The career opportunities for individuals within the Animals, Plants and Sciences sectors are set to grow as agribusinesses within Victoria prepare to respond and meet the demands for food and fibre production in both local and international markets.

In Victoria alone, the sector employs over 190,000 people and industry requires workers ranging from unskilled labour through to highly-qualified and experienced academic researchers.

With continued population growth in Australian and overseas, that inevitably increases the need for food, feed, fibre and other agriculture products. Already the sector is seeing increased demand as recent Free Trade Agreements across Asia come into operation. Victoria is also recognised for producing safe clean crops and products, integrating the importance of animal welfare and implementing on-farm and regional biosecurity measures.

The introduction of the Victorian Government’s Free TAFE* incentive enables students to develop the skills they require for these in-demand jobs. Free TAFE allows people to consider courses that are linked to jobs in sectors where employment demand is increasing. From 1 January 2019, the Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative will cover the cost of tuition fees for priority courses for students who are eligible for government-subsidised training.

So as an individual or business owner, where should you start your training journey?
Choose a training provider that has experience and the links with industry – Bendigo TAFE and its new Food and Fibre Centre of Excellence and engaged Industry Advisory Board. With over 155 years of experience in the region, as well as programs that extend beyond the local area, they can support you in both working out what you need to do, and how to do it.

Bendigo TAFE’s Food and Fibre Centre of Excellence delivers courses through a variety of industry programs and simulated experiences in the state of the art, purpose- built facilities to prepare students with real-world job skills. From learning necessary farming skills in agriculture to laboratory analytical testing and science, Bendigo TAFE’s Food and Fibre Centre at its Charleston Road campus offers a range of nationally accredited courses in agriculture, horticulture, conservation and land management, laboratory and animal studies.

Bendigo TAFE’s programs, including short courses focusing on specific skill sets and full qualifications are designed to meet the needs of industry focusing on a wide range of skills and knowledge on the topics needed to build a viable, sustainable and environmentally responsible agriculture sector.

The skills and knowledge developed by undertaking our programs can be used in a wide variety of industry settings, such as:

•  Cropping
• Livestock production
• Agribusiness
• Chemical use
• Irrigation
• Machinery operation and maintenance
• Merchandising and sales
• Pest management
• Soils
• Wool

Recent studies have shown that 69.5% of graduates of the agriculture, environmental and related studies field of education (at certificate IV qualification levels) reported an improved employment status such as finding new employment, transferring to a new job, a promotion, pay increase or setup of their own business or expanding an existing business.

A high number of graduates also reported being satisfied with their training with the national average sitting at 92.8%, with many finding career pathways.

Bendigo TAFE is committed to working with the agriculture sector to develop workforce strategies and training to support small, medium and large business’s workforce development.

“Through our Food and Fibre Centre of Excellence our expertise and our flexibility set us apart from other training providers,” said Trevor Schwenke, CEO, Bendigo TAFE. “We can arrange training and assessment that is tailored specifically to meet industry needs. We already work with several industry sectors through our Industry Advisory Board, designing and delivering training that suits what they need.”

There is an opportunity for agribusiness operators to work directly with training providers to ensure training delivery matches their needs. A typical qualification being adapted to market demands is the Certificate III in Agriculture (AHC30116). It is a relevant and recognised qualification that allows individuals to develop post-trade skills and knowledge to become specialists within the agriculture industry. It is designed to meet the needs of supervisors or team leaders in the agriculture industry.

Importantly, one-way industry can meet demand is by investing in the development of skills in its current workforce. The opportunity to upskill and reskill staff is often overlooked but has the potential to provide great returns for any business that decides to invest. There will also be new careers created as the sector continues to see mechanisation, automation and a broader range of individual skills required to cover work from the paddock to the office. Preparing for this scenario means workforce planning and development is an important factor in any agribusiness plan.

The food and fibre sector is poised for growth and Bendigo TAFE through its Food and Fibre Centre of Excellence can provide both accredited and non-accredited training; short courses through to a full qualification, with a structure that suits both individuals and organisations. Get ready to grow, contact Bendigo TAFE today.

*Free TAFE on selected courses only. Eligibility criteria apply. Other fees and charges may apply. Find out more at freetafe.vic.gov.au

Article kindly provided by Bendigo TAFE.

The Victorian Government is providing support for farm businesses and rural communities affected by drought and dry seasonal conditions.

Drought and dry seasonal conditions are a challenge for any farm business and the ability to make early decisions is important.

Agriculture Victoria has resources and information available to assist with many areas of farm management and a range of programs to assist farmers to make informed decisions.

Decision Making Support

Decision making workshops and services delivered by Agriculture Victoria and industry partners provide technical support to assist farm businesses manage dry seasonal conditions. Workshops provide information and advice on a range of topics including the design of stock containment areas, feeding livestock, farm water management, animal welfare, irrigation, whole farm planning and climate change risk management.

Network groups across the State also support farmers and industry groups to upskill and share information and ideas with fellow farmers. The Young Farmer Business Network and groups such as BestWool/BestLamb, BetterBeef and the Horticulture Industry Network are examples of these programs.

Farm Debt Mediation – Talk can be cheaper

Under Victorian legislation, banks and other creditors must offer to undertake mediation with farmers before they can initiate debt recovery on farm mortgages.

The service is low cost (currently $195 per session, per party), confidential, independent and can help avoid the costs and other consequences of expensive and potentially unnecessary litigation. Farm debt mediation is a structured negotiation process where a neutral and independent mediator assists the farmer and the creditor to try and reach agreement about current and future debt arrangements.

Agriculture Victoria administers the scheme and the Victorian Small Business Commission arranges the mediation service.

For more information please contact a farm debt mediation officer on 136 186 or email farm.debt.@ecodev.vic.gov.au

Rural Financial Counselling Service

The Rural Financial Counselling Service is a free independent and confidential service staffed by qualified and experienced Rural Financial Counsellors who understand farming and business.

A Rural Financial counsellor can help you understand your financial position, the viability of your enterprise and identify options to improve your financial position. The counsellor can also provide referrals and options for accessing government or industry grants and programs.

Counsellors are available to come to your place of business and have offices located across the State.
For more information call 1800 686 175 or visit www.agriculture.gov.au/rfcs

Agriculture Victoria contacts

For further information on the services and support Agriculture Victoria can provide call 136 186, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or speak to staff at your local Agriculture Victoria office.

Article kindly provided by Agriculture Victoria.Agriculture Victoria

The Victorian Government will help landholders in bushfire-affected communities repair damaged or destroyed fences between private land and National Parks, State Parks and State forests.

The funding announced today by Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes gives farmers the flexibility to not just replace their boundary fences with a standard fence – as per the existing Government program – but to upgrade them, making them fire-resistant with concrete posts and better able to exclude pests such as wild dogs.

