Victorian Farmers Federation Podcast

While he hasn’t always been a farmer, Ric Oldham, of Archie’s Creek, VIC, is aware of the dangers agricultural properties possess. Take a listen to his ‘why’ for being involved with the Making Our Farm Families Safer campaign as he catches up with podcast host Tegan Buckley. In 1978, Mr Oldham’s parents bought their first farm at Archie’s Creek, on the Bass Straight about 160km out of Melbourne, Victoria. He grew up on the farm but later became a civil engineer, but in 1996 he purchased one of his parent’s properties - a dairy farm - and converted it to an Angus beef cattle enterprise. Fast forward a number of years and Mr Oldham now enjoys spending time on the farm with his eight grandchildren - all of whom reside in urban environments. When the opportunity to be part of the Victorian Farmers Federation Making Our Farm Families Safer campaign was presented, he wanted to be involved. With strict rules already in place on the farm, Mr Oldham said he was very clear about them from the git-go. “...it’s going to take time, it’s a journey. It’s just making sure you take the opportunity to be conscious of what needs to be in place and being aware of those really high risk activities and making sure that the controls you have put in place are effective and in place. Then I think we have half a chance.”Learn more about the ‘Making our Farms Safer Project’ here: https://www.vff.org.au/project/making-our-farms-safer/Please be sure to share this podcast episode with your mates, hit that subscribe button and leave us a review and a rating.

“..particularly kids in regional and rural areas take on a lot more responsibilities and they can seem a lot more mature and capable than their age suggests..But it’s really important to remember that those times that they might act like adults at times, that they are not in a lot of ways, and it’s not [often realised] until when something goes wrong and there is an emergency situation.”Join VFF Podcast host Tegan Buckley as she chats with Jason Chambers, Kid Safe Victoria on the Making Our Farm Families Safer Child Safety Guidebook.Jason Chambers degree in health promotion and Masters degree in public health have put him in good stead for his work with Kidsafe. His studies fuelled his passion for providing communities with the knowledge, resources and tools to enable them to make safe and healthy choices.Jason commenced with Kidsafe Victoria in 2009 initially as an intern, which fostered his interest and knowledge of childhood injury prevention. He is currently the General Manager, with responsibility for the development, implementation and evaluation of many of Kidsafe Victoria's programs, campaigns and communications.Learn more about the Making our Farms Safer Project here: https://www.vff.org.au/project/making-our-farms-safer/Please be sure to share this podcast episode with your mates, hit that subscribe button and leave us a review and a rating.

Learn why first aid is everyone’s business in this latest podcast episode from the Making our Farm Families Safer campaign.Join VFF Podcast host Tegan Buckley as she chats with two highly trained and skilled paediatric intensive care nurses who are taking their knowledge on the road to help all rural and regional families. PAEDS First Aid Directors, Sarah Duncanson and Grace Larson, believe it’s everyone’s business to learn and know first aid. The pair open up about their experiences, what they want to see change and how farming families can all benefit from knowing first aid.With 30 years’ of combined experience as paediatric intensive care nurses, they both know the importance of teaching valuable life-long skills to everyone - even children from a young age. They’ve taken their training from the healthcare sector into the community to help guide and empower families when it comes to farm safety. The pair are mothers, they both live on farms and are walking the same walk with the families they are taking their knowledge to. Learn more about the Making our Farms Safer Project.Please be sure to share this podcast episode with your mates, hit that subscribe button and leave us a review and a rating.

In this month’s episode we spoke to Andrea Vallance, Coordinator of the Timboon Agriculture Project (TAP), an innovative, award winning collaboration between Timboon P-12 School and the surrounding industries and community.Andrea is originally from Warrnambool and after teaching in Lake Bolac and Maryborough, Andrea and her husband, Bruce, are dairy farmers at Nirranda in Southwest Victoria.In this episode Andrea speaks with VFF Podcast host Tegan Buckley on how the Timboon P-12 School TAPs into Farm Safety.Learn more about the Timboon Agriculture Project (TAP).Making Our Farm Families Safer. #SafeFarms #SafeFamiliesThe Victorian Farmers Federation Making Our Farms Safer Project is committed to improving safety of children on farms. This project is being delivered in partnership with the State Government of Victoria.Learn more about VFF.Learn more about the ‘Making our Farms Safer Project’ Please be sure to share this podcast episode with your mates, hit that subscribe button and leave us a review and a rating.

