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More Drought Forums To Help FarmersStrong turnouts in late December at both the Westernport Dairyfarmers and the West Gippsland Dairyfarmers drought forums saw farmers calling for follow up forums in both regions to be held in the New Year. By Department of Primary Industries - 16th January 2007 - Back to News Over 150 farmers and industry service providers attended the first Westernport Dairyfarmers and West Gippsland Dairyfarmers drought forums.
The forums were organised by the Cardinia Branch of the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) and the United Dairyfarmers Victoria (UDV) District Council 7 respectively, and supported by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI).
Topics covered at both forums included an Exceptional Circumstances (EC) update, a Southern Rural Water update, feed availability and pricing for the current season, discussions on stock health issues and the availability of financial assistance. DPI staff provided information on available support services.
The ‘Local Feature Farmers’ gave a chance for a number of farmers to speak about the issues they are facing and the strategies and plans in place to manage them.
Strategies discussed included using alternative feeds, importing fodder, culling earlier, reducing herd numbers, feed and water budgeting, and becoming self sufficient.
Both forums were followed by a barbecue, which gave the farmers the chance to socialise amongst each other and also catch up with industry service providers. This was considered a worthwhile activity, with many people staying to discuss their current situation.
Details for the next series of drought forums are:
- West Gippsland Dairyfarmers - Tuesday 23 January - Trafalgar Football Clubrooms - 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.
- Westernport Dairyfarmers - Tuesday 6 February - Kooweerup Community Centre - 10:45 am to 12:45 pm.
Both forums will cover an EC update, water and feed availability issues as these stood out to be the main concerns affecting farmers. Other local and industry issues will also be discussed with a barbecue and refreshments provided after each forum.
For more information about the West Gippsland Dairyfarmers Drought Forum, contact John Moyes UDV DC7 on 5634 2473 and for the Westernport Dairyfarmers Drought Forum, contact David Young, VFF Cardinia on 5998 8293. Alternatively, contact Stephen Haughton or Colin Waters at DPI Ellinbank on 5624 2222.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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