel-
opment will receive a $380,000 grant for its resilience plan, which supports 11 projects in the region.
Sharing in $3.42-million in funding for resilience-strengthening projects and strategies, WSM’s projects are delivered in partnership with other organisations.
WSM chief executive Chris Sounness said of the 11 projects, six were funded by Agriculture Victoria’s Regional Drought Resilience Planning grants.
“These projects play an important role in building resilience in good times so we can all be better prepared when the next drought arrives,” he said.
“WSM drought resilience projects have involved communities, councils, businesses, farmers, migrants, First Nations people and organisations.”
Mr Sounness said the projects collectively addressed a range of issues.
“We work with community, including young migrants, to embed resilience building into business as usual, and we work to build business resilience and changemaking leadership for community members,” he said.
“We know the importance of sharing local stories and partnering on climate ad-
aptation and community resilience issues.
We understand the future needs of our current housing stock and energy supplies as the climate changes.”
Mr Sounness said WSM’s projects also included the support of the extension and optimum use of on-farm weather stations, and provided local research about the shift to renewable energy.
“Our projects also ensure we plan to maintain green spaces in drought, and that we provide Wimmera River water flows to culturally important locations,” he said.
Victoria has regional drought resilience plans in place for all nine regions across the state – the first state to do so through the national Regional Drought Resilience Planning program.
Agriculture Minister Ros Spence said the grants provided vital support to the state’s regions in continuing to grow world-class produce.
“We know the next drought could be just around the corner, that’s why it’s so impor
tant we give agricultural communities the support they need now to plan and prepare for the future,” she said.
The Regional Drought Resilience Planning program is funded through the Federal Government’s Future Drought Fund and co-funded by the State Government.
Bumper field days forecast
Wimmera Events Centre staff and field days committee members are preparing for its biggest event of the year at Longerenong, the Wimmera Machinery Field Days, which attracts people from across the district.
Newly elected Wimmera Machinery Field Days committee president Harry Young said this year’s three-day event was on track to be bigger than last year’s.
“We’ve got more exhibitors
booked in now for this year than we did at this time last year, for last year’s event,” he said.
“We have got incredibly good staff in the office, so it’s been great.”
Mr Young said he hoped people would have more time this year to visit the field days, after a betterthan-expected harvest for most.
“I think a lot of people had a very good year, most were pleasantly surprised, which is a testa-
ment to modern farming technology,” he said.
“It just staggered me, personally, what we achieved this season.”
In its 61st year, Wimmera Machinery Field Days brings modern agriculture technology and innovations – machinery, technology, finance, tools, and home and lifestyle products and innovations – while providing a social opportunity for members of the farming and wider communities.
FULL STEAM AHEAD: Wimmera Events Centre office manager Sally Hernon, events assistant Rebecca Steadman and events manager Vanessa Lenehan are in full swing organising the 2025 Wimmera Machinery Field Days. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
New faces to make changes Hosking at helm
New Victorian Farmers Federation president and Mallee farmer Brett Hosking hopes to restore membership numbers and confidence in the state’s peak agricultural body.
Mr Hosking was elected as president in December, with Peter Star the vice-president.
A Quambatook mixed farmer, Mr Hosking has previously served as Victorian Farmers Federation, VFF, vice-president from 2016 to 2018, and VFF grains group president.
His term as VFF vice-president was served under the presidency of Murra Warra farmer and now National Farmers Federation president David Jochinke.
Mr Hosking is a fifth-generation farmer and grows wheat, barley, canola, lentils, field peas as well as running sheep and cattle.
He is also a director of BCG and Farmers for Climate Action, chair of the Grains Market Access Committee for Grains Australia and a former chair of Grain Growers.
Mr Hosking said he believed the VFF’s greatest opportunities come through strong members, branches and commodity groups aligned together under stable and inclusive leadership where informed and enthusiastic voices combine to create greater outcomes for all farmers.
Mr Hosking said membership numbers had declined from about 8000 when he first became involved with the VFF to sit at about 3200-3300 at the end of September last year.
“We’re sitting up around 3800 currently, so we’ve had a little bit of a boost since then,” he said.
“It’s declined quite significantly in the time since I’ve last been involved in VFF.
“There’s always a whole host of reasons why membership might decline, but I think culture is a big one at the moment.”
Mr Hosking told Country Today there needed to be a change of culture within the VFF.
“The culture is already changing and that’s what I’m excited about – just in a few short weeks that Peter and I have been involved,” he said.
“We’re also seeing new leadership stepping up in some of the commodities and the commodities actually seizing the opportunity to be more involved and to be better spokespeople for their members.
“As that culture grows and improves and becomes focused away from Collins Street and back onto the members on their farms, I actually think membership will naturally grow, but we need to make it easy for members, too. We need to go to them.”
Mr Hosking said there were no plans to make any immediate changes in the short term.
“There’s probably members out there who would have loved to have seen that,” he said.
“It doesn’t mean it’s off the radar for sure.
“We have to look at our structure around what we charge, and how we charge it and how we use our membership fees to, A – attract members, but also make sure they’re getting the services and the support they require.
“So, it is a task, but we don’t want to just rush in and change everything tomorrow.”
A big talking point and issue for the new leaders to address is how the VFF will regain the membership and trust from Victoria’s dairy farmers.
The leadership of the VFF’s dairy branch, United Dairyfarmers of Victoria, UDV, resigned from the commodity group in 2023, starting their own group, Dairy Farmers Victoria, and much of their membership.
Mr Hosking said he had begun discussions with Mark Billing, president of Dairy Farmers Victoria, about returning to the VFF.
“They’ve actually gone out and they’ve achieved some really good things since they did depart from VFF,” he said.
“The way they’ve been able to engage with younger farmers in particular – we can learn some real lessons from.
“To be certain, I would love to have them back as part of the VFF community, but we can’t just expect to sit around a campfire and sing Kumbaya and have everyone come back happy.
“So it should be an easy conversation to progress, but we just need to have it.”
