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Healthy Land Profitable Sheep East Gippsland Survey Report

The Healthy Land Profitable Sheep project is part of a pilot program to look at improving extension methods and creating more flexible services that address the different needs and learning styles of producers.

By Department of Primary Industries - 29th September 2003 - Back to News

The project aims to use a team approach to provide consistent advice from different programs within the Department of Primary Industries. As a first step towards achieving these aims, the project has undertaken surveys in four pilot areas in the Central, Western, NorthEast and East Gippsland regions of the state.

This project differs from most of those currently being delivered, in that it is more integrated, using a whole farm approach to meet landholders needs, rather than working on single issues.

The pilot area in East Gippsland is approximately 45,000 hectares and encompasses regions within the Bengworden and Tom’s Creek Landcare Groups. The area sampled was roughly bordered by the Princes Highway to the north, the Perry River to the west, the Gippsland Lakes to the south, and the outskirts of Bengworden to the east.

The area has traditionally been grazing land with a mixture of beef cattle and Merino sheep; the proportions of both changing with market conditions. In the last ten years some enterprises have swung over to beef cattle in response to unreliable wool prices.

The region is well served by underground water supplies and this has seen the introduction of new enterprises, including vegetable production, dairying, and seed potato production.

The aim of the survey was to gain information from landholders in the Bengworden and Meerlieu districts on issues influencing the productivity, environmental and social sustainability of their farm businesses. This information will be utilised to design the most appropriate extension topics and methods to assist in addressing those issues.

The survey found that most farmers considered the principle driver of profitability to be pasture and grazing management followed by sheep genetics. In the listing of desired farm management changes over the next five years, pasture improvement was considered a very high priority. There was general interest in sowing down perennial pastures and a desire for local pasture research. Soil fertility and acidity were also seen as issues. Landholders want to improve pastures and tree health but may need assistance with pasture and grazing management advice.

Soil degradation was the main environmental issue in the catchment. Other concerns included erosion, the declining water table and tree dieback. Pest animals (mainly rabbits) and weeds (mainly African Lovegrass) were the biggest environmental issues on surveyed farms.

One of the main barriers to getting work done were time, money or labour. Most farm businesses relied on some off-farm income.

A majority of people believe that the local community is functioning well, although there are issues of employment for young people and farm succession.

For more information contact Peter Stapleton at DPI Bairnsdale’s Calvert Street 5152 0615.

BUS TRIP TO BROADFORD GRAZING TRIAL

Gippsland Farmers are invited to join a bus trip to view the Broadford Grazing Trial and Wrightson’s Research Farm at Ballarat, leaving on Thursday October 23^rd and returning on Friday October 24^th.

The Broadford Grazing Trial compares set-stocked paddocks with rotationally grazed paddocks, and pasture growth and animal weights are recorded to compare efficiencies. Stocking rates of 24 DSE/ha and wool cuts of 120kg/ha have been achieved on the trial site since 1998.

The bus tour departs Bairnsdale at 7.30am on Thursday 23^rd October 2003, and will pick up at several locations on the way. The tour arrives at Wrightsons’s Research Farm, Ballarat, at 12.30pm to inspect pasture species trials, before moving on to Seymour for the evening. Greg Smith from the Seymour Wool Marketing Group will be the guest speaker over dinner.

On Friday 24^th October, the tour will visit the Broadford Grazing Trials which features high and low phosphorus inputs, set-stocking and rotational grazing. At David Freeman’s property, rotational grazing, direct drill shelter belts and erosion works will be inspected.

The tour will arrive back in Bairnsdale at approximately 9.00pm.

Cost of bus and overnight accommodation: $100.00.

For bookings and further information contact Peter Stapleton at the DPI Bairnsdale’s Calvert Street office on 5152 0615.

STOP THE SPREAD AND CONTROL RAGWORT EARLY

Protect profitability, agricultural and environmental values – control Ragwort now! Ragwort poses a serious threat to both agriculture and the natural environment. For whatever purpose you manage your land, be it for agricultural, environmental or lifestyle values, you need to ensure that you control Ragwort on your property.

