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Thursday 6 August 2026
H5 bird flu update
Surveillance activities continue across Victoria following the detection of H5 bird flu in wild birds along the state's south west coastline.
Preliminary testing at Victoria's state lab, AgriBio, has identified 33 further suspect cases of H5 bird flu, including 30 greater crested terns, one gull, one inconclusive magpie and one unidentified bird. Samples are now undergoing further confirmatory testing at CSIRO's Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness.
The 33 suspect cases are in addition to the 7 already confirmed cases in Victoria.
These suspect cases are the result of community reports and aerial and on-ground surveillance along the south west coast that took place over the weekend.
The growing cases indicate that H5 bird flu is present in the crested tern population in the region, and the community can expect to see an increase in the number of sick or dead terns in the coming weeks.
Grants for timber and fibre businesses to innovate
The new $12 million Timber and Fibre Innovation Fund is backing Victorian businesses to develop new products, scale up innovation and reach new markets.
The fund will support businesses to create new products from timber and plant based fibres for use in Australia and overseas.
It will help turn ideas into full production, supporting jobs and building a more future ready timber and fibre sector.
Applications are open now.
Be on the lookout for foot problems in sheep
Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer
Unusual seasonal conditions often lead to animal health and welfare issues.
The relatively wet and warm winter we have experienced up until now has led to an abundance of feed, making sheep unusually heavy. Coupled with wet pastures or muddy ground, this leads to them being susceptible to foot abscess or footrot.
For most producers, foot abscess and footrot are conditions usually associated with a wet spring.
A question often asked will be, ‘Is it foot abscess or footrot?’
A sheep with foot abscess will usually be very lame in just one foot. Conversely, footrot will invariably affect more than one foot.
Understanding the risks of Q fever
Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer
At times, Q fever is contracted by people who may not have realised that they were at risk.
Q fever is caused by a bacterium called Coxiella burnetii. The disease was first identified in Queensland in the 1930s, but at the time scientists didn't know what caused it. It was named 'Q fever', with the 'Q' standing for 'query'.
Q fever is one of several diseases that are transmissible from animals to humans. Such diseases are known as zoonotic diseases.
Cattle, sheep and goats are the most common sources of infection in humans. Infection generally occurs through the inhalation of infected material.
Prepare now for spring plague locust hatchings
Now is the time to prepare for spring plague locust hatchings
The risk of plague locusts has increased across Victoria due to favourable autumn and winter conditions, more egg laying, and high locust numbers in New South Wales and South Australia. Egg hatching is expected to occur sooner than originally predicted.
Mallee: moderate to high chance of high locust numbers in spring, with hatching expected from mid-September.
Wimmera: low to moderate chance of high locust numbers in spring, with hatching expected from late September.
Now is the time to prepare:
- check paddocks, roadsides and bare or lightly grassed areas for egg beds
- learn what young locusts look like
- get your chemical and management plans ready.
Spraying is most effective about 2 weeks after hatching, when young locusts can’t fly and start to band together.
See locusts? Report them to us. Early reporting helps track locust movements and supports timely management responses.
Young Farmers Upskill and Invest Scholarship closes 14 August
Don't miss out, apply today!
If you’re working in agriculture and looking to build your skills or invest back into your business, the Young Farmers Upskill and Invest Scholarship is closing on Friday 14 August.
Since 2015, the program has been supporting young Victorian farmers to take the next step in their careers - from learning new skills to delivering on-farm improvements.
You could receive:
- Up to $5,000 for training or study
- Up to $5,000 to put your skills into practice.
Building a new home for animals in Ballarat
Works will start on the Ballarat Regional Animal Facility this month.
Minister Michaela Settle and Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison turned the sod for the new purpose-built animal shelter, located on Waringa Drive in Mitchell Park.
The City of Ballarat and representatives from H Troon and Architecture Matters also celebrated the sod turn.
The new facility will improve animal welfare services in the Ballarat region by providing a state-of-the-art facility to care for lost, stray and surrendered pets.
Australian-first Stubble Quail GPS tracking research begins in Victoria
The Game Management Authority (GMA) has partnered with Deakin University to conduct an Australian-first research project that will use GPS tracking technology to better understand the movements, habitat use and behaviour of Stubble Quail.
The new study aims to understand what drives Stubble Quail movement, which habitats they use and when and how they respond to environmental conditions and changing land management. This improved ecological understanding will help to ensure sustainable management of Stubble Quail hunting in Victoria.
Celebrating National Biosecurity Week
Biosecurity benefits us all, and we each have a part to play in protecting Australia from exotic pests and diseases.
National Biosecurity Week raises awareness and showcases the collaborative efforts of government, industry, peak bodies and the community in protecting the Australian way of life.
Bushfire information
Following a bushfire there is a lot to consider when it comes to caring for livestock and getting your farm back on track.
To assist in making decisions for your on-farm recovery, a range of practical technical information and advice is available on our website.
You can also speak to an Agriculture Recovery team member on 136 186 or by contacting recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Grants and Concessional Loans
Has your farm been impacted by bushfires?
The Victorian Government has measures to support Victorian primary producers affected by the January 2026 bushfires.