The Government will pay half the cost of these boundary fencing upgrades, up to $5,000 per kilometre.

The announcement will help boost local jobs, with Agriculture Victoria to encourage landowners to engage the services of local contractors.

The Government will also continue to pay 100 per cent of the restoration costs of fences damaged on private land as a result of machinery used by fire agencies to control bushfires, or fire agency staff cutting through fences to allow access for suppression efforts.

A dedicated fencing coordinator in the Department of Environment, Land Water and Planning (DELWP) will help landowners decide what option will suit them and arrange payment.

An assessment of the property and the fence damage must be completed before works are undertaken or any payments can be made, and landholders will continue to pay labour costs and half the cost of materials. Landholders can call the DELWP Contact Centre Team on 136 186, Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm.

One million dollars – provided through BlazeAid – is being made available through the Victorian Bushfire Appeal to assist farmers in replacing fences destroyed by the bushfires on their private property.

The Victorian and Commonwealth governments have also made grants of up to $75,000 available to farmers through Rural Finance to help with the costs of rebuilding, including fences and sheds. For more information visit www.vic.gov.au/bushfire-recovery-victoria

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes

“This is great news for our hardworking farmers who have lost so much – helping them rebuild from this devastation and set them up to respond to the modern challenges facing their farms”

“We know that tearing up fencing that’s been damaged by fire is backbreaking work. It’s our job to make sure we’re lending a hand to farmers and landowners as they rebuild.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“This is about helping bushfire affected communities get back on their feet and giving landowners an opportunity to improve boundary fences, rebuilding them to be more fire resistant.”

Quote attributable to Bushfire Recovery Victoria chair Ken Lay

“Every time we’ve visited a fire-affected community, fencing has been raised as a major issue for farmers. It’s great their feedback has been listened to and important steps are being taken to support them.”

Source: Victorian Premier – Minister of Agriculture

Bushfire assistance of up to $1960 per family has been extended to communities in 14 Victorian council areas to help relieve personal hardship and distress.

People in the Ararat, Alpine, Ballarat, Glenelg, Golden Plains, Indigo, Mansfield, Northern Grampians, Pyrenees, Southern Grampians, Wangaratta, Wellington and Wodonga council areas can now access the support package.

Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said these payments will give people dignity and help communities return to normal life even sooner.

“This gives payments of up to $560 per adult and $280 per child – to a maximum of $1,960 per family,” Minister Littleproud said.

“The payments are to help meet immediate needs of those wort-hit through over next few days.

“This could be used for expenses such as such as food, emergency shelter, medicine and clothing.

“We will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with impacted individuals and communities and provide further assistance as it is needed.”

Victorian Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville said a number of communities have been significantly affected across the State, in particular the North-East and Gippsland, and need assistance.

“Recovery support is available for people experiencing personal hardship to help with their immediate emergency needs,” Minister Neville said.

“The package also included personal and financial counselling, to support those suffering in hardship as a direct result of the fires.”

Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Anyone who has been affected by the bushfires and is suffering personal hardship and distress should visit an Emergency Relief Centre or call the Payment Assistance Helpline on 1800 961 054 for advice and support.

Information on disaster assistance is available on:
the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at disasterassist.gov.au
the Department of Health and Human Services website at https://services.dhhs.vic.gov.au/financial-crisis-support and
the VicEmergency website at emergency.vic.gov.au/relief

Source: Victorian Minister of Police and Emergency Services Press Release

Farmers in the north-west Millewa region can now apply for a farm machinery grant to help them maintain on-farm machinery and equipment and prepare for future seasons, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes today opened applications for the Farm Machinery Improvement Grants Program as part of the Labor Government’s $31.6m drought assistance package, announced in October.

The program will be delivered by the Victorian Farmers Federation and will provide grants of up to $10,000 to eligible dryland farm businesses in the Millewa and surrounding areas.

Farm owners, operators, share farmers or leaseholders can apply for a grant to undertake essential maintenance and repair of machinery including tractors, harvesters, seeders and hay baling equipment – including maintenance and repairs to meet safety standards and repairs to fix or replace broken parts.

The Labor Government’s $31.6 million drought package takes its total support for drought-affected farmers since September 2018 to over $81 million.

For more information about the program and to apply for support, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or call 136 186.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes

“I encourage all dryland farmers in the Millewa to get in touch and apply for these grants to repair and maintain essential farming machinery to ensure they have what they need for the 2020 growing season and beyond.”

“This is part of our immediate, targeted support for farmers in the Millewa – and we’ll continue to work closely with farming communities to help them stay resilient as climate change makes drought more frequent and severe.”

Quote attributable to Victorian Farmers Federation President David Jochinke

“These grants will provide much needed assistance for farmers, allowing them to make the necessary preparations for what I hope will be a strong 2020/21 season.”

As a renowned rural photographer and author, BEFA Entrepreneur of the year, keynote speaker and TED Talk presenter, Alice Mabin has astonished readers with her best-selling publications and photographs that celebrate the rich tapestry of life in the Australian Outback.

At a national level she is passionate about influencing the agricultural industry to stand up, be proud and get on with the challenges of securing our future for generations to come. Her agricultural books and videos make you think twice about the way “life has to be done”. Alice Mabin’s unfailing persistence and tenacity is inspiring. She is right – life is too short not to do what you love.

She believes that part of the solution is inspiring people to believe that what they do matters, that they are appreciated, and that we are all connected to each other in ways that make us interdependent. She helps bridge the city-country divide by showing how interconnected we all are. Intertwining the adventures and revelations of life in Al’s typical cheeky style, she helps people to uncover what it really takes to be successful in an everchanging environment.

Recently she teamed up with Agricultural magnate John Nicoletti- donating 4000 copies of The Grower books to schools across Australia. This represented the largest private donation to the education system. Each set is valued at $200.

“I grew up in a marginal area in the wheat belt of WA, I’ve probably seen more droughts than good years but I still managed to put together a big chunk of land,” Nicoletti said. “I want to encourage our young people, if we can give 10 or 50 or 100 people the inspiration to get out there and have a real crack – this is what it’s about.”

“I saw the passion and perseverance that Aussie growers put into their animals and produce, but I also saw the disconnect between this industry and the people who are fed and clothed because of it,” Mabin said.

“I knew I needed to somehow bridge that divide between those who are involved and those who aren’t, the country and the city, and get recognition for our farmers and John took it one step further by making sure as many school kids as possible can get their hands on these books. Ag is the heart of our country, and with these books, school kids will get a better understanding of how and why that is.”

This month she releases her new book, The Winding Road. A behind the scenes look at the production of her four books The Drover, The Driver and The Grower series, while intertwining secrets to uncovering your brilliance, fulfilling your dreams and creating success, even when you don’t know how.

