AgVic Talk by Agriculture Victora

06.25.2024

Feeding cattle with Brett Davidson and Rachael Laukart

How much do cattle eat? How can I create a balanced diet for my cattle? In this episode, join Brett Davidson, Agriculture Victoria’s Dairy Regional Manager in Tatura and Rachael Laukart, Education Officer with the RSPCA as they share...

06.18.2024

Biosecurity Planning on your farm with Hannah Manning and Ben Pickles

Dr Hannah Manning and rare sheep and chicken breeder Ben Pickles discuss Biosecurity Management Plans and the sort of protection these plans provide to help farmers manage biosecurity. Subscribe to the Agriculture Victoria Backyard Biosecurity newsletter Learn more on the Agriculture Victoria...

06.04.2024

Tips for feeding your alpacas with Taryan Matthews

Join alpaca farmer Taryan Mathews for information and advice on managing biosecurity risks when purchasing supplementary feed. For further information: Subscribe to Backyard Biosecurity newsletter Learn more on the Backyard Biosecurity webpage Enroll in the biosecurity eLearn courses Develop and/or update biosecurity plan...

05.30.2024

Introducing new livestock with Geoff Kroker, Brett Davidson and Rachael Laukart

Introducing new livestock to a property is a time of excitement but also trepidation, because potentially they may expose existing animals to new diseases. In this podcast episode, we find out about the simple things you can do when introducing...

05.30.2024

Planning for the dry by improving our subsoils with Chris Smith

Welcome to season 9 of AgVic Talk, 'Planning for the dry'. In this preview episode we meet Chris Smith who farms west of Horsham on some variable soil types. Chris explores sub-soil amelioration and discusses some of the benefits and challenges...

05.07.2024

Designing a farm map with Clem Sturmfels and Ian Powell

Everyone has a responsibility to manage biosecurity on their own property with their own animals. Creating a farm map can help landholders manage biosecurity risks, manage public access, and meet industry assurance requirements. Clem Sturmfels from Agriculture Victoria and Ian...

05.02.2024

Buying and selling livestock 101 with Ben Fahy

There are many things for small landholders to consider when buying and selling livestock that can be confusing to a small landholder or newcomer. In this episode, Ben Fahy, Livestock Traceability Manager with Agriculture Victoria, helps simplify the requirements for...

04.23.2024

Common questions about biosecurity with Rachael Laukart and Brett Davidson

Everyone has a responsibility to manage biosecurity on their own property with their own animals. To start us off, hear from Brett Davidson, Dairy Regional Manager for Agriculture Victoria and Rachael Laukart, Education Officer with the RSPCA about how they...

04.16.2024

Farm with a difference with Jill Noble

In this episode we hear from Jill Noble from Hallston Valley farms who has biosecurity front of mind every single day, as she's part of a farming operation that is diverse and some would argue is exposed to more biosecurity...

04.10.2024

What does recovery look like? with Sally Cunningham, Brad Costin and Brett Davidson

The effects of a disaster are felt long after the event. Support services and organisations are in for the long haul and available long after the event to help farmers recover. Sally Cunningham is the Flood Recovery Manager with...

04.09.2024

Biosecurity Basics with Erica Smith and Richard Smith

There are a number of simple steps that can be taken to help manage the biosecurity basics on-farm. Hear from Erica Smith from Glenstrae Highlands how she went about implementing these basics when she set up her property in Victoria....

04.09.2024

Introduction with Ros Spence, Minister for Agriculture

Welcome to season 8 of AgVic Talk which is a collaboration with RSPCA Victoria, Biosecurity Basics. This season will cover everything you need to know about biosecurity. We'll hear from farmers from all walks of life about the types of...

03.22.2024

Growing strong in a changing climate with Chloe Fox

During the 2022 floods, Seymour market gardener Chloe Fox evacuated chickens by kayak as flood water rose and inundated her farm. Listen to Chloe’s remarkable story of resilience and her road to recovery. Note: Rural Finance administers the Victorian Primary...

03.05.2024

Navigating flooded vineyards with Matt Partridge

Being flooded 6 times in one season is beyond comprehension. Matthew Partridge, Operation Manager from De Bortoli Wines is flipping this on its head and using it as an opportunity to put processes in place to better deal with a...

02.28.2024

Active Farmers: Building strong bodies and stronger communities with Claire Harrison

If you didn't service your farm machinery what would happen? Treat your body like you treat your machinery, take an hour for yourself. It's an investment in your own body and in your business to ensure you are here...

02.20.2024

Many ways to repair with Bianca Jones and Anna McGee

Rebuilding and recovering when your livelihood has been washed away overnight is hard. However, you are not alone with some remarkable people and organisations lending a helping hand along the way. Bianca Jones, a Central Victorian farmer shares her story...

