Articles tagged: rural scene
Lamb prices soar again as demand outweighs supply
Heavy lamb prices are surging across the country, with a Colac livestock consultant saying demand is expected to continue outweighing supply this year.
Debut for portable solar grid at Swan Marsh
Swan Marsh dairy farmers Peter and Trish Mulheron are among the first in Australia to have a transportable renewable power system on their farm.
Otways winery weighs in on data push
A proposed national vineyard registry has been tentatively welcomed by Otways winemakers who say the initiative could improve industry-wide decision making even if its impact on small producers is limited.
National festival coming to Deans Marsh
Deans Marsh will play host to Australia’s only annual roaming food and farming festival next month.
Bull sale price soars in Colac
A Limousin bull from a Larpent stud has sold to a Queensland-based operation for a near-record $38,000.
More grass needed for robust autumn
Five hundred cattle sold, with hopes for rain to come.
State’s dairy industry reunites after divide
Victoria’s dairy industry will once again be represented by a single unified body, after two lobby groups have come together again under the Victorian Farmers Federation.
Tree grant stream launches
Colac Otway Shire Council’s newest grant program has introduced a funding stream that is aimed at supporting the resilience of farms.
Duck hunting season declared, nine bag limit set
Colac and district hunters will be limited to nine game ducks a day for the 2026 hunting season.
Livestock losses near 8000 in west
Crews have been continuing to assess the agricultural fallout of the Otways bushfires and other fires across the state, with many farms reeling from the impacts.
Reflecting on summer season
Colac’s February store sale has seen an increase in throughput at the saleyards with recent bushfires and flash flooding contributing.
Convoy set to roll through Colac
A convoy of 40 trucks from south-west Victoria are set to deliver a hay run of about 2000 bales to fire-affected areas in other parts of the state.
Study into regenerative farming
A Melbourne master’s student from the Otways is calling on Colac and district farmers to play their part in the future of agriculture through regenerative practices.
End of an era in top job at Bulla
The leader of Colac’s biggest dairy manufacturer has announced he will step down from his role after a decade at the helm.
Margaret donates $8k sale proceeds
Bookaar’s Angus breeder Margaret Hallyburton has raised more than $8000 for Dolly’s Dream by donating another two steers.
Project links next gen to dairy
Students at Beeac Primary School have been busy on the brushes, with their latest art project inspiring the next generation of farmers.
House in Beeac farming zone approved, overruling officers
Colac Otway Shire councillors have approved a permit for a four-bedroom house on the outskirts of Beeac, against the recommendation of planning officers.
Documenting drought: Region’s conditions on display
Artist Robyn Hook has spent the past 12 months painting drought-stricken landscapes across the Beeac district, revealing the raw reality of desolate paddocks and desperate livestock.
New partnership boosts Hey Mate
A community-driven drought support effort has teamed up with a Colac-based not-for-profit to help deliver the program.
Farms support road fix
A community petition with more than 160 names has called for a full re-sheeting of an important rural road.
Hay run hero listed for honour
A Carlisle River farmer and hay drive co-ordinator could be in the running for national recognition as a local hero.
Hey Mate funding local relief
The Colac community has provided $15,000 worth of food, fuel and outreach for farming families in need.
Demand strong ahead of season
With the new lamb season yet to begin for Colac and district, there has been a correction in the national sheep and lamb market.
Council calls for say in projects
Corangamite Shire Council is backing community concerns about a proposed wind farm south-west of Cobden.