Another hot topic in agricultural circles is if the VFF will backflip on its plans to no longer fund its membership of the National Farmers Federation.
During Emma Germano’s time as president, she restructured the organisation, overhauled its membership structure, and gave notice that the VFF would resign its membership of national bodies such as the National Farmers Federation.
In Mr Hosking’s campaign, he had stated he believed the VFF would not have to rejoin the NFF, rather revoke its planned resignation, effective September 30, 2025, but said membership fees would need to be looked at.
He told Country Today earlier this month that he had spoken to his friend David Jochinke, National Farmers Federation president.
“We are still a member until September this year, so there’s no immediate rush, but it’s something that I personally want to get resolved,” he said.
“There’s a federal election – I don’t know when, let’s take a punt – a few are saying around April – we could be at the polls.
“We need to be engaged federally. There’s no doubt about it. We’re not representing Victorian farmers if we’re not.
“So the NFF is our gateway to doing that along with the peak bodies. We need to be engaging.”
Several new farmers have joined in an official capacity of the Victorian Farmers Federation, taking on various positions as the organisation looks to turn around its reputation from its troubled recent past.
Joining Quambatook farmer Brett Hosking in a leadership position is vice-president Peter Star, who has been VFF Livestock vicepresident since 2022.
A livestock farmer from Tallangatta in Victoria’s north-east, Mr Star is also the current VFF representative to the National Wild Dog Action Plan Stakeholder Consultative Group.
VFF returning officer Brendan Tatham congratulated all successful office bearers as the future leaders of Victoria’s peak agricultural advocacy body.
“I congratulate both Brett and Peter and look forward to working with them and the wider VFF team to help deliver for farmers and regional Victorians in the coming years,” he said.
“The VFF would like to acknowledge and thank all candidates for their interest in positions and encourage them to continue to contribute to the VFF and the farming community into the future.
“The VFF also thanks all outgoing office bearers for their contributions over the years and helping to facilitate succession in the VFF to the next generation of VFF leaders.”
Former vice-president Danyel Cucinotta stood against Mr Hosking for the presidency.
The following positions were uncontested: VFF United Dairyfarmers of Victoria president: Bernie Free.
VFF Livestock president: Scott Young. VFF Livestock vice-president: Peter Miller. VFF Livestock Commodity Council: Wimmera: Graeme Mahar; East Gippsland: Trent Anderson; additional councillor: Bradley Venning
The 2024 VFF election vote counting process was conducted on December 20, last year at Farrer House in Melbourne.
AGM
The VFF is preparing for its annual general meeting on February 19.
The meeting, at 10am at Telstra Auditorium in Melbourne, will include members who will need to pre-register for administrative purposes.
Members who attend the meeting will be provided with an opportunity to ask questions of the board and the external auditor.
Items of business include a president’s report; chief executive’s report; chair of Risk, Audit and Finance Committee report; and to receive and consider the 2024 VFF Financial Report.
The VFF’s annual report 2023-2024 will be available on the VFF website in advance of the meeting.
The board is: chair and president Brett Hosking; vice-president Peter Star; special skills director James Downing; Horticulture director Nathan Free; special skills director Terrie Morgan; intensives director Colin Peel; livestock director Scott Young; UDV director Bernie Free; grains director Ryan Milgate.
Mr Milgate, a farmer from Minyip, is new to the board, along with four others – Mr Hosking, Mr Star, Mr Young and Bernie Free.
The board has hit the ground running and appointed directors to the key governance and strategy, and risk, audit and finance committees to accelerate the development of the strategic direction and implement initiatives focused on business improvement.
The newly-appointed board has met for the first time to scope the year ahead and work delivering on behalf of all members.
In a statement on the VFF website, the board said the VFF remained ‘steadfast on delivering a clear, achievable and united strategic direction that reflects the needs of our members’.
“A key priority is fostering a culture that is inclusive, respectful, and representative of the diversity within our farming community.
“Our collective voice is stronger in numbers and helps us effectively advocate on behalf of the entire Victorian rural and regional community.”
Victorian Farmers Federation president Brett Hosking
Drought leader to help farmers
New south-west Victorian drought coordinator Ralph Cotter is set to help farmers and the community access financial, technical and wellbeing support.
Mr Cotter has strong connections with industry, government and local service providers and has had a long involvement with the agriculture sector.
Based in south-west Victoria, the regional drought co-ordinator will meet regularly with industry and local governments to understand the challenges specific to the region and co-ordinate tailored support and advice to impacted communities.
“I’ve been meeting with industry and councils across the south west and hearing about the challenges farmers in the region are facing,” Mr Cotter said.
“Farmers experiencing drought conditions are urged
to reach out. We are here to help. Whether it’s through connecting you with financial grants, technical advice or wellbeing support, we can connect you with the resources you need to navigate this difficult time.”
Since announcing the State Government’s $13.53 million Drought Support Package in September last year, 969 on-farm drought infrastructure grants of up to $5000 have been approved and paid to farmers.
The grants enable farmers to complete infrastructure improvements that respond to the current drought and build their resilience for future droughts.
Farmer wellbeing remains a critical focus with a $1.43million investment in farmer wellbeing and technical advice to acknowledge the emotional toll on farmers as they respond to the drought and the recent bushfires.
As part of the package,
$80,000 was provided to boost the capacity of the Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria West along with a further investment of $160,000 to support a full-time wellbeing counsellor working in the region.
In addition to the package, the government has provided $35,000 for the National Centre for Farmer Health’s new mental health hub, offering tailored mental health information and resources for farmers.
Drought technical decisionmaking support continues to be delivered by Agriculture Victoria and partners, with a range of events and information available, including one-on-one consultations and group workshops.
To view the full range of financial, technical and wellbeing support available to drought affected farmers, people can visit agriculture. vic.gov.au/dryseasons or phone 136 186.