02.14.2024

Overcoming tragedy and shifting attitudes with Brad McEwan

Content warning – This podcast contains content about suicide. If this episode raises concerns or issues with your mental health visit beyondblue.org.au or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. Your mental health is important. Some days are better than others...

12.20.2023

Returning high values for Australian products with David Lawson

Exporting Victorian produce to overseas markets can be challenging, but help is at hand. Austrade has a network of Trade Commissioners and offices in 68 countries to help producers expand their reach and access newmarkets. David Lawson, Assistant General Manager...

12.19.2023

On the right track to recovery with Simone Murdoch and Darryl Pearl

When it comes to dealing with disasters like fire and floods, there's one consistent piece of advice. Have a plan. That was the case for Simone and Alistair Murdoch who recently dealt with floods on their properties. In this episode,...

12.12.2023

Hives in harm's way: navigating future weather events with Natalie Doran-Browne

One of Victoria’s biggest livestock groups has wings and is crucial for nearly a third of food production. Bees can fly above floods, sadly however the hives they live in cannot. We meet Natalie Doran-Browne from Wondermazing Honeybees in this...

12.08.2023

How blockchain provides traceability along the supply chain with Jason Potts

Blockchain allows for information to be added and verified at any point along the supply chain and has the possibility to increase productivity. To explore this concept and better understand blockchain, we join Jason Potts, a Professor of Economics at...

11.30.2023

Farming through the floods with Murray Van der Drift

Imagine being surrounded by flood water as it approaches your farm from three different directions. The water is starting to lap at the top of a levee, your last line of defense against the approaching torrent. This is all that is...

11.24.2023

From crisis to cash flow with Chris Steele

A scene of abundant fertility was being developed on Ulunja farm – a 95-hectare Manuka tea tree plantation on the Murray River upstream of Echuca. That is until the October 2022 floods hit and wiped out most of the plantings....

11.24.2023

Introduction with Victoria's Rural Assistance Commissioner Peter Tuohey

Welcome to season 7 of AgVic Talk, After the Flood - stories of farmer recovery and resilience. This season zeroes in on the practical aspects of preparing for, responding to, and recovering from natural disasters and is a partnership between...

11.20.2023

How traceability helps to protect public health and safety with Adele Yates

Good traceability systems ensure that businesses and industries can respond faster and more efficiently to food safety issues that impact human health. In this episode, Dr. Adele Yates from Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) explores food safety and...

11.09.2023

Setting the temperature on traceability with Luke Wood

Traceability is about ensuring that food arrives at the end of its journey in the best possible condition. We turn back the clock in this episode with Luke Wood from Excavox as he discusses how they connect consumers back to...

10.15.2023

Taking steps to traceability success with Michael Dosser

Traceability: Step 1: don’t be scared, step 2: standards and step 3: be bold These are the top 3 recommendations provided by Michael Dosser, Group General Manager with the Results Group after being involved in a traceability pilot with the...

10.12.2023

Food production, productivity and partners with Rose Elphick-Darling

The National Implementing Food Traceability Program looks to help and support growers to be the most efficient and cost-effective that they can be when it comes to traceability. In this episode, Rose Elphick-Darling from Deakin University’s Food Traceability Lab delves...

09.10.2023

Collecting data at all points of the supply chain with Nathan Hancock

Tracing fruit from the farm to a consumer anywhere in the world with Nathan Hancock, CEO of Citrus Australia. Learn how the citrus industry has been exploring ways to connect consumers with information through innovative packaging, QR codes and fun...

09.04.2023

Sharing traceable information across the supply chain with Ram Akella

The supermarket's the final link in the traceability chain for consumers and the endpoint for a huge amount of data. Ram Akella from Woolworths joins us in this episode to discuss how all this information is managed and what it...

08.20.2023

Using traceability to tell the story of your business with Jayne Gallagher

Traceability, a relatively simple word that covers so much but where to start is the question a lot of organisations have. Join Jayne Gallagher from Honey & Fox in this episode as she pulls apart the traceability journey and sheds...

08.13.2023

Achieving export growth through systems and standards with Peter Carter

Traceability is the ability to share information about the movement of a product through the supply chain, across the stages of production, processing and distribution. Find out how systems and standards make global trade possible and why strong partnerships and...

02.09.2023

Alternative energy with Craig Henderson

Alternative energy options have allowed Darcra Farming to diversify into broiler chickens. In this episode hear from Craig Henderson as he explains how the solar panel infrastructure works. Learn more about the opportunities for energy technologies to improve farm productivity...

01.16.2023

The use of drones on farm with Erica Schelfhorst and Adam Twigg

There is a lot of hype about what drones can do on farm, so the Boort BestWool/BestLamb group decided to test them out. Hear from Agriculture Victoria Livestock Extension Officer, Erica Schelfhorst and farmer, Adam Twigg. Investing in AgTech can...

