The VFF MOFS team is partnering with Real Skills Ag Training to deliver a series of practical, safety-focused pre-harvest workshops across regional Victoria ahead of harvest.
Harvest is traditionally one of the most dangerous times of the year, with increased machinery and traffic, seasonal and inexperienced workers, time pressure and fatigue, elevated fire risk and grain-handling hazards all converging during a short and demanding period.
VFF President Ryan Milgate said the workshops would give farmers, growers and their teams practical tools to manage risks before the pressure of harvest begins.
“Harvest is one of the busiest and most demanding times on the farm, and that’s when small risks can quickly become serious incidents.”
“These workshops are about making sure farmers, growers and their teams are prepared before the pressure hits and knowing where the risks are, communicating clearly and making sure everyone goes home safely at the end of the day.”
“I saw an immediate change in how we operate on our own farm after attending a previous pre-sowing workshop. It wasn’t just ticking a box, it changed the way we talk about risk every day.”
“Given the workshops are being held on the school holidays it’s an excellent opportunity to bring the whole family along. It’s never too early to build good habits, and having the whole family and farm team on the same page is critical when harvest gets busy,” Mr Milgate said.
The VFF-funded workshops will be delivered by Troy Smith of Real Skills Ag Training across Ouyen, Echuca, Lake Bolac, Donald and Swan Hill from 21 to 24 September 2026.
Sessions will focus on practical safety issues relevant to real farm conditions, including:
- Machinery and operations: headers, augers, chaser bins, trucks, tractors and entanglement risks
- Fire prevention and response: risk factors, prevention, detection and response
- Powerline safety: awareness and emergency response
- Fatigue and human factors: managing hours and decision-making
- Traffic management: coordinating machinery, trucks and contractors
- Grain handling and storage: silo and auger safety and confined-space risks
- Environmental conditions: dust, low visibility, heat and dehydration
- Emergency preparedness: response planning and communication
Farmers, growers, workers and contractors across the five regions are encouraged to book a place ahead of harvest.
WORKSHOP DETAILSDates: 21–24 September 2026;
Locations: Ouyen, Jarklin, Lake Bolac, Donald and Swan Hill;
Delivered by: Troy Smith, Real Skills Ag Training.