The Local

12-12-2024

The axing of service kills for smaller numbers of stock at a central Victorian abattoir has left many local farmers struggling to find alternative abattoirs.

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Fresh catch: CSIRO introduces new fish to Aussie aquaculture

02-12-2024

A new white-flesh fish variety could be swimming onto Australian plates adding more than $1 billion to the economy, following successful breeding trials by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, and promising initial market testing with chefs and consumers.

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Warning to watch farm dams

01-12-2024

With below average rainfall leading to unusually low water levels in many farm dams, Agriculture Victoria has issued a timely reminder for farmers and landholders to keep a close eye on their dams and other water supplies.

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Meredith bird flu control area reduced

30-11-2024

Agriculture Victoria has reduced the size of the control area around Meredith that was put in place for the current H7 avian influenza outbreak.

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Get set for the 155th Kingston Show

23-11-2024

The 155th Kingston Agricultural Show happens Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1 and will be held among the elm trees and in front of the heritage listed grandstand.

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Beekeeping for beginners …

15-11-2024

If you've ever considered keeping bees then a workshop coming up at the Trentham Neighbourhod Centre may be for you.

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Care for stock when the going gets dry

05-11-2024

One way to help manage your stock during dry seasonal conditions is with the use of a stock containment area (SCA).

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Planting the seeds for carbon farming In Victoria

05-11-2024

The Victorian state government is supporting farmers to reduce their emissions and improve the productivity of their farm with free training opportunities on offer across the state.

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Enhanced surveillance for animal disease in Victoria

03-11-2024

Victoria’s livestock industries are fortunate to be free of most of the serious diseases that affect animals in other parts of the world.

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Clunes show ahead: time to get cracking

25-10-2024

There’s still time to get your entries in for the competition categories for the upcoming Clunes Spring Show.

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New future drought fund grants to support Aussie farmers

21-10-2024

The Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund is looking for eligible Australian organisations to apply for two new grant programs.

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Grants to boost fruit grower resilience and profits

20-10-2024

More premium Victorian grown fruit and vegetables will make it onto local supermarket shelves thanks to grants awarded to install new netting on Victorian farms – protecting crops and increasing productivity.

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Study tour for winning GRDC award

18-10-2024

For Agriculture Victoria Plant Pathologist Dr Joshua Fanning, winning the 2023 Grains Research and Development Corporations (GRDC) ‘Emerging Leader Award’ was honour enough, but it was the icing on the cake to travel to America and Canada to tour leading research institutes and cropping regions.

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Important results from crop rotation study

18-10-2024

Agriculture Victoria’s long-term cropping research in the Victorian Mallee is unearthing important results which could impact agricultural land management in the region.

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Support package launched for farmers facing drought conditions

17-10-2024

The Victorian Government is backing farmers impacted by drought conditions in Victoria’s South West with a package of support to deliver on-farm infrastructure grants and increase the region’s resilience into the future.

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Show wins for Oberon Suffolk Stud’s Gloria

10-10-2024

The first day of the 2024 Royal Melbourne Show was a great day for Musk's Oberon Suffolk Stud.

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Region’s canola growers hoping for rain

10-10-2024

Just the right amount of rainfall is the vital ingredient for which the region’s canola growers are hoping.

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2025 Bob Hawke Landcare Award now open

04-10-2024

Applications for the Bob Hawke Landcare Award are now open with nominations accepted up until December 31 this year.

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Chicks in the Sticks returns

04-10-2024

One of Victoria's favourite events for all women in agriculture returns this month.

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Don’t tough it out alone: Agriculture Victoria

04-10-2024

Agriculture Victoria is encouraging farmers to take up ongoing support and assistance to help manage current difficult seasonal conditions.

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Forward thinking by a growing industry

24-09-2024

Victoria’s horticultural industry has highlighted innovation during a spectacular showcase held at Parliament House earlier this month.

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Chance to be part of Forage & Feast

21-09-2024

The Central Highlands Growers & Producers Hub is inviting expressions of interest from local food producers and culinary creatives to be part of the upcoming Forage & Feast Festival set for early next year.

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Bird flu info stalls to update community

21-09-2024

Agriculture Victoria will be running pop-up information stalls to update the community on bird flu in coming weeks with all interested members of the public able to attend.

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Barwon farmer fined $10,000 with conviction for animal cruelty

07-09-2024

A Barwon farmer recently pleaded guilty in the Geelong Magistrates Court and was fined $10,000 with conviction. A disqualification order to own or person in charge of livestock was also imposed for 7 years.

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Verdict upheld for farmer found guilty of animal cruelty

06-09-2024

A Gippsland farmer has failed recently in his attempt to have his conviction and sentence overturned in the County Court of Victoria.

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Avian influenza movement restrictions eased

06-09-2024

A poultry housing requirement that has been in effect to control the spread of high pathogenicity avian influenza near Terang and Meredith was lifted as of last month for some birds.

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Avoid hypothermia, exposure losses following shearing

04-09-2024

The impact of cold weather, particularly when combined with wet and windy conditions, can have severe impacts on sheep.

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Pests, partnerships and people power at the biodiversity seminar

03-09-2024

There is still time to grab a ticket to the Wimmera Biodiversity seminar that is back for its 27th edition with the theme 'Pests, Partnerships and People Power'.

