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Thursday 14 August 2025
Drought support available
Farmers can access financial assistance and support today to help manage during drought.
Our website provides information on available supports, 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.
Happy National Science Week!
Celebrating pathways to participation in Agriculture STEM Research
Hands-on science workshops for Victorian school students are shining a spotlight on the wide range of careers in agricultural research.
In celebration of National Science Week (11-19 August), Agriculture Victoria’s Get into AgSTEM program will launch a new workshop exploring on-farm energy generation and cultivation of plants under solar panels.
Get into AgSTEM is a free curriculum-linked education program delivered by Agriculture Victoria and offered to secondary school students.
Agriculture Victoria Community Education Manager Anna Vietz said the new Energy Ag – Agrivoltaics workshop gives students the chance to use laboratory-scale solar panels and circuitry to generate power.
‘The workshop offers students the opportunity to get hands-on experience while exploring how global climate change is altering climate variables in Victoria and how this can impact farming.’
‘We are looking forward to rolling out this workshop and welcome any interested school teachers to get in touch with us to find out more,’ Anna said.
The Energy Ag – Agrivoltaics workshop was funded through the Agriculture Energy Investment Program and will be delivered to students across the state.
The innovative Get into AgSTEM program opens the doors to Agriculture Victoria’s state-of-the-art research facilities at AgriBio in Bundoora and the Hamilton, Horsham, Tatura, Mildura and Ellinbank SmartFarms.
Students work to complete practical activities based on current research projects run by scientists at Agriculture Victoria, learning molecular analytical techniques for on-farm efficiency improvements, through to digital data collection for precision agriculture.
By showcasing research and innovation, Get into AgSTEM links studying STEM at school, with high-tech, cross-disciplinary skills that are relevant to future careers in agriculture.
Teachers interested in the program can visit the Agriculture Victoria website for more information: agriculture.vic.gov.au/get-into-agstem
Helping families make ends meet through the drought
The Victorian Government is helping to take the pressure off families facing the worst of the drought in south west Victoria, delivering urgent cash flow relief to get them through these challenging times.
These communities have been feeling the worst of the drought conditions over the past 2 years, and recently Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence announced the opening of the $2 million Household Financial Relief Program, which provides up to $1,000 to eligible farming families to meet urgent household expenses.
The payments are open to farming families in 12 drought-affected Local Government Areas including Ararat, Moyne, Colac Otway, Pyrenees, Corangamite, Southern Grampians, Glenelg, Surf Coast, Golden Plains, Warrnambool, City of Greater Geelong, and the southern parts of West Wimmera.
The support program is being delivered by the Country Women’s Association (CWA) of Victoria, which plays a pivotal role supporting rural communities and families, particularly during emergency response and recovery.
To apply for a Household Financial Relief payment, visit cwaofvic.org.au
To view the full range of financial, technical and wellbeing support available visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or phone 136 186.
Check your luggage for stowaway pests
Spotted a toad in your luggage? It could be an Asian black-spined toad – an invasive species sneaking into Victoria via suitcases and travel gear.
If you're returning home, remember to:
- check in shoes and bags
- report any sightings by calling 136 186 or on our website.
On-Farm Kangaroo Control Rebate
Farmers who have livestock competing with kangaroos for fodder can apply for the On-Farm Kangaroo Control Rebate now.
Eligible farmers across the state can access up to 3 rebates of $450 each (ex-GST) with a 25% co-contribution.
Rebates are to be used to engage professional harvesters (authorised by the Game Management Authority) to control eastern and western grey kangaroos under an Authority To Control Wildlife.
Click here for more information and to apply
For more information about drought support visit: www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
Risk of red imported fire ant in imported fodder
Agriculture Victoria is urging farmers to be mindful of import requirements and to keep watch for red imported fire ants (RIFA) when sourcing fodder from interstate.
Ag Vic Talk season 10 -Farming with a disability with Nigel Corish and Josie Clarke
Hear an inspiring story from Nigel Corish, the 2023 Farmer of the Year and Chair of Ability Agriculture.
In this Farming Safe and Well episode, Nigel shares his incredible journey of farming with cerebral palsy, the challenges he's faced, and how he's overcome them.
