Thursday 1 October 2026

Locust response - current situation

Webinar recording

Missed last week’s webinar on Australian plague locust risk and management?

Farmers and landholders can now watch the recording to learn more about identifying Australian plague locusts, their potential impacts, and management options, along with updates on our monitoring and guidance for the season.

Visit https://tinyurl.com/4wueds99

Passcode: Locusts

Seen locusts or signs of locust activity? Report them online. Your report helps us monitor locust populations and support early management efforts across Victoria.

Report via our website form or call 136 186.

Shearwaters set to arrive in Victoria

Victorians are reminded that Shearwaters are about to begin arriving in Victoria, migrating from the Northern hemisphere.

Shearwaters travel more than 15,000 km to Australia each year to breed in spring and summer, one of the world’s longest bird migrations.

Some exhausted birds do not survive the journey and may be found on Victorian beaches.

DEECA wants to remind Victorians that if they see sick or dead Shearwaters to leave them in place and report their findings to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline or via the online reporting form.

Our on-ground and aerial surveillance continues across the state, and we are working with experts to inform surveillance of at-risk areas, particularly as we move into the spring breeding season for many waterbirds, including the arrival of migratory species.

As H5 bird flu becomes established in wild bird populations in Victoria, our response activities continue to focus on surveillance, public safety and protecting high-risk species.

For the latest information about H5 bird flu, visit H5N1 avian influenza.

For birds and wildlife:

• AVOID contact with sick or dead birds, wildlife or their environment. This helps to avoid disease spread by people.

• RECORD what you see, and
• REPORT wildlife sickness or deaths to DEECA using the online form on the Agriculture Victoria website or call the Emergency Animal Disease hotline on 1800 675 888.

Keep pests away from bird feed and housing

Reduce the risk by: • Storing poultry feed in sealed containers

• Cleaning up feed spills promptly
• Keeping grass and weeds short around coops and runs
• Removing rubbish, unused equipment and other hiding places
• Checking regularly for signs of rodents or other pests
• Using safe pest control where needed

Less food and shelter for pests means less opportunity for disease to spread.

Find more practical biosecurity measures online: agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu

Managing fire fuel on-farm

Get on top of fuel management now ahead of the fire season.

• Undertake routine maintenance of house and farm buildings.
• Clear long grass and other flammable materials from around the home, yards and sheds.
• Establish fire breaks.

View the fuel management video on our YouTube channel.

Request a hard copy of the Fire Preparedness Toolkit by emailing recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Melbourne Royal Show

Visiting the Melbourne Royal Show this weekend?

Drop by the Livestock Pavilion and chat with our team about H5 bird flu, including what backyard chicken owners need to know.

Our team can answer your questions and share practical tips on:
🐓 Recognising signs of disease in chickens
🛡️ Protecting your flock
🌱 Supporting healthy habitats for plants and animals

Bring the family along and enjoy some hands-on activities for kids.

Grants to rehome and care for our precious pets opens 

The Victorian Government is ensuring more Victorian pets get the care they need and have the chance to find a new home. 

Minister for Agriculture Michaela Settle opened Round 14 of the Animal Welfare Fund Grants today at Beyond Racing in Myrniong. 

The $1.7 million grants round will help organisations across Victoria care for and rehome animals. 

New molecular tools for Australian citrus biosecurity 

Check out the latest edition of Australian Citrus News for an article by our researchers Dr Francesco Martoni and Dr Mark Blacket. 

It looks at their research which is helping keep Australia free from exotic pests and protecting citrus growers from damaging plant pathogens. 

Drought support

As we move into the warmer months, support is still available for farmers across Victoria.   

Manage current conditions, access practical advice and plan ahead with more confidence with:   

• Rural Financial Counselling Service Wellbeing Counsellors - free, confidential wellbeing support alongside its usual financial and business counselling support.  

• Drought support events – workshops and events across the state supporting farmers in drought and recovery.   

To view the full range of financial, technical and wellbeing support available, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or phone 136 186.      