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Connecting local producers to global markets

03-09-2024

The Victorian Government has announced that it's backing regional farmers and food and beverage businesses to increase their exports and explore new markets by partnering with the Australian Government.

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Glen, about the house

03-09-2024

In the last issue I began what I thought was a brief summary of pruning a couple of favourite deciduous, backyard fruit trees that would fill my page nicely. But after some judicious word pruning and deciding that as apples and pears needed the same treatment as do peaches and nectarines, I think we need some more words on pruning. So, here we go again.

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Free farm safety session soon for local farmers

31-08-2024

The City of Ballarat is bringing together multiple emergency services agencies to promote farm safety with a farm safety information session set for next month.

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GRDC invests $3 million in soybean breeding

28-08-2024

The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) will invest $3 million in a new five-year soybean breeding program that will be led by the University of Adelaide and aims to deliver new elite soybean varieties to Australian growers.

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Dam confusing: some advice for farmers

27-08-2024

Agriculture Victoria Land Management Extension Officer Clem Sturmfels, is encouraging farmers to think carefully before considering cleaning out sediment from their dams.

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$6.1million to help keep lid on agri diseases

27-08-2024

Victoria’s biosecurity system will be strengthened with a $6.1 million investment by the Victorian Government for projects that help prevent, monitor, and control diseases in cattle, sheep, goat, swine and honeybee industries.

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Apiarist faces court for ignoring destruction orders

26-08-2024

Beekeepers are being reminded to report and treat notifiable diseases after a large scale commercial western Victoria apiarist was found guilty of failure to manage American foulbrood (AFB) in hives.

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CFA warning for farmers ahead of harvest season

13-08-2024

Following 45 header fires last harvest season in the far north-west of the state, fire authorities are reminding grain growers to make machinery maintenance a priority ahead of the state's new harvest season.

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Sheep, ceramics & bespoke items abound

03-08-2024

The Australian Sheep and Wool Show took place in Bendigo over the weekend of July 20. It is the largest event of its type in the world showcasing the mighty Australian sheep.

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Bullarto stud win at Victorian Sheep Show

18-07-2024

Bullarto-based Oberon Suffolk Sheep Stud collected numerous category wins at last month’s Victorian Sheep Show.

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Landholders urged to sign up for healthy landscapes course

16-07-2024

Local landowners are being encouraged to sign up for the upcoming Healthy Landscapes Holistic Grazing Management short course now taking applications until July 28, for the next group of students.

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Bird flu confirmed at farm

05-07-2024

Avian influenza virus has been confirmed at an eighth Victorian farm, which was already in quarantine.

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Hepburn distillery sets a circular economy example

27-06-2024

The Hepburn Distillery is providing a great example of the circular economy in operation with the Hepburn Shire Council publicising it as an example as it promotes a special toolkit for businesses.

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Just sayin’…

24-06-2024

I had some time last week so I did a bit of a Google around about farmland and farm zones. I realise there are experts just waiting on Facebook but instead I went to the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning.

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Time extension on strategy consultation: a closer look

19-06-2024

The consultation period on Hepburn Shire Council’s draft Township Structure Plans and Rural Hepburn strategy has been extended to June 26.

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Your say…

29-05-2024

While the Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance applauds Hepburn's efforts in the Rural Hepburn Strategy to protect agricultural land from further inappropriate development for so-called lifestyle blocks we assert that the town structure plans as drafted will thwart this intent to the detriment of both valuable farmland and the character and liveability of our shire's towns.

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Your say…

29-05-2024

I want to start by acknowledging the sheer enormity of the work council staff have undertaken in the development of the draft structure plans for the entire shire.

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Your say …

24-05-2024

I write in concern about the proposal Hepburn Shire Council has to rezone prime farming land on the outskirts of East Street in Daylesford.

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Your say…

24-05-2024

The HSC proposal for potential rezoning of prime agricultural land along East Street must be reconsidered and removed from the Draft Structure Plan.

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Your say…

I’m part of the family who owns the farm on East Street, Daylesford (called Mayfield) which is being proposed to be rezoned, and I’m currently living on that farm.

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When an animal disease emergency happens…

20-05-2024

When Dr Matt Boon from Prime Livestock Veterinary Services put his hand up to work on emergency animal disease outbreaks, he did it with the bigger picture in mind.

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Get buzzy: world bee day happens tomorrow

19-05-2024

Tomorrow, May 20, marks the seventh annual World Bee Day, and this year’s focus is on the vital role bees play in global food production.

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Local landholders invited to Healthy Landscapes evening

16-05-2024

Landowners with a passion for improving land management practices are invited to join in a special evening to learn more about the Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s award-winning Healthy Landscapes program.

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Spudfest: celebrating all things potato

26-04-2024

For one weekend every autumn, Trentham is all about the humble potato.

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CSIRO invests $20 million to drive SME innovation

09-04-2024

Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has announced a $20 million investment to provide small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with greater access to vital research and development (R&D) opportunities to accelerate their growth.

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New soil health guide for local farmers and keen gardeners

02-04-2024

A new resource will serve as a one-stop-shop for farmers and gardeners keen to understand and improve their soil health.

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Grants to help horticulture growers net crops

05-03-2024

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CSIRO breakthrough to boost disease resistance in crops

04-03-2024

Scientists at CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, have achieved a breakthrough in molecular plant pathology, marking a technological leap forward for breeding durable disease-resistant crops.

