Thursday 29 October 2026

Locust response - current situation

Report locust activity

Seen locusts or signs of locust activity? Report them online. Your report helps Agriculture Victoria monitor locust populations and support early management efforts across Victoria.

Report online now

Can't report online? Call 136 186.

Industry-backed projects boost Victorian livestock biosecurity

Agriculture Victoria has announced $13.78 million in grants through the 2026 Livestock Biosecurity Funds Grant Program to strengthen Victoria’s biosecurity system and help protect livestock industries from pests and diseases.

The program will support 36 projects across the state, investing in practical initiatives that improve livestock health, strengthen biosecurity preparedness and support industry resilience.

Agriculture Victoria Chief Executive Officer Beth Jones said the grants reflect the important role industry-led projects play in protecting Victoria's livestock industries.

Supporting our farming communities

Agriculture Victoria continues to support agricultural and pastoral societies to bring regional communities together, support local economies and promote Victorian agriculture.

Agriculture Victoria Chief Executive Beth Jones said as part of the latest round of Agricultural and Pastoral Society Grants, 46 successful organisations from across the state have been offered grants of up to $10,000.

‘Successful recipients will use their grants to strengthen Victoria’s agricultural communities through projects that provide new or upgraded facilities, enhance public amenities, upgrade essential infrastructure for electricity and water supply.

H5 bird flu

Looking after your wellbeing during H5 bird flu

H5 bird flu is present in wild birds in Victoria. The risk to the general public remains low. Bird flu rarely spreads to humans.

Many Victorians care deeply about wildlife and may feel upset when they see sick or dead birds or hear reports of the continued impact of bird flu.

Victorians are being encouraged to look after their mental health and wellbeing and seek support if they feel worried or distressed by seeing sick or dead birds in the environment.

People can support their wellbeing by:

• getting information from trusted sources
• limiting repeated exposure to distressing news coverage
• talking with family, friends or colleagues about any concerns
• seeking support early, if they are feeling overwhelmed, from their GP or by getting free support from a Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in their area.

Spending time outdoors and connecting with community can have a positive impact on our mental health and wellbeing.

People do not need to avoid parks, beaches, schools, workplaces or other public spaces simply because birds are present.

If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife, do not touch them. 

• Avoid direct contact. 
• Record what you see. 
• Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on tel:1800 675 888 or use the form below.

Prolapsed livestock must not be transported

Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer, Northern Region

Livestock with a vaginal, uterine or rectal prolapse are not fit for transport and must not be loaded under Australian animal welfare standards.

A prolapse occurs when internal tissue protrudes outside the body.

Common types include:

• vaginal prolapse, which usually occurs in late pregnancy,
• uterine prolapse, which can occur soon after calving or lambing,
• rectal prolapse, often linked to excessive straining, coughing, diarrhoea, or dietary factors.

Weaner management: keeping up the momentum

Ralph Behrendt, Senior Technical Specialist - Sheep and Beef Networks

After 2 tough years, many farmers across the state now have good numbers of lambs on the ground approaching weaning time.

Weaning is a routine job on the calendar. But for lambs, it is one of the biggest changes they will face.

Overnight, they move from relying on mum to find feed and guiding their day, to becoming a member of a new flock with a new hierarchy, where they need to find feed and water, and cope with weather, worms and other health challenges.

Most weaning problems can be reduced with good planning, preparation and regular monitoring.

Hot hay, high risk

Michele Jolliffe, Dairy Extension Officer, Hamilton

Harvest has started and so has the risk of heating hay. Every year, Victorian farmers lose hay, machinery and sheds to hay fires caused by heating bales. A few simple checks in the weeks after baling can help prevent a costly and potentially dangerous fire.

The good news is that with regular monitoring and early action, many hay fires can be prevented.

Don't assume the job is finished

Once hay is stacked, it's important to keep checking it over the following weeks. If hay is baled before all the forage has fully cured, a series of biological and chemical processes may cause the hay to heat up once it's baled.

Damp or green hay creates the perfect conditions for bacteria and fungi to grow. As these micro-organisms break down plant material, heat builds up within the stack. If temperatures continue to rise unchecked, the hay can eventually ignite.

In addition to fire risk, this process also reduces the nutritional value and quality of the hay.

If heating goes unnoticed, temperatures can continue to rise. Once hay reaches around 70°C, the risk of spontaneous combustion increases significantly.

Applications sought for key livestock and biosecurity advisory roles

Agriculture Victoria is calling for expressions of interest from people with skills, experience and industry knowledge to serve on 4 statutory ministerial advisory committees that support Victoria's cattle, sheep, goat, swine and honey bee industries.