Article kindly provided by Alice Mabin.

The Dial Before You Dig service plays a very important part in farm safety. Dial Before You Dig is the free national service designed to prevent damage and disruption to underground pipe and cable networks around Australia.

Being a farmer, you may know that enquiries are easy to lodge online at www.1100.com.au (mobile device compatible) or by calling 1100 during business hours. If you are planning any kind of work on your property that involves digging, such as fencing, planting, constructing a dam or shed, or even burying life stock you should contact Dial Before You Dig.

But safe excavation is not just about getting the plans!

Once you have lodged your enquiry with Dial Before You Dig and received the plans, you should also ensure you work safely once on site. To ensure you are excavating safely when digging on your property, there are several key messages that need to be considered.

Key messages to remember when excavating:

• Asset owners send you information directly, generally in the form of plans. They also provide contact details within their response should you require further information or onsite assistance. If you need assistance, let them know!
• Follow any instructions provided by asset owners. These are often found in Duty of Care Statements accompanying plans.
• Look for clues that underground infrastructure is present, such as marker posts, water meters, inspection points and warning signs.
• Use the services of a DBYD certified locator to identify assets. Where appropriate and safe to do so, it is the excavator’s responsibility to visually expose the cable or pipe using hand tools.
• Plans provided by asset owners detail the presence of underground infrastructure rather than the exact location. Remain mindful that plans generally do not show the entire domestic connection.
• Take note of any required permits.
• Be aware of any exclusion zones around assets.

Always remember Dial Before You Dig and these key messages. Visit www.1100.com.au to lodge your enquiry and for more information on excavating safely.

Article kindly provided by Dial Before You Dig.

Animal welfare legislation & livestock transport

The Australian Animal Welfare Standards for the Land Transport of Livestock (the Standards) define specific requirements in relation to livestock transport in Australia.The Standards are enforceable. It is an offence to load and transport an animal in a way that causes, or is likely to cause, it unnecessary harm.

These Standards replace the individual state/territory livestock transport provisions of the Australian model codes of practice for the welfare of animals, so there are now the same rules nationwide for livestock transport.

This Is it fit to load guide will help producers, agents, buyers, transporters meet their legal obligations under the new Standards.

Preparing livestock for transport

Preparing livestock for transport correctly is a vital element of any journey. Well-prepared stock travel better, are less stressed and associated animal welfare issues are avoided.

Steps for preparing livestock for transport:

• plan the journey including rest stops and inspections
• know who to contact in case of an emergency
• make sure the facilities including yards, races, loading ramps and vehicles are well constructed and will not injure livestock
• handle livestock quietly and with minimum force – stress is cumulative
• segregate animals appropriately (e.g. horned animals, mothers with young, etc.)
• rest recently mustered livestock prior to loading

It is the responsibility of the person in charge to ensure that animals are prepared correctly and will cope well with the entire journey.

Preparing livestock for transport – feed & water

Maximum time off water. The Standards determine the maximum period of time that each species can be held off water during transport. See the table overleaf for more information. This period includes mustering and any time off water in yards, as well as the journey itself. But, these are maximum limits – certain classes of animals, such as pregnant or young animals, or conditions such as hot dry weather could mean animals need even more regular access to water.

Journey log. Transporters, drivers and agents should always seek information about how long animals have been off feed and water before loading. If it is likely that the journey will take more than 24 hours, then the date and time when animals last had access to water and when they were last inspected must be recorded by the person in charge. Written information about who to contact in an emergency must also be provided.

Feed and water during curfews.Dry feed such as hay but not green feed can be offered prior to loading even if water has been withheld. While food and/or water is on offer, make sure that there is enough space for every animal to access it, as shy feeders become an issue when space is limited. Consider giving electrolytes to animals during the preparation period as it may help prevent physical stress during a long journey.

Article kindly provided by Meat & Livestock Australia. For more information visit mla.com.au – Site of Meat & Livestock Australia.

In the period of March to June, many broad-acre farmers will be working to get their crops underway. But how many realise this a dangerous time on the farm?

A range of power lines cross South Australian farms, including transmission lines on steel-framed towers, sub-transmission lines at 66,000 Volts and 33,000 Volts, and Single Wire Earth Return, or SWER lines, which carry 19,000 volts and constitute about 30% of the SA electricity distribution network.

These SWER lines are difficult to see as they are thin, single lines strung between poles that are often hundreds of metres apart.

“People would be surprised how often we respond to outages that occur during preparation and seeding activity on farms,” said Paul Roberts, Corporate Affairs Manager for SA Power Networks.

“We record about 20 on-farm incidents a year where equipment contacts power lines or Stobie Poles. Seeding seems to be the most significant time for incidents, any of which could prove fatal.”

Mr Roberts said a new issue that had emerged in recent years was the use of GPS for guiding ever-larger farm machinery.

“Seeders are getting wider and that needs to be factored in when navigating around electricity infrastructure.”

There are a number of practical things you can do to minimise the risks when working around power lines.

• Make it a habit to always check for power lines whenever you move or use farm machinery like grain augers and harvesters, or when moving long or tall loads such as irrigation pipes.
• Access to sheds, haystacks and silos should be located away from power lines to minimise the risk of injury.
• Regularly remind everyone who lives or works on your farm of the location of power lines.
• If you are using GPS-guided equipment, make sure the location of electricity infrastructure on your property is accurately programmed into the system.
• Water is a conductor of electricity so be careful when using water irrigation or water jets near powerlines.
• If you’re crop dusting, make sure you (or your contractor) identify where the power lines are located before commencing the job.

Article kindly provided by SA Power Networks.

Regional, rural and remote communities form the backbone of NSW’s agricultural industry and Essential Energy works closely with this sector to ensure safety is paramount across its electricity distribution network.

The biggest electrical safety risk for the agribusiness sector is machinery contact with powerlines and power poles. For this reason, Essential Energy urges farmers to take steps to protect their safety and the safety of others when working near these assets.

Essential Energy’s Head of Health, Safety and Environment, Christine Withycombe, described public safety as a shared responsibility, particularly for those working on the land.

“Essential Energy has a network that spans 95 per cent of NSW and serves 1,500 rural, regional and remote communities, so a lot of our work is centred around electrical safety within the agricultural industry,” Christine said. “Our campaigns focus on those working on farms and reinforce the need for farmers to remain alert to electrical hazards and aware of the location of our electrical infrastructure.”

Essential Energy’s online electrical safety information includes fact sheets on agribusiness and harvest
safety, free safety stickers, and a practical instructional electrical safety video. These are available at: essentialenergy.com.au/safety.

