Thursday 2 October 2025

• Farm Drought Support Grants of up to $5,000 to support on-farm drought management activities like infrastructure improvements, water carting and pasture re-establishment
• expert technical support through the one-on-one farm advisory service
• local workshops and events to connect with other farmers and discuss drought issues and management strategies
• fee and duty relief package to reduce costs linked to biosecurity and food safety regulations and duties.

Find more information about drought support: www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.

Star gazing disease in livestock

Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer, Northern Region

Following the seasonal conditions we have experienced this year, there is very little standing roughage in most paddocks. This has set the scene for cases of ‘star gazing disease’ also known as polio encephalomalacia.

Polio encephalomalacia occurs when an animal lacks enough thiamine (Vitamin B1), an essential nutrient for normal body metabolism. In healthy ruminants — cattle, sheep, and goats — thiamine is produced naturally in the rumen, the first stomach, where microbes aid in breaking down food.

However, if this microbial community is disturbed, thiamine levels can become dangerously low.

Any condition that disrupts the balance of rumen microbes can lead to thiamine deficiency. This includes grain poisoning, low-fibre diets, or an excess of sulphur in feed.

The disease most commonly affects well-grown calves or lambs aged between six and twelve months old, but it can affect animals of any age or sex.

Things to look out for

 The earliest signs can be subtle: animals may seem lethargic, lose their appetite, or wander away from the herd. They may bump into objects, appear blind, or stand motionless — sometimes with their heads drooped, at other times gazing fixedly at the sky.

As the condition worsens, affected animals may experience convulsions, collapse with their head arched backward, and ultimately slip into a coma. Without treatment, death often occurs within 2 to 3 days.

But not every case is the same. Some animals are found dead without warning, while others show only mild symptoms and recover on their own.

Treatment and prevention

If caught early, the condition may potentially be reversed with an injection of thiamine, which is available without a prescription from veterinarians. Farmers are also advised to support the rest of the herd by offering high-fibre feed, which promotes a healthy rumen environment and consistent thiamine production.

Unfortunately, once blindness or paralysis occurs, the brain damage is often irreversible. In such cases, humane euthanasia is usually the only option.

Farmers are encouraged to seek advice from their local veterinarian. In Victoria, advice is also available from Agriculture Victoria Veterinary or Animal Health Officers, and in New South Wales, through Local Land Services.

Fast Break Newsletter out now

The Fast Break details oceanic and atmospheric climate driver activity over the last month and summarises 3-month model predictions for the Pacific and Indian oceans, rainfall and temperature for Victoria.

View the latest issue for Victoria.

If you are interested in reading past issues of The Fast Break, please email dale.grey@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Are you a rising star in the agriculture or rural sector? 

The Zanda McDonald Award can help you realise your ambitions through life-changing mentoring, industry connections, and unique 'light-bulb moments'. Tap into a dynamic network of leading ag professionals and take part in a fully funded trans-Tasman tour designed to fast-track your personal and professional growth. 
 
Open to individuals aged 21–35 across Australia and New Zealand. 
 
Apply for the 2026 award and unlock your full potential. 
 
Online applications open 1–31 October 2025. 

Five key tips for silage this season

Capitalising on the spring surplus will be critical on farms this year. While some things are out of our control, focusing on key factors will help ensure that you get the best possible return.

Five key factors for silage this season are:

1. Only lock up pasture that is surplus to requirements.

   Making silage can be an expensive exercise, so it only makes sense when pasture growth exceeds animal requirements. In a reasonable year on most farms, this generally occurs in early to mid-September.

2. Use nitrogen (N) to increase dry matter yield but cut pasture within 6 weeks of application.

   Once cutting is delayed beyond 6 weeks, the quality of the silage declines more rapidly than if no nitrogen is applied and this can result in large quantities of low-quality silage which is unsuitable to feed cows in the early stage of lactation.

   By using rates of nitrogen up to 50 kg N/ha, responses of 18 kg DM/ha for every kg N applied, six weeks after application can be produced.

3. Be prepared to cut pasture when the ryegrass component of the sward is just reaching early ear emergence.

   Ideally, the plan is to cut pasture when the ryegrass component of the sward is at early ear emergence.

   Due to the seasonal conditions this year, it is more likely that paddocks will be cut at a range of times, for example, when it is still vegetive or later than early ear emergence.

