Chough Chat April 22nd 2022

Welcome to the news and events updated on April 22nd 2022. We look forward to seeing you at the host of events in the paddock and online. 

How do shelterbelts affect soil health & pasture production?

A research team led by Dr Paul Cheng aimed to quanitfy and understand the fundamental farm productivity benefits of shelterbelts.

On Wednesday 27 April, come along to hear the results of this local project by the University of Melbourne, conducted near Dookie College.

Meeting place: Dookie campus bar lounge Time: 10-11.15am.

To register your interest phone: Eamon Reeves - 0429 589 295

Farm walk & talk - Erosion with Ag Vic

Join us at Acheron on Friday 29th April from 10am-12 noon, in the paddock as Agriculture Victoria present on Erosion, Farm Water, Feed for livestock, Soil acidity and how they interact on farm. This will bring learning together for better application to your own property.

For further information email kerstiel@gbcma.vic.gov.au, address provided on registration. Register here

Leadership development grants

Are you an emerging leader in integrated catchment management?

DELWP Our Catchments, Our Communities Leadership Development Grants aim to support the next generation of leaders with grants of up to $10,000. Categories include Aboriginal Leadership, Women in Leadership and Innovation.

If you have an idea for a program that could advance the sector then apply now at:

2022 OCOC Leadership Development Grants (water.vic.gov.au)

Applications close 29 April 2022.

South West Goulburn Landcare presents Ron Litjens with an informative discussion about paddock trees as prime real estate: 30 April 2022,10am- 12.30pm.

Meet at Broadford Living & Learning Centre, 158 High St, Broadford.

RSVP by 26 April 2022 to Sonia Sharkey, SWG Landcare facilitator - 0409 515 630 swg_landcare@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au

Wear suitable clothing, hat & shoes for outdoor walk. BYO drink bottle & snacks.

Ron Litjens will discuss:

• The importance of these iconic trees in the landscape: are they really that significant?

• Who/what is making use of paddock trees.

• Threats

• How we can protect existing trees for the future.

National Recovery and Resilience Agency outreach events

The National Recovery and Resilience Agency and Rotary Australia Community Outreach Events are coming to local communities in May 2022 to provide support.

These events will bring together all levels of government, charities, not-for-profit and agricultural organisations to support farmers and rural and regional communities.

It is an excellent opportunity for farmers, families and rural communities to grab a sausage sandwich, catch up with friends and neighbours and find out what support is available.

For more information contact lana.young@recovery.gov.au  0427 620 162

Lamb survival on-farm

Consultant Dr Jason Trompf and landholder Alex Graham will present on methods of improving lamb survival on-farm.

Date: Wednesday 4 May 2022

Meeting place: Kellows Rd Cosgrove – (follow the signs from Kellows and Cosgrove – Caniambo Rd intersection)

Time: 10am – 12 noon

BYO lunch if you would like to stay on and speak to the presenters and attendees. Please bring sturdy walking shoes, a drink and hat.

To register your interest contact: Karen Brisbane-Bullock on 0409 955 396 karenb@gbmca.vic.gov.au

Spiders

On Friday 6th May, at the Yea Butter Factory, 13 Rattray St, Yea, Ron Litjens will be presenting on spiders. 

Spiders are a pretty fascinating bunch, and this is a great chance for those who hate or love spiders to either change a prejudice or learn many interesting facts about the habits and biology of our native spiders and the important role they play in the environment as generalist predators. 

Ron Litjens’ painstaking research is supported by his own exquisite photography and videos

Contact Judy for further information or for booking juncball@bnigpond.com