As with any pest control, to be successful in the long-term, Ragwort management must be planned to ensure that the most effective means of control is selected according to the nature and extent of the infestation. Successful Ragwort management requires the combination of a number of control measures which should be adopted early to prevent flowering and seeding.

The old saying that one-year’s seeding is seven years weeding is very true - prevention is the most effective means of control, therefore clean areas should be kept free of Ragwort and managed to prevent infestation.

For large infestations, manual control can be time consuming, labour intensive and not always effective. If Ragwort plants are hand-pulled or chipped out, they need to be properly disposed of to prevent regrowth and seed spread. Any root tendrils left in the ground will regrow into a new plant. Mechanical methods such as slashing are not recommended as it turns the plant from an annual into a perennial, and the root system becomes much larger and more difficult to control with chemical application. Chemical control using a registered chemical can be one of the most effective ways to control Ragwort.

Grazing by crossbred sheep can assist in controlling Ragwort, and the promotion of dense, well-managed seasonal pastures will provide competition for Ragwort seedlings. If properly planned and maintained, high-density revegetation can be an effective control measure for inaccessible areas.

Extensive Ragwort infestations are best quarantined and tackled progressively as a part of a pasture improvement program in conjunction with other control techniques to prevent flowering and spread of seed.

A successful Ragwort management program includes:

• an integrated control plan,
• good hygiene practices – remember that weeds can be transported by stock, vehicles and in hay,
• prevention of flowering and seeding,
• being pro-active and remaining vigilant.

