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Thursday 9 July 2026
Seen sick or dead birds or wildlife? Avoid. Record. Report
H5 bird flu has not been detected in Victoria, but community reports play an important role in helping us monitor for signs of disease.
Each report DEECA receives is reviewed and assessed using information such as the species, number of birds affected, location and disease risk.
Not all reports will lead to an investigation, collection or testing. Where further action is needed, we may contact you for more information or arrange collection and testing.
If you see sick or dead birds or wildlife, avoid contact, record its exact location and report it online or call 1800 675 888.
You can also view reports on our online map and follow surveillance activity across the state.
Recording: Understanding H5 bird flu webinar
If you missed the VFF webinar last Thursday 2 July on 'Understanding H5 bird flu' with presentations from DEECA staff on H5N1 bird flu, catch up on YouTube.
The webinar includes:
- what is H5N1 avian influenza
- animals at risk
- potential impacts for producers
- biosecurity measures.
Call for new BetterBeef Group in Leslie Manor area
Agriculture Victoria is seeking expressions of interest from beef producers in the Leslie Manor area to join a new BetterBeef group. BetterBeef groups bring farmers together to learn from each other, share experiences and tackle the challenges of running a beef enterprise in today’s conditions.
BetterBeef groups and the topics covered in each session are producer-driven and practical. Members decide the topics, host each other on-farm, compare what’s working (and what’s not), and combine their experience with evidence-based information to test ideas and build confidence to make better decisions. Trusted advisors are brought in when needed to cover more technical content required on a topic, like drench resistance or ruminant nutrition.
Sessions often focus on preparing for and recovering from drought, fire and floods, managing tough seasonal conditions, and building more resilient and profitable farming systems.
Just as importantly, it’s a chance to connect with other local producers, have a good discussion, pick up ideas you can actually use, and enjoy the process along the way.
If you’re interested in being part of the group or want to learn more, contact Hannah Manning on 0400 532 595 or email hannah.manning@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Don’t bring back more than holiday memories
Jim Moran, Leading Biosecurity Officer - Plants
Hopefully, the challenges of last harvest and this season’s sowing are now behind you, providing the opportunity for you to enjoy a well earnt winter holiday.
If you’re travelling interstate or overseas it is important to remain vigilant with hygiene practices and do your biosecurity checks before returning home.
Trips to other regions, especially grain growing regions, perhaps to attend field days or visit farms, may inadvertently put Victoria at risk to new pests, weeds and diseases.
Out now: July Very Fast Break
The Very Fast Break seasonal climate update video clip for July is now available.
We love to receive your feedback. If you have comments, questions or feedback, please contact Dale Grey at the.break@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Locust spring update for north-west Victoria
Land managers in north-west Victoria are encouraged to prepare now for possible locust activity in spring.
The Mallee has a moderate to high chance of high numbers of young locusts hatching in late September onwards.
The Wimmera has a low to moderate chance of high numbers of young locusts hatching in early October onwards.
Land managers are responsible for controlling locusts on their land.
The best time to control locusts is about 2 weeks after hatching, when they are young and can't yet fly.
Land managers can also help by checking paddocks and reporting any signs of locusts.
Reporting helps improve forecasting and supports control decisions.
This advice is for people in Mildura, Swan Hill, Gannawarra, Buloke, Yarriambiack, Hindmarsh and West Wimmera.
Bushfire information
Following a bushfire there is a lot to consider when it comes to caring for livestock and getting your farm back on track.
To assist in making decisions for your on-farm recovery, a range of practical technical information and advice is available on our website.
You can also speak to an Agriculture Recovery team member on 136 186 or by contacting recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Grants and Concessional Loans
Has your farm been impacted by bushfires?
The Victorian Government has measures to support Victorian primary producers affected by the January 2026 bushfires.
You may be eligible for a recovery grant or a concessional loan to help with cleanup, restoration and rebuilding. A full list of eligible activities is included in the program guidelines.
When applying for a grant or loan, it’s important that you don’t self-assess and if you’re unsure of your eligibility, contact Rural Finance with any questions.
Applications are now open and will close at 4 pm on 21 October 2026.
You can check your eligibility via Rural Finance www.ruralfinance.com.au or call them on 1800 260 425 with any questions.
Support through prolonged drought: Drought Hardship Loan
Pictured: RIC Drought Hardship Loans are available for farm businesses that have managed through at least 24 months of drought and expect further impacts.
The Australian Government has introduced the RIC Drought Hardship Loan to support farm businesses experiencing severe and prolonged drought.