In this episode Tegan Buckley speaks with Chris Howard from Agbiz Assist as part of the Farming through the Wet Summer of 22/23 podcast series.Chris joined Agbiz Assist in 2008 as a Rural Financial Counsellor and is currently the Acting Executive Officer. Agbiz Assist is a not-for-profit organisation delivering community services to farms and small businesses throughout Goulburn Valley and Northeast Victoria.National RFC Network number is 1300 771 741 https://rfcsnetwork.com.au/VFF Podcast Series – Farming through the wet summer of 22/23 is podcast series designed to support Victorian farmers with key pieces of information on flood support services and resources available to them as we navigate our way through this flood impacted and wet harvest season.We understand the difficulties, challenges and very real impact that it has had on farmers and farming communities.Loss of stock and crops, damage to infrastructure, restricted access to paddocks, feed and clean water, delays in harvest, downgraded crops, machinery bogging issues, waterborne disease issues, financial threats that a once promising season did not foresee.These are stressful, challenging, unknown times and unfortunately a reality that many are facing at present.We wanted to share with you listening today, many we imagine who are back in the paddock, or who are trying to get stuck into harvest season, so are now unable to make it to upcoming community info sessions, key points of information and support available, over the next four podcast episodes, to help in getting through the Wet Summer of 22/23.From Agriculture VictoriaAs flood waters recede in northern Victoria and move downstream along the Murray River, we are continuing to support farmers to respond to, and recover from the immediate, medium and longer-term impacts from floods.Flood recovery meetings, events and webinars are being held across the state to support farming communities.AgVic will continue to keep farmers up to date with the latest information via Facebook, Twitter and our website.Farmers who need support can:• Call 1800 226 226 and press 9 for an interpreter• Email recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au or• Visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/floodsSpecial mention to the National Centre for Farmer Health #BuildingFarmSpirit program, a brand new Flood response for Victorian Farmers, sharing information and support resources. Learn more: https://farmerhealth.org.au/buildingfarmspirit

In this third episode Tegan Buckley (VFF Podcast Host) speaks with Dr Cathy Bunter, Veterinary Officer, Agriculture Victoria, on what to look out for when it comes to livestock health during flooding and living in waterlogged paddocks.VFF Podcast Series – Farming through the wet summer of 22/23The VFF Making Our Farms Safer Project is bringing you this 4-part Podcast Episode series discussing issues affecting farmers as result of the extraordinary wet conditions that have washed over the State this year.We understand the difficulties, challenges and very real impact that it has had on farmers and farming communities.Loss of stock and crops, damage to infrastructure, restricted access to paddocks, feed and clean water, delays in harvest, downgraded crops, machinery bogging issues, waterborne disease issues, financial threats that a once promising season did not foresee.These are stressful, challenging, unknown times and unfortunately a reality that many are facing at present.We wanted to share with you listening today, many we imagine who are back in the paddock, or who are trying to get stuck into harvest season, so are now unable to make it to upcoming community info sessions, key points of information and support available, over the next four podcast episodes, to help in getting through the Wet Summer of 22/23.From Agriculture VictoriaAs flood waters recede in northern Victoria and move downstream along the Murray River, we are continuing to support farmers to respond to, and recover from the immediate, medium and longer-term impacts from floods.Flood recovery meetings, events and webinars are being held across the state to support farming communities.AgVic will continue to keep farmers up to date with the latest information via Facebook, Twitter and our website.Farmers who need support can:• Call 1800 226 226 and press 9 for an interpreter• Email recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au or• Visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/floodsSpecial mention to the National Centre for Farmer Health #BuildingFarmSpirit program, a brand new Flood response for Victorian Farmers, sharing information and support resources. Learn more: https://farmerhealth.org.au/buildingfarmspirit

