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Thursday 16 April 2026
Burn piles can be risk to stock
Farmers looking to ignite burn piles when fire restrictions are lifted are being urged to be cautious with stock.
Of particular concern are contaminants left in ash and debris from treated pine posts, which landholders may be burning after replacing fences damaged in recent fires.
Agriculture Victoria veterinary officer Dr Lydia Nicholson said a case near Wangaratta served as a sobering reminder of how well-intentioned actions can pose serious risks to livestock.
‘During a disease investigation, several cattle were found dead after displaying severe neurological signs – staggering, blindness and collapse,’ she said.
‘Post-mortem examinations and laboratory testing were conducted, but the key breakthrough came during a discussion with the landholder. It was revealed that a bonfire had recently been lit on the property and the burn pile included treated timber.’
The Very Fast Break
The latest The Very Fast Break video is now available.
The Very Fast Break is delivered as short YouTube videos summarising oceanic and atmospheric climate drivers and the summarised model predictions for rainfall and temperature for Victoria.
Support available for Sunraysia farmers
There is a range of financial and mental health support available for farmers affected by the Sunraysia rain event.
Growers are encouraged to contact the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) for an independent assessment of their situation, with free, confidential support available.
The RFCS can assist with cash flow, business planning, creditor negotiations and grant applications.
RFCS also provides mental health and wellbeing support for farmers, families and workers, with counsellors able to provide support on farm or over the phone.
RFCS can be contacted on 1300 735 578 or via www.wswrcs.com.au
Advice on recovery for water damaged orchards and crops can also be obtained by calling 136 186 or emailing recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Bee Pest Blitz
This April, make a bee-line for your hives to check for pests.
Surveillance is key to the early detection of new pests and provides the best chance for industries and governments to respond before pests become established and widespread.
Whole Farm Planning course EOI now open for fire impacted landholders
Whole Farm Planning course expressions of interest (EOI) are now open for landholders impacted by the recent bushfires.
A Whole Farm Plan can help design a farm that is easier to manage, more productive and offers environmental benefits.
This EOI will be used to identify groups of landholders to run courses when we have enough participants in your area.
Format: Participants meet for up to 6 sessions to cover farm management and recovery topics. An online format will also be available.
A free laminated property map will be provided as part of the course.
Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Grants and Concessional Loans
Has your farm been impacted by recent 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.
Applications are open and will close at 4 pm on 21 October.
Check your eligibility via Rural Finance www.ruralfinance.com.au or call them on 1800 260 425 with any questions.
If you need help working through what support you can get or how to apply, the Rural Financial Counselling Service is available at:
- Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria North East for farmers and small farm businesses.
- RFCS Victoria West | Home (Mildura and north western).
Partnerships against pests grant applications
The final round of the Partnerships Against Pests program is closing soon.
The program helps farmers protect their crops, and livestock pasture from invasive pests, and improve the long-term health of their land.
Applicants can apply for grants of between $10,000 and $50,000 to deliver projects over a 12-month period.
Support through prolonged drought: Drought Hardship Loan
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.
Learn more about the Drought Hardship Loan: ric.gov.au
The 2026 Interim Mallee SA and Vic NVT Harvest Report is now available, delivering the latest independent data on yield, grain quality and disease ratings from the 2025 National Variety Trials season.
The report includes five years of local trial results, presented at a site level to support grower and adviser decisions on variety selection.
Landcare Grant applications now open
Applications are now open for Landcare Grants to help fund projects making a difference to enhance and protect Victoria’s great outdoors.
Landcare and environmental volunteer groups can apply for grants of up to $20,000 for projects and $500 for support.
Applications close on 23 April.
Drought Support
What upgrades or improvements do the Farm Drought Support Grants cover?
Use a Farm Drought Support Grant to make on-farm infrastructure upgrades and improvements such as grain feeders, troughs, pasture restoration, stock containment areas, and more.
$5,000 as a co-contribution grant is available statewide, with farmers in south west Victoria able to access $10,000.
Wellbeing counsellors
Wellbeing counsellors can visit you at your property or talk over the phone to assist with:
✔ managing stress
✔ building resilience for tough times
✔ balancing work and life with practical tools
✔ getting support for big decisions and life changes.
To speak to a Wellbeing Counsellor call 1300 771 741.
Find out more at Rural Financial Counselling Network.
For further drought support visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
Drought Farm Advisory Service
Farmers from across the state have access to two Farm 1-on-1 consultations with a technical specialist.
Specialist consultants include agronomists, veterinarians, animal nutritionists, business advisors and farm planners, with expertise across dairy, beef, sheep and wool, horticulture and cropping.
For further drought support visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
What can I use a Farm Drought Support Grant for?
Use a Farm Drought Support Grant to make on-farm infrastructure upgrades and improvements such as grain feeders, troughs, pasture restoration, stock containment areas, and more.
$5,000 as a co-contribution grant is available statewide.
Early bird tickets now available
When: 23–24 June
Where: The Goods Shed, Ballarat
After last year’s successful roadshow, the BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef conferences return to The Goods Shed on 23 and 24 June.
There’ll be 2 full days of insights, innovations and practical take home messages for sheep and cattle producers across Victoria – and a combined industry dinner at the end of Day 1.
