Leadership program
THE Gippsland Agricultural Leadership Program will run for the first time this year, taking an agriculture-specific focus to equip local farmers, land managers and agricultural industry professionals with the skills to think innovatively in addressing the evolving challenges within the sector.
Participants will be empowered to drive transformative change in their businesses, communities, and the broader agricultural landscape, gaining the knowledge and confidence to lead the future of farming.
Led by farm management consultant Chris Mirams and futurist Dr Gary Saliba, director at management consulting company Strategic Journeys, this three-month program includes a regional tour, training, mentoring and peer-to-peer learning to strengthen leadership skills and build personal and business resilience.
Running from March through to May 2025, the program includes a two-day study tour where participants will explore cutting-edge agricultural practices and hear from sustainable farming innovators and successful agricultural entrepreneurs.
The study tour offers an opportunity to see first-hand how communities are reimagining their farming approaches, fostering resilience, diversifying income streams, and building stronger collaborations.
Participants will gain practical insights into emerging practices, innovation in sustainability, and the adaptive mindset required to drive change within their own enterprises and the wider sector.
This experience integrates learnings from the program into practice – from solving immediate farm challenges to developing long-term strategies that enhance profitability, sustainability, and community vitality.
Participants should have an aspiration for a future role in community-focused leadership, recovery and economic skills; and be aged over 18 years-of-age.
Additional information:
- The program will be seven days, including an overnight retreat, and a two-day study tour;
- Program days will be full days (9am -5pm);
- Through the Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program (RDRP) funding that has been secured, there are no program costs to participants, though personal costs may be incurred; and,
- Catering will be provided.
Please note this program accepts applications from individuals with a connection to the region and who have the ability to contribute to the Gippsland community.
Download the Gippsland Agricultural Leadership Program flyer from the Agriculture Victoria website.
Carbon Kit
AGRICULUTRE Victoria is confident the new one-stop spot for existing resources, tools and training related to carbon and emissions in agriculture, will help people navigate their understanding of carbon farming.
Agriculture Victoria Climate Change Service Development Officer, Heather Field said the new digital kit includes links to a range of Agriculture Victoria products and resources, plus industry and federal government resources.
“The purpose of the Carbon and Emissions Resource Kit is to provide a one-stop spot to access existing trusted, publicly available and science-based resources, tools and training related to carbon and emissions in agriculture,” she said.
The kit will be a valuable resource for service providers including consultants, government agency staff and advisors delivering carbon and emissions information and management strategies to farmers.
Ms Field said the new kit provides information to help address three key questions asked by farmers:
- Why do I need to manage my emissions?
- Where do I start?
- Is carbon farming something I should be doing more of?
Access the Carbon and Emissions Resource Kit online, or call Agriculture Victoria on 136 186.
Scholarship recipients
CONGRATULATIONS to Jasmine Maher, one of this year’s Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarship recipients.
Jasmine is making strides on her family farm in Gippsland, with a strong focus on genetics, animal husbandry, and sustainable land management.
Through the scholarship, she’ll be taking a grazing course, a ruminant nutrition course, and investing in a calf catcher to support her operations.
Rural finance
THE Rural Financial Counselling Service provides a free and confidential financial counselling service to eligible farmers and small related enterprises who are experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardships.
They can help you access available support, analyse your business situation, negotiate with lenders and develop strategies to improve your financial position.
To find your closest service, visit the Rural Financial Counselling Service website, or call 1300 771 741.
Keeping pets cool
Never leave your pet in a parked car, even with windows cracked – it takes minutes for a dog to die in a hot car.
If you see a pet in distress in a hot car, call 000. Carry water and a portable water bowl during car trips.
Use sunshades and keep the air conditioning on when driving.
When the weather is hot walk your dog early in the day before the temperature and ground heats up.
Test pavement temperature with the back of your hand. Consider booties for extra protection.
Create a safe space indoors during storms. Use calming products like anxiety wraps or pheromone diffusers.
Consult your vet about anxiety medications if needed.
Use vet-recommended tick prevention products. Check your pet for ticks after outdoor activities.
Maintain a tick-free yard by keeping grass short and removing debris.
For snake bite prevention, be cautious in areas known for snakes.
Keep your pet on a leash and stick to well-trodden paths.
Learn about venomous snakes in your region and their habitats.
If your pet is bitten, take them to a vet immediately.
When it comes to skin cancer prevention, shield your pet from harmful rays and limit sun exposure during peak hours.
Apply pet-safe sunscreen to vulnerable areas (nose, ears, belly). Regularly check for lumps or changes in your pet’s skin.
Be prepared in case of drought, evaluate your current feed supply duration.
Explore drought-resistant feed options or consider alternatives that are resilient to water scarcity.
Secure a dependable feed supplier with emergency procedures. Implement conservation measures for a stable water supply.
Have a plan for extended drought periods, monitoring predictions.
By following these tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for your pets. Remember, a little extra care goes a long way in keeping furry friends happy and healthy during the warmer months.
If you have any concerns about your pet’s wellbeing, consult your veterinarian for personalised advice.
Grants
GROUPS across Gippsland were amongs the recipients of state government grants in the agricultural sector.
Among the recipients was Wildlife Unlimited, which received $50,000 for its Partnerships Against Foxes in East Gippsland project.
Another recipient was Destination Phillip Island, who with the support of a $70,000 grant recently ran the ‘Local Flavours Food and Drink Showcase – Phillip Island and Bass Coast’ event at Berninneit, Cowes.
The state-wide grants included 25 recipients of the third round of $5 million Partnerships Against Pests grants program, 16 grants from the government’s Vic Grown Regional Activism Program, and $300,000 across 34 Agricultural and Pastoral Societies Grants Program.