In this episode VFF Podcast Host Tegan Buckley catches up with John Warlters, CEO, Rural Aid Ltd , and Lauren Stracey,  Manager Mental Health and Wellbeing, Rural Aid Ltd to discuss how Rural Aid are supporting flood affected farmers and communities as well as the importance of mental health and how to start a conversation with a mate who might be struggling.VFF Podcast Series – Farming through the wet summer of 22/23The VFF Making Our Farms Safer Project is bringing you this 4-part Podcast Episode series discussing issues affecting farmers as result of the extraordinary wet conditions that have washed over the State this year.We understand the difficulties, challenges and very real impact that it has had on farmers and farming communities.Loss of stock and crops, damage to infrastructure, restricted access to paddocks, feed and clean water, delays in harvest, downgraded crops, machinery bogging issues, waterborne disease issues, financial threats that a once promising season did not foresee.These are stressful, challenging, unknown times and unfortunately a reality that many are facing at present.We wanted to share with you listening today, many we imagine who are back in the paddock, or who are trying to get stuck into harvest season, so are now unable to make it to upcoming community info sessions, key points of information and support available, over the next four podcast episodes, to help in getting through the Wet Summer of 22/23.From Agriculture VictoriaAs flood waters recede in northern Victoria and move downstream along the Murray River, we are continuing to support farmers to respond to, and recover from the immediate, medium and longer-term impacts from floods.Flood recovery meetings, events and webinars are being held across the state to support farming communities.AgVic will continue to keep farmers up to date with the latest information via Facebook, Twitter and our website.Farmers who need support can:• Call 1800 226 226 and press 9 for an interpreter• Email recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au or• Visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/floodsSpecial mention to the National Centre for Farmer Health #BuildingFarmSpirit program, a brand new Flood response for Victorian Farmers, sharing information and support resources. Learn more: https://farmerhealth.org.au/buildingfarmspirit

In this episode VFF Podcast host, Tegan Buckley, chats with Kelly Angel, Senior Manager - Extension and Communications from Birchip Cropping Group on BCG's safe recovery of bogged machinery workshop featuring handy key takeaways.https://www.bcg.org.au/over-550-at-bcgs-safely-recovering-machinery-event/VFF Podcast Series – Farming through the wet summer of 22/23The VFF Making Our Farms Safer Project is bringing you this 4-part Podcast Episode series discussing issues affecting farmers as result of the extraordinary wet conditions that have washed over the State this year.We understand the difficulties, challenges and very real impact that it has had on farmers and farming communities.Loss of stock and crops, damage to infrastructure, restricted access to paddocks, feed and clean water, delays in harvest, downgraded crops, machinery bogging issues, waterborne disease issues, financial threats that a once promising season did not foresee.These are stressful, challenging, unknown times and unfortunately a reality that many are facing at present.We wanted to share with you listening today, many we imagine who are back in the paddock, or who are trying to get stuck into harvest season, so are now unable to make it to upcoming community info sessions, key points of information and support available, over the next four podcast episodes, to help in getting through the Wet Summer of 22/23.From Agriculture VictoriaAs flood waters recede in northern Victoria and move downstream along the Murray River, we are continuing to support farmers to respond to, and recover from the immediate, medium and longer-term impacts from floods.Flood recovery meetings, events and webinars are being held across the state to support farming communities.AgVic will continue to keep farmers up to date with the latest information via Facebook, Twitter and our website.Farmers who need support can:• Call 1800 226 226 and press 9 for an interpreter• Email recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au or• Visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/floodsSpecial mention to the National Centre for Farmer Health #BuildingFarmSpirit program, a brand new Flood response for Victorian Farmers, sharing information and support resources. Learn more: https://farmerhealth.org.au/buildingfarmspirit

Take a dive into the world of a pediatric trauma and burns surgeon who works with children on a daily basis. Dr Warwick Teague catches up with host Tegan Buckley through the VFF Podcast for a fascinating and truly intriguing look into the world of a trauma and burns unit. Whilst Dr Teague might’ve grown up in the city, his wife hails from a farm in north-east Tasmania and through his work he is deeply connected to the land. As the head of trauma and burns unit at The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, Dr Teague sees a range of patients present on a daily basis and a high number of these are from farming accidents. He opens up about minor to major injuries, returning to and engaging in normal daily life again, the trauma of trauma and helping families in a time of need. Dr Teague is a highly skilled and trained professional whose down-to-earth personality helps his patients feel at ease. Keen to see the number of farming accidents/injuries reduced, Dr Teague shares his first-hand accounts and why we should be doing our bit to go against the status-quo of what was once the ‘normal’.“...treating injuries is important but preventing injuries is so much more important,” Dr Teague said. “What can we learn from one sad tragedy to prevent many more sad tragedies in the future? What changes are we going to make to save lives and protect the lives of our children?”“…is there a better thing to do in our day, life or year than to save another?”Learn more about VFF here: www.vff.org.auLearn more about the ‘Making our Farms Safer Project’ here: https://www.vff.org.au/project/making-our-farms-safer/Please be sure to share this podcast episode with your mates, hit that subscribe button and leave us a review and a rating.

