Thursday 20 November 2025

Drought support available now

Farmers can access financial assistance and support today to help manage during drought.  

Our website provides information on available support, including financial counselling, mental health and wellbeing services and links to other organisations that can help.  

You’ll also find practical tools, resources and information to help you plan and manage your feed, water and livestock needs.  

Plus, find out about upcoming events in your region and online www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or by calling 136 186. 

Future Drought Fund – small network and social outcome grants

As part of the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, 2 grant programs are now open through the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR).

These grants offer funding for community-led projects that bring people together, build local capability and support wellbeing — practical initiatives that can strengthen communities now and into the future. 

What’s available? 

Small network grants – open to eligible groups across rural and remote Australia. Grants of up to $50,000 can support: 

• community events 
• learning and training activities 
• small infrastructure upgrades 
• initiatives that build local capability.

Social outcome grants – for organisations in one of the 50 approved Regional Drought Resilience Plan (RDRP) regions.

Grants of up to $100,000 are available for projects that: 

• strengthen community networks 
• host events that bring people together 
• run workshops or training 
• upgrade small-scale infrastructure 
• support leadership and personal development.

Why these grants matter 

Connected communities are stronger. No matter where we are in the drought cycle, there are always things we can do to support each other and build social cohesion. These grants can help fund activities that: 

• keep people connected and boost morale 
• share knowledge and skills 
• create safe, welcoming spaces.

Apply now - applications close 11 December 2025. 

• Learn more about the Future Drought Fund Small Network Grants 
• Learn more about the Future Drought Fund Social Outcome Grants 

Join the group-based events program in 2026

Join us in delivering the next phase of Agriculture Victoria’s drought technical decision-making group events program.

We’re seeking applications from service providers across the state – agronomists, farm business planners and veterinarians, to name a few – to deliver local group-based events in 2026.

The Request for Quotation (RFQ) program for group-based events is open for 5 weeks closing Sunday 21 December.

Service providers who registered to deliver events under round 1 and 2 can reapply for round 3.

Priority areas for the round 3 group-based events program include technical decision-making and farm business management.

VFF asking truck transporters to register for emergency fodder delivery

Victoria is starting to dry out and that means more risk of bushfires.

With the support of the Victorian Government and as part of the Emergency Fodder Support Program, the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is reminding truck transport operators to pre-register their details with them.

In the event of a bushfire or other significant emergency, the VFF may call on those registered to help deliver fodder to where it’s needed most.

Reforming ag and veterinary chemicals licensing and fees

Have your say on the proposed changes to agricultural and veterinary chemicals licence and permit frameworks and fees. 

The Australian Agriculture Ministers’ Forum (now known as the Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting) agreed to national harmonisation reforms regarding the use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals.

These reforms include minimum training and licensing requirements for fee-for-service users of agricultural chemicals and criteria for licensing exemptions.

To align with these reforms, Agriculture Victoria is proposing changes to the framework for licensing, permits and fees under Victoria’s Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1992 (AVCCOU Act). 

The changes proposed are to: 

• Agricultural Chemical User Permits 
• Commercial Operator Licenses 
• Licence and permit fees and terms, including aerial spraying.   

The proposed changes aim to: 

• align the framework with the national harmonisation agreement endorsed by all state and territory Agricultural Ministers 
• make sure that all users of higher risk chemicals are appropriately trained and chemical use risks are managed 
• update licensing and fee amounts to reflect cost modernisation and to continue to provide licensing and permit services for licensees and applicants. 

The proposed changes to all fees and terms under the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1992 are in line with the Victorian Government’s Pricing for Value Guide. 

 Anyone who holds, or is planning to hold any of the following licences or permits may be affected by the proposed changes: 

• Agricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP) 
• Commercial Operator Licence (COL) 
• Agricultural Aircraft Operator Licence (AAOL) 
• Pilot Chemical Rating Licence (PCRL) 
• permits issued under section 25A of the AVCCOU Act (1080 and PAPP) 
• Agricultural Chemical Control Area Permits.

The science behind hay fires

Andrea Henry, dairy industry development officer, Maffra

Spontaneous combustion in hay occurs when internal heat builds up to the point of ignition, as a result of microbial activity and chemical reactions.

