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Thursday 27 August 2026
H5 bird flu update: Poultry housing requirements
As H5 bird flu continues to spread, housing requirements have been extended for at least 28 days for poultry flocks of 50 or more birds along the south of the state.
Poultry owners in these areas must continue to house their birds or otherwise take measures to prevent contact with wild birds wherever practical.
Confining poultry is still recommended in other areas, where possible.
Housing poultry is an additional risk mitigation option aimed at reducing exposure of poultry to infected wildlife. Wild birds are a known source of H5 bird flu.
Stringent biosecurity practices remain essential.
The ACCC non-enforcement of free-range labelling applies for up to 90 days while a housing order or a recommendation is in place.
If you notice unexplained illness or deaths in your birds, report it immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
H5 bird flu: precautions for pets
While the risk of H5 bird flu in pets is extremely low, it's best to take precautions.
If you're out walking your dog or spending time outdoors:
- Keep dogs on a lead in areas with native wildlife
- Don't allow pets to investigate or eat dead animals
- Stop cats from roaming and hunting wildlife.
These simple actions help protect pets, wildlife and curbs the spread of disease.
If you suspect H5 bird flu in birds, mammals, poultry or other captive birds, report it immediately by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or to DEECA online.
For more information about responsible pet ownership and legal requirements, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/animalwelfare
Locust Champions help farmers prepare for spring risk
Pictured: Australian Plague Locust lifecycle indicating recommended stages for insecticide application.
Agriculture Victoria is encouraging landholders to prepare for a higher risk of Australian plague locust activity in parts of north-west Victoria this spring, with its network of Locust Champions helping communities monitor and respond to potential outbreaks.
The Locust Champions program connects landholders with local Agriculture Victoria staff who can provide information, advice and regional insights on locust activity and management.
Agriculture Victoria Seasonal Risk Agronomist and Echuca-based Locust Champion, Dale Boyd said favourable seasonal conditions had increased the risk of locust activity across parts of Victoria.
Biosecurity Reference Group EOIs extended
We're looking for diverse voices to help shape Victoria's biosecurity system.
Applications are open for the third term of the Biosecurity Reference Group, which brings together people from across sectors, regions and communities to contribute to the implementation of Victoria's Biosecurity Strategy.
Members have the opportunity to work with industry, communities and government to influence collective action across the biosecurity system and champion biosecurity within their networks.
No previous board experience is required.
Applications close: Sunday 6 September at 11.59 pm.
Wimmera farmer fined $15,000 for sheep neglect
Wallup sheep farmer Adrian Schwarz has been fined $15,000 without conviction at Horsham Magistrates' Court and ordered to pay $301.53 in costs in relation to 4 animal cruelty charges involving 11 individual sheep and a flock of 691 sheep.
Investigations at Mr Schwarz’s property commenced in March 2024 following an animal welfare complaint where officers found sheep in long wool, in a bare paddock with no supplementary feed.
Officers witnessed sheep with visible dags, stained wool and suffering from flystrike without treatment during visits.
Downer cows demand quick action during spring
Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer, Northern Region
As spring calving gets underway, livestock producers are reminded that a cow found unable to stand could be suffering from a range of conditions, some of which require urgent treatment.
Early diagnosis can improve the chances of recovery, reduce financial losses and safeguard animal welfare.
"Downer cows", as they are known, could be affected by physical injuries, metabolic disease or severe infections, with each requiring a different management approach.
Biosecurity = food security
Working in freight, logistics or warehousing?
Every shipment, pallet and package plays a role in Australia’s biosecurity. Pests and diseases can hitchhike on goods, packaging and equipment, putting our farms, environment and economy at risk.
Know the biosecurity risks. Check and choose trusted suppliers.
Stay alert and report anything suspicious because strong logistics and supply chains help keep pests and diseases out and Australia moving.
Significant Disease Investigation program research
Agriculture Victoria is undertaking an evaluation, from a producer’s perspective, of the Significant Disease Investigation (SDI) program. The program provides subsidies to private veterinarians to undertake comprehensive investigations of significant disease events. It also provides subsidies to livestock producers when they engage a private veterinarian to investigate a disease outbreak.
This program ultimately enhances Victoria’s ability to detect and to respond to suspect emergency animal diseases and subsequently helps to boost Australia’s overall surveillance capacity.
The aim of the research is to understand how the SDI program can best support producers, as well as deliver the desired animal disease surveillance outcomes. Feedback from cattle producers who have used the program will help to shape future improvements.