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Chance to help shape Victoria’s new animal protection laws

27-02-2024

The draft bill for a new Animal Care and Protection Act has been released for public comment, but you'd better be quick as the opportunity to have input closes early next month.

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Blue-green algae increased risk to animals and people

27-02-2024

Recent flooding combined with warmer weather has increased the risk of blue-green algal blooms in farm dams, Agriculture Victoria is warning.

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Warning to prevent heat stress in livestock

27-02-2024

Agriculture Victoria is urging livestock owners to ensure all animals in their care are adequately protected from harsh weather conditions, including extreme heat.

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New laws strengthen biosecurity safeguards

27-02-2024

The Victorian government has strengthened enforcement power and increased penalties to better manage biosecurity incidents and protect Victoria’s valuable agriculture sector for the future.

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Sunny side up: a new crop for Clunes

02-02-2024

The field full of sunflowers on the outskirts of Clunes has been attracting its fair share of attention.

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Berry fine way to spend a day

18-01-2024

Going summer berry picking makes for an idyllic holiday activity whether you’ve got kids along for the fun or not.

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Carbon sink pilot interests local landholders

09-01-2024

Growing Habitat for Net-Zero in Central Victoria - A new Central Victorian carbon offset project is aimed at helping local councils reach their net-zero emission goals, while providing private landholders all the benefits from growing trees and shrubs on their property.

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Wine notes …

11-12-2023

Once people know I’m a wine educator and have published books and articles on wine I dread their next question, which invariably comes. What’s your favourite wine? My stock answer is “what today…or yesterday?

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Police investigate stock theft

29-11-2023

Ballarat Crime Investigation Unit detectives, with the assistance of the Farm Crime Coordination Unit are investigating the theft of approximately 600 sheep at a Lexton property in two separate incidents.

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Growers needed for regenerative agriculture research

21-11-2023

A national hunt is on to find at least 60 growers who use a range of farming practices to assist in a Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) research investment exploring cropping methods, with a focus on regenerative agriculture.

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Bendigo hosts women in ag conference

20-11-2023

Bendigo is hosting the Australian Women in Agriculture National Conference with a gala dinner this Friday November 24 followed by the main event on Saturday.

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Hemp Hub for Macedon Ranges

16-11-2023

Hemp is an often maligned and misunderstood crop. Although it has been used by civilisations for thousands of years, it became mixed up in the banning of cannabis by the Americans in the 1930s.

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Wine notes with Clive Hartley

12-11-2023

Since planting grapevines on an old potato farm in 1998, Passing Clouds has become a stalwart producer in the Macedon Ranges.

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Wine notes …

28-10-2023

In the Great Western sub-region of the Grampians, Best’s have their Nursery Block within the Concongella vineyard which has grape vines first planted in 1866.

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Budburst Festival returns to Macedon Ranges

15-10-2023

There could hardly be a better way to welcome the quickening pulse of the season. All who are partial to a good wine will be keen to note that the famed Macedon Ranges Bud Burst Festival is back and happening over the weekend of Friday 17-Sunday 19 November.

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High steaks for Australia’s best young beef cattle paraders

11-10-2023

Agricultural Shows Australia is shining a spotlight on Australia's top young cattle paraders at a prestigious national event taking place in Launceston over the next few days.

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Victorians urged to join the ‘great biosecurity quest’ now

09-10-2023

The state government is encouraging all Victorian residents to learn how to help protect the state's precious agriculture industry.

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Top new bio job for recycled COVID van

09-10-2023

The Victorian Government is giving a former COVID-19 rapid testing lab a new lease on life – transforming it into an emergency animal diagnostics and plant disease van.

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Varroa mite focus switches to management as eradication hopes dashed

30-09-2023

Local apiarists remain on high alert for any sign of the dreaded varroa destructor mite after Agriculture Victoria conceded in recent days that it will now transition its emergency response to a management phase for Varroa mite.

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Clopping on: continuing the Clydesdale tradition

28-09-2023

The early development of Australia from its roads to farms would hardly have been possible without the contribution of heavy horses.

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Preparing for a tougher future: A closer encounter with FATE

25-09-2023

Agriculture Victoria’s Horsham SmartFarm recently provided local students hands-on experience of climate action research, with a focus on preserving important grains and plants for the future.

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Holistic grazing course coming soon for Hepburn locals with livestock

08-09-2023

Hepburn Shire residents who keep livestock are being urged to secure their place in the award-winning Healthy Landscapes 2023/2024 Holistic Grazing Course which begins Friday 15 September.

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Forum for Hepburn shire farmers

05-09-2023

The Hepburn Shire Council is hosting a forum for local farmers in collaboration with Agriculture Victoria to provide updates on a range of issues impacting farming operations.

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Wine notes

04-09-2023

On the world stage cabernet sauvignon easily outguns shiraz/syrah. It dominates the ‘left bank’ in Bordeaux, France and is famous in the Napa Valley in California. In Australia we have the Yarra Valley, Coonawarra and Margaret River as specialist regions for cabernet. Yet it runs a poor second to shiraz in Australia.

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Chance to jump on board community carbon project

24-08-2023

Hepburn shire locals who are passionate about the environment and who want to take action on climate change are being invited to get involved in a significant native planting program.

