As we emerge from our winter on-farm hibernation and enjoy the early signs of spring — with blossoms on the trees bursting and quickly giving way to new leaf — we all know the crazy harvest season will soon be upon us!
Our farming communities are also finally emerging from the past two-and-a-half years of pandemic lockdowns and isolation; with many in the south-west relishing the opportunity to get off-farm and practice our socialising skills.
The Ladies’ Luncheon was a huge success, with the guest speaker Pip Courtney from Landline being a most engaging and inspiring presenter, while the panel discussion from three highly esteemed local farmers — Val Crawford, Elizabeth Clarke and Bernadette Wurlod — provided the audience with sage words of wisdom, sprinkled with life-lessons and humour.
Our thanks to the brilliant committee who bring this event to the south-west every year, ably led by Simone Renyard.
The YDN Trivia Night at the Timboon Golf Club was another standout success, with thanks to Jason Smith for writing the quiz, our MC Gary Ross and the YDN Leadership Team for pulling it all together, with great support from our WestVic Dairy staff.
Taking time to mingle and meet old friends and new is a really important aspect of maintaining our health and wellbeing — and these events provide great opportunities to do just that.
The WestVic team, together with Agriculture Victoria, have been busy providing biosecurity sessions across the region and — together with resources developed by Dairy Australia, the VFF and MLA — farmers should be informed and have plans and protocols in place in the event we do have a disease incursion.
However, if you are struggling or just need support or clarification in this area, please contact the WestVic office on 5557 1000.
WestVic Dairy’s very well regarded Focus Farm program recently concluded on the Macarthur Focus Farm, where the business showed impressive progress over the course of the project.
This now opens up an opportunity for another local farmer to benefit from the support and guidance of a group committed to helping bring about business success, whatever that may look like for the farmer.
If you’d like to find out more about how the Focus Farm program can be of value to your business, please contact WestVic on the number above.
As we hurtle towards spring harvest, a timely reminder about farm safety is always warranted.
Nothing is more important than you, your workers or contractors making it home safely at the end of the day — please play it safe!
Jacqui Suares
WestVic Dairy chair