No images? Click here
Thursday 27 August 2026
H5 bird flu update
For more information about the situation across Australia, visit the Australian Government Bird flu page and for the Victorian situation update, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu
Protecting poultry as H5 bird flu response continues
As H5 bird flu continues to spread among wild birds, with detections along most of Victoria’s coast, poultry housing requirements in southern parts of the state have been extended for at least another 28 days.
Poultry owners with 50 or more birds in coastal and southern shires are required to confine their birds as an ongoing precautionary measure to reduce contact with wild birds.
'Over the past fortnight we have seen many disease events along Victoria’s coastline. The majority of these have been in birds that tend to stay close to the coast, reinforcing that poultry in southern parts of the state are most at risk,' Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Graeme Cooke said.
Recognising that there is also occasional inland disease activity, housing of poultry is still recommended in other areas, where possible.
The housing requirement will remain in place for at least a further 28 days and will continue to be reviewed based on current disease activity and the risk it poses to poultry.
The ACCC non-enforcement of free-range labelling applies for up to 90 days while a housing order or a recommendation was put in place.
Strong biosecurity measures remain the best defence against the spread of H5 bird flu.
If you notice unexplained illness or deaths in your birds, report it immediately to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Webinar – H5 bird flu in backyard poultry and pet birds
Do you have backyard poultry or pet birds? Are you keen to find out more about how to lower the risk of H5 bird flu spreading to your flock?
Join the H5 bird flu in backyard poultry webinar
Friday 28 August
1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
In the meantime, you can help by continuing to:
AVOID contact with sick or dead wild birds or wildlife and their environment.
RECORD what you see, including:
- Location
- Species
- Number of animals affected
REPORT online or by calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
More information: agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu
If you notice something unusual, talk to your local vet or call the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.
Keep dogs on leash
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.
Find out more at agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu
More information about responsible pet ownership and legal requirements: agriculture.vic.gov.au/animalwelfare
Locust Champions help farmers prepare for spring risk
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.
Pictured: Australian Plague Locust lifecycle indicating recommended stages for insecticide application.
Prepare now for spring plague locust hatchings
The risk of plague locusts has increased across Victoria due to favourable autumn and winter conditions, more egg laying, and high locust numbers in New South Wales and South Australia. Egg hatching is expected to occur sooner than originally predicted.
Mallee: moderate to high chance of high locust numbers in spring, with hatching expected from mid-September.
Wimmera: low to moderate chance of high locust numbers in spring, with hatching expected from late September.
Now is the time to prepare:
• check paddocks, roadsides and bare or lightly grassed areas for egg beds
• learn what young locusts look like
• get your chemical and management plans ready.
Spraying is most effective about 2 weeks after hatching, when young locusts can’t fly and start to band together.
See locusts? Report them to us. Early reporting helps track locust movements and supports timely management responses.
Vet Talk
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.
One of the more common causes of a downer cow during the calving period is calving paralysis.
The condition is often associated with difficult births, particularly in heifers, when the obturator nerve, a major nerve in the lower spine, is compressed between the calf and the cow’s pelvis.
Affected animals are typically bright and alert but have little or no control over one or both hind legs.
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.
The officer also conducted body condition scores, hay quality tests and worm burden tests which confirmed mistreatment.
Mr Schwarz was issued with notices to comply under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 and provided with information to help him find a shearer.
Mr Schwarz’s aggregated charges included:
- aggravated cruelty of 3 sheep resulting in serious disablement or death
- failing to provide appropriate treatment for 4 sheep suffering from flystrike and infection
- failing to provide proper and sufficient food to 4 individual sheep and to a mob of approximately 691 sheep.
In imposing the fine, Magistrate Timothy Hoare said farmers can often foresee conditions and need to ‘deal with poor conditions when they come around and destock if necessary’.
Anyone wishing to make a specific complaint in regard to livestock welfare can contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or aw.complaint@agriculture.vic.gov.au.
Free Mental Health First Aid® Training
Mental Health First Aid® (MHFA) equips participants with the skills and confidence to recognise and respond when someone may be experiencing a mental health problem or crisis, provide initial support, and guide them towards appropriate professional help.
Upcoming free courses
Walwa, Victoria
7 to 8 September 2026Lake Bolac, Victoria
14 to 15 September 2026Woomelang, Victoria
21 to 22 September 2026
Course format: 2 days (12 hours)
These free training opportunities are supported through Look Over The Farm Gate grants provided by Agriculture Victoria under the Victorian Government's 2025 Drought Support Package.
Victoria's Biosecurity Reference Group closing date 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: 6 September at 11.59 pm.
Agricultural and pastoral society grants now open
The Victorian Government is backing agricultural and pastoral societies to help regional communities come together, support local economies and promote Victorian agriculture.
Minister Settle recently announced the opening of applications for this year’s Agricultural and Pastoral Society Grants Program.
The grants provide successful applicants with up to $10,000.
This can be used to upgrade or build new facilities for community use and showcase project delivery that celebrates Victoria’s agricultural communities, industries and produce.