ALL ACTION: Horsham
Regional Livestock Exchange is back in action for 2025, hosting two sales so far this year. The exchange hosts sheep and lamb sales every Wednesday, starting at 9.30am, and cattle every second Wednesday, one hour after the sheep sale, as required. The exchange is Victoria’s fourth-largest sheep and lamb market.
Pictured at the sales on Wednesday, January 22, are, top from left, Paul Christopher, Scott Jackson, Dusty Cross, Dale Dridan and Wayne Driscoll; and left Ben Molineaux talks to buyers. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER
Agriculture news in brief
Mental health workshop
Doctors Jane Gaussen and Julie Rowse will present expert advice and solutions at a workshop at Goroke in March to assist farmers in caring for themselves and their animals.
The one-day workshop will feature Dr Gaussen, The Livestock Vet, address topics including minimising livestock stress to maximise outcomes; optimising performance in a challenging season; and animal health management and disease prevention.
Healthy Mind and Soul’s Dr Rowse, occupational therapist, will discuss the importance of caring for mental health; understanding the ‘stress bucket’; practical strategies for improving mental health; and a plan to thrive.
The event will be at Goroke Community Centre on March 13 from 8.30am until 3pm. People can learn more and register at www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/events.
Rabbit-ripping grant
Hopetoun Landcare Group has received $20,000 in grant funding for its ‘Hopetoun Hopefully Hits Hoppers’ rabbit-ripping project, one of seven in the state to share in more than $97,000 in Landcare Australia Community Grants program.
Landcare facilitator for southern and eastern Mallee Tim Carr said the next stage of the project was to identify the rabbit burrows to be excavated.
“We travel the roads within our Landcare areas and work out which roadside burrows have the most impact on an area before the contractor begins any ripping work, and we will do the same for the grant,” he said.
Mr Carr, who facilitates eight Landcare groups from Hopetoun to Robinvale, said a separate grant for weed and rabbit control would complement this funding.
Hopetoun Landcare Group’s major priorities have been the control and eradication of pest plant and animals since 2005; the group has co-ordinated an ongoing rabbit-ripping program and has administered a Silverleaf Nightshade weed eradication program in the Mallee region.
Mr Carr invited people to contact him on 0478 170 765 to report rabbit burrows on public land in Hopetoun Landcare Group’s area – approximately 42,200 hectares at the end of the Yarriambiack Creek system – for consideration in the program.
Confined stock vitamins
Cattle and sheep eating in confinement may need vitamin supplements to ensure they remain healthy throughout summer.
Essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and E, are consumed in green grass and stored in the animal’s body, but are depleted during summer when green feed is lacking.
Livestock industry development officer Hannah Manning said animals fed in confinement for three months or more could run out of their vitamin reserves.
“It’s easier and there is a larger success rate if vitamin levels are maintained with supplements, rather than treating the animal once their body has used up their reserves,” she said.
“Clinical signs of vitamin deficiencies can include weakness, scouring, lameness, ill thrift and, in severe cases, death.
“It is advised that vitamins are added to the animal’s diet from the beginning.”
The program offers eligible farmers the opportunity to sit down with a consultant to discuss the best way forward for their business in the current season.
The one-on-one includes a drought management planning session of up to 3 hours and follow up call to develop a Drought Management Action Plan. For more information, people can visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or call 136 186.
TALKING WEEDS: Research agronomist
Angus Butterfield will be guest speaker at BCG’s review day on February 21.
Weed, seed and ball events
Researchagronomist Angus Butterfield will speak at BCG’s Trials Review Day next month, in one of several on-site information and entertainment events the group is hosting in coming weeks.
Mr Butterfield will detail why the key to controlling mature flaxleaf fleabane is in the first pass of a double-knock strategy, following two trials he undertook researching the stubborn weed near Birchip in the summer of 2023-24, focusing on double-knock control.
The first trial focused on the effectiveness of different first-pass options and the second trial, second-pass treatments.
Mr Butterfield said growers might find the results surprising.
“What we found is that first spray applications are critical for effective control of mature flaxleaf fleabane, and premium herbicide products often deliver better results in the first spray,” he said.
The wind-borne surface germinating weed has become prolific since the adop-
tion of no till farming systems. Each plant can produce up to 110,000 seeds and its waxy surface gives it a natural tolerance to glyphosate.
“What makes it particularly tricky to control is that fleabane often comes up in spring under crops and therefore options for its control while it is still small and easier to kill are limited,” Mr Butterfield said.
“Our trial work highlights that the addition of Dropzone to a standard summer spray significantly improves control of flaxleaf fleabane, while common mixes such as 2,4-D ester and triclopyr offer no additional control over a standard glyphosate mix.”
Mr Butterfield said another interesting finding of the trials was that glyphosate and Terrad’or might not be needed to control flaxleaf fleabane and excluding the products could significantly reduce costs.
People can find out more at www. bcg.org.au/flaxleaf-fleabane-control or on Shared Ag Solutions podcast by BCG.
BCG will release its latest research results to BCG members on Friday February 21 at Birchip Community Leisure Centre.
People can book places and receive the 2024 BCG Season Research Results compendium by signing up to become a member at bcg.org.au or by phoning on 5492 2787.
Coming events
BCG will host leading spray application expert Craig Day on February 11 at Birchip; the workshop is sold out, but people can email info@bcg.org.au to be added to the waiting list.
A free seeder set-up information day is scheduled for February 12 from 9am until 2pm at Vectis, and from 9am until 2.30pm on February 13 at Kaniva BCG’s second annual Young Farmer Network Ball is on March 14 at Swan Hill; featuring live music, tickets are $80. For tickets and more information about coming BCG events, people can visit www.bcg.org.au/events.
GrainGrowers marketing workshop at Nhill
GrainGrowers will host halfday grain marketing and risk management workshops in 10 locations across five states.
Victoria is hosting two workshops: at Nhill on February 26 and at Echuca on February 25.
Delivered by grain marketing experts Lachstock Consulting, the workshop is based on grower feedback and designed to build on growers’ understanding of the marketing process and navigating risk associated with grain contracts.
