Building Fodder Confidence Across Gippsland: Practical Learning in Action
Over recent months, this project has delivered a highly productive and impactful program of activities across Gippsland, with a strong focus on hands-on learning, farmer engagement and improved fodder management. Through a series of well-attended events, local producers have gained increased knowledge, confidence and technical capability in hay and silage production—skills that are increasingly critical under changing seasonal conditions.
Hands-On Learning at the Spring Field Day
On 23 October 2025, the project delivered two interactive sessions at the Spring Field Day in Bairnsdale. Featuring presentations from Fiona Baker and Murray Stewart, the sessions reached three rotating audience groups and centred on locally relevant silage and fodder production systems.
Participants explored practical approaches to silage production using a barley mix, alongside vetch- and oat-based fodder systems. The sessions encouraged open discussion and on-the-ground problem solving, allowing producers to ask questions specific to their own farms and conditions. Feedback from attendees highlighted the value of the hands-on format and reinforced the importance of regionally tailored advice when making fodder production decisions.
Future Fodder Insights at Yinnar
The “Future Fodder – Insights for Hay and Silage Farmers” event, held at the Yinnar Bowls Club on 24 September 2025, attracted 35 participants from across the region. Presenters Jen Smith and Brett Tonkin delivered practical, evidence-based insights into:
Haymaking techniques
Silage quality and feed value
Paddock selection and management
Improving decision-making to maximise fodder returns
The session generated excellent discussion and strong farmer engagement, with participants reporting clear, actionable take-home messages they could immediately apply on farm. The event reinforced the value of combining technical expertise with practical examples drawn from real production systems.
Timely Guidance at the Maffra Brandt Silage Night
The Maffra Brandt Silage Night, held on 3 September 2025, saw 56 producers come together ahead of the 2025 fodder harvest. The session delivered timely and practical guidance on key ensiling considerations, including:
Moisture targets
Compaction techniques
Storage and spoilage management
With seasonal conditions continuing to vary, producers reported increased confidence in their ability to produce high-quality silage despite challenging circumstances. The strong attendance and level of engagement reflected both the relevance of the topic and the trust farmers place in local, experience-driven learning opportunities.
Strong Partnerships Driving Meaningful Outcomes
The success of the project has been strongly underpinned by the depth of partnerships and the strength of existing regional networks. Collaboration with trusted industry experts, local agronomists and farmer-led organisations ensured each event was technically robust, highly relevant and grounded in real production challenges.
Established networks across Gippsland enabled rapid promotion and strong attendance, with partners such as Brandt, local government, grower groups, and experienced presenters helping to amplify outreach, share resources and attract a diverse cross-section of producers. These relationships created a cohesive delivery model where knowledge flowed easily between farmers, advisors and industry specialists.
By leveraging long-standing collaborations and community trust, the project successfully reached the right people, at the right time, with the right information—turning regional connections into demonstrable on-farm impact.
Supporting Regional Resilience
Collectively, these events demonstrate strong project momentum, high community engagement and the effective delivery of targeted, practical fodder-production knowledge. By equipping farmers with the skills and confidence to optimise hay and silage production, the project continues to support regional resilience and adaptability in the face of changing seasonal demands.
For more information or questions regarding the Future Fodder program, please contact Brodie Anderson, Project Manager - Resilience & Innovation at Food & Fibre Gippsland at brodie.anderson@foodandfibregippsland.com.au