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: bioweek.org.au
#BioWeekAU #Biosecurity #SafeSupplyChain
Bushfire recovery
Registrations for the 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
Grants and concessional loans
Farmers impacted by the January 2026 bushfires: you may be eligible for financial support for recovery.
- Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Grants of up to $75,000 to assist with clean-up and reinstating enterprises.
- Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Concessional Loans of up to $250,000 for those who have suffered major asset damage or loss of income.
Grant applications close 4 pm, 21 October.
Applications can be made at ruralfinance.com.au/grants
Significant Disease Investigation program research
Agriculture Victoria is undertaking an evaluation, from a producer’s perspective, of the Significant Disease Investigation (SDI) program.
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.
Support before, during and after drought with RIC loans
Wherever you are in the drought cycle, a RIC Drought Loan can improve cash flow to help eligible farm businesses manage through, recover and prepare when faced with drought.
Or if you’re in prolonged drought that has affected your financials for 2 years or more, and you expect the impact to continue, you may be eligible for a RIC Drought Hardship Loan to pay for operating costs, with no repayments for the first 2 years of the 5-year loan. Interest is deferred in this time to be repaid with principal and interest from year 3.
What's On
Buying livestock with confidence
When: Friday 28 August, 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Where: Yea Saleyards
Join VFF Stock Sense at Yea Saleyards for a free practical workshop designed to help small landholders buy cattle, sheep or goats with confidence.
A stock agent/saleyard representative will cover choosing livestock to suit your property and experience level and what to consider when buying through saleyards, private sales or online platforms.
An Agriculture Victoria representative will also cover key PIC, NLIS, traceability and biosecurity requirements to help you bring new livestock home safely and avoid common compliance mistakes.
Disease Management Extension Network workshop – Mildura
When: Thursday 3 September, 9 am – 5 pm
Where: Mildura Golf Resort, 287 Twelfth Street, Mildura
Cost: $120
As fungicide resistance continues to emerge across southern Australian cropping systems, growers and advisers are being encouraged to strengthen their disease management strategies through a new series of Disease Management Extension Network (DMEN) workshops.
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.
WorkSafe Noise basics workshop
When: Thursday 3 September, 9 am – 12 noon, Wednesday 9 September, 1–4 pm
Where: Online
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.
Future-proof your family farm business – Hopetoun
When: 3–4 September, 8:30 am – 3 pm
Where: Hopetoun Golf Club, Hopetoun-Rainbow Road, Hopetoun
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.
Farm Office Efficiencies Workshops
When: Tuesday 8 September, 9 am – 3 pm
Where: Huntly Memorial Hall, 647 Midland Highway, Huntly
When: Wednesday 9 September, 9 am – 3 pm
Where: Serpentine Memorial Hall, Function Room, 20 Chapel Street, Serpentine
When: Thursday 10 September, 9 am – 3 pm
Where: CohunaCo, Flexi Room, 38 Channel Street, Cohuna
Want to make your farm office run more smoothly?
Join us in Huntly, Serpentine or Cohuna to learn practical strategies for:
- Accounting software
- Batch payments and reconciliation
- Hubdoc and Dext
- Managing receipts and records
- Cloud storage and digital filing
- Inventory tracking and reporting.
Presented by Carmen Quade from AgriFocused.
Limited to 25 participants per workshop. Lunch and morning tea provided.
For enquiries contact Darryl Pearl on 0417 432 711 or darryl.pearl@agriculture.vic.gov.au
BCG’s Main Field Day 2026
When: Wednesday 9 September, 8:30 am – 4 pm
Where: Main Research Site at Birchip, Lehmann and Curyo West Road intersection, Curyo
APAL: Implementing AI tools in the orchard
When: Monday 14 September, 1–2 pm
Where: Online
Artificial intelligence is developing rapidly, but what can it actually look like when applied to the day-to-day management of an orchard?
Following his popular session at the 2026 APAL Industry Forum, strategic foresight and AI consultant Sami Mäkeläinen returns for a practical webinar exploring how growers can turn AI tools into useful applications within their businesses.
Sami will work through a real-time example using a voice-based AI agent to assist with planning and recording orchard activities, including how structured notes can be generated and built up as the season progresses.
Succession planning
When: Thursday 17 September, 9 am – 3 pm
Where: Corryong Events Centre, 54 Strzelecki Way, Corryong
When: Friday 18 September, 9 am – 3 pm
Where: Yarck Hall, 6583 Maroondah Highway, Yarck
Farm business owners, partners and family members are invited to a free 1-day workshop to learn how to plan a smooth transition of their family farm.
Presented by Dr Kate Burke, an independent consultant with extensive experience in coaching and facilitating farm business strategy.
GRDC events
Visit the GRDC events page for upcoming events.
- 3 September Disease Management Extension Network workshop – Mildura
- 3 September FAR Australia NE VIC (Yarrawonga) Spring Field Walk
- 16 September GRDC Harvest Set up Workshop – Terrick Terrick
- 17 September GRDC Harvest Set up Workshop – Ultima
- 18 September GRDC Harvest Set up Workshop – Bridgewater
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
This newsletter is distributed by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
Were you forwarded this email? Subscribe now.