You may be eligible for a recovery grant or a concessional loan to help with cleanup, restoration and rebuilding. A full list of eligible activities is included in the program guidelines.
When applying for a grant or loan, it’s important that you don’t self-assess and if you’re unsure of your eligibility, contact Rural Finance with any questions.
Applications are now open and will close at 4 pm on 21 October 2026.
You can check your eligibility via Rural Finance www.ruralfinance.com.au or call them on 1800 260 425 with any questions.
Support for farmers and workers in the south west
Drought impacted farming families and workers in the south west are encouraged to access financial support to ease cost-of-living pressures caused by prolonged drought conditions.
Up to $1,000 is available for farmers, farm employees and farm dependent contractors in 11 south west local government areas and parts of the West Wimmera Shire through Household Financial Relief Payments coordinated by the Country Women's Association (CWA).
Support through prolonged drought: Drought Hardship Loan
Pictured: RIC Drought Hardship Loans are available for farm businesses that have managed through at least 24 months of drought and expect further impacts.
The Australian Government has introduced the RIC Drought Hardship Loan to support farm businesses experiencing severe and prolonged drought.
The loan provides up to $250,000 over 5 years, at the RIC’s concessional interest rate (currently 5.18%), with a 2-year repayment holiday, to help farmers manage essential operating costs and improve cash flow during extended dry conditions.
It is available to eligible farm businesses that have managed through at least 24 months of drought and expect further impacts ahead. The loan complements other drought support and can be accessed alongside state programs.
Australian Government drought support: drought.gov.au
Managing soil acidity: Cost effective lime strategies
Dunkeld: Wednesday 12 August, 9:45 am – 1 pm
Where: Sterling Place, Supper Room, 14 Sterling Street Dunkeld
Soil acidity can quietly reduce pasture and crop performance, but with lime costs increasing, making the right decisions has never been more important. Join us for a practical, farmer-focused workshop on managing soil acidity. You'll gain practical insights into how to get the best return on your lime investment and protect one of your most valuable farm assets, your soil.
What we'll cover:
- How much lime should you apply?
- How often should you reapply?
- How can you maximise the return on your liming investment?
- Using the latest decision-support tools, including the LimeAssist Calculator and LimeAssistor webpage.
- Practical strategies tailored to your farming system.
Whether you're fine-tuning your current liming program or developing a new approach, this workshop will provide the confidence and knowledge to make informed, cost-effective decisions.
Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy drop-in session – Timboon
When: Wednesday 12 August, 12:30-3 pm
Where: Power Creek Reserve, 30 Bailey Street Timboon
This drop in session offers an opportunity for you to come and meet with the Sustainable Water Strategy Team and discuss what matters to you around water management in Western Victoria.
Water supports a range of significant economic, cultural, environmental and social values throughout western Victoria.
A new strategy provides an opportunity for the community, water sector agencies, Traditional Owners and stakeholders, such as farming and environmental groups to discuss and plan for the region’s water needs to support these values.
GRDC Grains Research Update – Managing waterlogging risk: insights from recent research
When: Tuesday 11 August, 1–1:45 pm
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Waterlogging can take a toll on yield, but the impact varies depending on paddock, season and crop. This session will reveal recent research to understand the yield impact of various levels of waterlogging on canola, faba bean and barley.
We'll also look at the costs and benefits of management options such as raised beds, land forming and subsurface drainage. The focus will be on helping growers better understand their risk and make informed decisions about long-term waterlogging management and investment.
GRDC Grains Research Update – Kaniva
When: Thursday 13 August, 9 am – 1 pm
Where: Kaniva Community Hub, 132 Budjik Street Kaniva
Cost: Free
The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Grains Research Update events are for agronomists, consultants, researchers and growers to see and discuss the latest in research and to network with their peers about how to apply new and relevant information to the latest farming systems.
Please register for catering purposes.
WorkSafe Noise Basics workshop
When: Tuesday 18 August and Thursday 3 September 9 am – 12 pm; and Wednesday 9 September 1-4 pm
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Noise Basics is a free education program helping Victorian employers who manage occupational health and safety (OHS) in small to medium businesses. Get practical tools to prevent noise-related injuries, improve safety and support a more productive workplace.
The online workshop helps you:
- improve your knowledge about the types of occupational noise and what makes it hazardous (e. g. level of noise to which employees are exposed, duration of exposure to the noise, systems of work, plant and other sources of noise at the workplace)
- improve your risk management practices in relation to occupational noise
- understand your OHS responsibilities
- spot early warning signs of an injury from occupational noise
- access free resources and support tools
- keep your workplace safe.
The workshops are designed for Victorian employers, managers and supervisors with OHS responsibilities; and small and medium-sized businesses (1-199 employees), including full-time, part-time and casual workers.
Get RIC Ready free webinar
RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) is hosting a free online Get RIC Ready webinar to help you understand if a RIC low-interest loan is right for you and get prepared to apply, so you can take the next step with confidence.