Applications are now open for chair and member positions on the:

• Apicultural Industry Advisory Committee
• Swine Industry Projects Advisory Committee
• Cattle Compensation Advisory Committee
• Sheep and Goat Compensation Advisory Committee

Backing communities to tackle weeds and pests

The Victorian Government is helping communities tackle invasive weeds and pest animals, protecting local farms, waterways and native wildlife.

Minister for Agriculture Michaela Settle recently announced 16 community groups will share more than $600,000 through Round 5 of the Partnerships Against Pests Grants Program.

AI bushfire camera boost ahead of summer fire season

Victoria is expanding its network of AI-powered bushfire cameras, using advanced technology to detect fires earlier and help keep communities safer.

Minister Settle announced funding over the next three years to expand the bushfire detection camera network.

Drought support

As we move into the warmer months, support is still available for farmers across Victoria.   

Manage current conditions, access practical advice and plan ahead with more confidence with:   

• Rural Financial Counselling Service Wellbeing Counsellors - free, confidential wellbeing support alongside its usual financial and business counselling support.  

• Drought support events – workshops and events across the state supporting farmers in drought and recovery.   

To view the full range of financial, technical and wellbeing support available, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or phone 136 186.      

On-Farm Energy and Electrification Demonstration program information session

When: Thursday 29 October, 1–2:30 pm
Where: Online

The On-Farm Energy and Electrification Demonstration (OFEED) Program aims to accelerate the uptake of proven and new-to-market energy technologies across Victoria’s agriculture sector, through industry-led demonstration projects.

Up to $5 million in grant funding is available to deliver the OFEED program. Grants of $200,000 to $750,000 are available for successful applicants to showcase energy technologies that can:

• improve on-farm energy efficiency
• reduce fuel, gas or energy consumption
• generate renewable energy
• provide energy storage on farm.

This webinar event will provide further details about the program guidelines, including eligibility, project expectations, eligible expenditure. co-funding and knowledge-sharing expectations.

What's On

PPS Spring Farm Tour - Mount Lonarch

When: Sunday 8 November from 10 am
Where: 1504 Amphitheatre Road, Mount Lonarch

Perennial Pasture Systems is hosting a Spring Farm Tour at Howell Pastoral.

Hear about pasture management and stock containment, with lunch included. The event is free to attend, but please book to assist with catering.

Contact Sinead Barker on 0448 708 651 if you have any questions.

The Mitey Varroa update - webinar 

When: Tuesday 10 November 7 pm
Where: online

Do you rely on European honey bees for pollination? 

Join this free webinar to learn how Varroa mite is affecting industries that rely on pollination in Victoria. Find out how you can prepare for changes that may affect your industry and business. 

Hear from Joe Riordan from Bee Sure and Matt Lorenz from Lorenz Apiaries. They will cover: 

• changes to pollination services 
• how to find a suitable beekeeper 
• how many hives you may need 
• current pollination trends 
• a beekeeper’s perspective on pollination. 

GV Future Orchards Walk and FGV AGM

When: Thursday 12 November 11:30 am to 2:30 pm
Where: 90 Minchin Road, Ardmona 3629

Join us for a practical session on key orchard management topics.

Featured speakers

• Marcel Veens – Horticultural Advisor
  Marcel will share his practical advice and experience on important orchard management strategies, including chemical thinning on bravos, cracking in cherries and apples and managing vigor through irrigation in pears.

• Nick O'Halloran – Agriculture Victoria
  Nick will discuss water budgeting and irrigation scheduling using the new Water Budgeting Tool.

• Bayer Crop Science – FGV Gold Partner
  Bayer will provide an update on what's latest in crop protection, nutrition and innovation for your orchard.

Stock Sense - Gisborne fencing workshop

When: Friday 20 November, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Where: Gisborne

Learn how to install practical new fencing and build confidence using the right tools, materials and techniques.

The workshop will also cover how to inspect, maintain and repair existing fences to extend their working life.

Participants will gain hands-on experience and practical tips that can be applied on their own properties.

Stock Sense will lead a discussion on the importance of biosecurity and best-practice measures to help protect your farm.

Exact location will be sent out closer to the date.

Irrigation management course

When: Friday 25 November and Wednesday 9 December, 9 am – 4:30 pm
Where: 308-390 Koorlong Avene, Irymple

Agriculture Victoria invites you to join a free 2-day session providing information on irrigation management aimed at maximising farm profitability and efficiency.

Topics covered

• Soil water principles
• Irrigation of Mallee soils
• Readily available water (RAW) holding capacity
• Irrigation system performance
• Leaching efficiency and nutrient management
• Irrigation scheduling
• Water outlook

To attend this course please register by emailing irrigation@agriculture.vic.gov.au

GRDC events

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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