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GrainGrowers chief executive Shona Gawel said the workshops were a great opportunity for growers to gain valuable insights and knowledge on grain marketing and risk management.
The Nhill workshop will be at Nhill and District Sporting Club from 9am to 2pm. To find out more details and to register, people can visit www.graingrowers.com. au/events/grain-marketingand-risk-management-workshops-2025
Water quality focus
Inresponse to the Grampians bushfires, GWMWater is working with Ararat Rural City Council to facilitate emergency tank refills for rural customers’ drinking water, while preserving water quality.
Managing director Mark Williams said the organisation incurred some damage to assets, but for the most part infrastructure was protected.
“We thank all the firefighters and emergency service partners who worked together to minimise the impacts of the fires,” he said.
GWMWater is developing a water quality protection plan to manage any potential longer-term impacts of the bushfires on catchments within the Grampians National Park.
“The Grampians bushfires burned around Lake Bellfield and Moora Moora Reservoir. There have been no water quality impacts from retard-
ants or agents used in fighting the fires,” he said.
“So far there has also been no evidence of ash or other debris from rainfall runoff that helped contain the fires in those catchments.
“Water in our Grampians reservoirs is traditionally of a very high quality, so our focus is making sure we preserve those catchments and continue to deliver a secure water supply to customers.”
Areas that were not impacted by fires in the Grampians National Park are now reopen to visitors, including lakes Wartook, Fyans and Bellfield.
GWMWater will continue to work with Emergency Management Victoria to assess the ongoing impacts of the bushfires.
Landholders who rely on rainwater for drinking can register for tank refills with Ararat Rural City Council.
GWMWater’s Gebiaw Ayele and Matthew Kube testing water in a tank.
BlazeAid leading hands in recovery
BlazeAid
volunteers continue to work through fixing damaged fencing around farms affected by the Grampians fire.
The volunteer-based organisation that works with landowners in rural Australia following natural disasters was quick to set up camp at Willaura. About 540 kilometres of fencing was damaged in the fire – the worst of it occurring on Boxing Day.
A total of 13,538 hectares of farmland was scorched by the fires, which first started on December 17 after multiple lightning strikes hit the southern part of the Grampians National Park.
While livestock losses were minimal given the scale of the fire – preliminary reports include 775 sheep, one horse and one cow – there has been significant on-farm infrastructure losses with 40 outbuildings, 10,053 hectares of pasture and a huge amount of other equipment damaged.
With a camp set up at Willaura Recreation Reserve, co-ordinator Simon Hardy said BlazeAid would likely be set up in the southern Grampians for about the next six months.
There are currently 50 volunteers on hand to help, but with most coming and going at various times, more people are always needed.
“We always need more volunteers,” Mr Hardy said.
“We’ve a nice little pipeline at the moment, but we want people to contact us. Even if they are not going to be ready for three, four, five weeks to come and see us, it helps us plan ahead and be ready for when we get really busy.”
Mr Hardy said volunteers were made up of grey nomads, retired people, backpackers and some local residents.
“We have some really good local helpers, and we have helpers from Finland, Germany, France, Western Australia and New South Wales, they come from all over. It’s fantastic,” he said.
“A lot of people don’t know anything about fencing when they come. Hopefully they leave with some knowledge and enjoy their time here.”
Mr Hardy said the Willaura Recreation Reserve provided a good facility for volunteers.
“We’ve our own little tent city up one end of the recreation reserve and very good cooking facilities,” he said. He said volunteers start work early
in the day – particularly in summer due to the hotter days.
“Our primary role is to replace boundary fencing for farmers who have lost it through fire or flood,” he said.
“We do other jobs as well, clearing of lines and some little jobs to help particular people. But the primary role is to do those boundary fences for farmers.”
Mr Hardy said while it was difficult to estimate exactly how long BlazeAid volunteers would be required to assist Grampians farmers, he estimated about six months.
He said farmers generally paid for fencing materials, often funded through insurance, but BlazeAid volunteers installed or fixed the fences.
“We are a volunteer organisation and we’re funded by donations. We have a number of benefactors who help us, but far and wide, we get most of our donations from small organisations and individuals who donate to the cause,” he said.
“We also get sponsorships from some companies who donate equipment to us – two of the big ones are Isuzu and Dometic.
“We have a lot of organisations that support us, which is fantastic, but we’re always looking for more money so that we can help run these camps, which are very expensive to run.”
David O Jones Mitre 10 in Ararat donated protective gear for the volunteers.
People interested in volunteering can visit blazeAid.com.au.
Hit hardest
Lynden and Amy Brewis, mixed farmers at Willaura, had the highest stock losses, with 500 sheep deaths, and about 65 kilometres of fencing burnt in the fire.
The Brewis’ farm borders the national park, and they thought it would spread to their property when the fire first started a week before Christmas.
Mr Brewis said they had time to prepare for the predicted dangerous fire danger conditions on Boxing Day.
“We had all the houses set up and we had nearly all our breeding stock in, except obviously we had some wethers still out,” he said.
“We had them on pretty bare paddock, and we thought they’d be okay, but just the ferocity of the fire coming through with the wind that day … it just went straight through them, unfortunately.
“On that fateful day, the wind picked up and we knew it was going to come out of the national park at some stage, it came out and we were able to save all the houses and that with the massive help of CFA and local support, with private units.
“The local community banded together and were able to contain the fire amazingly, really.”
Mr Brewis said he was concerned about the impact the fire would have on his farm and stock long-term.
“ The problem I suppose we have at the moment is, we’ve a lot away on agistment – most of our stock – and it’ll be okay in the short term, but it’s been such a tight year around this
area, and a lot of the state as well, so fodder supplies are low,” he said.
Mr Brewis said he was concerned about feeding his stock midyear.
“Realistically we could be feeding into June, July, or if it’s like the season just gone, be feeding right through the year,” he said.
“We’re probably all right in the short term, but it worries me a fair bit when we get to the end of March.”