The loan provides up to $250,000 over 5 years, at the RIC’s concessional interest rate (currently 5.18%), with a 2-year repayment holiday, to help farmers manage essential operating costs and improve cash flow during extended dry conditions.
It is available to eligible farm businesses that have managed through at least 24 months of drought and expect further impacts ahead. The loan complements other drought support and can be accessed alongside state programs.
Australian Government drought support: drought.gov.au
Better seasonal decisions online discussion: Connecting for clarity
When: Friday 10 July, 9-10 am
Where: Online
Cost: Free
It has been a year of surprises and there could be more to come. Join us online to share your experiences, connect with other farmers and navigate the business end of the 2026 growing season with guidance.
Guest presenter Dr Kate Burke is an independent farm consultant, with extensive experience across all aspects of crop decision-making and farm business management.
Online discussion topics
- How do we protect potential and be mindful of seasonal forecasts
- How do we manage input supply issues
- How do we plan for harvest
- How do we navigate the unknown
Discussions will be led by participants’ questions - think ahead and bring your questions to ask Kate during the session.
Southern Farming Systems Winter Crop Walk – Inverleigh and Streatham
Inverleigh: Tuesday 14 July, 10 am – 1:30 pm
Where: 3888 Hamilton Highway Inverleigh
Streatham: Wednesday 15 July, 9:30 am – 1 pm
Where: 3524 Eurambeen Streatham Road
Producers and industry stakeholders are invited to come out and get among the trials in South West Victoria. Join us for a tour around the sites and get in touch with our latest research.
RSVP by Monday 13 July.
For more information, contact Michelle McClure (SFS): 0488 600 692.
Crop pathology industry briefing for agronomists
When: Thursday 16 July, 9 am – 2 pm
Where: Horsham Smart Farm, 110 Natimuk Road Horsham
Cost: Free
Join us for a crop disease industry briefing for the 2026 season in Victoria, including a tour of canola research experiments and facilities, and a field tour showcasing Agriculture Victoria’s field crop disease research program.
Topics covered include:
- Current seasonal outlook – cereals, canola, and pulses: Overview of current disease risks across cereals, canola and pulse crops, including seasonal conditions, observed disease activity, and implications for management decisions through the remainder of the season.
- Virus update – current situation and outlook: Summary of recent virus detections and trends (e.g. aphid vectors and spread), including current risk levels, regional observations, and what to consider for ongoing monitoring and management.
- Tour of canola research experiments/trials: Guided walk-through of canola trials on site, highlighting current research on disease management, varietal response and fungicide strategies, with discussion of key observations and early findings.
- Field tour of Horsham field crop disease research trials: Visit to field-based trials covering cereals and pulses, including soil-borne and foliar disease work.
Southern Farming Systems Winter Crop Walk – Hamilton
When: Wednesday 29 July
Where: Cereal Crop Site: Skene Homestead Old Drive (off Forts Rd), Canola Crop Site: north end of Skene Woolshed Road
Cost: Free
Producers and industry stakeholders are invited to come out and get among the trials in South West Victoria. Join us for a tour around the sites and get in touch with our latest research.
RSVP by Monday 27 July.
For more information, contact Michelle McClure (SFS): 0488 600 692.
Aboriginal business procurement information session
When: Thursday 30 July, 12-1 pm
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Join Agriculture Victoria and Kinaway Chamber of Commerce for an online information session. Learn how Aboriginal businesses can supply goods and services to Agriculture Victoria.
What you will learn:
- What Agriculture Victoria buys
- Where we work across Victoria
- Where procurement opportunities may be available
- How our procurement processes work
- Future opportunities and support available.
Aboriginal-owned businesses from all industries are encouraged to attend.
Success with succession planning – Skipton and Lake Bolac
Skipton: Tuesday 18 August, 8:30 am (for 9 am start) – 2:30 pm
Where: Skipton Golf and Bowls Club, Geelong Road Skipton
Lake Bolac: Wednesday 19 August, 8:30 am (for 9 am start) – 2:30 pm
Where: Lake Bolac Football Netball Clubrooms, Frontage Road Lake Bolac
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.
Presenter Dr Kate Burke will work with participants to understand the success factors and common pitfalls in farm succession, ensuring the legacy continues, the business remains viable, wealth grows and families stay connected for generations to come.
Registration is essential. Numbers are limited and priority will be given to farming families before advisers.
For further information, contact Julio Vargas (0428 316 018) or Kate McCue (0407 099 793).
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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