• Avian influenza Control Area Orders updated
• Continue to act on farm water planning
• Investing in the future of our rising farming leaders
• The Very Fast Break video – latest is now available
• Bee business training video
• On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants Program open
• Fruit Growers Victoria horticulture safety videos now available
• Free financial counselling available now
• Funding for AgTech startups
• Grants up to $1 million to support businesses development and create jobs
• WorkSafe - cattle crush information
• Have you reviewed your farm fire plan?
• Listen to podcast – Dairy Australia and AgVic on soil nutrient management
• Help our high country - report invasive hawkweed
• Fatigue on the farm
• In case you missed it
• What's on

Agriculture Victoria has lifted the Control Area Order for Terang that was put in place for the current H7 avian influenza outbreak.

From Thursday, 7 November 2024:

• the Control Area Order for avian influenza in the Terang area has been removed
• the Control Area Order for avian influenza around Meredith remains in place
• properties within the Meredith control area still require permits for moving birds, poultry products, and equipment.

No new avian influenza cases have been detected since 24 June 2024.

The removal of the Control Area Order for the Terang area means that permits are no longer required for moving birds, poultry products and equipment.

Permits are not required for vehicles transporting poultry feed in the Meredith control area as long as they meet biosecurity requirements.

Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Graeme Cooke emphasised that Victoria’s longest-running biosecurity response is nearing its conclusion, but work remains to be done.

'As we move toward proof of freedom from avian influenza, Agriculture Victoria continues to work with the owners and managers of impacted farms to support them to return to business,' Dr Cooke said.

'We continue to monitor for disease with staff visiting properties and testing birds in the remaining control area.

'It has been a long campaign to get to this point, and we thank everyone who has played a part.'

If you are a poultry farmer, backyard flock owner or bird owner, report any unexplained bird deaths to the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Your cooperation is crucial in protecting the health of all birds in the area.

Resources and contact details for industry and individual support are available in our resource directory.

More information, including movement permits, maps, and compensation details is available online at agriculture.vic.gov.au/avianinfluenza.

With below average rainfall leading to unusually low water levels in many farm dams, a timely reminder to continue monitoring water use, regularly check on-farm water supply levels and keep your farm water budget up to date as we head into the summer months.

Agriculture Victoria has information and tools available to help assess your stock water supply and calculate how long your water will last. 

If you would like assistance with managing your farm water supplies you can email us at drought.support@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Victoria’s brightest young farming leaders will be supported to invest in their future and explore new learning opportunities while being backed by the Victorian Government to build the future of agriculture in Victoria.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently presented 16 recipients with their scholarship certificates for this year’s Young Farmers Upskill and Invest Scholarships at Parliament House.

Each scholarship will receive up to $5,000 to pursue new learning opportunities and a further $5,000 in putting their new skills into practice.

Successful applicants will receive training to build their knowledge and expertise in areas such as irrigation, agronomy, conservation and land management, as well as core business skills in areas including accounting, human resources and marketing.

Once they have completed their studies, applicants can invest in modern technology and equipment, on-farm strategies and planning, and their own professional development to kickstart their career as a farmer.

Anurag Bhangu, a beekeeper from Gippsland, is committed to enhancing his skills by completing a workshop on artificial insemination of queen bees, as well as a bee breeding course.

He will also invest in a queen bee artificial insemination kit.

This will enable him to selectively breed queen bees that are better suited to the region’s cooler climate and more resistant to Varroa mite.

Amy Byrne helps manage a mixed-farming enterprise in north-east Victoria.

She will upskill by completing the lifetime ewe management course and seek the support of a consultant to support her to invest in electronic identification equipment.

Since 2015, the government has awarded 133 Young Farmers Upskill and Invest scholarships to students that demonstrated drive and innovation.

Many of the previous recipients have gone on to play a vital role in industry leadership positions such as the Victorian Young Farmers Advisory Council.

The council represents the views of young farmers and provides advice to government to help grow a sustainable and profitable agriculture sector.

