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The Pasture 365 Program is a national, long-term research initiative exploring multi-species pasture systems with the aim of providing feed for livestock 365 days a year. In Gippsland, satellite trials are underway at the Ellinbank Research Farm, Gippsland Ag Group’s Bengworden site, and numerous private properties, testing these innovative pasture mixtures in local conditions.
Gippsland is emerging as a leader in the development of an industrial hemp industry, bringing together community, industry, government, and key organisations to explore opportunities for growth. After the inaugural Round Table in September in Tinamba, the work has advanced with an important meeting of minds and interest at the Orbost Hemp Forum this month (November 18-19). Representatives from the Future of Orbost & District Project, Victorian Hemp Association, Australian Hemp Council, and Food & Fibre Gippsland joined forces with local stakeholders to advance collaboration and continue to chart a path forward.
Food & Fibre Gippsland (F&FG) is pleased to share important news about our team structure, designed to strengthen the sector’s resilience and foster ongoing innovation in drought management across Gippsland. This change reflects our commitment to ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for our food and fibre industry.
50th Anniversary of Lardner Park Steer Trial Showcases Industry Insights and Opportunity
This month Food & Fibre Gippsland’s Brodie Anderson, Project Manager – Resilience and Innovation, and Rod Hayes, Senior Manager – Resilience and Innovation, attended the Lardner Park Beef Field Day, a cornerstone event in Gippsland’s food and fibre calendar on November 14th. The field day this year marked a significant milestone—the 50th anniversary of the Lardner Park Steer Trial.
Opal and European Energy Australia have announced an exciting new collaboration that marks a significant step toward advancing renewable energy and circular economy initiatives in Gippsland. The companies have commenced a feasibility study at Opal’s Maryvale Paper Mill to assess the potential for carbon capture of biogenic CO₂ and its conversion into e-methanol, a sustainable fuel.
We are pleased to share the key outcomes from our Annual General Meeting (AGM), held recently, with our members, our Board and leadership team. The meeting was an opportunity to reflect on the past year, celebrate our achievements, and set a clear direction for the year ahead.
Gippsland is exploring a bold new direction for its fibre industry — and industrial hemp is at the heart of it.
In late September, leaders from across government, industry, and community gathered in Tinamba for the inaugural Gippsland Industrial Hemp Roundtable. The event, hosted by the Future of Orbost & District (FoOD) project in partnership with Food and Fibre Gippsland, marked a significant milestone in the region’s journey toward post-timber transition and sustainable economic development.
Food & Fibre Gippsland and GAgG’s joint approach for hosting the Spring Field Day in October was to represents an effective model for revitalising agricultural extension—one that is collaborative, grounded in real-world experience, and focused on profitability and sustainability. The event showcased the power of farmer-led innovation in building drought resilience across the region.
The Gippsland Agricultural Group (GAgG) hosted its highly anticipated Spring Field Day on Thursday 23 October at the Gippsland Research Farm, Bairnsdale Airport. The event brought together farmers, researchers, and industry experts to share practical insights aimed at strengthening drought resilience across the region.
Food & Fibre Gippsland hosted a landmark event in November 2025 that brought together industry leaders, government representatives, and international partners to explore transformative opportunities for Gippsland’s future.
The Food & Fibre Gippsland (F&FG) team recently attended the 2025 Gippsland New Energy Conference (GNEC25), held on 10 and 11 September at the Traralgon Arts Centre, with CEO Simon Johnson and staff, Brodie Anderson, Amanda Gould, and Rod Hayes participating.
It was a pleasure for the Food & Fibre Gippsland team to attend the TAFE Gippsland Awards night this month. We always welcome the opportunity to share the success of our youth as they build their skills and prepare for careers in our sector.
Trevor Caithness, Nuffield Scholar and seasoned Gippsland farmer with over 40 years of experience, delivered a compelling presentation at FutureAg 2025, held at the Melbourne Showgrounds. Representing the Gippsland Agricultural Group (GAgG), Trevor highlighted the transformative potential of the Growing More Topsoils project, a farmer-led initiative aimed at regenerating soil health across Central and East Gippsland.
Food & Fibre Gippsland is pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Johnson as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 2 July 2025.
Simon brings over two decades of leadership experience and a deep commitment to the region’s food and fibre industries. With a 20-year tenure at CHEP, A Brambles Company, and more recently as owner-operator of the iconic Tinamba Hotel, Simon blends strategic business acumen with grassroots regional engagement.
