VEGNET GIPPSLAND E-NEWS ISSUE 1 – January 2020

January 2020 – A new decade begins

Call off the search, it’s here !!

‘Cool as cucumber’ is a comforting thought on a 43 degree day in Gippsland The colour manual, in A4 format, has a comprehensive Table of Contents and there’s useful industry information including labour requirements inside the 222 pages. If you grow cucumbers commercially, VegNET Gippsland will forward a manual to you. Flavorite, Gippsland Greenhouse Produce, Andrew Bayley, you’re already on the list. Any leftover manuals will be donated to the libraries across Gippsland to improve the reach of the researched knowledge. Congratulations Matt Plunkett & Sylvia Jelinek, Local Land Services NSW on delivering them free-of-charge.

BoM Weather & Climate Guides

As part of the federal government’s drought strategy, the Bureau of Meteorology in collaboration with the CSIRO and FarmLink Research, developed these guides to improve the resilience of farming businesses by providing localised facts about the likelihood, severity and duration of key weather variables in regions across the country. Check yours out here

Speaking of weather ….

The rainfall outlook for the first quarter provided by the BoM and sent to VegNET Gippsland by the Soil Wealth & ICP (Phase 2) project. Looks like the Lindenow Valley growers might realise their average Summer levels this year. There’s more information available here

Organic Farmers Bushfire Appeal

Carolyn Suggate & a team of volunteers will be in East Gippsland 7-10 February to help organic & biodynamic growers to restore, rejuvenate & regenerate. Fire-affected growers in need of help are urged to make contact here or contact Gerhard Grasser at info@agriculturalsolutions.com.au

CSIRO sends hope in a time-honoured way

Our national science agency will continue to support communities to predict, manage and recover from the bushfires. And while we’re facing our future with courage, kindness and hope, CSIRO says, “throw your arms around me, under the milky way, and we’ll listen to the sounds of then. This is Australia.” There’s more here

Working in Poor Air Quality

Make sure your outdoor workers are as protected as possible – this is your responsibility when a requirement of the job. And set the example by wearing a mask yourself! More details here

Growing Biofumigants

A two-part webinar to bring you up to speed on growing brassicas and cultivars as biofumigants or cover crops. Be surprised by what researchers have turned up in Gatton & Bundaberg. Hop online for Part 1 here and Part 2 here

East Gippsland Vegetable Innovation Days 2020

What better way to support East Gippsland‘s bushfire recovery and build resilience than getting involved this amazing industry event that’s “All about the Growers”. The demonstration/trial opportunities are all gone BUT you could easily:

1. Show or sell your products or services in the Supply Chain Hub

2. Sponsor & name one of the event features – the buses that will move attendees around, the VIP morning tea, or drinks at the Industry Networking Dinner

3. Organise a tour group from your region to share around what’s on offer at the events

4. Donate an item or service for the event raffle

5. ATTEND – they’re free and arguably the biggest & best vegetable field days in Australia

#EGVID2020 @EGVID2020

Hort Innovation’s NEW Extension & Adoption Initiative

As part of a refinement in business practices to service levy payers and the industries they work in, Hort Innovation has launched a new initiative to ensure communication and extension activities truly support business decisions and enhance practices on farm. The initiative will be resourced by E&A Coordinators in six regions: Gippsland will be in ‘Southern Australia’. Read more in the booklet here

Closing with Gippsland Greenhouse Produce’s eggplant (or aubergine)