Plus, hear from Josie Clarke, founder of Ability Agriculture, about her mission to create an inclusive agriculture sector.
Listen to this inspiring episode to discover how Nigel and Josie are transforming agriculture through resilience and inclusivity.
Private vets play an important part in an emergency animal disease response
Agriculture Victoria is looking for private vets to help support future emergency animal disease outbreak response efforts.
Emergency response work for private vets could include:
🔎 investigation of suspect cases.
📹 in-field surveillance.
🔬 diagnostic sampling.
💉euthanasia and vaccination.
Putting your hand up is a great opportunity to share your expertise, learn new skills and help protect Victoria’s agriculture sector. Casual employment and veterinary service contracts are available.
Training and resources
We have a range of online courses tailored for vets available on our website covering different topics, including some that contribute to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points.
CMA Drought Employment Program
Farmers, farm workers and agricultural business employees impacted by the ongoing drought conditions in the south west can now apply to be part of the Catchment Management Authority (CMA) Drought Employment Program.
The Victorian government funded program, delivered in the Corangamite and Glenelg Hopkins CMA regions, provides meaningful off-farm employment opportunities for people experiencing hardship because of dry conditions – either through reduced hours, profitability or loss of employment – to take on a role with their CMA over the next 12 months.
Glenelg Hopkins CMA CEO Adam Bester said the program enables not only drought affected workers to be employed but gives their usual employers time to get back on their feet.
'Employers of participating farmers will get a break from paying their wages without losing them as employees, because once the program is complete, they will still be locally based. The program will be flexible, offering a range of part time or full time roles depending on what suits applicants best,' he said.
Corangamite CMA CEO Amber Clarke said the Drought Employment Program will play an important role in supporting farmers and community who are doing it tough while helping to deliver environmental outcomes on the ground in both regions.
'Like previous successful CMA Drought Employment Programs, this program provides a way for people to earn an income, apply their skills and build confidence in future employment opportunities by undertaking a range of different catchment health works – like riparian fencing, pest and weed control and revegetation,' she said.
Minister for Water Gayle Tierney announced the Drought Employment Program as part of the $144 million support package developed through the Premier’s Drought Response Taskforce.
'The Drought Employment Program will support workers with off-farm income while conditions are difficult, while bringing forward essential local environmental and waterway improvement works.'
A total of $1m is available for the Catchment Management Authority-led Drought Employment Programs in the south west, where drought conditions have been the most severe over a long period of time.
The program will be available for farmers or farm-dependent workers from 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in south west Victoria including Ararat, Moyne, Colac Otway, Pyrenees, Corangamite, Southern Grampians, Glenelg, Surf Coast, Golden Plains, Warrnambool, City of Greater Geelong and southern parts of West Wimmera.
Eligible local farmers and farm workers can now express interest in being part of the program ahead of a recruitment process via www.ccma.vic.gov.au (Corangamite CMA region) or www.ghcma.vic.gov.au (Glenelg Hopkins CMA region).
Look Over the Farm Gate - event grants
The Look Over the Farm Gate grants help communities come together to promote social connection and support mental health and wellbeing during drought.
The program is coordinated by the National Centre for Farmer Health and is offering grants of up to $5,000 to help local organisations run events that bring together and support farmers, farming families and communities under stress.
To apply for a grant visit farmerhealth.org.au/look-over-the-farm-gate
For information about the Victorian Government’s drought support package visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
VEG Education - Farm Gate Program
Addressing the national challenge of low vegetable consumption among Australian children, VEG Education is proud to introduce the Farm Gate program—a hands-on initiative providing primary and secondary students with immersive experiences in vegetable farming.
The program is designed to spark lifelong healthy eating habits, deepen understanding about where food comes from, and inspire the next generation to see vegetables—and the horticulture industry—in an entirely new light.
Rooted in the core belief that hands-on, experiential learning fosters powerful emotional connections, Farm Gate enables students to step directly into the world of agriculture.
Through interactive on-farm excursions at Velisha Farms, as well as a Mobile Farm Gate incursion for remote and regional schools, students engage in activities from paddock to plate—including interactive tours, tastings, and curriculum-aligned projects.