01.12.2023

Producing energy from biomass with Jock Charles and Andrew Lang

There is an opportunity to turn manure and other biomass into energy for use on-farm. Jock Charles from Berrybank farm talks about how the quest to produce heat, power and fertiliser from pig manure has dramatically changed their business. Andrew...

01.09.2023

Economics of implementing energy technology with Tony McCarthy and Julie Harman

Tatura dairy farmer, Tony McCarthy talks about the energy journey his business has embarked on. Followed by Julie Harman, Agriculture Victoria's Farm Business Economist, who talks about the benefits of on-farm energy including the direct benefit of energy savings along...

01.04.2023

Why do I need agtech? with Andrew Coppin

There are about 600 AgriTech companies pioneering solutions for farming to produce more with less in Australia. This seemingly rapid growth may have you asking, why AgTech? In this episode, Chair of the Australian Agritech Association and Managing Director of...

12.15.2022

How to connect with Peter Waters

Connectivity has been a long-standing issue and there's been a long debate about how to make improvements. In this episode of AgVic Talk, co-chair of the Australian Broadband Advisory Committee's Agri-Tech Expert Working Group, Peter Waters talks us through the...

12.11.2022

Energy and AgTech on-farm with Sandra Jefford

Cutting power costs through AgTech and renewables can reduce energy bills and deliver other unexpected benefits. Sandra Jefford, co-owner and manager of Wilandra Farms, who have installed solar with monitoring and automation along with energy efficiency upgrades resulting in days...

12.07.2022

Turning data into decisions with Andrea Koch

In the age where almost every device is collecting data, what do you need to know and how do you harness it to make informed decisions? In this episode we discuss these questions with Andrea Koch, CEO and Founder of...

12.04.2022

Implementing an energy audit on-farm with Christine Sebire and Peter Clinnick

Once an energy audit is completed there is the process of implementing the recommendations. Hear how Christine and Andrew Sebire completed and implemented their free on-farm energy audit which led to them replacing the diesel irrigation pumps with electric solar...

11.30.2022

Just because it is possible, doesn't mean it is feasible with Adrian Roles

In this episode we talk to mixed farmer and AgTech consultant, Adrian Roles, about the journey he has been on and his learnings from his own property and clients. More information can be found on the planning your investment in...

11.27.2022

How to identify energy management opportunities with Jonathan Chislet and Mark Barber

Electricity to power equipment like irrigation pumps can be one of farmers’ biggest costs. However, with careful planning and investment, it can also be a significant way to add back to improve the bottom line. Jonathan Chislet, from Chislet Farms,...

11.23.2022

Planning your investment in AgTech with Mark Sloan

Investing in AgTech can be expensive. Before making a purchase, you should plan what you need or what problems you are trying to solve. Planning for AgTech helps ensure the products you buy fit the needs of your business and...

11.20.2022

Introduction, with host Drew Radford

Welcome to the agtech and energy season five of the AgVic Talk podcast show. The 'Getting into AgTech' eLearn allows you to understand more about AgTech and how it can help drive productivity and profitability: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/agtech/introduction-to-agtech/getting-into-agtech-elearn-series Learn more about the...

11.20.2022

What is AgTech? with Jonathan Dyer and Tracey Martin

AgTech on-farm has dramatically changed, with farming operations producing copious amounts of data. In this episode we here from Kaniva farmer, Jonathan Dyer, and Australian Agritech Association CEO, Tracey Martin. Investing in AgTech can be expensive. Before making a purchase,...

08.12.2022

Skills needed to supply fresh organic food with Nathan Free

The opportunities in horticulture are huge. In this careers in horticulture episode, we chat with Nathan Free, Managing Director of Wattle Organic Farms who talks about the skills needed to supply fresh organic food like cut pumpkin, broccoli and stone...

08.09.2022

Attracting and retaining workers with Ben Reeves

With the shortage of seasonal workers, workforce planning and management has never been more important for the horticulture industry. Ben Reeve from Meridian Agriculture joins us in the AgVic Talk studio to discuss how horticulture growers can attract and...

08.04.2022

We are here to help with Corey Iredale and Viliami Vea

Crucial to the success of the Sunraysia food bowl, are the estimated 15,000 seasonal workers who pick crops and maintain orchards. Today we chat to Corey Iredale, Pastoral Care Program Coordinator and Villiami Veaa, who commenced work as a...

08.01.2022

The importance of the next generation with Katrina Garraway and Jane Finch

Mentoring is a great way to support and encourage the next generation of primary producers in the horticulture sector In this episode, we chat with Katrina Garraway on how she has started her career with Select Harvest during a...