Bushfire recovery

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

Elmore Field Days

Are you planning on visiting the Elmore Field Days? Drop in and have a chat with us!  

We'll be there from 6-8 October at site 353 to answer your questions about animal health, invasive pests and weeds, locusts and bird flu and will have plenty of information on hand to assist with drought support too.  

Hope to see you there!  

What's On

Success with succession planning

When: Tuesday 6 October, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Elmhurst Golf Club, Golf Course Road, Elmhurst

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. 

Farm Fire Preparedness

When: Monday 5 October 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Molesworth Public Hall, 4364 Goulburn Valley Highway, Molesworth

When: Thursday 8 October, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Osbornes Flat Hall, 315 Osbornes Flat Road, Osbornes Flat

Livestock owners are invited to attend a practical workshop to help prepare their property for bushfires.

Participants will:

• learn key actions to take before, during and after a fire event
• hear expert advice on farm infrastructure, property preparedness, livestock management, business continuity and recovery
• use planning templates and an A3 farm map to support their own bushfire preparedness
• gain additional skills and knowledge needed to help shape future bushfire preparedness workshops and training opportunities.

Places are limited, register by Thursday 1 October.

Pre-harvest People Check

When: Monday 12 October 7 pm
Where: Online

Join Agriculture Victoria and the City of Greater Bendigo for a free webinar with Cath Jenkins from Rural People Co. and discover practical ways to improve communication, accountability and productivity in your workplace.

Perfect for anyone working with employees, contractors or family members this coming harvest.

Soils, Pasture and Feed

When: Tuesday 13 October 12:30–3:30 pm
Where: Callamondah, 7909 Maroondah Highway, Merton

Join Aziza Coridas, Agriculture Victoria Agriculture Recovery Officer and Matt Mahoney from Agridome for an informative walk and discussion focusing on pasture recovery and management following bushfire impacts.

A free lunch will also be provided.

For bookings and more information contact Dakota Hardt, Recovery Support Officer on 5775 8555 or dakota.hardt@mansfield.vic.gov.au.

Let's Talk Future Farming - Loddon Region

When: Thursday 15 October 5:30–7:30 pm
Where: Bridgewater Hotel

Farmers, growers and agribusinesses across the Loddon region are invited to a free evening exploring the future of farming.

Hear local stories on virtual fencing, autonomous vehicles, innovation and more.

Chemical use training for commercial beekeepers

When: 16 and 17 October, 9 am – 5 pm  
Where: Melbourne Polytechnic, Fairfield campus  

Do you own 20 or more registered beehives? Using chemicals to manage Varroa mite? Become accredited in safe chemical use through Melbourne Polytechnic.  

As part of this training program, you may be eligible to be reimbursed up to $200 for the cost of this course.   

For more information, email biosecurityservicescentre@agriculture.vic.gov.au 

Your legacy, their future: Success with succession planning

When: Thursday 29 October 9:30 am – 3 pm
Where: Longwood Community Centre, 2A Down Street, Longwood

Planning for the future of your farm business? Join us in Longwood for a free practical workshop designed to help farming families navigate succession planning with confidence.

Presented by Dr Kate Burke, the workshop will explore how effective succession planning can help:

• Protect your family legacy
• Maintain a viable business
• Grow and transfer wealth
• Strengthen family relationships across generations

Participants will develop a succession timeline and identify practical goals to support a successful transition.

☕ Morning tea and lunch provided

Places are limited and registration is essential.

Save the date - Wimmera Pulse Field Day

When: Wednesday 28 October from 8:30 am
Where: 75 Hempills Road, Minyip

Gain practical insights into current research and how it can be used in on-farm decision making.  

Topics will include: 

• Pulse agronomy 
• Pulse breeding 
• Nutrition management 
• Nitrogen fixation research 

The morning will conclude with a BBQ lunch and an opportunity to network with fellow agronomists, researchers and industry representatives. 

This event is free however registrations are essential for catering purposes.  

GRDC events

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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