“We have free maps of Essential Energy’s overhead electricity network available via an online form at essentialenergy.com.au/overhead and land owners can also enquire about having overhead powerline markers installed for a small cost,” Christine added.

As harvest activities heighten across NSW and GPS tracking and autosteer technology is more heavily relied upon, the risk of farm machinery contacting powerlines or power poles increases.

Essential Energy’s ‘LAND’ campaign offers important safety advice for those working near the overhead electricity network during their daily farming activities and seasonal harvests.

“The key safety messages of our LAND campaign are important and easy to remember to apply to everyday agricultural tasks,” Christine said.

• Look up and Live – mark overhead powerlines at ground level
• Always be Aware – of the electricity network location and check for changes in condition before starting work
• Need to Know – the height of farm machinery and equipment, both when raised and lowered
• Don’t Disembark – if your vehicle comes into contact with the overhead network.

“If your machinery contacts overhead powerlines, call Essential Energy immediately on 13 20 80,” Christine said. “Remain calm and stay in the vehicle until help arrives and the power has been turned off and all powerlines removed.”

Remember that electricity can arc or ‘jump’ across open spaces, so bystanders should remain at least eight metres away and treat powerlines as live.

“If an emergency exit is necessary, jump well clear of the vehicle, land with your feet together, and don’t touch the vehicle, fall forward or backward, or allow your feet to step apart,” Christine added. “Shuffle with your feet together until you are at least eight metres clear of the vehicle, powerlines or anything else in contact with them.”

Agricultural workers are encouraged to identify potential electrical hazards on a property before starting work and be mindful that changes in weather conditions can affect the electricity network. This includes reduced visibility of powerlines at dawn or dusk and strong winds and extreme heat causing lines to sway and sag.

“To reduce the risk of electrical incidents, complete a hazard assessment for each work site, including paddocks, sidings, travel routes and relevant machinery or equipment,” Christine said. “Ensure safety inductions are carried out for all workers and a safety observer is used onsite to reduce the electrical risks.”

Essential Energy appreciates that agricultural workers face ever-increasing time pressures and that drought conditions are taking their toll.

“For this reason, it’s important to remember it only takes a small lapse in concentration for an incident to occur,” Christine said.

“Reduce the likelihood of a serious accident by installing visual markers at ground level in any areas where electrical hazards are identified.”

Electrical accidents pose a serious safety risk for workers and can result in downtime, potential loss of income for the landholder, and inconvenient power outages for the community.

“Make safety a priority every day so all workers can return home safely to their family and loved ones,” Christine added.

To achieve safe work habits:

• Ensure minimum approach distances are maintained – that is, the amount of space between machinery (and anything held by a person) and the powerlines. This will prevent electricity arcing to the vehicle operator or the machinery.
• Know the height and reach of machinery – in both stowed and working positions. Machinery higher than 4.6 metres is at greater risk of contact with powerlines and therefore should be closely monitored.
• Identify safe travel paths – to reduce the possibility of contact with powerlines and always lower machinery to the transport position when relocating equipment.

Some key risk areas for machinery contact with powerlines, poles and guy wires include exhaust, aerial and pulling implements on tractors, wings fold at transport mode and width for implements, unloading chutes on harvesters, and the arm and knuckle bucket on excavators and backhoes.

“When it comes to the potential dangers of working around powerlines and other network infrastructure, Essential Energy collaborates with NSW Farmers and other peak agricultural bodies to get the message out to agricultural communities around electrical safety,” Christine said.

“We participate at major field days, use radio ads, email and web campaigns, and provide in-cab stickers for agricultural machinery. However, ultimately at the end of the day, the most effective way to remain safe on the farm is to have controls in place for identifying overhead and underground electrical assets prior to working near the network.”

Essential Energy encourages agricultural workers to familiarise themselves with the Essential Energy “Work near overhead powerlines” fact sheet available for download at: essentialenergy.com.au/agribusiness. If you plan to conduct excavation works on your farm or property, contact the Dial Before You Dig referral service at: www.1100.com.au, to identify the location of underground utilities.

To find out more about initiatives specific to agribusiness and safety around electricity on farms, visit essentialenergy.com.au/agribusiness. To report a network incident, contact Essential Energy immediately on 13 20 80 or call Triple Zero (000) if the situation is life-threatening.

Talk can be cheaper. That’s the principle behind the Victorian Government’s Farm Debt Mediation Scheme which has been operating effectively in Victoria since December 2011. Under Victorian legislation, banks and other creditors must offer to undertake mediation with farmers before they can initiate debt recovery on farm mortgages.

The service is low cost, confidential, independent and can help avoid the costs and other consequences of expensive and potentially unnecessary litigation.

What is farm debt mediation?

Farm debt mediation is a structured negotiation process where a neutral and independent mediator assists the farmer and the creditor to try to reach agreement about current and future debt arrangements. The mediator’s role is to facilitate the discussion. They will not provide advice on the matters in dispute. Mediation is a simple, voluntary and confidential process that is quick, accessible and affordable.

The Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources administers the scheme and the Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC) arranges the mediation service.

The cost of mediation is currently $195 per session for each party. The Victorian Government subsidises the cost of mediation making it significantly lower than market price. Parties are responsible for their own costs in preparing for and attending mediation.

How does farm debt mediation work?

The Farm Debt Mediation Act 2011 (Victoria) provides a structured process that creditors and farmers follow to initiate and undertake mediation. There are two types of mediation available under the Act:

a) Creditor initiated mediation

Creditors must send notice under section 8 of the Farm Debt Mediation Act 2011 to farmers alerting them that mediation is available before initiating debt recovery on farm mortgages. Farmers have 21 days to respond to an offer to mediate.

If a farmer does not respond to the offer to mediate, a creditor can commence recovery action on the farm mortgages. If farmers are planning to be away from their farm at a time when they believe there is a risk a creditor may seek to commence recovery action, then it is very important to ensure someone is checking their mail.

If a farmer agrees to mediate, a creditor will not be able to commence recovery action until mediation has concluded to the satisfaction of the Victorian Small Business Commissioner.

b) Farmer initiated mediation

A farmer takes the initiative to request mediation with their creditor. While a farmer may initiate a request for mediation, a creditor is only obliged to mediate if a farmer is in default.

Following mediation, or when a farmer refuses to mediate, the creditor may apply to the Victorian Small Business Commissioner for an exemption certificate. Once an exemption certificate is issued, the creditor can commence enforcement action. If granted, this certificate will last at least three years exempting the creditor from having to offer mediation in the future.

If a creditor is refusing to mediate and the farmer is in default, the farmer may apply to the Victorian Small Business Commissioner for a prohibition certificate. If granted, a prohibition certificate remains in place for a period of six months or the day on which the farmer and the creditor enter into mediation. During this time, the creditor is precluded from undertaking enforcement action.