For more information on the young farmer programs visit agriculture.vic.gov.au.

The Very Fast Break is delivered monthly as short YouTube videos summarising oceanic and atmospheric climate drivers and the summarised model predictions for rainfall and temperature for Victoria.

View the latest here.

‘We love beekeeping. We always think about bees... But we sometimes don’t think about business.’

Beekeeper Matt Lorenz signed up to our Farm Business Resilience Program to learn more about being a resilient business in a changing environment.

In this video, Matt talks about how the program showed him what he does really well as a beekeeper but importantly, what he can improve on to be prepared for potential business shocks.

Find out more about our Farm Business Resilience Program here.

Watch the video here.

South west Victorian farmers impacted by the current drought conditions can now apply for on-farm grants to help manage and withstand current seasonal conditions and prepare their businesses for the future.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence has announced the opening of the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants Program that will provide financial assistance to farmers managing current drought conditions and build farm business preparedness and resilience for the future.

Eligible farmers can apply for co-contribution grants of up to $5,000 for on-farm improvements including water infrastructure upgrades, stock containment areas, grain and fodder storage and drought management tools.

The $12.1 million grants program is open to farmers in Local Government Areas in the south west that have been most severely impacted by ongoing drought conditions.

These Local Government Areas include Glenelg, Southern Grampians, Warrnambool, Moyne, Corangamite, Colac Otway, Surf Coast, Ararat, Pyrenees, Golden Plains and Greater Geelong, as well as the southern half of West Wimmera Shire.

These grants are part of a $13.53 million Drought Support Package which also includes a $1.43 million investment in farmer wellbeing, technical decision-making advice and a dedicated Regional Drought Coordinator who will help ensure support is reaching those who need it.

The grants build on the existing support services available for farmers including the Rural Financial Counselling Service, National Centre for Farmer Health, farmer workshops, field days and practical information on the Agriculture Victoria website.

To attend an upcoming drop-in session being held across the south-west visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or phone 136 186.

For more information on the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants Program, including the specific areas of eligibility, visit ruralfinance.com.au or call them on 1800 260 425 during business hours.

Looking for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) safety resources for your horticulture farm?

This farm safe and well video from Fruit Growers Victoria is for all horticulture workers, and available in 9 languages.

Keep an eye out for more safety videos from Fruit Growers Vic coming soon.

Keep yourself, your family, and your workers safe and well – know how to manage the risks.

See Fruit Growers Vic safety videos here.

The Rural Financial Counselling Service provides a free and confidential financial counselling service to eligible farmers and small related enterprises who are experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship.

They can help you to access available support, analyse your business situation, negotiate with lenders and develop strategies to improve your financial position.

To find your closest service visit rfcsnetwork.com.au or call 1300 771 741.

The Hugh Victor McKay Fund is a $2 million co-investment fund for Victorian AgTech startups run by LaunchVic with funding from Agriculture Victoria.

The fund invests up to $200,000 alongside individual investors, angel groups and early-stage VC’s.

Up to $30,000 of the investment is provided as a grant to the startup, the remainder is taken as equity.

This means founders hold more stake in their company at the early stages.

For more information or to apply click here​.

Caption: Nationwide Trees at Piedmont is using its $775,000 Transition Fund Rd 1 grant to construct a multi-use production and dispatch shed. This is the inside of that shed during construction

The Forestry Transition Fund aims to support business development and the creation of jobs across all industry sectors in towns or communities affected by the end of native timber harvesting.​  

Following the successful delivery of round 1 of the Forestry Transition Fund grants program, round 2 is now open with grants between $10,000 and $1 million available to eligible businesses and industry groups to expand, diversify or start new businesses. 

Successful grant applicants may also be eligible for a Transitioning Timber Worker Employment Incentive Payment of up to $20,000 per ex-native timber worker the project employs.​ 

Applications will be accepted from business and industry groups, including chambers of commerce and associations, peak bodies and business networks, as well as councils and incorporated not-for-profit organisations that act as a business   

Expressions of Interest are now open, and applications close at 5pm on 31 October 2025. 

