Information and Articles

“What can I do with my small farm?” is a question I’m regularly asked. My response is usually: Well, what would you like to do and what will your farm  allow you to do? If you are thinking of buying a small farm, you should always have a vision of how you would like your prospective farm to look.

You should also have an understanding of the livestock or enterprises that you would like or are capable of running. Purchasing a small farm and realising later that it won’t suit your needs due to its location, resources or climate can be a costly and disheartening mistake.

Water plays a key role on rural lifestyle properties so it is essential landholders understand what supply options are available to them.

Online tools, case studies and booklets created by industry experts at the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) are now freely available to help landowners weigh up the benefits and risks of different water supply options.

Livestock producers in the agricultural region are reminded that summer rainfall, including recent falls from ex-Tropical Cyclone Iggy, is likely to cause stock nutrition and toxicity issues unless preventative action is taken.

Department of Agriculture and Food Animal Disease Surveillance Manager Marion Seymour said recent rain would further reduce pasture quality to the point where it could not meet the energy and protein levels needed by stock.

New pig welfare standards have been introduced into Victoria and apply to all people involved in pig farming including stock handlers, supervisors, managers and piggery owners.

One of the most significant developments in pasture and grazing management over the last 50 years has been the introduction of electric fencing. This was pioneered by an innovative Kiwi by the name of Bill Gallagher in the 1930's. Faced with a horse 'Joe' who took too much of a liking to using Bill's car as a scratching post, Bill devised a cunning electrical circuit that delivered a shock whenever Joe rocked the vehicle.

Australian Year of the Farmer celebrates the hard work of everyone involved in producing, processing, handling and selling products from 136,000 farms across the country.

Queensland livestock owners are reminded to renew their brand, earmark and tattoo registration details with Biosecurity Queensland by January 31.

Biosecurity Queensland Deputy Registrar of Brands Pat Kalinowski said up-to-date brand and earmark registration enabled the ownership of livestock to be established and ensures brands were being used correctly.

“Any changes to address, name or other details should be made with the annual return,” Mr Kalinowski said.

On some free range egg and broiler (meat bird) farms the outdoor range is a fenced open field with no overhead cover for birds. This does not allow the birds the opportunity to seek shade/shelter while in the range. The number of birds in the range depends on the availability of overhead cover and it is possible to get the birds out of the shed and improve their ranging ability by installing shaded areas.

People are reminded to be vigilant when buying aquatic plants, after two of Australia’s worst water weeds were recently found for sale.

Department of Agriculture and Food research officer Sandy Lloyd said salvinia had been found for sale online, incorrectly named giant duckweed. 

Salvinia is a Weed of National Significance which can devastate waterways and severely impact on the environment, agriculture, and tourism.

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has warned of a rapid increase in rabbit numbers across Victoria this summer – and landholders need to act now.

DPI Biosecurity Manager for Established Invasive Animals, John Matthews, said data indicates rabbit numbers are starting to rise from a 15 year low.