Farmers cannot be asked to waive their rights under the legislation – for example, as a condition of entering a new loan, or altering existing loan agreements.

What is the Victorian Small Business Commission?

The Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC) provides an independent, quick, low-cost, dispute resolution service for small business in Victoria – including farm businesses. Under the Farm Debt Mediation Scheme, the VSBC provides preliminary assistance and arranges the mediation of farm debt disputes with farmers and creditors who have agreed to mediate. The VSBC also has broad dispute resolution processes and can assist with business disputes that are not covered by the Farm Debt Mediation Act 2011.

How do I know if the scheme applies to me?

The legislation applies only to farm mortgages covering a farm (or part of a farm), farm machinery or a water share (within the meaning of the Water Act 1989). The legislation makes it mandatory for creditors to offer to mediate with farmers before initiating debt recovery proceedings on farm mortgages. While farmers are not obliged to participate in mediation, if they do not, a creditor can initiate debt recovery.

Who can help with the farm debt mediation process?

It is recommended that farmers seek assistance from their local Rural Financial Counsellor (RFC), solicitor, accountant or some other appropriately qualified person. These people can assist farmers to prepare for mediation, attend the mediation session with farmers, and help with any actions that need to be undertaken after the mediation session. They can also assist farmers experiencing financial difficulty that may not require mediation under the Act. To date, over half the farmers involved in farm debt mediation have sought the assistance of RFCs to prepare and accompany them to mediation and to support them with their decision making. This is a free service for farmers who are suffering, or at risk of, financial hardship. To find your nearest RFC call 1800 686 175.

Farmers in difficulty should try to maintain open communication with their creditors and act early when problems arise. Acting early can only help in the long-term.

How do I get more information?

For more information about farm debt mediation call 136 186 or visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/mediation.

Article kindly provided by Agriculture Victoria, DEDJTR.

© St John Ambulance Australia – St John first aid protocols are for the Australian market only. All care has been taken in preparing the information but St John takes no responsibility for its use by other parties or individuals. St John encourages first aid training as this information is not a substitute for first aid training. This information is for use over a 12 month period only. For more information on St John first aid training and kits visit http://www.stjohn.org.au/ or call 1300 360 455

While only three per cent of Queenslanders work on farms, more than 30 per cent of workplace deaths happen on them. Better safety systems could have prevented many of these fatalities. Stop and think about each task you and your workers are about to do and check if there’s a safer way to do it.

To prevent fatalities and serious injuries in the agriculture industry, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) is prioritising its enforcement activities on areas that are creating the most risk. These include work in confined spaces, electrical safety (overhead powerlines, electrical equipment), chemical registers and incident reporting.

Inspectors will issue an infringement notice if they identify non-compliance for these issues. More information on priority infringements is available at worksafe.qld.gov.au.

Tools to help improve safety

A simple safety management system provides a systematic approach to managing safety on your farm. The elements of a safety management system are:

• management commitment (policy)
• risk management (identify hazards and associated risks and appropriate controls using the hierarchy of control)
• safe work procedures (how to safely complete high-risk work tasks)
• training, supervision and induction
• injury management and return to work.

WHSQ has many free tools, information and guidance material to assist agriculture businesses to improve their safety management. The Serious about farm safety guide has information and templates to help you develop a simple safety management system. Visit worksafe.qld.gov.au/agriculture to download the guide.

WHSQ also provides free one-on-one assistance to businesses through the Injury Prevention and Management (IPaM) program. IPaM works with employers to prevent and manage workplace injuries. For more information or to sign up for IPaM visit worksafe.qld.gov.au.

Quad bike safety – be Ride ready

Being ‘Ride ready’ means having the right experience and knowledge to prepare for what can go wrong when you’re riding a quad bike – whether it’s a hidden rock or a log in long grass, a gully washed-out from a recent storm or animals behaving unexpectedly.

Here’s some of our safety tips to help you become Ride ready:

Select the right vehicle for the job

Quad bikes are useful, but they are not always the best choice for the task. Often there is a better option. A side-by-side vehicle or a ute is better if you need to carry loads or passengers, or if you’re mustering consider using a horse or motorbike instead.

Helmets are a must

Being prepared for the unexpected makes sense. Helmets are the best protection you can have from a serious head injury, yet in one third of incidents the rider was not wearing one. There are new helmets on the market that are better suited to agriculture. They are lighter and provide better ventilation and hearing.

Rollovers can be prevented

Half of all incidents involve a quad bike rollover. Quad bikes have a high centre of gravity, which makes them more prone to rollovers. You can help manage rollovers by improving your rider skills through formal training, knowing the terrain where you’re riding and riding to the conditions.

Never let kids ride adult bikes

Parents and supervisors need to be aware of the dangers of kids riding on adult bikes. Kids just don’t have the physical strength and weight to properly control a 300kg adult quad bike. Kids also shouldn’t double on quad bikes ridden by adults – weight distribution plays an important part in safe riding.

The rules on roads

If you need to ride on or cross public roads then you will need to conditionally register your quad bike for road use. You will also need to wear an approved helmet and not carry any child under eight as a passenger on a quad bike or side-by-side vehicle. Failure to do so can lead to heavy fines and demerit points. Visit qld.gov.au/transport to find out more.

For more information on quad bike safety, visit worksafe.qld.gov.au/rideready

Labour hire licensing

Agriculture in Queensland relies on travelling visa workers/backpackers to complete on-farm tasks such as picking and packing fruit and vegetables. Many are employed through labour hire companies.

To protect labour hire workers from exploitation and to promote the integrity of the labour hire industry, labour hire providers are required to be licensed; and people (such as agriculture business owners) who engage labour hire providers must only engage licensed providers.

Significant penalties apply for a breach of obligations (up to $378,000 for a corporation). Licensees must satisfy a fit and proper person test and labour hire businesses must be financially viable. There are six monthly reporting requirements and labour hire providers must comply with all relevant laws. For more information visit worksafe.qld.gov.au/labour-hire.

We recognise safety

Growers and graziers are always finding innovative ways to improve safety. We want to recognise your achievements through our Safe Work and Return to Work Awards. You can enter each year and win up to $2000 per category.

More information

For more information, visit worsafe.qld.gov.au.

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Article kindly provided by Workplace Health & Safety Queensland

From 2016 to 2019, five people have lost their lives in electrical incidents on Queensland farms. Research also shows that nearly 50 per cent of Queensland hospital admissions for electrical related injuries come from outer regional or remote locations.

The top three electrical safety risks on farms are overhead powerlines, unsafe electrical equipment and a lack of safety switches. These are discussed below with simple and inexpensive tips to improve electrical safety.