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That’s a lot of bull!

19-08-2023

Trentham's John and Sue Harvey, on the cusp of their retirement, are delighted with the recent news that a son of their bull Torr Down Marvel 3, AI Z Providence Dr Octopus (pictured above) has won Supreme Exhibit and South Devon Breed Champion at the UK National Show.

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Local farmers encouraged to apply for award-winning course

11-08-2023

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council's award-winning Holistic Grazing Management course will return in September, with local farmers encouraged to participate and learn about sustainable farming practices.

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Chance to shape state’s biosecurity strategy

28-07-2023

Community and industry feedback is being invited on Victoria’s new Biosecurity Strategy to help strengthen the existing system against increased pest and disease risks.

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Farmers still receiving flood and storm support

13-07-2023

More than 4,500 support payments have been processed to farmers impacted by the 2022/23 floods and storms, providing relief to primary producers across Victoria.

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Produce with passion at Meraki Organic Farm

06-07-2023

Italian born Daniele Tarasco brings a personal passion for fresh, flavoursome food and his background as a high-end chef to running Meraki certified organic farm at Newlyn North.

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Support still out there for flood and storm-impacted farmers

18-06-2023

In the wake of recent heavy rain events, local primary producers throughout the Hepburn shire are being reminded that a range of support measures remain available for flood and storm-affected farmers.

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Workshop to beat worms in sheep

18-06-2023

Local primary producers are being invited to register now to attend this Wednesday's practical workshop on worm management, presented by Dr Monica Dickson of Ballarat Sheep Veterinary Services, at Lexton.

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Young farmer bootcamp

18-06-2023

Local young farmers are being invited to register now to attend nextmonth's Young Farmer Bootcamp set for July 11-12 at Wallup.

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Greater purpose in growing clean, healthy food

WHEN Edward Benedict lived in a bedsit in East Melbourne, his neighbours called him The Farmer. He had a small patch opposite the MCG, where his veggies grew and grew and grew.

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Regenerative ag community getting more engaged

02-06-2023

The Hepburn Shire says it has successfully engaged with over 70 participants over the last 12 months to help local farmers and land custodians improve land, soil, water and livestock.

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Cheers for Hares at Denver

26-05-2023

Black-faced Suffolk sheep graze in Denver, with alpacas not far away. Nearby the grape-stripped vines are shutting down.

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Registrations open to be part of Future Drought Fund’s online forum

23-05-2023

Registrations are now open for the Future Drought Fund's Science to Practice Forum happening online over June 6-8.

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Monitoring Wind Erosion in the Victorian Mallee

23-05-2023

Hepburn shire farmers and others state-wide are being invited to join next month's wind erosion webinar with Agriculture Victoria's Mallee monitoring wind erosion project team and seasonal risk agronomist Dale Grey.

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Bootcamp for young farmers

22-05-2023

Agriculture Victoria is offering young farmers and those new to farming the opportunity to take part in a Young Farmer Business Bootcamp with the next to be held in Netherby next month.

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Best wool and best lamb conference set for Bendigo next month

22-05-2023

The Ag Vic 2023 BestWool/BestLamb Conference will be held at the Bendigo Showgrounds on Tuesday 20 June.

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Irrigation monitoring and maintenance course on offer

22-05-2023

Hepburn Shire farmers are being welcomed to get along to an irrigation course hosted by Agriculture Victoria at Irymple, near Mildura, next month.

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Don’t be a drip… catch the free drip maintenance course

22-05-2023

Primary producers and keen gardeners in Hepburn Shire are being encouraged to get along to this month's free half day drip maintenance course.

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Nominate ‘Footy’s Favourite Farmer’…

21-05-2023

From cattle to cropping, Glenlyon to Gippsland, and everything in between, Agriculture Victoria is on the hunt for this year's Footy's Favourite Farmer, with some attractive prizes up for grabs.

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New pump screens a boost for fish and farmers

17-05-2023

Local irrigators are being invited to express their interest in a new pump screen that will both save native fish and stop weeds from blocking their systems.

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Bee-sotted! How a backyard hobby became a business

13-05-2023

How does someone go from having just two bee hives to having 80? Don’t ask Clunes’ Graeme Grigson because he doesn’t know how it happened.

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Climate outlook session coming up at Numurkah

08-05-2023

Local farmers, vignerons and other primary producers are being encouraged to attend the upcoming Climate Outlook Session, taking place in the next few days.

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Free seminar for small flock sheep farmers, Bendigo

08-05-2023

Sheep farmers and graziers in the Hepburn Shire are being invited to attend this month's free Agriculture Victoria seminar on worm management and biosecurity for your sheep flock with sheep vet Dr Monica Dickson.

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Main research site new Birchip this year

08-05-2023

Birchip Cropping Group's (BCG’s) main research site this year will be at Kinnabulla, 25km north west of Birchip on Kinnabulla West Road.

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Agriculture Victoria and RSPCA Victoria: keeping your cattle healthy free webinar

08-05-2023

Agriculture Victoria and RSPCA Victoria are inviting all Hepburn Shire cattle producers and others state-wide to participate in a free webinar to help keep the cattle they care for healthy, productive, and profitable.

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Chance for locals to shape future rural land use in Hepburn Shire

05-05-2023

The Hepburn Shire Council is inviting residents to have a say on what's important about the shire's rural areas, what should be protected and enhanced through future planning measures.