Unlike fires caused by lightning or machinery, spontaneous combustion is insidious: it starts deep within a haystack and can smoulder unnoticed until it erupts into flames.

How do spontaneous combustions happen?

Hay is an organic material rich in sugars, proteins and moisture – ideal conditions for microbial growth. When hay is baled too wet or stored before it has fully cured, bacteria and fungi begin to break down the plant matter. This microbial activity then generates heat.

What are the risk factors?

• High moisture content: Hay baled with more than 20% moisture is at risk. Mould growth and fermentation occur when moisture levels are between 20% and 35%.
• Dense packing: Tightly packed bales trap heat and moisture, accelerating microbial activity.
• Poor ventilation: Lack of airflow prevents heat from dispersing.
• Environmental conditions: Warm, humid weather.
• Storage practices: Storing hay in enclosed barns or sheds without monitoring.

Empowering young farmers to grow their futures

Above: The recipients of the 2025 Young Farmer Upskill and Invest Scholarship, Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence and Agriculture Victoria executives at the award ceremony

The Victorian Government is investing in the next generation of Victorian farmers to help grow careers and support the long-term sustainability of the agriculture sector.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently announced 13 recipients of the 2025 Young Farmer Upskill and Invest Scholarship, with each receiving up to $10,000 to boost their careers – $5,000 for new learning opportunities and another $5,000 to put their new skills into practice. 

This year’s recipients reflect the diversity and dynamic nature of modern agriculture –some from proud intergenerational farming traditions and others forging new and innovative pathways into the industry.

Recipients hail from across the state, including Tammy Stone, a seventh-generation dairy farmer from Katunga, who will gain better knowledge of cattle nutrition to boost animal health, ensure greater milk production and build her skills in cattle reproduction.

Jacob Scicluna from Riverslea aspires to work full-time on his beef and cropping farm and make it his primary income. The young farmer will use the scholarship to develop his skills in compost production and soil science to improve nutrient efficiency and fodder production on his farm.

Bonnie Hiscock, a native flower grower at Stratford, will use the scholarship to develop expertise in sustainable farming practices, plant health and resource management.

The government provides a range of supports for young farmers including helping to buy their first farmland property through the Young Farmer Duty Exemption or Concession – either a full or partial duty exemption on farmland purchased for up to $750,000.

The government established the Young Farmers Advisory Council to provide it with advice on issues impacting young people working across agriculture and to act as ambassadors for agriculture as a career.

Young Farmer Business Bootcamps are held across Victoria, helping young farmers and producers new to farming to understand and manage business risks, develop a business plan to grow their business and build the confidence to make sound business decisions.

Drought Employment Program

Are you a farmer, farm worker or agricultural business employee impacted by drought?

Apply now for the CMA Drought Employment Program, which offers meaningful off-farm work opportunities for people experiencing hardship in south west Victoria because of dry conditions.

At least 5 roles are available in the Corangamite CMA region including:

• a Project Support Officer (works coordinator)
• a Conservation and Land Management Team Leader (works crew team leader)
• a Conservation and Land Management Officer (works crew members - multiple positions).

These roles will support the planning, delivery and management of a range of on-ground actions to improve the health of waterways and catchments including fencing, revegetation and weed control – with flexible arrangements available.

Apply via: www.ccma.vic.gov.au/drought-employment-program

The CMA Drought Employment Program is funded by the Victorian Government. Roles are available for those in the Corangamite CMA and Glenelg Hopkins CMA regions.

What’s in your fire preparedness plan this season?

If you missed our webinar recently, make yourself a cuppa and take some time to listen.

Kylie Macreadie discusses key preparedness activities and the tools and templates you can use to plan ahead.

Farmers who have been impacted by fire also share stories and insights of putting their plans into action.

Hear from:

• Rob Pelletier and Kate Blood, horticulture business owners, Beaufort Victoria
• Doug and Jan James, livestock producers, Bungeet Victoria.

What's On

Details about these events and more can be found on our website.

Water planning webinars 

When: Every Tuesday from 10 am up to and including 16 December 

Join this series of informal presentation led by Agriculture Victoria Land Management Officer Clem Sturmfels. 

