Thursday 6 March 2025

Drought support events program

Agriculture Victoria continues to support drought-affected farmers in south west Victoria with an ongoing program of events. Check out the events being delivered as part of the Drought Support Package.

Summer weeds are flourishing in the south west

Above: Heliotrope

While summer rain is helpful for pasture and crop growth, it also promotes the growth of toxic weeds.

Heliotrope, also known as potato weed, is one of the toxic weeds germinating following recent and sporadic rain in the south west.

Agriculture Victoria Meat and Wool Livestock Industry Development Officer Dr Hannah Manning said these plants flourish in degraded pastures after summer rain so the conditions have been perfect for weed growth.

‘Heliotrope contains a toxin known as pyrrolizidine alkaloid that damages livestock’s’ liver, which is also the same toxin that is found in Paterson’s curse,’ Dr Manning said.

‘Heliotrope is not tasty so stock tend to avoid it but if there is no other feed available, they will consume it.

‘The damage that is done is cumulative, which means, the liver damage increases each time an animal eats heliotrope. This may lead to liver failure or impaired copper metabolism leading to a build-up of copper in the liver.  

‘All animals are susceptible to heliotrope poisoning.’

Signs of liver damage associated with heliotrope poisoning often occur soon after cattle and horses are exposed to heliotrope and large losses of stock occasionally occur.

Dr Manning said sheep are more affected by chronic copper poisoning which can result in sudden death when stored copper is suddenly released from the liver leading to a haemorrhagic crisis. 

‘This can happen well after sheep have been exposed to Heliotrope.’

The control of heliotrope involves using a combination of pasture management, grazing management, cultivation, and chemical control, consult your pasture agronomist for advice.  

Dr Mary Cole wins Victorian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award

The winner of the 2025 Victorian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award has been named as Dr Mary Cole for her pioneering work in biological farming and soil microbiology, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices for future generations.

Dr Cole accepted the award at a ceremony presented by Michaela Settle MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development and Agriculture, Victoria.

The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, supported by platinum sponsor Westpac, is Australia’s leading Award in acknowledging and supporting the critical role women play in rural and regional businesses, industries and communities. It is an opportunity to celebrate forward-thinking, courageous leaders who represent some of the most vast and remote areas of Victoria.

Dr Cole received a $15,000 grant from Westpac to further support her project as well as the opportunity to undertake a professional development course of her choosing. She will go on to represent Victoria at the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award Gala Dinner and National Announcement in Canberra later in the year, where the National Winner will be awarded an additional $20,000 Westpac grant and the National Runner Up, an additional $15,000.

An internationally recognised expert in mycology, plant pathology, and soil microbiology, Dr Cole has dedicated her career to advocating for biological farming practices that regenerate soil health, reduce synthetic chemical use, and improve the long-term sustainability of Australian agriculture.

'For more than 45 years, I have been working to promote biological farming methods that not only sustain the land but also ensure farmers remain financially viable for generations to come,' Dr Cole said.

'Through education, research, and on-farm application, I have seen first-hand how prioritising soil health can transform agricultural productivity, reduce farmer input costs, and protect the environment. This award will allow me to expand my work, reaching more farmers and communities with solutions that are cost-effective and regenerative.'

John Harvey, AgriFutures Australia Managing Director, said Dr Cole’s work exemplifies the powerful contributions women are making in rural, regional and remote communities.

'The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is a platform for women who are driving meaningful change and shaping the future of regional industries,' Mr Harvey said.

'This Award not only recognises their impact but also equips them with the support and leadership skills to continue building a stronger, more resilient regional Australia.'

Mandy Hehir, Regional General Manager, Central VIC/Gippsland, Regional and Agribusiness for Platinum Sponsor Westpac, said congratulations to Dr Mary Cole on being named the Victorian State winner of the 2025 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

'Dr Cole’s commitment to sustainable agricultural practices through her work in biological farming and soil microbiology is outstanding and we are delighted to award her the Victorian title.'

Westpac is proud to be a long-term platinum sponsor of the award and champion women who are driving positive change in rural Australia. It is an honour to support these remarkable women who are helping to build a better future for our regions, and we look forward to celebrating them at the national award ceremony in September.

Spot and report: Help stop salvinia 

The only species of Salvinia recorded in Victoria is Salvinia molesta – a highly invasive State prohibited weed.  

Salvinia has two kinds of leaves, floating and underwater. It is illegal to grow, display, buy, sell or share salvinia anywhere in Victoria.  

Use the 3D model of salvinia to get an extreme close-up of salvinia to help you identify and target this threat.  

Report salvinia by calling 136 186, emailing weed.spotters@agriculture.vic.gov.au or online agriculture.vic.gov.au/salvinia 

Report sick or dead birds or wildlife

High pathogenicity avian influenza (bird flu) has been detected in poultry in the Euroa area within Strathbogie Shire. Control measures are in place to prevent further spread. 
 
Learn more at agriculture.vic.gov.au/avianflu 
 
Report any unexplained sick or dead poultry or birds to the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226. 

Read the latest on the situation on our website 

Apply for an On-Farm Drought Infrastructure grant today

Eligible drought-affected farmers in the south west can now apply for up to $5,000 in co-contribution grants to support establishing on-farm infrastructure such as:

• 💧 water infrastructure upgrades (pipes, tanks, troughs, dams)
• 🐑 stock containment areas
• 🌾 grain and fodder storage.

For more information visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or call 136 186

In case you missed it 📰

Media articles

Avian influenza detected at fourth Euroa property

Maintain ground cover to protect soils

What's On

Details about Agriculture Victoria events can now be found in one spot at agriculture.vic.gov.au/events.

HERD 25

Herd'25 is a biennial conference with a program tailored to attract the herd improvement, genetics and animal performance industry. 

Register on Trybooking

Location: All Seasons Resort Hotel, Bendigo
Date: 12-13 March

Low emissions farming with Cam Nicholson

A free workshop designed to equip farmers with the information and resources they need to track and manage their farm carbon emissions

Register with Wimmera CMA online here or contact Bronwyn Bant at bronwyn.bant@wcma.vic.gov.au

Location: Great Western Hall, 103 Main St, Great Western
Date: 17 March, 2-6 pm

Location: Taylors Lake Hall, 2032 Horsham-Lubeck Road, St Helen's Plains
Date: 18 March, 1-5 pm

Birchip Cropping Group events

Looking after your livestock, looking after you – Stawell

North Park Community Sports Centre, Lamont Street, Stawell 

9 am – 3 pm

Farmers are invited to a one-day workshop to help keep you and your animals during challenging times.

Dr Jane Gaussen offers a range of livestock veterinary services for sheep, cattle, goats and alpacas in western Victoria and southeast South Australia.

Topics:

• Minimising livestock stress to maximise outcomes
• Optimising performance in a challenging season
• Animal health management and disease prevention.

Dr Julie Rowse, Mental health occupational therapist, has a family background in business management and mixed farming in western Victoria. She knows how important it is for farming families to look after their mental health to be productive and perform at their best.

Topics:

• Understanding the importance of caring for your mental health
• The ‘Stress Bucket’ – what fills it up and what drains it
• 12 simple and practical strategies to improve your mental health
• A plan to help keep you going and to thrive.

Numbers are limited and registration is essential. Morning tea and lunch will be included.

For further information contact Felicity Pritchard on 0448 146 604 or at felicity.pritchard@agriculture.vic.gov.au

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 the National Relay Service on 133 677 or www.relayservice.gov.au

All contact points can be found at: agriculture.vic.gov.au/about-us/contact-us

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