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Local land use planning responding to climate risks, chance for input

02-05-2023

Hepburn Shire Council is developing an Agricultural Land and Rural Settlement Strategy, the first of its strategic planning projects that make up Future Hepburn.

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Bloomin’ beautiful

29-04-2023

FLOWERS are good for the soul. So says Lyonville’s Janae Paquin-Bowden. And she should know.

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Spuddy good fun

26-04-2023

Trentham is working up a hearty appetite ahead of Spudfest coming up fast on Saturday May 6.

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Specialist veggie field days make come-back from tomorrow

26-04-2023

The Victorian Vegetable Innovation Days (VicVID) will be held tomorrow, Thursday 27 and Friday 28 April.

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Emergency animal disease awareness training free and online

25-04-2023

Farmers throughout the Hepburn Shire area and across Victoria are being encouraged to complete a series of free online training modules to help them protect their animals from diseases and biosecurity threats.

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The techy face of agriculture, podcast returns

25-04-2023

AgVic Talk podcast is back for season five, this time talking about the future of Agricultural Technologies (AgTech) and Energy.

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Right on the pulse: new edition cereal and pulse guides

23-04-2023

The newest editions of cereal and pulse disease guides are now available to download as mobile-friendly e-books from Agriculture Victoria’s website.

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Farmer fined for seriously neglected sheep

23-04-2023

A Mallee farmer has been fined $65,000 and disqualified for 25 years from owning any farm animal or being a person in charge of any farm animal after pleading guilty to animal cruelty charges and being sentenced recently at the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court.

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A word on keeping pigs

23-04-2023

Have you ever thought of keeping a couple of backyard pigs? At first, it would seem there is not much to it.

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On-farm tyre registrations

23-04-2023

A new Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) registration for farmers using waste tyres as weights in silage production will help reduce the risk of fire and harm to human health and the environment.

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Primary Producer Flood Recovery package cut-off date extended

22-04-2023

Local flood and storm-affected farmers and growers throughout the Hepburn Shire and surrounds are still eligible to apply for financial support via the current flood recovery grants.

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National Centre for Farmer Health offering flood response support

22-04-2023

The National Centre for Farmer Health is committed to supporting primary producers - including those in Hepburn Shire and surrounds - whose properties, livestock or crops were damaged or lost in the floods and storms through the delivery of initiatives to boost farmer mental health and wellbeing.

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As happy as…

12-04-2023

THE sky rolls wide and blue above Pig and Earth, a sustainable free-range organic pig farm set on the volcanic plains just out of Kingston.

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Helping farmers axe on-farm emissions

07-02-2023

An on-farm emissions action plan ilot aims to help Victorian farmers reduce on-farm emissions with grant support funding from a pool of up to $5 million.

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Sweet new role gives Karla the buzz on bees

28-02-2023

Meet AgVic's newest apiary officer, Karla Williams.

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Growers and producers wanted for new online collective

25-02-2023

Growers and producers in Hepburn Shire and the Central Highlands region are being invited to enter their business details for free registration on a new online hub.

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Cotton on: New research facilities to give Aussie cotton industry a boost

24-02-2023

CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency has in recent days unveiled a $25 million upgrade to its Myall Vale site in NSW with new purpose-built facilities to support cutting-edge cotton research.

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CSIRO researchers strive to deliver food security, secure major international grant

25-01-2023

An international consortium of scientists has received a $34 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Agricultural Innovations (Gates Ag One) fund to improve crop productivity and food security in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

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Grant dollars for artisan producers

19-01-2023

Hepburn Shire Council has awarded 18 Small-Scale Artisan Agriculture Grants worth more than $34,000 to farmers and producers in the Central Highlands.

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Register now to join the traceability hub launch

15-12-2022

Agribusinesses throughout Hepburn Shire who are looking to build or improve their supply chain are among others across the state being invited to register for this Friday's launch of Agriculture Victoria's new Traceability Information Hub.

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Chemical hazard warning issued for post-flood landholders

14-12-2022

Landholders in flood affected areas including those throughout the Hepburn Shire may face a range of issues related to the storage and use of chemicals.

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Bogged down: department issues advice for recovering bogged machinery

14-12-2022

With the recent flooding and significant rain events across the state, landholders throughout the Hepburn shire and surrounding rural areas, are among those who may now be worried about bogged machinery on their property.

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Land of ‘pork and honey’: try some honey-glazed ham

13-12-2022

We are a land of pork and honey here in Daylesford, with some of the best pig growers and beekeepers in the nation right here on our doorstep.

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Astute tips to drop your electricity bill

03-12-2022

Victoria's agricultural department is hosting an online forum to explore practical measures aimed at helping farmers and other primary producers to increase their energy productivity and axe their electricity bill.

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Warning to watch for winged whingers amid Japanese encephalitis threat

02-12-2022

Flooding and heavy rainfall have increased the risk of a range of mosquito-borne diseases in Victoria, including Japanese encephalitis (JE) prompting a warning to farmers and livestock owners.

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social enterprise shifts the menu to nutrition-rich eats

28-11-2022

FORGET the days when school lunch meant a pallid pastry followed by a fizzy saccharine chaser and a stomach ache.