Awareness and engagement of the “Accelerating the Engagement of CaLD Workforce into Victorian Agricultural Communities Project” is constantly increasing. Coordinator, Bonnie Reeves has been engaging with producers, growers and workers within the Macalister Irrigation District (MID) to capture local data on industry operations in relation to farm management, employment, current industry barriers, and identifying systems and areas that can be improved to support both farm managers, CALD employees, and communities seeking employment within local agriculture.
Food & Fibre Gippsland (F&FG) continues to play a key role in building drought resilience through its involvement with the Future Drought Fund (FDF). As Gippsland’s Southeast Node Lead in the Victorian Drought & Innovation Hub, F&FG is delivering on-ground programs that strengthen preparedness, business capability, and community resilience.
Across April and May, Food & Fibre Gippsland, in collaboration with local partners, delivered a successful series of Drought Resilience Workshops in Wonthaggi, Leongatha, Warragul, and Yarram. These workshops brought together a diverse mix of participants and formed part of the Helping Regional Communities Prepare For Drought - Community Impact Program.
Rod Hayes has been named acting CEO, Food & Fibre Gippsland, effective immediately. With extensive experience in the ag sector, the board is certain his leadership through this period of transition will serve Food & Fibre Gippsland and its members exceptionally well.
Food & Fibre Gippsland announces CEO Ben Gebert's resignation. After five years of dedicated service, he pursues a new opportunity. The board wishes him well and will soon announce interim leadership.
Nestled on the border of Bunyip State Park at the gateway to Gippsland, there’s a living example of native botanicals and bush foods grown in harmony with the natural environment.
Peppermint Ridge Farm is a unique agribusiness that has successfully integrated horticulture, eco-tourism, education, value-added products and hospitality.
Owner and director, Julie Weatherhead was acknowledged by the judges in last year’s Gippsland Food and Fibre Awards for her exceptional approach to education, sharing her vast knowledge from a sustainable business model. Read more about Peppermint Ridge Farm in our feature article.
After successfully delivering the ‘Green Dams’ project in Cape Liptrap, South Gippsland Landcare Network has received further funding to implement a second phase of the program at a farm in Arawata.
Owned by Sandra Jefford and Wilco Droppert, Wilandra Farms was recognised in the 2024 Gippsland Food and Fibre Awards for its exemplary sustainable farming practices.
Certified organic since 2020, Wilandra Farms operates on a philosophy of regenerative methods of farming to improve the quality of available natural resources. They utilise energy harvested through wind and solar, and have undertaken extensive plantings of native trees and agroforestry species. Wilandra Farms have shared their sustainability story with us.
Gippsland Research Farm is currently the site of a project which actively aims to build more topsoil, with an outlook on improving adaptability to climate variation. In addition to increasing the soil’s nutrient holding capacity, ‘Growing More Topsoil’ seeks to answer two specific questions:
Can we double the water holding capacity of our top soil?
Can we extend our top soil from 150mm to 300mm deep?
Funded through the Future Drought Fund and delivered by Gippsland Agricultural Group (GAgG), the initiative has been underway since mid-2023 and is beginning to produce visible results. In October, progress was showcased at this year’s GAgG Spring Field Day.
After winning Gippsland Agribusiness of the Year in May, Mawarra Genetics has been sponsored to attend Northern Europe’s largest agricultural trade fair. Members of the Sykes family are about to embark on an international study tour that will incorporate many promising business engagements across Denmark and neighbouring nations.
A project that seeks to double the water holding capacity of topsoil is one of a number of initiatives that are seeking to enhance the drought preparedness and resilience of Gippsland’s agricultural industries and rural communities.
With support from the Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption & Innovation Hub and the Federal Government's Future Drought Fund, an innovative project is underway which aims to find a forage mix that can grow successfully 365 days of the year.
Funding to extend the Vic Hub - Gippsland Node drought program was recently provided by the Commonwealth’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). We're working closely with Gippsland Agricultural Group and South Gippsland Landcare Network to continue established projects which build drought preparedness in Gippsland.
During an evening of music, great company and fine Gippsland produce, the winners of the 2024 Gippsland Food and Fibre Awards were announced at Maffco Brewery & Distillery.
South Gippsland Landcare Network recently hosted a field day to share information about - and learning from - the highly successful ‘Green Dams’ project in Tarwin Lower.
More than 60 vegetable growers and agronomists attended a drone demonstration night in Middle Tarwin earlier this month. Food & Fibre Gippsland’s VegNET Regional Development Officer Emily Scott coordinated the event in partnership with Schreurs & Sons, Syngenta, and E.E. Muir & Sons.