Victoria Agricultural Minister Ros Spence visited the Brewis farm, accompanied by Victorian Farmers Federation president Brett Hosking, in the wake of the fire, but the State Government is yet to offer financial assistance for farmers in the area.
“She listened to our concerns but even though the area was burnt, because we had so much warning, everyone did such a great job in the area of yarding up sheep and everything – we didn’t reach the threshold for a lot of subsidies for stock going away on agistment and for fodder subsidies,”
Mr Brewis said.
Assistance
Agriculture Victoria is urging affected farmers to seek support and use the resources available to them.
Agriculture services acting director Aimee McCutcheon said a specialised wellbeing support program was now available.
Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria West is rolling out the program to help people manage mental health stresses.
“They can talk through and provide assistance with strategies to cope with stress, recognising signs, and how to set up support networks and access actual support as well,” Ms McCutcheon said.
People can access the program via the Rural Financial Counselling Service website or call 1300 735 578.
Issues to the fore
Replacing fodder, access to water, and mobile phone coverage were key issues to emerge for primary producers following and during the bushfire.
Westmere Fire Brigade group officer
Pat Millear, who is also a Willaura farmer, said fire-fighters faced communication issues during the bushfire, and he believed it was compounded by the shutting down of the 3G network.
Mr Millear said communication with fire trucks was available through UHF
radio, but those in FCVs and command vehicles were affected.
“We were working on that side, right through the park there, south of Yarram Gap Road and phone service through there, it was nearly non-existent,” he said.
“It made it really hard for planning and just talking to people in general.
“It was very hard to get a good signal out, text messaging and so it’s just hard to plan.
“From a group officer’s point of view, and strike team leaders and sector commanders out there throughout the whole fire, it was hard to communicate to people outside the fire ground.
“It’s not just all happening inside the fires – you’re getting messages out and there are a lot of black spots.”
Mr Millear said once an area was found where fire commanders received mobile phone reception, they had to stay in that location to finish their calls – but it could drop out there two or three times.
“There were no specific spots anywhere, when you got some signal, which was only one bar, you just limped through that and got messages done there,” he said.
Mr Millear said authorities had spoken to Telstra about the communication issues, but nothing could be done soon enough to help during the Grampians fire.
“We’ve obviously had meetings since the fire, a few debriefs with some key people and certainly some action is going to happen,” he said.
Mr Millear said mobile phone coverage was not the only issue to be discussed post the fires.
“The whole national park management system needs looking at and the prevention work needs to happen on a year-to-year basis, not just every three or four years,” he said.
“There’s lots of issues to come out of this fire that need addressing and we’ll keep, with my key people, rattling the cages so to speak, and talking to politicians and trying to get everything sorted so it's for the betterment of everyone going forward.”
• With many farmers in desperate need of hay for their livestock, Ararat Rural City Council and ACE Radio are co-ordinating a hay drive. Anyone wishing to donate hay can contact Chandra at the council on 5355 0980.
READY TO ASSIST: BlazeAid volunteers will be actively assisting farmers affected by the Grampians fire for the next six months.
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Viruses spreading a concern
It’s not a matter of if, but when. I’m talking about a catastrophic disease outbreak, most likely coming from imports to the country.
Like COVID-19, we will have to learn to live with the consequences.
My first experience of reporting on an animal disease outbreak was in the 1990s when Ovine Johnes Disease was detected in sheep in Gippsland. Very quickly the number of infected flocks grew. It was thought the disease had come from imports from New Zealand. As is the usual response with animal disease outbreaks, infected flocks were quarantined and the sheep euthanised.
It was heart-breaking for some stud merino breeders with generations of fine wool sheep put down and burned. For several farmers, it was too much, and they gave up farming.
With the benefit of hindsight, it was possibly a futile exercise as the disease had spread undetected and is now something farmers must manage.
The latest is the outbreak of Tomato Rugose Fruit Virus which was first reported in South Australia in August last year, and this month in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley.
To try to contain the virus, all tomato plants have been destroyed. In SA, it was hundreds of tonnes which meant hundreds of job losses, many of them PALM scheme workers. The disease can also infect capsicums and chilies.
The Victorian government was quick to act in also destroying all plants on the Goulburn Valley farm. Victoria’s chief plant health officer Rosa Crnov told Country Today seedlings had been transported from
Country Today
with Libby Price
SA to Victoria without authorisation. “We know that the movement that occurred was unauthorised, and we are just working through exactly what happened,” Ms Crnov said.
“We know that the seedlings came into Victoria in December, we know it’s a direct movement so it’s a very different situation to what happened in August in South Australia.”
While there is no threat to human health from the diseases, it’s a very different situation with the latest case of a Japanese Encephalitis infection in a person in Cobram in northern Victoria, reported earlier this month.
The disease is spread by mosquitoes and can, though rarely, be fatal.
Victoria’s deputy chief health officer Christian McGrath told Country Today, it was the first case in nearly three years.
“That’s the first case in Australia since 2022 in a human,” Dr McGrath said.
“That occurs on the background of actually detecting Japanese Encephalitis in mosquitoes and wild pigs in NSW in December last year as well, in addition to Victoria finding evidence of the virus along the Murray.”
And that’s not where it ends. Mosquitoes can also transmit Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus, West Nile virus and Murray Valley encephalitis. The only one with a vaccine is Japanese Encephalitis. Being forewarned is being forearmed.
Keeping sheep off stubble
Sheep producers who moved their sheep onto stubble at the conclusion of harvest, should look to move the flock after no more than six weeks, depending on a range of factors.
District veterinary officer Cathy Bunter said a good rule-of-thumb was the value of the feed equalled the amount of residual grain and green plant growth from sprouted grain and summer weeds.
“In drier years, the stems and leaves can be quite nutritious as less energy and protein has ended up in the grain,” she said.
“Windy weather can also cause grain to drop to the ground.
“Paddock size, stocking density, and how much grain and green shoots remain will be factors in your decision.”
Dr Bunter said a key indicator would be animals no longer maintaining their weight.