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Census time for Australian pollinators, but they need our help

18-11-2022

It’s census time for Australian pollinators, but they need our help

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New grants for horticulture

25-08-2022

Victoria’s horticulture industry will benefit from a new round of grants delivered through an expansion of the Horticulture Netting Program.

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Permit system for bee keepers

25-08-2022

Agriculture Victoria has widened its permit system for anyone who wants to move bees into Victoria to include anyone bringing bees or bee products into any part of the state to further safeguard the pollination industry against Varroa mite.

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Don’t feed swill to pigs

25-08-2022

Did you know that food waste – swill – containing meat or other animal by-products must not be fed to pigs as it may contain viruses that cause diseases in animals?

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Recipes with Jen Clarke

02-08-2022

Recipes with Jen Clarke

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Keeping bees at bay

26-07-2022

Agriculture Victoria is implementing more biosecurity measures to ensure a safe almond pollination and keep Victoria free from Varroa mite.

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Pole worm threat

25-07-2022

Barber’s pole worm (Haemonchus contortus) is a blood sucking roundworm of sheep and goats, with minor crossover into cattle.

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Ciao!

23-06-2022

I'm Mara Ripani and I love being with community, talking and discussing all that is important to us. Problem solving and diving deep into conversations about everything and anything, no matter how difficult, no matter how light.

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18-06-2022

In just under 100 days, one of Victoria’s most iconic and loved events, the Melbourne Royal Show will return bigger and better than ever before, being held from Thursday 22 September to Sunday 2 October 2022 with a refreshed program of much loved favourites and exciting new experiences that are sure to appeal to all Victorians, young and old.

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Johne’s Disease control program

11-06-2022

"During my 24 years working with Agriculture Victoria, I have seen several disease programs come and go, and change," Dr Jeff Cave said.

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Tiny ants could have been trouble

11-06-2022

Exotic-looking tiny red ants found living inside a northern Victorian man’s water meter could’ve been big trouble for Agriculture Victoria’s biosecurity officers.

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Markets

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Cheers to beers

05-06-2022

Hepburn Springs Brewing Co has taken home two awards from the 2022 Melbourne Royal Australian International Beer Awards.

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Japanese encephalitis update

30-05-2022

Agriculture Victoria is working closely with both the pig and horse industries in response to Japanese encephalitis.

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Bovine fever

29-05-2022

With the wet summer of 2022, this has been the year of insect borne diseases. Initially, reports of cases of Ross River Virus and Murray Valley Encephalitis in horses were received.

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Join benchmarking project

29-05-2022

Agriculture Victoria has positions available for sheep and beef farmers to participate in the 2022 Livestock Farm Monitor benchmarking project.

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Agricultural podcasts

29-05-2022

Season three of the AgVic Talk podcast takes listeners on a virtual bus tour to speak with farmers and agricultural influencers who are looking at different ways to manage climate variability.

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Water webinars

21-05-2022

Irrigators and service providers interested in finding out more about key factors influencing water availability in the connected southern basin, including water allocation processes, water trade, policy, and events, are encouraged to participate in Agriculture Victoria’s irrigation webinar sub-series.

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Lambassador program back in person

20-05-2022

The state’s lamb producers are strengthening international exports to new and established markets while supporting jobs.

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AgTech info

18-05-2022

Would you like to learn more about AgTech but don't know where to start? Register for one of Agriculture Victoria's Unpacking AgTech webinars to find out how.

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Shed meetings back

18-05-2022

After a few years absence, ‘shed’ meetings are returning to the Mallee. Agriculture Victoria, DELWP, LMW and Mallee CMA will present a range of topics to district irrigators.

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Grants for floods

18-05-2022

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 9 –11 June 2021.

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Trapping foxes and wild dogs

18-05-2022

Foxes and wild dogs are 'declared' established pest animals in Victoria.

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Weed control research

17-05-2022

A study is underway to determine whether harvest weed seed control (HWSC) systems which create chaff residues are promoting increased crop pest activity and associated crop damage in the southern cropping region.

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Japanese encephalitis update

17-05-2022

Agriculture Victoria is working closely with both the pig and horse industries in response to Japanese encephalitis.

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If it’s been out, check it out

17-05-2022

If a vehicle has travelled off your property there is now a useful vehicle biosecurity risk assessment checklist available to help you decide if it requires a clean down before re-entering to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases on farm.

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Tracing horses

17-05-2022

The National Horse Traceability Working Group (NHTWG) is seeking feedback regarding design and introduction of a traceability system for horses, donkeys and mules in Australia.

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Agricultural conference in June

16-05-2022

Agriculture Victoria is pleased to announce that early bird tickets for the BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef Conference are on sale now.

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Fox and wild dog bounty collection details

23-04-2022

Victorian fox and wild dog collections have recommenced. Electronic funds transfer (EFT) is the preferred method of payment, so please bring your EFT details to the collection centre.

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New climate and water tools

23-04-2022

A recording of the New Climate and Water Tools for Victorian farmers webinar is now available.

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Talk on farm safety

23-04-2022

Agriculture Victoria and the Making our Farms Safer team from the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) recently delivered a farm safety workshop to Punjabi orchardists in Shepparton.

