Agriculture

ProfilesFootballCFARoadsEventsAllansfordHistorySportChristmasSchool HolidaysEasterPort FairyWarrnamboolWildlifeColac OtwayGreat Ocean RoadNewslettersPub ChatCastlemaine Southern GrampiansPortlandGrampiansBusinessArtHamiltonBallaratAraratMusicAgricultureCreswickClimatePoliticsVideoLifestyleMoyneSkiptonPropertyDaylesford NewsClunesKoroitHealthDroughtPyreneesPort Fairy Folk FestivalCrimePubGlenelgLocal GovernmentCorangamiteFood
PortlandPortland
+1+1
The H5N1 bird flu virus has been detected near Portland. Now what?

The H5N1 bird flu virus has been detected near Portland. Now what?

Agriculture Victoria confirmed a positive test for the disease on Thursday.

Zara Cuthbertson
AgricultureAgriculture
+1+1
Farmers hosting wind turbines take their case to parliament

Farmers hosting wind turbines take their case to parliament

“We’re trying to make our farm strong for the future, they’re trying to get reelected.”

Darcie Humphreys
ProfilesProfiles
+2+2
Meet the French expat starting an escargot farm from scratch in West Vic

Meet the French expat starting an escargot farm from scratch in West Vic

Starting with fewer than 1,000 snails, Beech Forest farmer Coralie Schaff hopes to prove the food has a future in the region.

Zara Cuthbertson
ProfilesProfiles
+2+2
Weather whiplash sees farmers turning to native plantings for protection

Weather whiplash sees farmers turning to native plantings for protection

“The wind is coming from the north, and you want to stop [it] from taking the moisture out of our soil.”

Darcie Humphreys
AgricultureAgriculture
Shrinking sheep, booming market: What’s causing the surge in Australia’s wool prices?

Shrinking sheep, booming market: What’s causing the surge in Australia’s wool prices?

Historic lows in the national flock and renewed overseas demand are pushing wool prices to their strongest levels in years, offering producers a welcome boost.

Zara Cuthbertson
AgricultureAgriculture
+1+1
West Vic farmers urged to monitor dams ahead of drier-than-average spring forecast

West Vic farmers urged to monitor dams ahead of drier-than-average spring forecast

Agriculture Victoria is advising producers to keep track of water levels, with farmer Jamie Pepper already making contingency plans if significant runoff doesn't arrive by the end of July.

Zara Cuthbertson
AgricultureAgriculture
+1+1
West Vic farmers who cut emissions to combat extreme weather are reaping the benefits

West Vic farmers who cut emissions to combat extreme weather are reaping the benefits

“The combination of rotational grazing and changing animal management has surprisingly helped us build soil carbon.”

Darcie Humphreys
AgricultureAgriculture
+1+1
As El Nino predictions loom, a West Vic landcare course is teaching farmers to prepare their soil for drier conditions

As El Nino predictions loom, a West Vic landcare course is teaching farmers to prepare their soil for drier conditions

A $5,000 farming resilience program is being delivered for just $300 a place, with training in soil health, grazing and water management on offer.

Zara Cuthbertson
BallaratBallarat
+2+2
Ballarat farmers prepare for looming El Niño declaration

Ballarat farmers prepare for looming El Niño declaration

An El Niño event would mean extreme heat and drier weather, potentially leading to drought across the country.

Darcie Humphreys
AgricultureAgriculture
“No fat in the system”: West Vic dairy farmers brace for tight year as processors hold opening milk prices steady

“No fat in the system”: West Vic dairy farmers brace for tight year as processors hold opening milk prices steady

Average numbers currently sit between $8.80 to $9.95 per kilogram of milk solids, a slight increase from previous years.

Zara Cuthbertson
AgricultureAgriculture
+2+2
Future of Camperdown Saleyards site unclear as council votes to decommission 50-year-old facility

Future of Camperdown Saleyards site unclear as council votes to decommission 50-year-old facility

The centre closed in 2024 due to low livestock numbers being sold at the yards.

Zara Cuthbertson
AgricultureAgriculture
Post-drought hope: West Vic farm profitability tipped to rise despite major challenges

Post-drought hope: West Vic farm profitability tipped to rise despite major challenges

Confidence across the dairy sector has lifted, with local farmers more optimistic about profits after a difficult year of weather and cost pressures.

Zara Cuthbertson