“Stubble doesn’t contain much calcium, but licks and supplements can make up for this,” she said.
“A simple solution is to provide your sheep with limestone plus five per cent salt to help solve the deficiency.
“Trace elements, vitamins, urea and topping up the nutrition shortfall with pellets and grain such as lupins to increase protein intake will help.”
Dr Bunter said there were some animal health issues to watch out for when grazing sheep on stubble, such as water belly, grain poisoning, polio encephalomalacia or thiamine deficiency, nitrate and nitrite poisoning from oilseed crops like canola, and lupinosis from a fungus in lupins that produced a toxin.
“Sheep are helpful at reducing high stubble load but be careful not to overgraze the paddock and leave at least 50 per cent ground cover to prevent wind erosion and help retain moisture in the paddock,” she said.
For more information on grazing sheep on stubble people can contact their consultant nutritionist or veterinarian, or visit websites agriculture.vic.gov.au/crops-andhorticulture/grains-pulses-and-cereals/ crop-production/general-agronomy/sheepnutritional-requirements-when-grazingstubble, and www.feedinglivestock.vic. gov.au/sheep-resources/sheep-droughtfeeding-book/sheep-pdf.
For specific drought management support, people can visit agriculture.vic.gov. au/dryseasons or call 136 186.
Stunning Glenisla Farming & Lifestyle Property
135.82ha/ 335.6 acres – C/A 5 Red Rock Road
Water is a big feature of this trophy property with several winter creeks running through. Spectacular views set at the foot hills of the Grampians National Park &close proximity to Rockland Reservoir 16kms. Divided into 4 paddocks, gives you a good management tool to graze the mainly grass & clover pastures.
PRICED @ $3850 per acre
Mark Clyne M 0417 568 200
1790
Harrow-Balmoral Road, Balmoral
104.2ha / 257.5 acres in 2 titles
6080 Western Highway, Dadswells Bridge
129.42ha / 319.80 acres
Looking for a scenic income producing block with some lifestyle benefits along with great mountain views. Loamy soil types suitable for grazing or opportunity cropping. Divided into 5 paddocks, well-watered with several dams, solar bore & troughs. Over 1.0 km of frontage to Mt William Creek.
PRICED @ $2850 per acre
Mark Clyne 0417 568 200
Southern
Wimmera Cropping/Grazing Lot 2 / 1878 Northern Grampians Road, Laharum
Southern Wimmera Cropping/ Grazing - 101.2 ha/ 250.07 acres. Excellent fencing with good access with road frontages on 3 sides. Outstanding Mountain views, 2 catchment dams & GWM Pipeline water.
PRICED @ $7000 per acre – $1,750,490
Mark Clyne 0417 568 200
Elliots
Lane, Clear Lake
127.6ha / 315.3 acres – Cropping/Grazing
Currently divided in to two paddocks. Watered by 4 dams, access to the GWM pipeline water supply. Great opportunity to secure an affordable block in a reliable higher Southern Wimmera rainfall zone.
PRICED @ $3850 per acre
Mark Clyne M 0417 568 200
Immaculate & productive farming property with substantial shedding. With scenic rolling hills to fertile creek flats, will suit a variety of farming and lifestyle uses. 15kms to the Rocklands reservoir. Excellent fencing with most as new. Extensive water supply via dams, creek & town water supply with tank & troughs.
PRICED @ $1,650,000
Mark Clyne 0417 568 200
121.1 ha / 299.4 Acres 28 Jackmans Road, Dadswells Bridge
Frontage of approx. 900mts along the Mount William Creek, the property has been farmed under Demeter biodynamic principles for approx. 20 years. Unique zoning of predominately RLZ Rural Living Zone & Farm Zone. Divided into four paddocks with very good fencing, great shelter belts & exc. water supply.
Priced @ $3300 per acre ($988,020)
Mark Clyne M 0417 568 200
1189 Brimpaen-Laharum Road, Brimpaen
952.05ha / 2352.56 acres
Southern Wimmera Cropping/Grazing – A great opportunity to secure reliable farming land all in the same location in 6 titles. Gently rolling land, well-drained with brown loam soil types with a good clover history. Exc. water assets & fencing along with good 3BR home, 3-stand shearing shed, sheep yards. 40kms (25 mins south of Horsham) with handy views of the Grampians.
PRICED @ $4800 per acre
Mark Clyne M 0417 568 200
Fischers Road, St Helens Plains
79.85ha / 197.31 acres – Prime Cropping Country
Located in the sought after St Helens Plains area near Taylors Lake. One paddock, Bitumen Road frontage. GWM Pipeline water connected. GWM Water marginal land licence on adjoining land (subject to transfer)
PRICED @ $10,500 per acre
Mark Clyne M 0417 568 200
A lamb advert roasting
Australia’s favourite lamb advertisement is back and it’s ‘roasting the comments section’ as part of this year’s Summer Lamb Campaign by Meat and Livestock Australia.
From how to make the perfect cuppa, to some of the year’s most viral moments – the advertising campaign was created using real online comments that divided Australia on many topics. With its typical tongue-in-cheek humour, people are encouraged to get out of the comments and get stuck into a lamb cutlet instead.
MLA marketing and insights general manager Nathan Low said the Summer Lamb campaign showcased lamb as the protein that brought Australians together. “When you delve into the world of online commentary, it would leave you thinking we’re all at each other’s throats, no matter how trivial the topic,” he said. “But in real life, we don’t treat each other like that.
“The Summer Lamb Campaign is an irreverent reminder that we’re at our best when we’re united, and there’s no better way to bring everyone together than an Aussie Lamb barbecue.”
The annual lamb advert comes off the back of an incredible year for lamb production in Australia.
For the year to September 2024, Australia produced 488,566 tonnes of lamb meat – almost as high as the number reached for the full year of 2023, which was the highest on record. MLA’s Sheep Industry Projections update in September 2024 predicts that 2024’s lamb slaughter will beat the 2023 record, climbing to 27.7 million head.