For more information and to view the Guidelines visit the Forestry Transition Fund or call 1800 318 182. 

Attention dairy and cattle farmers.

WorkSafe have worked with industry to develop new cattle crush safety guidance.

We want to keep everyone safe when handling cattle.

Find out more: worksafe.vic.gov.au/safe-cattle-yards-crushes.

A fire plan can help protect your home, livestock and vital farm infrastructure.

It will also help identify what you need to do and when you need to do it in preparation for the upcoming fire season.

Start today by downloading a copy of the Farm Fire Preparedness Toolkit.

Hear from Dairy Australia’s Libby Swayn and Cath Lescun as they discuss soil nutrient management practices with Agriculture Victoria's Rachael Campbell.

They look at the key principles to follow when applying fertilisers, how to make the most of the nutrients that are already on the farm, and the practical application of effluent.

Listen here

This spring, enjoy our high country while helping to preserve its beauty and biodiversity. 

While bushwalking, mountain biking or hiking, we encourage you to report invasive hawkweed and help protect our environment and agriculture.

Hawkweed poses a significant threat to our local ecosystems, spreading quickly and releasing chemicals that prevent other plants from growing. 

This is why you must report it immediately if you see it.

What to look for

All hawkweeds have hairy leaves and stems. Leaves form a low growing rosette.

King devil hawkweed (Hieracium praealtum or Pilosella piloselloides)

• yellow flowers with square-ended petals.
• clusters of up to 25 flower heads per stem.

Mouse-ear hawkweed (Hieracium pilosella or Pilosella officinarum)

• yellow flower with square-ended petals
• solitary flower on each stem.

Orange hawkweed (Hieracium aurantiacum or Pilosella aurantiaca)

• bright orange flowers with square-ended petals.
• clusters of 5 to 30 flower heads per stem.

Know exactly what you’re looking for and check out our identification video and 3D model of Orange hawkweed before heading out.

Beware of look-alikes

When identifying hawkweed, be aware of similar-looking plants that are often mistaken for hawkweed, like common dandelion and native yam daisy which are hairless and have a single flower per stalk.

Knowing your hawkweed means timely and targeted intervention, but even if in doubt it is better to still report.

What to do

If you think you have seen hawkweed:

Call Agriculture Victoria on 136 186.

Email weed.spotters@agriculture.vic.gov.au.

Report online agriculture.vic.gov.au/hawkweed.

Fatigue isn't the same as being sleepy or drowsy.

It’s about pushing our bodies beyond their mental and physical limits day after day, with no time to recover.

Watch the video of farmer Simon Craig and get tips to manage fatigue on your farm. 

You can learn more about managing fatigue at the WorkSafe website.

Victoria’s duck abundance survey

The Game Management Authority (GMA) began its annual survey of Victoria’s game duck population on Tuesday, 12 November 2024.

FIND OUT MORE HERE

DAMDEEP tool impresses farmers in south west Victoria

A simple device for measuring the depth of a farm dam was introduced to landholders at a series of workshops in south west Victoria recently.

READ THE MEDIA RELEASE IN FULL HERE

Details about Agriculture Victoria events can now be found in one spot on our website. Log on to agriculture.vic.gov.au/events to find out what's on.

When: Wednesday 20 November, 9:30 am to 3 pm.

Where: Freshwater Creek Hall, 445 Dickins Road, Freshwater Creek. 

Register here.

This practical session will help you assess the current state of your pastures to decide what action to take to optimise pasture growth, quality and sustainability.

Lisa is an agricultural consultant and researcher with a long history of working in grazing industries. She is well known for her research in evaluating grazing systems and pasture persistence, as well as identifying soil constraints to pasture growth.

The workshop will help you:

• assess pasture performance movements
• choose what action to take – manipulate or renovate?
• get the best return on investment.

It will also cover:

• grazing management to improve productivity and persistence of pastures and reduce weeds
• cost-effective use of fertilisers, reduced use of herbicides and need for re-sowing.