When: Wednesday 19 August, 12 pm
Where: Online
The webinar is for farmers, advisers and industry representatives keen to find out more about RIC loan eligibility, how to apply, and how RIC loans can help farmers in financial need. RIC Agri Lending Specialists and Rural Financial Counsellors will lead the session to answer your most frequently asked questions.
Can’t attend the live event? Register anyway and RIC will send you the webinar recording.
Success with succession planning – Skipton and Lake Bolac
Skipton: Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 August, 8:30 am (for 9 am start) – 2:30 pm
Where: Skipton Golf and Bowls Club, Geelong Road Skipton
Lake Bolac: Wednesday 19 August, 8:30 am (for 9 am start) – 2:30 pm
Where: Lake Bolac Football Netball Clubrooms, Frontage Road Lake Bolac
Farm business owners, partners and family members are invited to a free 1-day workshop to learn how to plan a smooth transition of their family farm.
Presenter Dr Kate Burke will work with participants to understand the success factors and common pitfalls in farm succession, ensuring the legacy continues, the business remains viable, wealth grows and families stay connected for generations to come.
Registration is essential. Numbers are limited and priority will be given to farming families before advisers.
For further information, contact Julio Vargas (0428 316 018) or Kate McCue (0407 099 793).
Farm and livestock: Water workshop
When: Wednesday 19 August, 12–4:30 pm
Where: Finlay Emporium, 21 Henty Street Casterton
Cost: Free
Join us at this practical workshop and gain insights to support future livestock water planning and management decisions.
Topics covered include:
- Livestock water supply and demand calculations
- Dam siting and construction
- Storage volume estimation
- Runoff management strategies
- Current water access requirements, including the use of groundwater, bores and guidance for pumping water from creeks and rivers
- The effects of changing land use and declining runoff over recent decades
- The Glenelg River Compensation Flow and its importance for both environmental and agricultural water security
- Guidance on the best time to access flows for stock water.
- Practical approaches to capturing, conserving, and maximising on-farm water resources, including:
- pasture roofs
- contour drains, and
- products designed to reduce evaporation losses.
The workshop will conclude with a panel discussion and question-and-answer session. Participants will have the opportunity to seek answers and discuss their own circumstances.
Lunch and afternoon tea provided.
Springing back better – strategies that count
Ballarat: Monday 17 August, 7–8:30 pm
Where: The Red Lion Hotel, 223 Main Road Ballarat
Woolsthorpe: Friday 21 August, 10:30 am – 12 pm
Where: The Union Hotel, 23 Manifold Street Woolsthorpe
Cobden: Monday 24 August, 7–8:30 pm
Where: Thompson's Hotel, 36 Curdie Street Cobden
Colac: Wednesday 26 August, 10:30 am – 12 pm
Where: Colac Bowling Club, 35 Moore Street Colac
Come along, hear what's worked for others in recent seasons, and pick up ideas to set up for spring and beyond. The discussion will cover:
- learnings and successful farm strategies that farmers have used to manage the drought and prepare for the future
- key decisions for a successful spring, including nitrogen fertiliser use and maximising fodder production.
There will be time to catch up with others over a meal.
This workshop is brought to you by Agriculture Victoria and WestVic Dairy as part of the Farm Business Resilience Program.
The FBR Program is jointly funded through the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund and the Victorian Government's Sustainability Fund.
AI in horticulture workshop – Werribee
When: Thursday 27 August, 2:30–5 pm
Where: Werribee
Victorian growers are invited to a practical demonstration on how AI can be used to support horticulture - from farm to packing shed and beyond.
Learn from two presenters about a wide variety of uses for AI, including: the different AI options available - cost, pros/cons etc privacy and data protection using AI to analyse farm and factory data AI in meetings, the pack-shed and much more.
The event will be tailored to grower questions - tell us how you would like AI to support your farming operations. Minimal cost input for maximum efficiency output.
Future-proof your family farm business – Kaniva and Hopetoun
Kaniva: Tuesday 1 September, 8:30 am – 3 pm
Where: Kaniva Community Hub, 132 Budjik Street Kaniva
Hopetoun: Thursday 3 September, 8:30 am – 3 pm
Where: Hopetoun Golf Club, Hopetoun-Rainbow Road Hopetoun
Kaniva and Hopetoun farmers are invited to a free 2-day workshop.
Learn practical planning skills to help prepare your farm business for the future. Build strategies to manage climate risk, strengthen resilience and create a more adaptable business.
Presenter Dr Kate Burke is an independent farm consultant, agri-strategist and educator. Kate has extensive experience in farm business management and works with farming families and businesses across a range of areas.
Kate will share practical insights on:
- improving farm productivity
- strengthening farm finances
- leadership, people and succession planning
- managing climate variability and uncertainty.
Participants will:
- identify what matters most to them
- learn how to improve productivity, people and profit areas of their business
- explore ways to balance growth and risk
- set priorities and create a practical plan for the future.
This workshop will give participants tools and strategies they can apply to their own farm business.
Contacting Agriculture Victoria
Call 136 186 from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call (except for mobiles and public telephones).
If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service at 133 677 or visit the National Relay Service.
All contact points can be found at: agriculture.vic.gov.au/about-us/contact-us
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