Thursday 12 February 2026

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

Community events near you

We’ll be at several farm recovery events over the next couple of weeks to support farmers impacted by recent fires across the state.

Our staff will be on hand to talk through your recovery, including feeding livestock, looking after soils and managing farm water.

Here’s what’s on this week:

• Highlands Community Hall (Friday 13 February): 9 am – 12 pm, 1603 Ghin Ghin Rd
• Euroa Recovery Hub (Friday 13 February): 12 – 2.30 pm, 34 Railway St
• Upton Hill Information Session (Friday 13 February): 1 – 3.30 pm, 1475 Upton Rd.

And next week:

• Yarck Town Hall (Monday 16 February): 10 am – 12 pm, 6583 Maroondah Hwy
• Fawcett Hall (Wednesday 18 February): 10 am – 12 pm, 655 Spring Creek Rd
• Terip Terip Valley Seeds (Thursday 19 February): 1 – 4 pm, 295 Maroondah Link Hwy
• Highlands Community Hall (Friday 20 February): 10 am – 12 pm, 1603 Ghin Ghin Rd.

For support, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/bushfires

Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Grants and Concessional Loans 

Has your farm been impacted by recent bushfires? 

The Victorian Government has recently announced 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, including: 

• engaging a tradesperson to conduct a safety inspection of damage to a property, premises or equipment
• hiring and leasing equipment, or purchasing materials to clean a property, premises or equipment
• purchasing, hiring or leasing equipment or materials that are essential for immediately resuming operation of the primary production enterprise, including pumps and generators
• removing and disposing of debris, damaged goods and material, and injured or dead livestock
• other activities as listed in the program guidelines. 

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. 

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).

Emergency relief drinking water

Communities in bushfire affected areas and who are not on reticulated (town) water, may be eligible for a tank refill of up to 20,000 litres through the Emergency Relief Drinking Water program.

Your household may be eligible if you are not on reticulated (town) water and rely on tank water for domestic use, and your household tank has been impacted by fires.

Impacts may include that you’ve emptied your tank for fire-fighting purposes, or it may now contain ash or other contaminants.

Further information on the Emergency Relief Drinking Water program can be found at DEECA’s website: www.water.vic.gov.au/about-us/news/news-stories/emergency-relief-drinking-water-2026

Essential Water Replacement

In a bushfire FFMVic and CFA may need to take water from private property using tankers or aircraft to help put out fires.

If essential water is taken from your property, you can make a request for its replacement via the FFMVic website.

Essential water is water that is needed for:

• health of residents and pets
• health and productivity and stock
• agricultural and horticultural crops, permanent plantings and intensive industries.

Find out more and download the request form from the FFMVic website.

Consider options before re-fencing after fire

Clem Sturmfels, Land Management Extension Officer

Recent bushfires have had devastating consequences for many farming families, destroying infrastructure such as fences, sheds, and water systems. Amongst this devastation, they also offer an opportunity to review and update farm layouts.

Farmers are encouraged to consider if their current layout is still the most effective for their business and to reflect on the following questions:

• Are you making the best use of more productive areas on the farm?
• Are you protecting areas vulnerable to soil erosion, structure decline, and inundation?
• Can you better protect areas of bush, native grasslands, and waterway frontages?
• Would a new laneway system make running the farm easier and more efficient?
• Are your gates and troughs in the best location to maximise production and allow the efficient movement of stock and equipment?

Along with those questions, consider reviewing your fencing requirements. Do you need traditional fencing, or might electric fencing offer more flexibility and lower cost? Would you consider virtual fencing sometime in the future?

Innovative thinkers to represent Victoria as award finalists

Above: Nadine Holgate from Neurolinks

A fifth-generation sheep farmer, an occupational therapist, an agtech entrepreneur and a country vet are the 2026 Victorian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award finalists.

The award acknowledges and celebrates the vital role women play in rural and regional businesses, industries and communities.

These are the Victorian finalists:

• Sherri Symons, founder of WoolGrow Australia, transforms coarse wool destined for landfill into biodegradable gardening and soil health products. Her work creates value for wool producers while delivering sustainable, circular solutions for farmers and home gardeners.
• Nadine Holgate, is an occupational therapist with over 25 years of experience in brain injury rehabilitation. Through Neurolinks, she delivers education and mentoring to strengthen rural allied healthcare worker capabilities and improves access to specialised rehabilitation services in regional and rural Victoria.
• Sam Pritchard is the founder of People in Paddocks and creator of the award-winning PIPA platform, which simplifies farm safety and compliance across Australian agriculture. Through her national Safety Served Sweet project, Sam drives behaviour change through practical on-farm safety education.
• Dr Becky Dickinson is a veterinarian and founder of Veterinary Support Services, providing clinical supervision and livestock training for graduate vets and rural vet practices. Her programs strengthen skills, wellbeing and workforce retention, supporting a sustainable veterinary workforce for Australia’s livestock industries.