Working near overhead powerlines

Working near powerlines is dangerous. Touching them, contacting them with equipment or just straying into the exclusion zone around them can result in a fatal electric shock.

Between 2016 and 2018, three people were electrocuted on farms after contacting overhead powerlines. One incident involved a crop spraying boom being towed behind a tractor, another involved a worker trimming crops from an elevating work platform, and the third involved moving an irrigation pipe stored under a powerline.

Further, in one twelve-month period there were 70 reported incidents where agricultural equipment including tractors, harvesters, slashers, spray rigs and irrigation equipment came into contact with overhead powerlines, with a seasonal peak in incidents when crops such as cane and grain were harvested.

Farm machinery impacting power poles, or their support stays, can often cause the overhead lines to fall and present serious risks.

Sometimes overhead powerlines are difficult to see in the landscape even on a bright sunny day, and more so in low light, rain, cloudy weather, or at dawn or dusk. They can also sag between poles as much four metres below the cross-arms supporting them, and sway in the wind, so what appears to be a safe working distance may later expose you, your family, workers or property to serious risks.

Safety switches

Have an electrician install safety switches on every circuit in your home and farm. Don’t mistake circuit breakers for safety switches. Circuit breakers are designed to stop electrical cables from being overloaded and causing fires, while safety switches protect people from fatal electric shocks. A safety switch can be identified by its test button.

Remember to test your safety switches using this button every three months to ensure they are working properly. While your safety switch is tripped, check to see if any equipment is still running – this equipment is not protected by your safety switch.

Safety switches can prevent a serious electric shock, but they are not a substitute for proper electrical maintenance and safe practices. Have a licensed electrician periodically check for any electrical issues at your property and test your safety switches.

Unsafe electrical equipment

Queensland law requires electrical equipment to be checked for safety defects prior to use. Make sure you do a visual check of electrical equipment before you use it. Things to look for include:

• broken enclosures or cracked plastic covers
• discolouration caused by overheating or moisture
• water in and around the appliance
• frayed cords or damaged plugs.

Any of these issues could cause a fire or electric shock. Damaged equipment should not be used, if you find damaged equipment, disconnect it immediately. Either dispose of it or have it repaired by an authorised service agent or a licensed electrician.

Pay extra attention to equipment that has been exposed to the weather or harsh conditions such as water pumps, solar panel installations and electrical tools.

Power leads

• Always check your extension leads for damage before using them.
• Throw away any damaged leads or have them repaired by a licensed electrician before use.
• If working outdoors, use heavy duty leads suitable for outdoor use that are protected by a safety switch. If you are unsure if the power circuit has a safety switch use a portable safety switch marked “complies with AS/NZS 3190 and AS/NZS 3012” and test it before each use.
• If you are using power tools or high-pressure water hoses, then the leads to these items should be suitable for outdoor use.
• Extension leads should only be used for temporary jobs and always supplied by a power point that is protected by a safety switch.

Tips to improve electrical safety

To improve electrical safety on your property:

• move irrigation pipes, machinery and other large items away from overhead powerlines
• make sure you know where electrical infrastructure is and work safely around it
• paint power poles (with Energex or Ergon Energy’s permission) and mark pole stays with high visibility or reflective markers
• check electrical equipment before you use it and dispose of damaged equipment
• employ a licensed electrician to inspect your farm, and ask them to install safety switches on all circuits.

You can also ask Ergon Energy and Energex for free safety advice about power lines and poles on your farm. Both offer free ‘Look up and live’ advice and products including line markers and property maps showing electrical infrastructure.

More information

Employers and workers should read:

• Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 – Working near overhead and underground electric lines.
• Electrical Safety Code of Practice 2010 – Electrical Equipment Rural industry.

For more information, visit electricalsafety.qld.gov.au
Further assistance can also be provided by:
Ergon Energy, aergon.com.au , 13 74 66
Energex, energex.com.au , 13 12 53
Dial Before You Dig, 1100.com.au

For most people gambling is an enjoyable recreational activity, but for some, gambling can become a problem.

If you, or someone you know, is experiencing problems with gambling, visit the Gambling Help Queensland website at gamblinghelpqld.org.au on desktop, tablet, or mobile.

What assistance is available?

Queenslanders have access to a range of help options, including telephone, face-to-face and online counselling and support.

To get free and confidential help and support, or to find a service near you, call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelpqld.org.au website 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Self-help guide

A self-help guide is available to help identify and reduce the impact of gambling problems. The guide can also be used in conjunction with counselling and can be downloaded from gamblinghelpqld.org.au (or a copy can be requested from the Gambling Helpline on
1800 858 858).

Check your gambling

Gambling problems can happen to anyone. If you’re not sure whether you have a gambling problem, try answering the following questions.¹

• Sometimes I’ve felt depressed or anxious after a session of gambling.
  Yes
  No
• Sometimes I’ve felt guilty about the way I gamble.
  Yes
  No
• Sometimes when I think about it, gambling has sometimes caused me problems.
  Yes
  No
• Sometimes I’ve found it better not to tell others, especially my family, about the amount of time or money I spend gambling.
  Yes
  No
• I often find that when I stop gambling, I’ve run out of money.
  Yes
  No
• Often I get the urge to return to gambling to win back losses from a past session.
  Yes
  No
• I have received criticism about my gambling in the past.
  Yes
  No
• I have tried to win money to pay debts.
  Yes
  No

If you answered ‘Yes’ to four or more questions, gambling may be causing you problems.

To get help, or to talk about whether gambling is becoming a problem, call the Gambling Helpline, 24 hours, 7 days a week on 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelpqld.org.au

¹Source: ‘Eight’ Gambling Screen—Early Intervention Gambling Health Test, developed by Sean Sullivan, Goodfellow Unit, Auckland Medical School.

$1.1 Billion worth of ingredients are imported annually into Australia by contract manufacturers for use in products made for the Nutraceutical Industry. These imports become the raw ingredients in vitamins, health supplements and skincare products for a local burgeoning industry that continues to grow both domestically and overseas.

The question being asked by industry and government, is why these ingredients can’t be sourced from Australia. With the support of the Victorian Government, Melbourne based firm Sampano Pty Ltd has been attempting to answer this question, recently completing an 18-month long investigation.

CEO and Founder, Adrian Spencer noted “The purpose of this research is to allow us to plan the creation and coordination of an educated and cohesive market for all players, to understand how this industry should operate and to provide the opportunity for those interested, to participate.”

The report, which has now been released as a roadmap for establishing the value chain for the nutraceutical industry, considered agronomy modelling, grower mapping and site visits to interview growers. The results outline the key steps that need to be taken to allow participation in the value chain.

