The Andrews Labor Government is encouraging farmers to attend a series of Agriculture Victoria workshops in March, targeted at supporting producers recovering from the December flash flooding and ongoing dry conditions.
Two workshops will be held in March in collaboration with the North East Catchment Management Authority (NECMA).
In addition, farmers are encouraged to contact Agriculture Victoria if they would like to engage in a free one on one consultation to assist in planning for the months ahead.
Topic experts will present at the workshops on farm water planning and management, planning on-farm fodder production, livestock nutritional requirements and feed budgeting through 2019.
The first workshop will focus on options for farm water management and will be held at Rutherglen on Monday 4 March.
The second workshop will focus on options for fodder production, livestock nutritional requirements, feed budgeting and planning ahead for the Autumn break.
The second workshop will be held in the flood impacted area at Tarrawingee on Monday 18 March.
The Labor Government is currently offering On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Support Grants of up to $5,000 to producers within Northern Victoria, including the shires impacted by the December flooding, to improve drought management and preparedness.
Assistance was made available to flood impacted farmers and the community through a range of mechanisms including Emergency Relief Assistance Payments, which provide up to $540 per adult and $270 per child (up to a maximum of $1,890 per eligible household) to help meet immediate needs, including emergency food, shelter, clothing, and personal items.
For more information, to register for these workshops, www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons
As stated by Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes
"We recognise the significant impact the December flood had on many landholders in Northern Victoria and that's why Agriculture Victoria has been on the ground from day one, supporting farmers and the community to recover from the flooding."
"We responded immediately when much of Western Victoria was in the grips of extreme drought in 2015, stood side-by-side with dairy farmers to offer support during the global dairy price down-turn and we're working hand in hand with farming communities in Northern Victoria and Gippsland now with ongoing drought conditions."
"In addition to these workshops, Agriculture Victoria are also offering affected farm businesses a one-on-one consultation to assist them to manage the impacts of the flash flooding and continuing dry seasonal conditions."