The Victorian winner will be announced at a ceremony on 4 March 2026 and receive $15,000 to implement their project. The national winner will be announced at a gala dinner in Canberra on 8 September 2026.

Agriculture Victoria Chief Executive Beth Jones said each finalist has impressive achievements.

‘This talented group of finalists represent the ingenuity and leadership we need to drive the future of Victorian agriculture. They lead with innovation, vision and determination to turn ideas into outcomes that strengthen rural industries, grow businesses and build resilient communities.

‘Agriculture Victoria is committed to supporting women in agriculture to build leadership skills, share knowledge and foster greater connections.’

North East Adaptive Futures Program – Intake closing Sunday 15 February

The North East Adaptive Futures Program invites people from across north east Victoria to explore new perspectives on leadership and change, strengthening the region’s ability to respond to drought, climate and shifting conditions.

Participants build insight into the systems that shape how we live and work locally, including the ways drought influences decisions, pressures and opportunities across businesses, communities and industries. The program supports the development of networks, mindset and skills that enable collaboration, innovation and action across the region.

Running from March to May, the program combines leadership development with immersive, place-based experiences, including a regional study tour. Sessions examine how drought and other pressures influence local systems, with a focus on adaptive capacity, navigating change, values and working in complexity. Participants gain practical insights that can be applied in both workplace and community settings.

People who experience the impacts of drought through work, land management, community roles, volunteer involvement or local decision-making are encouraged to apply.

Applications are open at: https://bit.ly/NEfutures

Drought Support

Wellbeing counsellors

Wellbeing counsellors work hand in hand with experienced financial counsellors to ensure that your mental health receives as much attention as your bottom line. 

Providing practical strategies and helping you to tailor them to your specific circumstances, across the north and south west. 

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.

Look Over the Farm Gate applications open

In response to the bushfires and ongoing drought, Look Over the Farm Gate applications are now open. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for events and activities that support mental health and wellbeing. 

Managed by the National Centre for Farmer Health on behalf of the Victorian Government. For further drought support visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186. 

For more information on bushfire support, visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/bushfires or call 136 186. 

Drought Farm Advisory Service

Farmers from across the state have access to 2 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.  

Click here to find out more.

For further drought support visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.  

Have your say on the future of the Basin Plan

For the first time since 2012 the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) is undertaking a review of the Basin Plan. This is your opportunity to have a say about future water management in the Basin.

The MDBA has released a discussion paper with public consultation running until 1 May 2026.

Outcomes of the review will have long term implications for Victorian catchments and communities including environmental objectives, how water is recovered, and the role of the Australian Government in regulating water across the Basin.

For more information about the review and how to make a submission go to  2026 Basin Plan Review: Have Your Say - MDBA.

Online farm business program helps manage farm risks

Agriculture Victoria invites farm business owners and managers to take part in a free online business program.

Agriculture Victoria project leader Kit Duncan-Jones said the program supports farmers to build on their knowledge and skills, strengthening their farm business to better manage the risks associated with a variable climate.

The online program will run on Wednesdays, starting on 25 February at 12 pm, over 6 weeks. It is suitable for livestock, grains, mixed farmers, horticulturalists and apiarists.

Our research powering future focused dairy systems 

Methane emissions are one of the biggest challenges for agriculture, and we’re tackling it head-on at the Ellinbank SmartFarm. 

Our new video shows how we’re leading worldclass research to reduce enteric methane emissions in grazing based dairy systems. Using technologies such as respiration chambers, GreenFeeds and methane sensors, our team is testing practical, farm ready mitigation options. 

So far, we’ve achieved methane reductions of more than 40%, with no negative impact on milk production. This highlights a significant step forward for the dairy sector. 

The video demonstrates how we test solutions under real-world farm conditions to ensure they’re practical, adoptable and deliver real benefits for farmers. 

Affected by the close of the Solstice Gas Network?

In parts of Victoria starting in 2026, Solstice Energy, a private energy business, will be closing its compressed natural gas (CNG) networks across Victoria. The CNG network is closing in the following towns: 

• Loddon Mallee: Marong, Heathcote, Swan Hill, Maldon, Robinvale, Kerang 
• Hume: Nathalia. 

If you are a Solstice Energy customer and need help navigating this transition, with tailored advice and support the Victorian Government has established a Solstice Case Management team. Additionally, eligibility criteria has been eased for impacted Solstice Energy customers to access Solar Homes rebates and Victorian Energy Upgrades discounts. 

Email: solstice.support@deeca.vic.gov.au 

Telephone : 1800 413 137 from anywhere in Australia, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm.  

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. 

What's On

GRDC Update: After the fire management and actions

When: Friday 13 February, 1-1:45 pm
Where: Online

Presenters: Matthew Sparke, Sparke Ag, VIC and Andrew Barr, grain grower, Pinery SA.

Bushfires can leave lasting impacts on soil, ground cover and crop planning.

Join this free online GRDC update to hear practical guidance on managing burnt paddocks and preparing for 2026 crops, alongside grower insights from recovery after the Pinery fires.

