East Gippsland farmers are anxiously watching developments in relation to foot and mouth disease in Indonesia, and Gippsland East MP, Tim Bull, is calling on all levels of government to work with them to  ensure we are ready should an outbreak occur. “I have been in discussions with local farmers, stock agents and East Gippsland Shire Council about the situation and the slow response coming...

Despite the uncertainty about the varroa mite in Australia, authorities have announced they will allow the movement of commercial beehives for pollination. Bee hives can be decimated by the parasite and biosecurity officers were quick to act when the varroa mite was discovered at the Port of Newcastle last month. Eradication zones were established in New Souths Wales with hundreds of hives...

Clifton Creek local, Ron Cornall, is by his own admission, excited to be watching grass grow. The kikuyu oversowing demonstration opposite Clifton Creek Hall is providing that opportunity as the Foothills TopSoils Group seeks to find options for kikuyu-dominant pastures to ensure year-round groundcover and stock fodder. A field day next Thursday, July 7, will showcase the demonstration, attended...

The bane of East Gippsland, African lovegrass (ALG), was  discussed in detail last week, how to identify it, control it and get on top of its spread. Agricultural advisor, Dr Neil Moss, said people first had to know the weed, go looking for it and work with a trusted advisor to get it under control. “There is a whole strategy that goes beyond the chemical,” he said. “It’s not a ‘set and...

Farmers and land managers across  Victoria face significant impacts from invasive pest animals, whether its feral pigs, foxes and wild dogs. Agriculture Victoria biosecurity manager established invasive animals, Jason Wishart, said these pests degrade farmland, prey on livestock and native animals, compete for food, water and habitat, damage crops, pasture and infrastructure and cause...