Victorian Farmers Federation

Victorian dairy farmers will continue to have a seat at the national table after we reached an agreement with Australian Dairy Farmers to continue our membership. More: https://lnkd.in/gkkcg-xb

The Commonwealth Government's announcement to purchase 30,614 megalitres of water from Duxton Water has sent off alarm bells in Basin communities. “Cozying up with corporates to buy more water, kills family farms and drives up the cost of living. We know that and won’t stand idle and watch it happen,"- VFF Water Council Chair Andrew Leahy. More: https://lnkd.in/g7_x4Yy8

VFF President and CFA volunteer Brett Hosking said new levies proposed by the government stand to hurt Victorian farmers. We've been vocal outlining the flaws in these proposals and we're urging the government to go back to the drawing board. More: https://lnkd.in/gD28Vhv7

There’s plenty of VFF events you can get involved in throughout March: 👉 RIC low-interest loans webinar (12 March) 👉 Fencing Workshop, Korumburra (14 March) 👉 2025 VFF Grains Conference, Horsham (17 March) 👉 Calving Essentials Webinar Series – Part 1/2 (18 March) 👉 Calving Essentials Webinar Series – Part 2/2 (19 March) 👉 VFF local government rates webinar (20 March) 👉 Large Animal Husbandry Workshop, Snake Valley (21 March) 👉 Stock Handling Workshop, Mt Moriac (28 March) Learn more and register at https://lnkd.in/gf8gXSe VFF Stock Sense VFF Making Our Farms Safer Project

You are invited to attend a webinar on local government rates and local advocacy hosted by the Victorian Farmers Federation on Thursday 20 March 2025 at 12 noon. The webinar will provide an overview of the VFF’s analysis of changes in local government rates, with a particular focus on the impact on farmers. It will also provide you with information about how the VFF can assist with data and tools to help you advocate for change in your local council. It’s your chance to hear from: VFF President, Brett Hosking VFF Senior Policy Advisor, Economics and Rural Affairs, Glen Hepburn Ararat Rural City Council CEO, Dr Tim Harrison Local council elections have been held recently, and councils are now starting to plan and develop their budgets for the next year. Now is the time for farmers to advocate strongly for rate setting polices that are fair and equitable. This webinar will show you how the VFF can help you push for a better outcome for farmers in your local area with your help and advice. https://lnkd.in/d8BKhWs4

Are you our next Communications Officer working for the VFF Stock Sense team? This is an opportunity to work with a fantastic team and contribute to the delivery of animal health, welfare and biosecurity information to Victorian sheep, cattle and goat producers including peri-urban landholders.  Read more and apply here now: https://lnkd.in/gpP_vTYM #vicfarmers

This video taken from Volcano Produce near Warrnambool sums it up really...it's still incredibly dry in parts of Victoria, with record low rainfall in some parts. A reminder farmers in eligible LGAs can apply for co-contribution grants of up to $5,000 as part of the On Farm Drought Infrastructure Grant Program. Info: https://lnkd.in/g8adm-Mv Agriculture Victoria

We're all ears when it comes to helping ensure your rates are calculated right and fairly. Help us advocate strongly for rate setting polices that are fair and equitable by attending our free online local government rates webinar at 12pm Thursday 20 March. Hear from VFF and local council reps and give feedback that will help us push for a better outcome for farmers. Info: https://lnkd.in/gMsDPexz #vicfarmers

Food for thought? The European Union’s Vision for Agriculture and Food focuses on simplifying regulations, to ensure farming remains competitive. VFF President Brett Hosking caught up with 3AW Melbourne's rural team on whether something similar should be looked at here. Listen: https://lnkd.in/gvwq_xKn

Please congratulate Daniel Meade (Western Vic) and Neil Gannon (Gippsland) who have been elected uncontested to the VFF UDV Policy Council. On behalf of the entire VFF, we also thank all outgoing office bearers for their contributions over the years and helping to facilitate succession in the VFF to the next generation of VFF leaders. More: https://lnkd.in/g5tiTNAM