If you have participated in the SDI program and would like to share your experience, please contact Will Daniel from Verian Research on will.daniel@veriangroup.com
Participants will receive a $150 e-gift card for sharing your thoughts with Verian via a one-on-one conversation.
Registrations for free clean-up program close Monday
There is still time to register to get help to demolish and remove debris from your structures damaged in the January 2026 bushfires.
Registrations close 5 pm this Monday 31 August.
Call the Emergency Recovery Hotline on 1800 560 760 and select option 3 or fill in the form at www.vic.gov.au/clean-support-january-2026-bushfires
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
H5 bird flu update – backyard poultry and pet birds
When: Friday 28 August, 1:30-2:30 pm
Where: Online
Join us for an update on H5N1 bird flu and Victoria’s preparedness efforts.
DEECA speakers:
- Cameron Bell, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer
- Lisa Brown, Veterinary Officer.
Our speakers will discuss the current situation in Victoria and the potential impacts on backyard poultry and pet birds. We will talk about what signs to look for, how to report sick birds and practical biosecurity measures for your backyard flock.
We will also provide an overview of DEECA’s preparedness and response arrangements, potential biodiversity impacts and the important role communities play in surveillance, preparedness and response.
Importantly, we want this session to be a conversation. We are keen to hear your perspectives, questions and experiences, and to better understand what information, support and practical assistance you may need as we continue to prepare together. The Q&A will be running and the webinar will be recorded.
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.
Feedbase Focus – Rokewood
When: Wednesday 2 September, 9 am start
Where: SFS Rokewood trial site, 1231 Rokewood-Shelford Road, Shelford
Cost: Members free, non-members $30
Join us for a hands-on field day showcasing pasture and livestock farming systems, with expert presentations and live demonstrations.
- Hear from leading industry experts
- Explore proof-of-concept pasture trials
- Visit partner exhibits and displays.
Lunch included. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical insights and connect with fellow producers.
Farm fire preparedness webinar
When: Wednesday 2 September, 7–8:15 pm
Where: Online
Are you a new property owner, manage livestock, or want to improve your farm fire preparation? Preparing for bushfire season is essential for all farmers and landholders.
Join Agriculture Victoria's farm fire preparedness webinar. Hear from Kylie Macreadie who will share practical steps, tools, and templates to help you identify risks and develop a farm fire plan.
You'll hear firsthand from a landholder about their experience of fire events, including preparedness, putting plans into action, and recovery afterwards. Gain valuable insights to help prepare your people, property and livestock.
Registration is essential. Zoom details will be sent upon registration.
WorkSafe Noise Basics workshop
When: 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.
Mental health first aid training
Lake Bolac: Monday 14 and Tuesday 15 September, 9 am – 3 pm
Where: Lake Bolac Bush Nursing Centre, 155 Montgomery Street, Lake Bolac
Woomelang: Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 September, 9 am – 3 pm
Where: Woomelang and District Bush Nursing Centre, 16 Proctor Street, Woomelang
Harrow: Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 September, 9 am – 3 pm
Where: Bush Nursing Centre, 24 Blair Street, Harrow
Balmoral: Thursday 1 and 2 October, 9 am – 3 pm
Where: Bush Nursing Centre, 26-28 Bell Street, Balmoral
Do you know how to safely respond when someone says they are struggling?
This free course equips participants with skills to recognise and safely respond to mental health concerns. Participants will receive an accredited Certificate of Completion upon meeting requirements.
Mental health first aid is the help you give to someone developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis. This Mental Health First Aid International course will teach you the resources and competence to safely provide support.
Morning tea and lunch provided.
Profitable and resilient farms – Lake Bolac
When: Wednesday 16 September, 9 am - 4 pm
Where: Lake Bolac Golf Club, Lake Bolac Complex Road, Lake Bolac
Cost: Free
This one-day workshop will help Victorian farmers make clear and confident decisions during dry and changing seasonal conditions.
Based on RCS Management principles from the Grazing for Profit school, the workshop focuses on the challenges facing your region. It looks at the practical decisions that affect farm performance, business resilience and wellbeing.
You will learn how to:
- assess feed and pasture availability
- understand the relationship between stocking rates and carrying capacity
- identify financial pressure points
- set clear decision triggers before conditions become more difficult
- make timely decisions to protect land condition and farm cash flow.
The workshop focuses on practical application. You will learn what to look for, what it means and what action to take next.
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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