By building knowledge and shifting attitudes, the program seeks to make eating vegetables not just nutritious, but exciting and meaningful for young Australians.
To learn more about Veg Education and their Farm Gate program go to Excursions | Velisha Education
What's On
Details about these events and more can be found on our website.
The A to Z of livestock health during drought and beyond - Freshwater Creek
Attend an in-depth and free presentation covering all aspects of livestock health for cattle and sheep during drought. It is presented by The Bellarine & Surf Coast Beef.
When: Tuesday 19 August from 10 am - 2:30 pm
Where: Freshwater Creek Community Hall 445 Dickins Road, Freshwater Creek
Understanding Your Farm Dams webinar
Date: Friday 22 August from 12 - 1 pm
Join us for an informative webinar exploring key questions about farm dam reliability and performance using the Small Farm Dams Tool:
- Are my dams reliable?
- Are they in a sufficient catchment and the right size?
- What affects run-off? soil type, ground cover
What are the legal requirements? Do I need a licence to build, operate, or use my dam? What are the safety responsibilities? Who should I contact for advice?
This session will help you better understand dam characteristics, performance, and compliance with Victorian regulations, including licensing under the Water Act 1989.
Feral Cat and Fox Management Online Forum
The National Feral Cat and Fox Management Coordination Program are running two, day-long free online forums dedicated to sharing knowledge on effective fox and feral cat management.
Date: Day 1 Wednesday 20 August from 9 am - 5 pm - fox
Date: Day 2 Thursday 21 August from 9am - 5pm - feral cats
You can come and go to watch different sessions or stay for the whole day. Register now to keep up to date with information. A forum link will be sent to you closer to the date.
Here and now workshop: Warrnambool
When: Tuesday 21 August, 10 am - 2 pm
Where: The Flying Horse, 10691 Princes Highway, Warrnambool
Join local and national speakers to discuss practical and tangible tools for planning your forage base going forward.
While farming in our region experiences seasonal variability that has challenged most of us, we continue to work towards mitigating risk.
Workshop 1 organised by Aggies without Borders.
Presenters: Jane Bunn, Phil White, Laura Tweddle, and CropX.
Talk the Talk workshop - Cobden
Date: Wednesday 10 September 10am - 2 pm
Where: Cobden Football Netball Club, Parrott Street, Cobden
Talking about mental health isn’t always easy—especially when you’re not sure what to say. If you’re a supplier or service provider working in a rural setting, you may have noticed when a customer or client isn’t themselves, but knowing how to start that conversation can feel overwhelming.
What You Will Learn
- awareness – understanding mental health challenges in farming communities and who farmers are most likely to talk to
- observation – recognising signs that something isn’t right
- strategies and tools – how to have a conversation, what to say, and how to say it
- responding to crisis – what to do if the worst happens
- grief and loss cycle – understanding the emotional impact of crisis and change
- protective factors – practical ways to check in and offer support
Planning your feedbase, water and nutrient value – Warrnambool
When: Thursday 21 August from 10 am - 1 pm
Where: The Flying Horse, 10691 Princes Hwy, Warrnambool.
Join local and national speakers to discuss practical and tangible tools for planning your forage base going forward.
While farming in our region experiences seasonal variability that has challenged most of us; we continue to work towards mitigating risk.
Join consultant Laura Tweddle and a team of speakers who are passionate to share their knowledge on future planning your feed base and profitability.
In good times and in bad: adaptive skills for your farming future – Wonwondah and Dunkeld
When: Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 August, 8:30 am - 3 pm
Where: Wonwondah Hall, Wonwondah Hall Road, Wonwondah
When: Thursday 21 and Friday 22 August, 8:30 am - 3 pm
Where: Dunkeld Bowling Club, 77 Parker Street, Dunkeld
Livestock and grain farmers are invited to participate in a 2-day workshop to help future proof your farm. Develop practical strategies to manage climate risk, build resilience and shape a stronger, more adaptable business.
Events include morning tea and lunch. Numbers are limited. Registration is essential.
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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