Welcome to Hort Thoughts - a Podcast by the Victorian Farmers Federation Horticulture Group. In this episode your host, Tegan Buckley, speaks with VFF’s Senior Farm Safety advisor, John Darcy. John has more than 30 years experience in health and safety and workers compensation, including involvement in the drafting of Victoria’s OHS and Workers Compensation Acts, Regulations and Codes.  John has also assisted employers following a number of serious workplace accidents over the years.In this episode, John will chat to us about the changes to OH&S amendments in Victoria for both employers and labor hire companies in the agricultural and horticultural sectors. He sheds light on the changes, which now see the same legal duties for both parties when it comes to labor hire. His message is simple: consult, coordinate and cooperate with one another to make sure you’re working to achieve a safe environment. “The legal expectation with this is that the parties will get together and make sure all the safety obligations are covered,” John said. From accidents and safety to adequate accommodation and wage theft - this is what they’re stamping out and making fair for all employees. If fair working conditions aren’t met, both parties will be legally liable. “Get together as soon as possible and start making sure they are ticking the boxes and covering all bases,” he said. Learn more about the VFF here: www.vff.org.auLearn more about the ‘Making our Farms Safer Project’ here: https://www.vff.org.au/project/making-our-farms-safer/Please be sure to share this podcast episode with your mates, hit that subscribe button and leave us a review and a rating.

Welcome to Hort Thoughts - a Podcast by the Victorian Farmers Federation Horticulture Group.In this episode Tegan Buckley speaks with Allan Zoch, VFF Senior Workplace Relations Advisor, on what obligations employers have in the horticultural industry and what resources are available to support meeting obligations.If you are unsure of your employment obligations, be sure to get help from qualified individuals to make sure you are doing the right thing by your staff.VFF Workplace Advisory Services: Our Workplace Relations Team provides tailored and up-to-date advice on workplace related matters. We have over 30 years of experience and are a trusted source on issues such as industrial relations, employment services, OH&S, farm safety and much more. Contact Allan Zoch for more information (support is available for VFF Members): azoch@vff.org.auPlease be sure to share this episode out with your mates, hit that subscribe button and leave us a review and a rating.If you would like to learn more about becoming a member of the VFF visit: www.vff.org.au/membership

Welcome to Hort Thoughts - a Podcast by the Victorian Farmers Federation Horticulture Group. Tyson is the National Public Affairs Manager at AUSVEG and is also currently on secondment as the Executive Officer to the National Farmers’ Federation Horticulture Council. Tyson’s role is focused on advocacy and policy development for the horticulture section. Tyson joins us on the HortThoughts Podcast to help simplify visa options and how to apply for them. Learn more about VFF here: www.vff.org.auPlease be sure to share this podcast episode with your mates, hit that subscribe button and leave us a review and a rating.Tyson CattleAUSVEG National Public Affairs Manager &National Farmers Federation Horticulture Council Executive Officer3 Glenarm Road, Glen Iris, Vic, 3146T: 03 9882 0277 I F: 03 9882 6722 I M: 0427 500 618 I  E: tyson.cattle@ausveg.com.au W: www.ausveg.com.au

In this episode we are asking, are you ok?In this episode your host, Tegan Buckley, speaks with Seryn Adams, RUOK? ambassador.Seryn is passionate about Mental Health, Suicide Prevention and the RUOK? message. Having managed depression through her own lived experience, Seryn knows firsthand how being asked ‘RUOK?’ really can change a life. Seryn now works as a suicide prevention project officer in a rural community and is a proud RUOK? Ambassador. She speaks passionately about how we can all be gatekeepers and use the 4 RUOK? steps to change someone’s life.This episode covers how to start a conversation around mental health and well being, recognising signs of struggle and how to check in with your mates. We also chat about the challenges of mental health in rural/remote and farming areas and how you can support and get involved in the RUOK initiative.  Learn more about VFF here: www.vff.org.auRUOK? Resources:https://www.ruok.org.au/HOW TO ASK: https://www.ruok.org.au/how-to-askhttps://www.ruok.org.au/mateship-manual#YouCanTalk https://www.ruok.org.au/you-can-talkFIND HELP: https://www.ruok.org.au/findhelpPlease be sure to share this podcast episode with your mates, hit that subscribe button and leave us a review and a rating.