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The nation’s best young dairy cattle judge

20-04-2022

Zoe Hayes (22) from Girgarre, Victoria and Sam Cox (16) from Stratham, Western Australia have taken out Australia’s top spot in the Agricultural Shows Australia young dairy cattle judging championship for 2021 and 2022 respectively, at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

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Markets

14-04-2022

You can find anything you need at weekend markets, from fresh fruit and veg to handmade jewellery and wares, throughout the Central Highlands and surrounds.

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Storm help

08-04-2022

On 5 January, a severe localised weather event affected the Ballarat and Creswick areas, with hail and heavy rainfall of up to 170mm, resulting in flooding, building damage, fallen trees and crop damage and losses.

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Frontline for biosecurity risks on farms

08-04-2022

Grain Biosecurity Officers (GBO’s) are at the frontline of protecting Australia’s $18 billion grains industry by helping growers manage biosecurity risks at a farm and industry level.

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Rabbit woes?

08-04-2022

Are rabbits a problem in your garden or small land holding? Would you like to know more about best practice rabbit control in regional communities?

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Win for Daylesford Cider

01-04-2022

DAYLESFORD Cider Company has won Australia Award's 2021 Regional Development Victoria Business Achievement Award.

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Get the facts on stubble management

25-03-2022

As sowing time fast approaches, Victorian grain growers are planning their paddock preparation options – in particular those with heavy stubble loads following on from large crops.

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Scholarships for young farmers

24-03-2022

Young farmers across the state can now apply for the 2022 Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarships to help their careers grow and support their contribution to Victoria's vibrant agriculture sector.

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Boost for plant based meat

23-03-2022

The state government is backing a processing facility in western Victoria to become one of Australia’s newest producers of plant-based meat, while boosting local jobs.

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Share the fruit not the flies

20-03-2022

Share the overflow of fruit and vegetables from your garden with neighbours in jams or sauces this autumn and reduce the risk of spreading Queensland fruit fly (QFF).

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Rallies to Stop AusNet

14-03-2022

TRACTORS rumbled through Melbourne last Tuesday, March 8, as hundreds gathered to protest at Parliament House against 85-metre high towers planned to cross valuable farmland and destroy pristine vistas in Hepburn Shire and beyond.

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Grants for primary producers

13-03-2022

Grant assistance is now available under joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding to assist primary producers directly affected by the Victorian Floods and Storms which occurred from 9-11 June 2021 with costs associated with clean-up and recovery activities needed to reinstate their primary production enterprise.

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Protect paddock trees when burning

12-03-2022

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is asking all landowners to take the necessary steps to protect paddock trees when burning stubble on their properties.

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Goldacres training day

03-03-2022

THE Blampied/Kooroocheang Landcare Group held a training day recently after buying a new spray unit from Goldacres.

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Greenhouse emissions

30-01-2022

We know all food and fibre farms produce some form of greenhouse gas emissions which contribute to increasing the concentration of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.

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Footrot care

30-01-2022

The seasonal conditions of the past few months have been challenging for sheep and goat’s feet, particularly if your flock/herd has an underlying problem with footrot.

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Improving market transparency

29-01-2022

The federal government has committed $5.4 million for projects to improve price and market transparency in Perishable Agricultural Goods (PAG) supply chains. Applications for a $5 million industry grants program opened on 25 January 2022.

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Milking the weather

21-01-2022

Milking the weather provides seasonal and climate risk information for the dairy industry four times per year — summer, autumn, winter and spring.

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Be wary of heat stress in livestock

21-01-2022

Heat stress in livestock can become a major issue both for production levels and animal welfare, but there are precautions you can take to help minimalise the risk.

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FOX AND WILD DOG BOUNTY WRAPS UP FOR 2021

10-01-2022

More than 1000 Victorians have supported the management of foxes and wild dogs in Victoria during 2021.

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Powlett Hill – leading proponent of biodynamic farming

02-01-2022

OUT on the wind-blown volcanic plains of central Victoria, the sun shines on a rugged terrain. About 250 hectares of blackened hillside is testament to a grass fire that tore across the slopes in midsummer, witness to the region’s volatility.

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Sustainably produced food for the masses

02-01-2022

DANNY Kinnear was a popular fixture at the local markets. He was the one selling the popular Portuguese custard tarts and chocolate and almond brownies.

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A family affair at the Good Life Farm Co

01-01-2022

KYNETON beekeeper Claire Moore always wanted to be a queen bee breeder, either that or a stockbroker.

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Open range farming producing a honest egg

24-12-2021

OVER the years there has been a lot of ink spilled over the notion of what constitutes an ethical egg.

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Supporting agricultural and pastoral societies

The State Government is helping agricultural and pastoral shows across the state bounce back from the pandemic, and welcome visitors through the gates again.

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Recipes with Jen Clarke

26-11-2021

Cauliflower, chickpea and halloumi tray bake (Serves 4)

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Students given grain opportunity

10-11-2021

Six PhD students have been chosen to help with research as part of the Victorian Grains Innovation Partnership (VGIP) between Agriculture Victoria and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).

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Online agriculture courses

07-11-2021

A selection of online courses can be undertaken at your own pace, at any time and from any-where with an internet connection is available from Agriculture Victoria.

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Best practice lessons for farmers

07-11-2021

For some farmers, running a business according to best practice management techniques is something to aspire to, but for many it’s not always easy knowing where to start.