Early bird tickets now on sale.
What's On
Drop-in community recovery session
When: Friday 17 April, 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Berriwillock Community Centre, 69 Taverna Street, Berriwillock
The session will provide an opportunity for the community to:
- speak with support services
- ask questions and get advice
- find out what assistance is available
- connect with others in the community
Say hello to us at the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo
When: 17–19 April
Where: Tallarook Street, Kings Park, Seymour
Come along to the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo, where our Ag Recovery Officers will be on hand to discuss issues, including bushfire recovery.
Information will be available about:
- fire recovery
- drought programs
- land management
- animal health
- invasive species.
Find out more at Ticket Info - Seymour Alternative Farming Expo
Managing water price variability - Kerang and Kyabram
When: Tuesday 21 April, 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Royal Hotel Kerang, 60 Victoria Street, Kerang
When: Wednesday 22 April, 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Kyabram Club, 82 Allan Street, Kyabram
Join us for these upcoming workshops to gain insight into the water market for the Murray river system – specifically Zone 6 – the Murray and Mitta rivers.
Topics will include a broad overview of the wider system, pricing outlook and importantly – what you can do to help manage your water risk.
Limited numbers available - this event is free, but registration is required - so do get in quick. A light lunch will be provided.
Event are being delivered by RMCG on behalf of Agriculture Victoria as part of the Victorian Government's statewide Drought support package.
Webinar - cutting methane in grazing systems: What works and what’s emerging
Date: Thursday 23 April,12–1 pm
Zoom password: Climate
Join Professor Joe Jacobs as he shares insights from nearly 2 decades of methane mitigation research undertaken by Agriculture Victoria.
This session will cover strategies that work within pasture-based operations - where feed additives can only be delivered at specific times such as during milking.
Joe will walk through recent trials of emerging methane reducing additives and their potential to reduce enteric methane emissions in dairy cows and other ruminants, building on a foundation of work involving feedbase manipulation, mainstream supplements, and by-products.
Farming stronger
When: Wednesday 29 April, 10 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Cobram Hotel, Cobram
Join Cynthia Mahoney for a free Farming Stronger workshop in Cobram to gain tools to stay clear-headed, manage pressure and keep performing even in challenging seasons.
In this practical session you'll learn how to:
- Make better decisions under pressure
- Avoid costly mistakes caused by stress
- Maintain energy during demanding seasons
- Strengthen relationships on farm
- Keep you and your farm business performing
- Morning tea, lunch & tool kit provided
This is a free workshop supported by the Victorian Government’s Drought Support Package, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, Australian Consolidated Milk and Cobram and District Fruit Growers’ Association.
Understanding your farm finances
When: Wednesday 13 May, 9 am – 4 pm
Where: Wangaratta
When: Thursday 14 May, 9 am – 4 pm
Where: Seymour
This one-day workshop is designed for all farming businesses, no matter your size or enterprise type. It is an excellent workshop for those at the start of their farm management career, looking to boost their financial literacy.
Delivered by Pinion Advisory on behalf of Agriculture Victoria this workshop will equip participants with clarity on:
- financial budgeting
- key financial reports and KPI
- approaching the bank and what it means to be ‘bank ready’
- farm debt management.
Stock handling workshop
When: Friday 8 May, 9:30 am – 13:30 pm
Where: Bendigo
When: Friday 15 May, 10 am – 2 pm
Where: Kyabram
Join experts Mark Bennett and Jack Briscoe as they discuss stockyard design, stock handling techniques and overall livestock safety. The Stock Sense team will also lead a discussion on biosecurity.
Decisions that drive success – Proven techniques for effective on-farm decision-making
When: Tuesday 19 May, 9 am – 3 pm
Where: Greater Shepparton Business Centre, 70 New Dookie Road, Shepparton
Success depends on sound decision-making. This is especially so in times of crisis and change.
This ION Group workshop offers a practical, proven approach to managing competing priorities, helping participants make better decisions, rebuild resilience and adapt their business to recover from drought and other challenges.
Participants learn to identify key trigger points, stressors and strategic priorities for their farm business, optimise resources, manage costs, mitigate risks and seize opportunities.
The workshop builds confidence and capability to respond quickly to change, implement timely decisions with clear checkpoints, and strengthen adaptability through contingency planning.
2026 VFF Conference
When: 1-2 June, 8 am – 5 pm
Where: The Goods Shed, Ballarat
GRDC Farm Business Update
When: Thursday 25 June, 9:30 am – 3:15 pm
Where: Shamrock Hotel, 5 - 13 Melville Street, Numurkah
The GRDC Farm Business Update events drive innovation and adoption of improved farm business management practices across the grains industry.
Free but please register for catering purposes.
Speakers and topics and free workbook coming soon.
Contact Jane Foster 03 5441 6175 or email admin@orm.com.au
Australian sheep and wool show
When: Friday 17 June to Sunday 19 June, 9 am to 4 pm
Where: Bendigo Prince of Wales Showgrounds, North Bendigo
Visit Bendigo, July 17–19, 2026, for a weekend celebrating Australia’s finest sheep, wool, and country life. From livestock and wool craft to fashion, food, and family fun.
Get your tickets today at www.sheepshow.com
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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