   As a result, it will be critical to ensure that the forage hits dry matter targets quickly, so it doesn’t lose quality.

4. Use tedders to increase the drying rate of cut material and so reduce the wilting period.  

   It has been shown that the use of tedders has a beneficial effect on both final silage metabolisable energy and crude protein. The length of the wilting period will be dictated by the type of silage to be made and weather conditions.

   Given reasonable drying conditions material should be ready for pit silage within 48 hours and for bale silage within 72 hours.

5. Ensile material quickly and seal well.

It’s important to ensure that the material being ensiled is tightly packed into either a pit or the bale and that it is sealed promptly.

The ideal dry matter of pasture for pit silage is 30%, any lower and effluent may be a problem, and any higher compaction may be difficult.

The dry matter percentage of bale silage should be about 45 – 50%.  At this dry matter a reasonable fermentation should occur, and it reduces the chance of spoilage.

For more information about drought support visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.

New pasture research trials to boost sheep productivity 

The Victorian Government is supporting a new research program at Agriculture Victoria’s Hamilton SmartFarm, using next-generation technology to help Australian farmers raise healthier, more productive flocks.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence announced the MultiMix forage research program is now underway, to determine which combinations of multispecies pasture mixes work best for Australian sheep producers – research that will support meat sheep production while also cutting methane emissions.

Ag Vic Talk season 10 

Beekeepers vs Varroa: Survival, Support and Strategy with Mike Allerton and Jamie Perry-Meijer 

In this compelling Farming Safe and Well episode, beekeeper Mike Allerton shares his personal journey through the Varroa mite outbreak - navigating hive losses, grief, and rebuilding with determination. He reflects on the emotional toll of this ongoing biosecurity challenge and the importance of peer support in the beekeeping community.  

Joining him is Jamie Perry-Meijer, Resilience Officer, National Varroa Mite Management Program, who discusses the transition from eradication to management, the mental health impacts on apiarists, and the resources available to help beekeepers.  

Button below to listen now to how beekeepers are dealing with Varroa mite, looking after their mental health, and finding support through tough times. 

Varroa resources: https://varroa.org.au   

Cash back into the pockets of drought-affected farmers

The Victorian Government is driving down business costs for Victorian primary producers and providing critical cash flow help for drought affected farmers. 

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently announced the rollout of the Duties and Fees Relief Package, which will waive fees for farmers over the next financial year and deliver more than $10 million in relief to Victorian producers.

On-Farm Kangaroo Control Rebate program

Farmers impacted by kangaroos competing for pasture and crops can apply for the On-Farm Kangaroo Control Rebate program now.

The program provides rebates for eligible farmers statewide who hold an Authority to Control Wildlife (ATCW) to hire authorised professional harvesters who have accreditation from the Game Management Authority.

Eligible farmers across the state can access up to 3 rebates of $450 each (ex-GST) with a 25% co-contribution to help control kangaroos.

For more information and to apply visit: https://go.vic.gov.au/4eRWVxa

Find more information on drought support: agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.

Get fire ready now

Victorians are being urged to prepare for the upcoming fire season, as part of CFA’s “Get Fire Ready” month during October. 

CFA brigades are hosting activities at fire stations and community events to meet residents and provide practical advice on how they can plan for what may be an increased fire risk this summer. 

'Get Fire Ready' focuses on helping householders understand their local bushfire and grassfire risks, including how to create a survival plan, and learning where to access emergency information. 

Getting prepared doesn’t need to be complicated. Clearing gutters, mowing lawns and trimming branches around homes can reduce the chance of embers starting a fire. 

Families are encouraged to make a fire plan that includes where they will go if a fire breaks out, and making sure they have set a watch zone in the VicEmergency app to receive alerts. 

The 'Get Fire Ready' events strengthen connections between CFA brigades and their local communities, ensuring everyone has the information they need. 

All Victorians, particularly those in high-risk areas, are encouraged to attend a local event by visiting www.cfa.vic.gov.au/getfireready  

You can also request a free “Get Fire Ready” pack to be sent to you by filling out an online form at the same website address. 

Blowflies buzz off! – With rain and warmer temperatures heading into spring, sheep producers will need to keep flystrike prevention front of mind.

Managing weeds from introduced fodder sources – With many farmers purchasing more fodder than usual, it’s a timely reminder about the increased risks of introducing weeds to your property.