Participants will also have access to a range of other recordings, videos and associated resources. 

Topics 

• Water self-assessment 
• Water planning 
• Farm dams 
• Pipeline layout and design 
• Installation and construction. 

Wattle Flat – Stock Sense goat essentials workshop 

When: Friday 21 November, 9:30 am to 1:30 pm
Where: Wattle Flat (location will be provided after registration)

The Stock Sense team have an upcoming goat essentials workshop presented by Agriculture Victoria Veterinary Officer and committed goat enthusiast Berwyn Squire.

It will cover the following topics: foot paring, vaccinations, faecal egg counts, general biosecurity, body condition scoring and FAMACHA® for effective worm control. 

We will also be joined by Agriculture Victoria Animal Health Officer Ellie Mowle, who will be helping out throughout the day.

The event is free, and catering will be provided. 

Trees on farm – Boosting productivity and cutting net emissions

When: Monday 24 November, 12 noon - 1 pm

Join our climate webinar to hear about how integrating trees into livestock systems can deliver real productivity gains and help reduce farm emissions.

Presenters: Rachelle Myer, Integrity Ag, Dr Hugh Stewart, Hugh Stewart Consulting and Julia Waite, Meat & Livestock Australia.

Hamilton SmartFarm – MultiMix Field Day

When: Monday 1 December, 10 am to 1 pm
Where: Hamilton SmartFarm, 12 Research Station Road, Hamilton

Join us to hear about how multi-species pasture have the potential to improve sheep production, reduce methane emissions and extend the resilience of pastures in the Southern regions of Australia.

The field day will showcase the trial platform with presentations from research scientists explaining the aims of the MultiMix project.

The event will conclude with a free barbecue lunch.

Webinar – Plant health pyramid and integrated pest and disease management

1 December from 12 to 1:30 pm

This lunch time webinar will focus on integrated pest and disease management and holistic plant health. Learn how soil biology, nutrition and ecological redesign can minimise inputs like fuel and fertilisers – leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions, healthier soils and more profitable operations.

Presenters

• Joel Williams, independent plant and soil health educator, Integrated Soils (Canada)
  A globally recognised authority on soil biology, plant nutrition and agroecology, Joel is based in Canada with extensive work undertaken in Australia, Europe and beyond.
• Dr Mary Retallack, Managing Director, Retallack Viticulture (South Australia)
  A third-generation viticulturist and PhD qualified agroecologist, Mary leads the national EcoVineyard Program to promote biodiversity, soil remediation and ecological pest management. Over 1,000 growers have attended EcoVineyards events and the program has set up 76 demonstration sites.

Webinar – Taking stock of feed quality

Tuesday 2 December from 12:30 to 1:30 pm

Variable seasonal conditions impact quality and quantity of available pasture, silage, hay and grain. Now is the time to look at what ‘fuel’ – metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) – is available to manage livestock productivity through the season ahead.

Presenters:

Dr Jill Kelly - Animal Health & Nutrition Consulting

A production animal veterinarian and ruminant nutritionist with practical experience, blending veterinary science, ruminant nutrition and farm management.

Julian Carroll – ‘Round Hill’, Mudgegonga

A passionate farmer aiming to employ best practice beef production systems. Through SALRC Central Victoria Julian helps set priorities for research and development in the livestock sector.

Ed Weatherly – ‘Blythvale’, Streatham

A 5th generation farmer managing a productive, self-replacing, self-shedding sheep enterprise. Ed has been involved in BredWell FedWell workshops and has honed livestock nutrition skills through the challenging drought conditions of Southwest Victoria with a goal of handing a profitable and sustainable business to the next generation.

Join Dr Jill Kelly to explore the fundamentals of ruminant nutrition to drive performance of the rumen to support good productivity. Making the most of ME and CP in conserved fodder, grain and standing feed is vital in running an efficient production system.

Hear from Julian and Ed using in-paddock weighing for cattle and sheep to assist understanding feed and animal performance.

Topics to be covered include:

• How to use ME and CP efficiently?
• Where does fibre fit in?
• Where are the energy losses from the system?
• How are farmers using in-paddock weighing to gain insights into feed and animal performance?

A limited number of free feed tests will be available to Victorian farmers attending. Register early.

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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