WARRNAMBOOL

DATE: 19 and 20 November

TIME: 10 am – 3 pm (both days)

LOCATION: Deakin University

HAMILTON

DATE: 21 and 22 November

TIME: 10 am – 3 pm (both days)

LOCATION: HIRL (more details on registration)

REGISTER ONLINE HERE

Understand your irrigation system and if you have it running a peak performance? Wondering if it’s worth upgrading and need to understand what’s available?

These 2-day workshops are aimed at irrigators to help them learn about how to make their irrigation systems the best they can be – from an efficiency, production and water use perspective.

These workshops will be facilitated by Peter Smith, Sapphire Irrigation Consulting and are free for irrigators to attend.

DATE: Thursday 21 November

TIME: 1 - 2 pm

RSVP HERE.

Join us for a special Open Day and National Ag Day celebration.

We’re thrilled to be opening our doors for the first time and to welcome you for a special day celebrating our farming community.

This is a fantastic chance to meet our team and discover how we support the health, wellbeing and safety of farmers and their families.

Here’s what’s happening:

• Lunch and refreshments – Relax and enjoy while you mingle
• Farmer health checks – Book yourself in for a quick health check
• Hearing tests – Courtesy of the Australian Hearing Team
• Respiratory nurse consultations – Limited spaces available
• Let’s Talk team – Let’s start conversations to remove stigma of mental illness
• Dry Seasons and Drought Support Information – Learn about assistance available for farmers in the south west.

Business EDGE is a 2-day workshop designed to enhance producer knowledge and skills in basic financial and business management to improve business efficiency and profitability.

Attending this Hamilton workshop will help you to:

• develop your financial knowledge and business understanding
• understand where your business is performing well and where it can be improved
• better understand how your decisions impact the bottom line of your business
• determine if your business can fund future growth, debt reduction, retirement and succession
• ensure everyone in your business is on the same page
• join a group of like-minded producers and equip yourself to improve your business skills.

Presenters - Paul Blackshaw and Bryony Fitzgerald, farm business consultants at Meridian Agriculture, a broad-based agricultural consultancy focused on improving farm business performance.

When: Wednesday and Thursday, 27 - 28 November, 8:30 to 5 pm both days.

Where: Hamilton, location when you register.

Cost - $262.50*pp + GST (usually $1,750pp + GST).

*Discounted prices are possible thanks to support from Agriculture Victoria’s Farm Business Resilience program funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

Cost includes a comprehensive set of workshop notes, workbook, decision support spreadsheet tools and catering.

Register now for Business EDGE.

Registrations close 20 November. Places are limited.

For more information contact Meridian Agriculture (03) 5341 6100 or at info@meridian-ag.com.au.

DATE: Wednesday 27 November

TIME: 10 am - 2 pm

LOCATION: 3335 Great Ocean Road, Nirranda.

Join us for an enjoyable few hours learning about the multiple benefits of sowing multispecies pastures, revegetation and water saving measures through innovative water irrigation and management practices.

Wear wet weather gear if needed and sturdy footwear.  Stay on for lunch with Landcare friends, other landholders and guest presenters Jade Killoran, Healthy Farming Systems and Michele Jolliffe from Agriculture Victoria.

To register email Geoff Rollinson at facilitator@wcln.org.au or Danielle Nipe at facilitator2@wcln.org.au by Thursday November 21.

Looking after your well-being and connecting with others is important in challenging times and we all know that laughter is the best medicine.

This fun and practical Take a Well-Being Break workshop brings farmers, farming families, couples and service providers in your community together to provide well-being tools and information, connect and share ideas and to identify practical strategies you can immediately implement to positively impact your well-being and improve your performance.

Get off the farm and give yourself the time and space to bring some calm to the chaos and focus on you.

Join us for a workshop on Tuesday 10 December, 10 am - 2 pm at the Mortlake Soldiers Memorial Hall. Lunch is provided.

Tickets $20 with proceeds going to charity.

Places are limited click here to book.

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