Welcome to Hort Thoughts - a Podcast by the Victorian Farmers Federation Horticulture Group. In this episode your host, Tegan Buckley, speaks with VFF’s Senior Farm Safety advisor, John Darcy. John has more than 30 years experience in health and safety and workers compensation, including involvement in the drafting of Victoria’s OHS and Workers Compensation Acts, Regulations and Codes.  John has also assisted employers following a number of serious workplace accidents over the years.In this episode, John will chat to us about the ‘Making our Farms Safer Project’ and how you can get involved in this program as well as how to stay safer on our farms. We also discuss the challenges the farming industry faces when it comes to safety and the important work the MOFS team is doing to improve safety outcomes for the industry.Learn more about VFF here: www.vff.org.auLearn more about the ‘Making our Farms Safer Project’ here: https://www.vff.org.au/project/making-our-farms-safer/Please be sure to share this podcast episode with your mates, hit that subscribe button and leave us a review and a rating.

Welcome to HortThoughts - a Podcast by the Victorian Farmers Federation Horticulture Group.Andrew Whitelaw started his career in the UK, working in the animal feed and biofuel sector before relocating to Australia. Since 2010, Andrew has worked in the Australian grain industry in a number of different roles and most recently as an independent analysis.In this episode Andrew Whitelaw, from Thomas Elder Markets, Manager, Commodity Market Insights, joins us to discuss the current supply chain disruptions within Australia. We cover what is driving the disruptions, freight costs and what will the new ‘normal’ look like for farmers.If you would like to learn more about becoming a member of the VFF visit: www.vff.org.au/membershipPlease be sure to share this episode out with your mates, hit that subscribe button and leave us a review and a rating.

Welcome to Hort Thoughts - a Podcast by the Victorian Farmers Federation Horticulture Group.In this episode your host, Tegan Buckley, speaks with VFF Horticulture Group’s President, Nathan Free and  VFF’s General Manager for Policy. Luke Hooke.The purpose of this podcast is to connect Victorian Food Producers with expert advice, knowledge and information on key topics relevant to the horticultural industry. In this first season we'll be chatting with various key industry experts as part of the VFF’s Horticulture Roadshow Series focusing on seasonal workforce industry support program.Learn more about VFF here: www.vff.org.au

“You want everyone to be able to go home safely at the end of the night.” That’s the message from Victorian Farmers Federation vice president Danyel Cucinotta about the Making Our Farms Safer campaign. Danyel catches up with VFF Podcast host, Tegan Buckley, to shed light on the importance of making changes to safety around the farm, the strong involvement of Victorian farming families and just how well the newly launched Making Our Farm Families Safer campaign has been received.For Danyel, she’s a third generation farmer with her three-year-old daughter following in her footsteps. The VFF Making Our Farm Families Safer Guidebook is about having an extra tool in the toolbox to use when it’s needed. “It’s about starting a conversation around safety on the farm. If we can have farming families sitting down and talking about some of the processes and procedures on their farm with their children, that’s the first step,” Danyel said.In a collaboration with farming families from across Victoria, some of whom have faced tragedy or are aware of farming accidents within their own community, Danyel said they’ve given hours of their time to get this campaign off the ground. “This is the first of its kind made by farming families for farming families.”Danyel said it’s the first time they have sat down with farming families to chat about what everyone is doing on the farm, what are the non-negotiables and question what everyone is doing to prevent injury and harm.With positive feedback coming from parents and grandparents about the guidebook, Danyel hopes it will help families throughout not only Victoria but other states as well. “To get that feedback across the board is a take home that’s really special. It’s something we are very proud about,” Danyel said. “Influencing change is difficult no matter the subject. Influencing cultural changes is even harder...”Danyel said the campaign wasn’t about telling people how to parent, it was there to create tools and resources that are free to access and readily available. For parents and children to have the conversation around the kitchen table about safety, make change and allow children to understand while empowering them to make decisions is what it’s all about - but to also make sure everyone gets home safely each and every day. Learn more about VFF here: www.vff.org.auLearn more about the ‘Making our Farms Safer Project’ here: https://www.vff.org.au/project/making-our-farms-safer/Please be sure to share this podcast episode with your mates, hit that subscribe button and leave us a review and a rating.