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Attracting harvest workers

05-11-2021

The state government’s popular Seasonal Sign-On bonus has been extended, with horticulture businesses across the state set to receive extra support in time for this summer’s harvest.

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Chickens retiring

03-11-2021

Victoria’s sentinel chickens are retiring after nearly 50 years on the front line, after new testing and surveillance methods have made it quicker and easier to detect mosquito-borne viruses across the state.

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Sheep producers urged to be on the front-foot this spring

25-10-2021

Victorian sheep producers are being urged to have a plan for how they will manage flystrike and seed contamination issues in their flocks this spring.

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Clay trail roadmap

25-10-2021

The Central Victorian Clay Trail is one roadmap that will lead you on a journey of discovery to the inner sanctums of the region’s ceramicists and help blow out the lockdown cobwebs.

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Hey honey!

KYNETON resident, and founder and CEO of Sweet Justice, Claire Moore, has received the inaugural Rotary Melbourne Environmental Sustainability Award in recognition of her work to support and protect the honey bee population.

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Concern over transmission lines

15-05-2021

HEPBURN Shire Council says it continues to advocate on behalf of community groups concerned about the construction of 190km of overhead transmission lines, proposed as part of the Western Victoria Transmission Network Project.

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Beautiful blooming begonias…and bees

15-03-2021

BEGONIAS have captured the imagination of flower lovers for hundreds of years with their almost quirky and often flamboyant offerings.

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How Basil brewed a golden beauty

15-03-2021

LYONVILLE'S Basil Eliades was on a break down the coast when a thought struck him. Why not, he pondered, enter my vodka in an international competition. Hundreds of kilometres away at home, his wife Jane was thinking the same.

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A fungus lover’s foray into fun foraging

08-03-2021

INTEREST in foraging for wild food is on the rise, and magnificent mushrooms are very much on the menu. But if you’re gathering your own, you’ve got to get it right. From the right knowledge and equipment, to following a forager's Code of Practice.

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Group taking action on vegetable front

21-12-2020

MANY readers find statistics and reports awfully tedious, so let’s get them out of the way right now.

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To bee, or not to bee

30-11-2020

BEE friendly. Bee friendly to each other and bee friendly to those busy, buzzing, winged creatures currently swarming in big noisy clumps all around the Central Highlands.

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Ray Spencer – Creswick’s own forestry pioneer

23-11-2020

DR RAY Spencer has worn many hats over the years. A Creswick local, he travelled the world as a forestry and urban planning professional with his young family and later as an internationally renowned forest industry expert.

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Home grown and hand made at Trentham

23-11-2020

IRENE and Andrew Brooks have been at their Trentham East/North Blackwood property for 12 years. In that time they have turned a hectare over to a diversified cultivation of fruit trees and market gardens.

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3bears: Just right

16-11-2020

ON A 48-acre farm in Tylden, a small family with a love for country living, ethically grown food and a passion for feeding people, is living their dream. 3bearsfarm is home to Tim, Madeleine and baby Leela along with 300 very happy chooks, a small herd of South Devon cattle and four incredibly loyal alpacas, who not only provide a great source of amusement, but guard the chooks’ mobile caravan with their lives.

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Noel shadowing This Farm Needs a Farmer

09-11-2020

ONE day in 2015, Melissa Connors struck up a conversation with retired farmer, the late Noel Jenner, who passed by her property every day. She said how dedicated he was to be walking every day no matter the weather. He said: “I am off the farm now, so what else can I do with my time?”

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Finally, it’s time to smell (and taste) the roses

02-11-2020

MARCH 18, 2020. This date is stamped into many people’s memories as the day everything shut. Among them is Lauren Richardson, grower of edible flowers in Glenlyon.

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Simple life and ethical farming

26-10-2020

WIFE and husband farming team Catherine Taumoefolau-Evans and Bohdan Evans with their three children Angus, Hepi and Leon, have returned to a simpler life.

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Australia’s Best Pie at Kyneton!

31-08-2020

KYNETON'S Country Cob Bakery has done a hat trick, taking out the Baking Association of Australia's Best Pie for the third year in a row.

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Game, set and healthy match

17-08-2020

IT’S a great, and healthy, match. Daylesford Lawn Tennis Club and Hepburn Wholefoods Collective have come together, with the latter sharing the club’s rooms to offer organic, local food to the community.

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Local Lines

17-08-2020

Local Lines

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From out of the pandemic, humane hope

10-08-2020

CORONOVIRUS might just have done it for Tammi Jonas. What we have learnt during this pandemic is that, apart perhaps from on-line shopping, gambling and streaming, rare is the business that has turned a corner.

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Chrissy loving her saffron – and ice-cream

08-06-2020

THE hills are alive with the sight of saffron, thanks to Chrissy Rawson-Harris.

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Online works but face-to-face best for garlic grower

08-06-2020

SLATY Creek Organics could once be found at the Daylesford Farmers Market, the Ballarat Lakeside Market and Creswick Market. But just not at the moment and we all know why. That would seem to be a problem if you had just harvested a big swag of garlic and were getting ready to sell it all. But Ross Jones? Well, these days he couldn’t be happier.

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Pota-toes part of Trentham potato harvest

04-05-2020

TRENTHAM'S 2020 Spudfest might have been cancelled but it takes more than a global pandemic to stop Trentham’s harvest of the 30 or so potato varieties which have been grown in the district since the 1860s.

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