News in brief

“This pilot has shown that we can reward farmers for the stewardship of their land, by combining biodiversity outcomes with carbon projects,” Mr Littleproud said.

He said the current pilot was testing protocols for market mechanisms to buy and sell biodiversity services, part of a broader plan to set up a voluntary biodiversity stewardship market underpinned by legislation.

With the two rounds there have been offers made to 118 farmers worth $11.6 million.

Business bootcamps for farmers

Agriculture Victoria is offering young farmers and those new to farming the opportunity to take part in one of a series of Young Farmer Business Bootcamps, to be held in Myrtleford, Mansfield and Tallangatta this autumn.

The free two-day business bootcamps will help farmers identify and manage business risk and develop a business plan to grow their business and confidence in a future in agriculture.

Presenter Paul Blackshaw, a Meridian Agriculture farm business adviser based at Rutherglen, will share his experience and knowledge in farm financial analysis, benchmarking, farm business performance and succession planning.

Sessions will be held at:

Registrations are limited to 15 participants per business bootcamp. Register at: https://bit.ly/38uvbQR

A woolly good day out

The fifth annual Wool and Fibre Fair will be held on Saturday, June 4, at the Guthrie St Primary School stadium in Shepparton.

More than 20 stalls have been booked from sellers offering a range of fibre, yarn and equipment aimed at spinners, weavers, felters, knitters and anyone who crafts with wool and fibre products.

For more details see the Shepparton and District Handweavers and Spinners Guild Facebook page.

CEO recruitment under way

Murray Irrigation has begun advertising for a new chief executive officer.

“In planning for this appointment, the board of directors wants to move forward with a more simplified company structure that is outcomes focused and to this end has implemented a restructure following the recent departure of two executive members,” director Lachlan Marshall said.

Under the restructure, Scott Barlow has been appointed general manager operations, and Gabrielle Cusack appointed general manager engagement, policy and compliance.

Steve Fawns remains as the executive director.

“Steve, who has demonstrated his dedication and passion for Murray Irrigation, stepped into this role with the goal of being an approachable and accountable leader,” Mr Marshall said.

“The board thanks Steve and advises he will now have an even stronger focus on stakeholder and shareholder engagement.”

Succession planning webinars

To support families to navigate the succession planning process, Agriculture Victoria will run a series of three one-hour webinar workshops presented by agriculture business consultant Paul Blackshaw and succession planning specialist Mike Stephens.

The webinar workshop series addresses the issues involved in a succession plan and take participants through the steps to develop a plan.

The workshop series is free and available for 20 people. Times and topics covered include:

Register at: https://successionplanning-essentials.eventbrite.com.au

Frank talk about farm finance

An Agriculture Victoria Young Farmers Network Farm Finance – Getting Prepared session will be held at Wangaratta on Wednesday, May 18.

ORM agribusiness consultant Jane Foster said the workshop would be an opportunity to have open and transparent conversations about farm finance and get some tips on how to communicate in ‘bank speak’.

“By the end of the session participants will have a new clarity on finance and how the whole system works,” Ms Foster said.

The session will be held between 6pm and 8.30pm.

To find out more, visit: https://bit.ly/3O3eht0