Recovery program helps producers
Support offered . . .
Community groups and organisations that support bushfire-affected red meat producers are being reminded to apply for funding through Meat and Livestock Australia’s ongoing Bushfire Recovery Sponsorship Program.
Grants of up to $2500 are available until the end of June for industry events that raise awareness of information and resources that will support producers recovering from bushfires.
MLA managing director Jason Strong said bushfires across Australia had been devastating for many red meat and livestock producers, and navigating information while trying to recover could be overwhelming.
“It’s really important that our funding of this initiative also delivers ongoing support for producers to overcome the social impacts of the bushfires through activities and events that will provide wellbeing and social benefits as well as broader recovery and future disaster resilience,” he said.
MLA has also made a series of free webinars available online for livestock producers with practical tips to help rebuild as part of its response to the series of extreme weather disasters over recent years that culminated in the national bushfire crisis over the 2019-20 summer period.
“The webinars provide information from experts to help build resilient livestock businesses and provide tools and advice on decision making, rebuilding, and setting business priorities. There is also information on health and wellbeing as well as how to access financial and government assistance,” Mr Strong said.
To view the webinars, visit bit.ly/2NlpISu
Bushfire Recovery Sponsorship Program is open for events held until June 30, 2021.
Booming local saleyards and happy livestock agents hit a slight bump in the road recently when Victoria entered a snap five-day lockdown.
As an essential service the saleyards never closed completely but some tough restrictions were put in place.
The five days gave farmers a glimpse of how 2020 may have looked if the Victorian Government hadn’t introduced the Melbourne-regional Victoria ‘ring of steel’ and exempted regional areas from tough stage four lockdown laws.
Across the five-day lockdown Shepparton saleyards tightened controls, only allowing processor buyers to attend sales, minimal staff from agencies and absolutely no public access.
A person was put on the gate to monitor those seeking entry, double checking masks and ensuring QR registration.
Last year’s system of ticketed entry was not employed because of the zero per cent public access policy.
Mulcahy Nelson Livestock’s Sam Nelson said the saleyards became a professional buyer only affair.
“We had no vendor access once again and only the professional guys were allowed to attend,” he said.
Greater Shepparton City Council confirmed all the changes had a kick-on effect.
“(Sale) numbers were slightly down on what was expected,” a council spokesperson said.
“We were advised some vendors pulled out for fear of reduced prices.”
The council said everyone adapted quickly to the temporary rules.
“Everyone knew what the rules were and had been through a lockdown previously,” the council said.
During the five-day lockdown only the Tuesday calf and cattle sales took place in Shepparton.