The forecast is due to 2024 having the highest national sheep flock since 2007, corresponding to increasingly high slaughter and production numbers.
“As producers have continued to send their lambs to the market leading into summer, we can expect plenty of lamb on the shelves as the campaign launches,” Mr Low said. “Consumers have also continued to show their support for lamb on the back of these campaigns.
“For example, during the six-week campaign in 2024, pur-
ROASTING COMMENTS: Sam Kekovich in Meat and Livestock Australia’s annual lamb advertisement.
chase volume increased 18.9 per cent compared to the previous year and purchase volume per trip increased nine per cent compared to the previous year. “We hope Aussies enjoy the ad and it prompts them to share the lamb in 2025. Leave us a nice comment while you are at it.”
Building on the ‘Share the Lamb’ brand platform, the fiveweek campaign features topical jokes, a good dose of satire and of course, lots of mouth-watering lamb.
It will feature across online video, cinema, retail out-of-home, paid social and PR.
People can view the advert by visiting https://youtu. be/75BAUXZyWw0
Planning for algae
Livestock owners should be aware of blue-green algae when inspecting farm dams, troughs and other water sources, particularly during the warmer months when algal blooms are more likely to occur.
Principal veterinary officer Alison Lee said blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, were bacteria that could multiply rapidly under certain conditions.
“Blue-green algae is more likely to occur when the water is warm and enriched with nutrients like phosphorus or nitrogen,” she said.
“While blue-green algal blooms typically appear as green paintlike surface scum in water, they can also be reddish-purple or brown in colour. It can be difficult to tell blue-green algae from other less toxic algal species.”
Dr Lee said blue-green algae might contain toxins that damaged the liver or nervous system; drinking contaminated water could kill livestock quickly and several livestock might be affected at the same time.
“Animals exposed to affected water supplies may continue to die over a prolonged period. In milder cases, productivity losses may occur, which in dairy cattle may be seen as decreased milk yield,” she said.
“If a suspicious bloom is found, farmers should move their stock to an area on the property with a safe alternative water source.”
Farmers can plan for managing water availability if a blue-green algal bloom impacts their primary livestock drinking water supply.
The plan should include calculating how much water livestock would require if the primary water supply was unsafe to drink and identifying additional alternative on-farm water supplies that could be utilised quickly.
“In the medium-term, your plan could include improving water reticulation systems, considering options for treating blue-green algae affected water, or agisting your stock elsewhere until your farm water is safe again,” Dr Lee said.
People can find more information at Agriculture Victoria’s website agriculture.vic.gov.au.
Don’t drive further than Horsham this year for
fertiliser needs
Free online business program
Farm business owners can learn how to strengthen their businesses and be better equipped to manage variable climate risks in a free online business program.
Delivered by Kit Duncan-Jones one day a week across six weeks, the program is suitable for livestock, grains, mixed farmers, horticulturalists and apiarists.
Project leader Mr Duncan-Jones said participants would improve their skills and knowledge to better prepare for and manage risk, adapt to change, and strengthen their farm businesses.
“The course is designed to help farm-
ers set and achieve their individual business goals and is relevant to those who are new to farming and young farmers, as well as more experienced farmers,” he said.
The program will be made up of five sessions on key farm management topics, including: identifying and managing risks, strategic planning and setting business goals; financial management, budgeting and profitable decision making; managing people on farm, succession planning and farm safety; climate risk and natural resource management; and business planning.
After completing the course, participants will be offered a one-on-one session with an experienced farm management consultant to review their business plan.
Mr Duncan-Jones said participants would be supported by Agriculture Victoria staff and farm business consultants from Rural People Co.
People can register their interest via https://forms.office.com/r/ wUGjPY3MvJ, and can contact Sarah Clack on 0417 316 345 or at sarah. clack@agriculture.vic.gov.au for more information.
Kit Duncan-Jones
New year – time to review legal affairs
BY DEBORAH ANDERSON, PRINCIPAL LAWYER, HARWOOD ANDREWS
At this time of the year many people make resolutions and plans for the new year.
One important new year’s resolution should be to review and update your will and any powers of attorney with your legal advisor.
For individuals engaged in business, including farming and other forms of agribusiness, the consequences of not having a will or an outdated will can be significant in terms of personal and business succession and can give rise to disputes.
A lack of appropriate powers of
attorney can also create difficulty in managing personal and business affairs if a business owner becomes incapacitated due to illness or accident. If you are in agribusiness, your personal legal affairs should be considered and reviewed as part of your business continuity plan.
Having a valid, up-to-date will ensures your estate is controlled by your nominated executors, and your assets are distributed in accordance with your wishes.
Life changes rapidly, and a will you made many years ago may no longer reflect your current situation or wishes.
Reasons to update your will include
changes in family circumstances or your assets.
Birth, deaths, marriages or relationship breakdowns all mean you may want to include new family members, remove others or reallocate your assets.
If you have purchased or sold property, disposed of significant assets, inherited assets or started a business, your will should reflect those changes. While many people focus on their will, powers of attorney are equally important. Those documents empower trusted individuals to make decisions on your behalf while you are alive if you are unable to make those decisions yourself.
An enduring power of attorney – financial and personal – allows someone to manage your financial and legal affairs, such as selling assets on your behalf or paying household bills, as well as to make lifestyle decisions for you such as where you will live and the type of activities you undertake.
A medical treatment decision-maker document allows you to appoint someone to make medical treatment decisions on your behalf, including consenting to or refusing medical treatment if you are unable to make your own decisions and ensures your healthcare preferences are honoured.
As situations change, so too might your choice of attorney or medical
treatment decision-maker. It is worth assessing whether the people you initially appointed are still the best fit for those roles.
For those planning holidays, particularly overseas trips, having up-todate legal documents is essential. The unexpected can happen and ensuring your will and powers of attorney are current provides security while you are away.
Make assessing your legal documents with your lawyer a new year’s priority, so you, your family and business are prepared.
The best gift you can give is to ensure your affairs are in order.
