Articles tagged: Rural
Paula continues connections in farming
Former Colac resident and businesswoman Paula Doran says her new role in the agriculture industry comes back to her passion for forming connections and farming.
Bulla payment for additional support
Bulla Dairy Foods has introduced a temporary support payment for its milk suppliers.
Prices ‘outstanding’ at typical store sale
Prices for Angus weaner steers surged at Colac’s latest store cattle sale, with a standout pen reaching $7 a kilogram.
District project supports not-for-profits
Facilitators from Colac, Maryborough and Swan Hill have joined forces to share insights and strategies as part of a rural community program.
Watch burns on farms to protect stock
With fire restrictions lifting across the Colac district, Agriculture Victoria is reminding farmers who are looking to ignite burn piles to be cautious around livestock.
Family welcomes world to Deans Marsh farm
Deans Marsh farmers Andrew and Jill Stewart can’t wait to show off their regenerative farming practices to hundreds of people from across the world this week.
Warning to monitor beehives
A Colac district beekeeper and botanist is reminding beekeepers of the importance of testing and monitoring bee hives, after treatment resistance varroa mites were detected in Australia for the first time.
Network marks major environmental milestone
The Heytesbury District Landcare Network will celebrate 30 years of protecting and improving the local environment this month.
Harnessing sunflower power
Cape Otway resident Shayne Neal is using the power of sunflowers to fund his trip to Europe where he will represent Australia at the 2026 World Ploughing Championship.
Strong return in Colac’s annual heifer meet
Strong demand has led to a price surge at Colac’s annual dairy heifer sale.
Seasonal bounty: Otways horticulture is growing strong
Australia’s horticulture sector has posted record figures, and growers in the Otways are confirming the latest season was a bumper year for their crops.
Trip down memory lane is a hit
Familiar faces have turned out in droves for a fun-filled reunion at Larpent.
Watch out for toxic weed in donated, imported hay
Colac and district farmers importing or receiving donated fodder from interstate due to drought or recent bushfires are reminded to watch out for weeds growing from seeds contaminated in hay.
Virtual fencing a positive step for district farmers
Colac district farmers say the new statewide approval of virtual fencing is a positive industry move to increase productivity, especially for dairy farmers in the region.
Farmers benefit from recycling bags
Farmers and agricultural businesses can now recycle eligible single-use polypropylene bags at the Winchelsea Transfer Station, with the industry-led bagMUSTER program officially launching at the site.
Prioritise checking in: South-west safety plea after farm tragedy
Larpent farmer and Dairy Farmers Victoria president Mark Billing says farmers need to stay in touch with each other while working alone or remotely, with the south-west continuing to be over-represented in on-farm fatalities.
Consider layout effectiveness after bushfires
While recent bushfires have had devastating consequences for Colac district farming families, they also offer an opportunity to review and update farm layouts.
Farm program to boost business
Agriculture Victoria is inviting Colac and district farm business owners and managers to take part in a free online business program.
Keep an eye out for caterpillar
After increasing reports of native armyworms, Agriculture Victoria is encouraging Colac and district farmers to know the difference between native and invasive species.
Revegetation grants help deliver native results
Landholders in the Heytesbury district can improve their properties and help the environment with the next wave of a high demand program.
Farmer reappointed to role, ready to respond
The State Government has reappointed Peter Tuohey as its rural assistance commissioner to continue supporting rural and regional farming communities.
Virtual fence boosts productivity
A farming advocacy and lobby group has welcomed the State Government’s approval of virtual fencing technology across Victorian farms.
Council continues push for levy remodelling
Corangamite Shire Council has called on the State Government to explore a “fairer long-term funding model” for funding emergency services that does not disproportionately impact farmers.
OUTLOOK IMPROVES: Stock agents reflect on 2025
Colac livestock agents have reflected on the year of 2025, with improved conditions now beginning to benefit drought-stricken producers who have been consistently paying for feed.