CFOP Know your numbers

When: Tuesday 17 February, 5-9 pm
Where: Powlett Plains Hall, Powlett Plains

Join this free Carbon Farming Outreach Program event, hosted by Loddon Plains Landcare Network

Areas to be covered

• Findings from Victorian case studies for mixed and cropping farms
• Tree and soil carbon
• Opportunities and risks

Soil constraints and nutrition with Dr Cass Schefe

When: Wednesday 18 February, 7:30-8:30 pm
Where: Online

Unlock the full potential of your paddocks by understanding and managing soil constraints and fertility. This webinar will equip farmers with practical strategies to improve soil health, boost crop performance, and make more informed input decisions, leading to optimised yields and improved emissions intensity.

Presenter

Dr Cass Schefe 

Topics:

• Identifying and addressing common constraints in Wimmera soils
• Maintaining system fertility - not just nitrogen
• Maintaining soil carbon
• Soil moisture for the season ahead

AgriFutures evokeAg

When: Tuesday 17 to Wednesday 18 February, 7:30-8:30 pm
Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

This unique, cross-sector, international event brings together thought leaders and change makers in agriculture, food manufacturing, research, innovation, investment, and policy to build connections for a more resilient, productive, and profitable agricultural sector and value chain.

Productivity options in agriculture to improve profitability and sustainability

When: Wednesday 18 February, 10 am - 3:30 pm
Where: Bonegilla CFA shed. Hosted by Better Beef network

Presenter: Cam Nicholson

This practical day will focus on a small number of high-impact levers that can help farm managers make the most of their resources. Topics will include grazing system design, improving animal fertility, optimising turn-off timing, emissions reductions and strategies to boost overall herd performance. 

The Victorian Farmers Federation 2026 Grains Conference

When: Sunday 22 to Monday 23 February, 8:30 am to 9:30 pm
Where: Sebel Yarrawonga, 40 Silverwoods Blvd, Yarrawonga

Speakers will dive into some of the most relevant and forward-looking topics in agriculture, including gene editing and plant breeding to develop better varieties, the power of AI to drive smarter farming, and essential market updates covering inputs and supply chains. Each session is designed to help growers and graziers achieve better outcomes, offering insights that will elevate how you operate and deepen your understanding of an ever-evolving world. 

New Frontiers Grainstorming – Bendigo

When: Monday 23 February, 6:30-8:30 pm
Where: Quality Hotel Lakeside, 286 Napier St, Bendigo

Leading Australian grain growers and advisers are invited to a free GRDC New Frontiers Grainstorming dinner to share innovative, new ideas for ground-breaking, blue-sky research that will make a difference on-farm. If you have an idea or suggestion, please come along. Knowledge and expertise of thought leading growers and advisers is needed to ensure new investments by GRDC reflect what the industry needs now and into the future.

Please register your interest with event facilitator, DemocracyCo. Email emily@democracyco.com.au for more information.

Online Farm Business Resilience Program

When: Wednesday 25 February, 12-2:30 pm
Where: Online

The online Farm Business Resilience Program is supporting farmers to build on their knowledge and skills, strengthening their farm business to better manage the risks associated with a variable climate.

Facilitated by farm business consultants Rural People Co., this free online short course runs over 6 weeks, covering 5 modules:

• Module 1: Identifying and managing risks, strategic planning and setting business goals (25 February)
• Module 2: Financial management, budgeting and profitable decision making (4 March)
• Module 3: Climate risk and natural resource management (11 March)
• Module 4: Managing people on farm, succession planning and farm safety (18 March)
• Module 5: Business planning (1 April)

The program includes a one-on-one session, to be held between Module 4 and 5, to review business plans. Participants are expected to attend all 5 online sessions.

Partnering in nature-based investment for resilient communities

When: Thursday 26 February, 10:30 am - 3:30 pm
Where: The Glasshouse, Benalla Lakeside Community Centre, Benalla

The forum will consist of 2 sessions:

• Session 1: hear examples and case studies of localised nature-based offset markets already happening in Victoria.
• Session 2: a facilitated discussion and workshop to create the framework for future partnerships.

An introduction to carbon offsetting will also be included, so that everyone can fully participate on the day.

Interested staff, executives and councillors from metropolitan and regional councils, and partner agencies, are warmly invited to attend.

Please register to assist with catering. Refreshments and lunch provided. 

GRDC Grains Research Bendigo Update

When: 24-25 February, 8:50 am - 4:30 pm
Where: Ulumbarra Theatre, 10 Gaol Road, Bendigo

Discuss the latest farm-ready information to improve profit, with researchers, agronomists and leading growers at the Bendigo GRDC Grains Research Update.

Fencing farm dams

When: Thursday 26 February, 5:30-7 pm
Where: Online

Healthy dams and wetlands can increase on-farm productivity, biodiversity, livestock health and water security. When properly managed, they can also store carbon from our atmosphere, known as teal carbon.

This webinar will bring together experts and landcarers to explore why you should give a damn about your farm dams. 

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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