Departing Friday, March 28 and returning Sunday, March 30
To participate, each car must raise a minimum of $2000 which will be donated to FECRI. This tour is all about raising money and having fun at the same time. Each day will have a theme and a ‘Whats App’ group post will be set up to provide information along the way.
To enter this event please email the participants names, primary contact phone number and email address, vehicle type (if known yet) to gavin@morrow.net.au or visit our Facebook page Drive to Survive
$20-million on-farm connectivity program returns
The National Farmers’ Federation has welcomed funding for a third round of the Federal Government’s On Farm Connectivity Program.
The program is designed to assist farmers to adopt advanced connected machinery and sensor technology.
In previous rounds of the program, farmers have benefited from a 50 per cent rebate on eligible equipment costs, including installation and training, with rebates ranging from $1000 to $30,000.
NFF president David Jochinke praised the value of the program, with funding increased to a pool of $20 million for round three.
“Embracing connectivity and digital infrastructure is key to unlocking the productivity of the ag sector, but high upfront costs are often a barrier. This program is a smart investment for the government and a win for Australian farmers – who, through the NFF, have been calling for further rounds,” he said.
The NFF’s Regional Tech Hub has resources and advice available for farmers wanting to join the program.
“I encourage farmers to get prepared for when applications open later this year. Find a spare moment to give the Regional Tech Hub a buzz and make the most of this opportunity,” Mr Jochinke said.
“My advice to farmers however would be that like previous rounds, round three is likely to be oversubscribed. So if you’re ready to buy
Water help available
Ashortage of stock water across most of Victoria has renewed interest in constructing farm dams and water infrastructure, with up to $5000 of grants available to support such installations through drought support.
Agriculture Victoria land management extension officer
Clem Sturmfels said farmers were advised to investigate before constructing a new dam or adding water infrastructure or equipment to their properties.
“Before engaging an earthmoving contractor for a new dam, ask important questions like: how much water do I need, will the dam hold water, will it fill most years, how big should it be, is there a good site for a spillway, do I need a permit or licence, what will it cost,” he said.
Mr Sturmfels said longer, hotter summers and decreased cool season rainfall has meant many smaller dams built in previous years were drying up.
“Many new dams built across Victoria are also failing within the first few years due to inappropriate materials or poor construction techniques. Selecting an experienced and reliable contractor, plus a few basic soil tests, will minimise the risk of failure,” he said.
“Ensure your contractor has the appropriate skills, a good reputation and up-to-date equipment. Ask the contractor for examples of their work and a guarantee.”
RESEARCH REQUIRED: Sinking a bore can be expensive – farmers are advised to do their homework first.
A permit or licence may be required to build, extend or repair a farm dam in Victoria; people should contact their local rural water authority before commencing works.
Numerous bores are sunk across Victoria every year, with some generating good quantities of water, while others produce small amounts of water or water that is high in salt or other impurities.
Mr Sturmfels said sinking a bore was expensive, so it was important landholders do their homework prior to engaging a drilling contractor.
“Landholders should review the depth, yield and quality of water in their area before applying for a groundwater licence from the relevant water authority,” he said.
They can check out existing bores in the area, or access the online interactive map, Visual-
ising Victoria’s Groundwater.”
“This map allows the user to zoom into their farm and turn on various coloured layers, which indicate the likely depth, yield and quality of water in the area. The map is based on drillers’ records of approximately 300,000 bores sunk over the past 130 years across Victoria.”
Mr Sturmfels said while underground water exists across much of Victoria, it’s depth, quality and yield varied enormously.
For further information about accessing groundwater, people can visit the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action website. South-west farmers may be eligible for on-farm drought infrastructure grants of up to $5000 to upgrade farm water systems. Further information can be found at ruralfinance.com.au.
Optimise your own seeding with
some kit and the investment makes sense without the rebate, buy now.”
Following the success of the previous rounds and increasing industry interest, the NFF is calling on all sides of politics to get behind the program.
“This program has been a stroke of genius. As we head into an election, we would like to see all parties support further funding for the program to give producers and agtech providers confidence that this funding will flow,” Mr Jochinke said.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Now more than ever, we need programs which support increased productivity and sustainability.
“The On Farm Connectivity Program does exactly that by allowing more farmers to adopt technology that makes their farms safer, more productive and more sustainable.
For more information about the program and to access the free advisory service, including case studies from round one, visit regionaltechhub.org. au/onfarm.
Why You Need an Insurance Broker
Personalised Solutions
In a world where insurance options are endless and policies are packed with fine print, navigating the complexities of coverage can feel overwhelming.
This is where an insurance broker steps in - your trusted partner in securing the right protection for your needs.
Insurance brokers are professionals who work for you, not the insurance companies. Their goal is to understand your unique circumstances—whether personal or business-related—and find tailored solutions that provide value and peace of mind.
Unlike dealing directly with an insurer, brokers have access to a wide range of policies from multiple providers, ensuring they can find the best coverage at competitive rates.
One of the greatest advantages of using a broker is their expertise.
They’re skilled at identifying gaps in coverage that could leave you exposed. For example, are you confident your home policy adequately covers recent renovations? Is your business protected against emerging risks, such as cyberattacks? Brokers take the guesswork out of these scenarios, saving you time and stress.
Another key benefit is advocacy. When it’s time to make a claim, a broker becomes your strongest ally, guiding you through the process and negotiating on your behalf.
This personalised support can make all the difference during what is often a stressful and uncertain time.
Contrary to popular belief, engaging a broker doesn’t necessarily cost more. In many cases, they can save you money by securing better deals or ensuring you’re not overpaying for unnecessary coverage.
“Insurance isn’t just about ticking a box, it’s about protecting what matters most. By partnering with a qualified insurance broker, you gain a dedicated expert who understands your needs, advocates for your interests, and helps you make informed decisions.
In today’s complex insurance landscape, a broker isn’t just a luxury — they’re a necessity.”
Abbie Wilson, National Insurance Brokers
NIBA VIC / TAS Broker Of The Year