For more information regarding Ragwort contact your local DPI Catchment Management Officer.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  The Allan Labor government is delivering a $2.73 million upgrade to Sale Hospital's historic Community Services Building, modernising facilities for healthcare workers, patients, and students through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.
• Darren Chester praises Orbost Community College student leaders for passion, ideas and commitment to East Gippsland's future
  Darren Chester praised Orbost Community College student leaders for their passion and ideas during discussions on education, health, economy, and community, highlighting the importance of listening to youth for regional Victoria's future.
• Spring flows planned to support native fish migration and river health across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA's Environmental Water team is planning Spring river flows to support native fish migration, enhance river health, and balance environmental care with community enjoyment of waterways.
• Have your say on the 2027 transition to Pre-Prep and help shape early learning in South Gippsland
  South Gippsland Shire Council is seeking feedback from parents and carers to help shape how the Victorian government's 2027 Pre-Prep program is delivered locally to meet community needs.
• Tim Bull demands end to brumby shooting as pest and weed control programs face cuts
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has urged the state government to scrap its costly brumby shooting program, criticising cuts to pest and weed control services vital for farmers and rural communities.
• Farm fencing grants protect 300 hectares of biodiversity and boost waterway health across West Gippsland
  Over 300 hectares of farmland will be fenced through West Gippsland CMA's farm fencing grants, protecting waterways, biodiversity, and livestock while supporting sustainable farming and revegetation across the catchment.
• Tim Bull slams Labor's cuts to 'Youth Crime Prevention', unveils $100M Safer Communities Plan
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticised Labor's youth crime prevention cuts, promoting The Nationals' $100 million Safer Communities Plan combining tougher laws with prevention programs to improve safety and restore community confidence.
• Darren Chester praises Moogji Aboriginal Council for advancing health and sustainability in East Gippsland
  Darren Chester visited Moogji Aboriginal Council in Orbost, praising its vital health, youth, and environmental programs that support East Gippsland communities and promote Aboriginal culture, wellbeing, and environmental sustainability.
• Tim Bull demands transparency on missing $13.15M for cancelled Marlo to Cape Conran pathway
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has demanded answers on the missing $13.15 million for the cancelled Marlo - Cape Conran pathway, urging funds be redirected locally if the project is abandoned.
• Tim Bull slams government over firewood shortages, fuel loads and lack of practical solutions
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has slammed government policy for firewood shortages, warning rising bush fuel loads pose serious risks, calling for extended collection areas, longer seasons and practical fire management.
• Over 350 attended Youth Agritech Expo, experiencing hands-on innovation and future opportunities in modern farming industry
  More than 350 people joined East Gippsland's Youth Agritech Expo, where students explored hands-on agricultural innovations, from drones to driverless tractors, sparking fresh excitement about farming's high-tech, diverse, and innovative future.
• New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
  Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing.
• New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
  Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing.
• Danny O’Brien condemns sudden AKD Yarram timber mill closure, 73 jobs lost, pledges support for affected community
  Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien says sudden AKD Yarram timber mill closure, costing 73 jobs, devastates the community, pledging support for affected families, workers, and local businesses during this crisis.
• Melina Bath urges Labor government to scrap emergency services tax as VFF survey shows farmers' frustration and concern
  The Nationals' Melina Bath urged the Allan Labor government to scrap the emergency services tax, citing VFF survey findings showing widespread financial, mental, and regulatory pressures on Victorian farmers.
• Tim Bull urges Labor government to stop costly brumby culling amid Parks Victoria job and funding cuts
  Tim Bull urges Labor to halt costly brumby culling in East Gippsland, citing job losses, funding cuts, and greater threats from feral pigs, while advocating for more responsible taxpayer spending.
• Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project begins, for safer, more accessible visitor experience from $9.6M shared investment
  Work has begun on the $9.6 million Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged upgrades to create a safer, more accessible, pedestrian-friendly destination while supporting businesses and preserving Cowes' vibrant visitor appeal.
• Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's police station maintenance cuts despite backflip restoring partial funding for grounds upkeep
  Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor's partial backflip on police station maintenance cuts, saying Gippsland officers deserve safe, clean workplaces and stronger government support amid rising regional crime rates.
• Danny O'Brien warns Labor is risking beachgoers safety by forcing councils, ratepayers to cover LSV funding shortfalls
  Danny O'Brien warns the Allan Labor government is forcing Gippsland councils and ratepayers to cover Life Saving Victoria shortfalls, risking reduced lifeguard patrols despite billions in new emergency services taxes.
• Latrobe City launches investment campaign showcasing strength, innovation, and opportunities across Gippsland
  Latrobe City Council launched an investment campaign showcasing business strength, innovation, and opportunities positioning itself as Gippsland's hub for growth, transformation, and future industries.
• Forge Theatre's school holiday season brings classic tales, comedy chaos and heartfelt community spirit to East Gippsland
  The Forge Theatre's school holiday season features The Velveteen Rabbit, Polite Mammals, and The Heartbreak Choir, offering family fun, comedy, and heartfelt community spirit with something for everyone to enjoy.
• Melina Bath criticises Labor government shutting public beekeeping, threatening Victoria's food security and horticultural jobs
  Melina Bath condemned the Allan Labor government's closure of public land beekeeping, warning it threatens food security, pollination, horticultural exports, and regional jobs, calling for policy reversal and support for apiarists.
• Drouin’s Commercial Place Stage 1 of the $1.1M project set to begin this to boost safety, accessibility and vibrancy
  Stage 1 of the $1.1 million Drouin Commercial Place upgrade begins this week, improving safety, accessibility, footpaths, carparks, and pedestrian areas, with minimal disruption and partial parking available.
• Nationals' $100M Safer Communities Plan targets crime crisis with tough laws and prevention programs across Gippsland
  Martin Cameron backed a $100 million Safer Communities Plan, promising tougher laws and prevention programs to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, restore community safety, and support at-risk youth, contrasting Labor's cuts.
• Bass Coast Shire Council begins Cowes foreshore upgrades with $8M funding improvements for safer, greener, connected spaces
  Bass Coast Shire Council will soon commence the Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged civil and landscaping upgrades with $8 million federal funding, revitalising Cowes into a safer, greener and more connected destination.