Adrian is clearly buoyed by the positive results of this research and stated that “We believe many of these imports can be replaced with locally grown and processed inputs – it’s just a matter of time and most growers can’t wait to get started.” Furthermore, the results showed strong demand from the marketers and manufacturers to buy locally grown inputs. In some cases, even when the local costs are higher than imports.

So what about the hurdles and next steps. Currently, there is no real coordination across growers, processors, manufacturers and marketers. Education, connection and support are required, as well as more extractive processing facilities. Sampano is already working with industry partners, government and research institutes to build the tools and supply the knowledge needed for the next steps.

The vision for Sampano in very personal to Adrian, having started his first part time job as a farm hand while studying science at a regional university. Here he learnt firsthand the effectiveness of having options when farming. “I was privileged to work on a diversified farm near Stanley, in North East Victoria, with visionary owners that saw the benefit of accessing different markets to reduce risk and were willing to trial new opportunities. I now want to provide similar opportunities to anyone interested in tapping into this new market.”

For more information the full roadmap can be downloaded from the Sampano website. You can also hear Adrian speaking at Global Table in Melbourne from 3-5 September.

In November 2016, Pilot Vehicle Regulations (PVRs) were introduced into the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014 to improve the standard of the heavy vehicle pilot industry, and increase road user safety.

The PVRs stipulate that the driver of a pilot vehicle must hold a Heavy Vehicle Pilot Licence.

In November 2016, Pilot Vehicle Regulations (PVRs) were introduced into the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014 to improve the standard of the heavy vehicle pilot industry, and increase road user safety. The PVRs stipulate that the driver of a pilot vehicle must hold a Heavy Vehicle Pilot Licence.

Following on from this, Main Roads developed the Heavy Vehicle Agricultural Pilot Authorisation 2017. Under the provisions of the PVRs, this Authorisation recognised the agricultural industry’s need to move oversize agricultural vehicles, the issues associated with engaging licensed heavy vehicle pilots for these local moves, and the impracticality of requiring seasonal staff to obtain a Heavy Vehicle Pilot Licence. The Authorisation allowed Agricultural Pilots to accompany an oversize agricultural vehicle up to 6 metres in width (subject to appropriate conditions) to ensure it did not have an adverse impact on road safety.

Since its introduction, Main Roads has continued to work with the agricultural industry to explore possible options to expand the Authorisation, in order to allow Agricultural Pilots to safely accompany and facilitate the movement of larger oversize agricultural vehicles.

An updated Heavy Vehicle Agricultural Pilot Authorisation 2018 was subsequently released last year which replaced the 2017 authorisation. This new authorisation allows Agricultural Pilots to accompany oversize agricultural vehicles up to 7.5 metres in width, without the need to hold a Heavy Vehicle Pilot Licence. To ensure road safety is not compromised, appropriate conditions and restrictions continue to be applied. These include but are not limited to:

• The Agricultural Pilot is not permitted to accompany an oversize agricultural vehicle for a distance of more than 100 kilometres, from the point of origin to final destination; and
• The Agricultural Pilot must only accompany an oversize agricultural vehicle while it is travelling outside the Perth metropolitan area; and
• When using an Agricultural Pilot, the oversize agricultural vehicle is restricted to Local Government roads, unless it is necessary to use a State road to get to the nearest Local Government road, or the origin and destination are both located on the State road; and
• If the distance travelled on a State road exceeds one kilometre, at least one Licensed Heavy Vehicle Pilot must accompany the oversize agricultural vehicle.

In addition, the new authorisation allows an oversize agricultural vehicle to be moved from gate to gate on a Local Government road, for a distance not exceeding one kilometre, without the need for a pilot vehicle, provided appropriate traffic management is in place.

The following table outlines the revised dimension limits and corresponding minimum number of Agricultural Pilots required to accompany the oversize agricultural vehicle.

In conjunction with the introduction of the new authorisation, Main Roads has developed the Agricultural Pilot Operational Requirements to assist Agricultural Pilots in understanding what is expected of them to ensure the safe movement of oversize agricultural vehicles.

The primary role of the Agricultural Pilot is to provide a visual advanced warning and communicate with oncoming vehicles about the approaching oversize agricultural vehicle. Agricultural Pilots should remain on UHF channel 40, unless prompted to use a different channel by another vehicle in the vicinity.

• Pilot vehicle lighting and signage requirements;
• Travelling position for the Agricultural Pilot Vehicle(s);
• Convoy travel requirements; and
• Incident reporting requirements.

Farming for Vitamins

Prior to accompanying an oversize agricultural vehicle, it is important that Agricultural Pilots familiarise themselves with all the requirements specified in both the Heavy Vehicle Agricultural Pilot Authorisation 2018 and the Agricultural Pilot Operational Requirements.

To download a copy of these documents, visit the Pilots page on www.mainroads.wa.gov.au or, for further information, call the Heavy Vehicle Helpdesk on 138 486.

Improved Access Arrangements for Agricultural Vehicles

While rubber tracked agricultural vehicles are becoming more prevalent, there is currently no provision for them in the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014, meaning that an exemption for appropriate access must be obtained from the Department of Transport (DoT).

In conjunction with the Agricultural Vehicle Advisory Committee (AVAC) and key agricultural industry representatives, Main Roads and DoT have developed a suitable exemption for dual, quad and half rubber tracked agricultural vehicles that meet all the requirements in the Rubber Tracked Agricultural Machine Operating Conditions.

Some of these conditions include:

• The rubber tracked agricultural vehicle must have rubber tracks fitted to at least one axle group;
• The rubber tracked agricultural vehicle must not exceed a total gross mass of 28.0 tonnes;
• The rubber tracked agricultural vehicle must meet the minimum axle spacing’s;
• The rubber tracks fitted to the agricultural vehicle must be at least 406 millimetres wide; and
• Vehicle lighting and signage requirements

The conditions provide state-wide access however, they exclude the Perth metropolitan area and some Local Government zones.

In addition to the introduction of the Rubber Tracked Agricultural Machine Operating Conditions, the existing Agricultural Machine Operating Conditions, which apply to wheeled agricultural vehicles, have been updated to reflect the Agricultural Machine Order 2018 and Heavy Vehicle Agricultural Pilot Authorisation 2018.

The operating conditions for rubber tracked and wheeled agricultural vehicles have consistent requirements. They allow an oversize agricultural vehicle to be up to 7.5 metres in width, 12.5 metres in length and 6 metres in height. The minimum number of pilot vehicles required to accompany an oversize agricultural vehicle are set out in the operating conditions and are consistent with the Heavy Vehicle Agricultural Pilot Authorisation 2018.

A new Agricultural Machines Restricted Bridge List has also been developed to provide one reference point for operators to identify restricted bridges that apply to the particular rubber tracked or wheeled agricultural machine they are operating.