Come and see us at the Melbourne Show

The Melbourne Royal Show is on and we’re in the Livestock Pavilion!

Chat with our team about the importance of agriculture, drought support and how we are protecting our farms, communities and environment into the future.

Learn how to help keep Victoria safe from H5N1 avian influenza.

We also have activity packs and fun headbands for the kids! Come past and say hello.

Find more information about available drought support visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.

Webinar – Protection from farm theft 

AgVic is hosting a timely webinar on how AgTech and strong biosecurity protocols can protect your farm assets.  

Presenters include AgVic Grains Industry Officer Darryl Pearl, co-founder of AgCloud Grant Sutton, and a representative from Victoria Police Farm Crime Liaison Group.  

 The webinar will cover:   

• farm theft trends, Victoria Police   

• physical security solutions, Grant Sutton  

• biosecurity and safety, Darryl Pearl  

• question and answer session.   

Whether you're looking to make informed decisions or future-proof your farm operations, this session offers practical insights and tools to support your journey in protecting what matters.   

When: Tuesday, 7 October, from  12 – 1 pm  

For more information contact Darryl Pearl on 0417 432 711 or at Darryl.Pearl@agriculture.vic.gov.au   

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information on how to join the webinar.  

The session will be recorded for those who register but are unable to attend.  

Elmore Field Days – Hope to see you there

If you are planning on visiting the Elmore Field Days, then drop in and have a chat. There will be agronomists and biosecurity staff to answer your questions, plus plenty of info to assist with drought support. Hope to see you there.

For info on Elmore Field Days 7th, 8th & 9th October 2025 - Elmore Field Days 

Run rabbit run...managing feral rabbits

Thursday, 16 October from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, at Kergunyah. Property location provided after registration.

Do you have blackberries on your property? If you do you probably also have rabbits.

Blackberries act as a pest harbour for invasive species such as rabbits. Managing rabbits in the landscape is important as they threaten our environment, agricultural production and cultural heritage.

Rabbits pose a community-wide challenge. However, overcoming rabbits is not impossible, it just takes an understanding of the best practice management techniques.

This free half-day workshop packed with valuable insights and practical tips, will help you learn how to manage feral rabbits on your property and engage with others to do the same.

This workshop is part of our Busting Blackberries Series and focuses on effective rabbit management. This event will be complemented with blackberry control specific events throughout October and November 2025.

Yarrawonga – Farm office and Xero efficiencies workshop

Delivered by Carmen Quade from AgriFocused, a small rural-based training and
business specialising in the Agribusiness industry.

Sebel Yarrawonga, Wednesday 22 October from 9 am - 3 pm

In these workshops we look at strategies, tools and tips to speed up the office work
and specifically address how best to use Xero in a farm business.

The Xero component of the workshop will be hands-on, with participants
encouraged to bring a laptop and try out the suggestions in their own set of books
or in the demo mode.

Limited spots, only 20 participants per workshop. Babies welcome, course hours within school drop off and pick up.

Cost - Riverine Plains members: $100, non Riverine Plains members: $150
(plus GST and platform fees), includes course fee, morning tea, lunch, tea and coffee.

For more information or to register to go Farm Office and Xero Efficiencies Workshop Yarrawonga

Setting Strategies for Farm Business Success

Want to build a stronger, more productive and effective farm business management strategy?

This 2-day workshop led by Gavin Beever will examine aspects that help make an effective farm business strategy. 

Thursday 30 and Friday 31 October, from 8.30 for 9 am sharp start – 3 pm, lunch and snacks provided.

Topics:

• succession planning
• financials
• farm resources
• human relationships
• setting business goals
• climate risk and natural resource management
• latest in AgTech
• tools and skills that will get you to where you want to go.

 Presenters:

• Gavin Beever, Principal Consultant, Cumbre Consultants
• Dale Grey, Agriculture Victoria Seasonal Risk Agronomist
• Brendan Williams, Managing Director Autonomous Ag.

Location: Powlett Plains and District Community Centre 1243 Wedderburn, Serpentine Road, Powlett Plains

For more information, contact either Roger Harrower on 0407 729 024, roger.harrower@agriculture.vic.gov.au or Darryl Pearl on 0417 432 711, darryl.pearl@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 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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