Articles tagged: Rural
Prioritise harvester safety
Harvest season has begun across south-west Victoria, with fire officials warning community members to ensure precautions are taken to avoid harvester fires.
Government expands its drought help
An extension to the State Government’s Drought Support Package aims to continue connecting farmers to essential services to overcome drought conditions.
Assistance offered for water planning
Agriculture Victoria is inviting south-west Victorian farmers to sit down with a cuppa and join a series of water planning webinars running across five weeks.
Quality cattle, positive outlook
As 1200 head of cattle went under the hammer on Friday, current conditions helped farmers have a positive outlook. It was a welcome change from this time last year, they said.
Farmers doubt Bureau outlook
Farmers across the Colac district have echoed concerns about the unreliability of the Bureau of Meteorology’s long-range predictions, choosing to draw upon other resources for a plan of action.
Tax backdown is ‘important win’
Farmers have welcomed a Federal Government backdown on super tax changes.
Producers urged to stay vigilant, prevent deadly risks to livestock
After months of dry conditions, recent rains have brought a lush flush of green growth across the region – but along with it comes a hidden danger for livestock: phalaris toxicity.
Homes in farming zone given the green light
Three brand new homes will be built across farming land in the Colac Otway Shire, following council approval.
Party leader visits plantations
A former Queensland senator has taken a tour across south-west Victoria, including to plantations in the Simpson district.
Community keen for big build
A television gardening guru is calling out for helping hands, with plans to build a farm at a Colac school in just 24 hours.
Store sale returns, agent hopeful
Colac’s store cattle sale returned this month with a district stock agent positive that spring will bring a change for drought-stricken farmers.
Rate relief package ‘good first step’
A Colac Otway Shire councillor says the State Government’s rate relief package for district drought-stricken farmers is a good first step but there’s plenty more that can be done, and the council will “keep the pressure on”.
Feedback to help refine initiative
The Australian Government is asking farmers and primary producers for their opinions on the On Farm Connectivity Program before round three applications open.
Report details farmland drop
Colac district farms have dropped more than four per cent in value, a shire-wide valuation indicates, but a Colac property agent says it’s not all doom and gloom.
Councillors approve five houses
Colac Otway Shire’s councillors have granted permits for new homes to be built at Apollo Bay, Birregurra, Irrewillipe East, Murroon and Wongarra, with their new delegation powers.
Autumn hope to grow market
Colac and district is holding out for a “good autumn break” to strengthen the cattle market.
Mentor wants boost for youth
Alvie dairy farmer Brooke Lane hopes to see more support for young people in the industry well into the future.
New guide for healthy hectares
A free, easy reference guide was released in Colac to help small landholders create productive and environmentally sustainable properties.
Rain vital for district farmers
Wool Wool farmer Toby Campbell says above average rainfall over the next “two to three months” is vital if the region is to get out of the woods from the green drought.
Next chapter for dairy farmer
After thirty years of dairying excellence, Princetown farmer Rhys Smethurst is ready for the next chapter.
District Polwarths claim national wins
Fairview Polwarths’ Greg Potter says he is proud of his family’s achievements at the Australian Sheep and Wool Show, winning supreme exhibit at the prestigious industry event.
Terry’s dairy journey recognised
Deans Marsh dairy farmer Terry Richardson says he is prouder of the relationships he has built during his 20 years in the area than the awards he has received along the way. But he has described his latest accolade as an honor. Terry has received the Australian Dairy Industry Council’s 2023 Pat Rowley Outstanding Service […]
Local wool producers on show
Fairview Polwarths’ Greg Potter is looking forward to this weekend’s Australian Sheep and Wool Show in Bendigo, recognised as “the largest event of its type in the world”.
Study tour inspires district landcarers
Colac district farmers and Heytesbury District Landcare Network representatives have returned from a New Zealand study tour with fresh ideas on regenerative and sustainable farming that could be adopted locally.
