Helping farmers manage seasonal variability

8 September 2023

Register now to join Agriculture Victoria’s 6-episode webinar series on ‘managing seasonal variability’.

Agriculture Victoria’s Program Manager, Meat and Wool Services, Jennifer Alexander said now is a great time for farmers to make plans for the upcoming season.

The webinar series will help famers to consider the following questions:

• What are the influencing climate drivers?
• What is your feed and water situation?
• How much water is stored in your soil?
• How many livestock can you carry if we have a drier than average spring?
• Do you have enough water?
• Do you have reserves of hay, silage and grain?

‘Following a couple of wetter seasons now is a good time to consider longer-term strategies for dealing with a potentially hotter, drier and more variable climate’, Ms Alexander said.

Key areas that are crucial for preparing your farm for a variable climate will also be explored, including:

• Protecting your pastures and soil from over-grazing, whilst maintaining fit and healthy livestock
• The benefits of using a stock containment area to confine stock during a dry season
• Options for improving the water security and quality on farm, such as tapping into a rural pipeline, installing a bore or drought reserve dam, tanks and pipes or a desalination unit
• Use of silage pits as a longer-term drought reserve.

The 6-part lunchtime series of hour-long webinars will begin on Wednesday September 20 at 12:30 pm, with subsequent webinars running each Wednesday until October 25.

Attendees are welcome to join one or all of the sessions and participate in discussions.

Click here to register for the webinars or contact Clem Sturmfels for more information on 0429 018 879 or clem.sturmfels@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Media contact: Makayla Rimington

Phone: 0473 914 662