Operators should familiarise themselves with all the requirements stipulated in the operating conditions and new Agricultural Machines Restricted Bridge List, which can be found on the Agricultural Vehicles page on the Main Roads website. For further information please visit www.mainroads.wa.gov.au or call the Heavy Vehicle Helpdesk on 138 486.

Agricultural Machines that do not meet these requirements may still be eligible to be licensed and obtain a permit, subject to individual vehicle assessment. DoT will consult with Main Roads as part of the licensing process for these machines.

Article kindly provided by MainRoads Western Australia.

WorkSafe undertakes extensive education and enforcement activity in the agriculture industry, and has identified the five most common areas of concern in agricultural workplaces.

The five hazards most common in agricultural properties visited by WorkSafe inspectors are:

• Unguarded machinery;
• Lack of residual current devices (RCDs);
• Insufficient information available for workplace chemicals;
• Insufficient training and induction for new workers; and
• Failure to wear approved helmets on quad bikes.

Considerable resources have been directed towards the farming community for many years now, but the fact is that the agriculture sector continues to show a high rate of deaths and injuries.

As a result, agriculture has been identified as a national priority for prevention activities, focusing attention and activities on identifying the causes of injuries in the industry and endeavouring to find solutions.

WorkSafe inspectors have undertaken inspections at farming properties of every size that conduct a wide range of activities – from micro-agricultural industries that focus on the production of specialist and gourmet products to large station properties that cover thousands of hectares.

The coming financial year will see a proactive inspection program looking specifically at safety issues in orchards across the State. It will include issues such as farm machinery, accommodation, emergency procedures and fuel storage.

Agricultural families have specific skills and strategies to manage hazards in their workplaces, and within each farming venture, occupational safety and health issues can change hourly, daily and seasonally.

The known hazards in agriculture and the management of these hazards has seen WorkSafe producing the Agricultural Safety and Health Checklist to assist the industry to lessen injuries and illness.

The checklist documents a safety system, and is simple to apply and free to download from the WorkSafe website. WorkSafe has applied the checklist to a wide range of agricultural businesses across WA to identify the five most common farming hazards.

WorkSafe inspectors will continue to visit agricultural businesses of all sizes across Western Australia to ensure risks were being identified and assessed and that safe systems of work were being put in place.

WorkSafe will continue to provide the agriculture industry with a wide range of material and information to enable it to provide and maintain safer workplaces.

Inspectors will look at every part of the farm, but will pay particular attention to the five most common farming hazards they have uncovered in the course of their previous investigations.

Further information on working safely, along with the Agricultural Safety and Health Checklist, can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 1300 307877 or on the website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au

Article kindly supplied by WorkSafe, a part of the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.

The business of farming has changed a lot in a relatively small amount of time. The use of technology to improve profitability, to better utilise resources, and to gather data with which to make decisions has grown significantly.

With this increase of “on-the-farm” technology as well as the use of software in the office for banking, tax requirements, apps, and email, it’s time to also increase our focus on the importance of cybersecurity in agriculture.

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is defined as the state of being protected against the criminal or unauthorised use of electronic data, or the measures taken to achieve this.

What could be at risk?

For farmers the possible threats include destruction of equipment, data theft, financial scams, and malicious altering of systems or data that could cause errors in decision making across anything from when to water or spray, to budgets and payroll.

Top Cybersecurity Tips:

• Keep your software up to date on all your devices.
  Out of date software may contain vulnerabilities that are targeted by opportune hackers. Check your router software as well as those on your computers, tablets, and smartphones.
• Change default hardware passwords as well as user passwords.
  You know that new toy/camera/fridge/farm equipment that you bought that connects to the internet? Often, they come with standard passwords that are the same for every other one sold, so make sure that you change them as soon as you can. Your system login passwords should also be changed often (and don’t keep them stuck to the computer on a post-it note). Pin or password protect your mobile devices.
• Anti-virus, anti-spyware, and firewall software.
  Buy them, use them, and keep them updated to the latest versions.
• Back-up your files to at least one, if not two secure locations that are kept separate from your local network.
  A removable hard-drive or and/or a secure cloud service are good options.
• Don’t click on that!
  Most malware and viruses are downloaded through schemes known as phishing which target users directly through emails or sites that are made to look like legitimate websites. Always check the sender prior to downloading any email attachments, and if in doubt, call the sender to see whether the email really came from them. You can keep up to date with scams via websites like Scamwatch.

Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility.

Ensuring that each employee, family member, and external stakeholder who has access to your network is aware of your cybersecurity policies and procedures and the importance of adhering to them is one of the most effective ways to stay safe. This may include asking anyone who has access to or stores financial or digital data such as accountants or suppliers about how they secure your information.

Article kindly supplied by Activ8me.

1. Obtain more than one quote and compare more than just the price. It’s what you get for your premium that’s important.
2. Have a professional explain what cover options are available in the market place, not just from your current insurer.
3. Seek out an Insurance Broker to work on your behalf, to ensure you get your full entitlements when claims arise.
4. Meet with your insurance provider to review and amend your policy at least once a year.
5. Ask what discounts are available and how to access them.
6. Don’t skimp on cover, research the replacement value of your assets and get them covered correctly before you need to claim.
7. Perform a risk analysis of your business to find out where you are most vulnerable and take action to minimise those risks.
8. Safeguard you and your business with important insurance covers such as Farm Continuation Expenses, Personal Accident & Illness and Farm Management Liability.

How an Insurance Broker can help you…

By sourcing a number of quotes from reputable insurers and comparing covers. Insurance Brokers have access to industry specific policies not available to the wider market

They fully explain what cover options are available and make recommendations.

When claims arise Insurance Brokers come to the fore by providing advice and expertise in the process of settling claims and negotiating payouts with insurers.

As Insurance Brokers they work alongside their clients, reviewing, advising and amending the policy, ensuring that you continue to hold the right cover, now and into the future.

They ensure you don’t pay more than you have to by sourcing any discount options available from the insurers.

Insurance Brokers assist clients with reference material, guides and/or online calculators to help establish values for insurance purposes.

They can help clients to identify risks, provide advice on how to minimise or control those risk, which in turn may result in fewer claims and lower premiums

Why should you use an insurance broker?

The role of an insurance broker is to serve their client, by sourcing, advising, placing and maintaining policies on their clients behalf and to manage the claim process. Other parties associated with insurance products, such as insurers or insurance agents are commonly working for the insurance companies when transacting their business. An insurance broker has access to a wide range of insurers and is able to compare costs and covers from the wider market whilst giving their client one reference point to answer queries and manage their cover.

For more information go to www.mga.com

Article kindly provided by MGA Insurance.