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Thursday 24 September 2026
Locust hatching has begun in northern Mallee
Agriculture Victoria is encouraging landholders and managers to ramp up their surveillance efforts as locust egg hatching has begun in parts of the northern Mallee.
Agriculture Victoria’s Incident Management Team Incident Controller Alex Perera said now that young locusts have been detected, it’s important for landholders and managers to conduct surveillance of their properties to understand their specific situation.
‘Where land managers see hatching has occurred, they should begin preparing to treat using registered chemicals that suit their specific needs.
‘Spraying will be most effective around 2 weeks after hatching, when young locusts are on the ground and banding together but not yet flying.'
Plan ahead for the fire season
The Inquiry into the January 2026 bushfires found that ‘Strategically located water tanks can assist in protecting assets during major fire events, particularly where mains water supplies fail or natural water sources are limited’.
Your plan should include consideration for your water supply failing.
If this happens, then having access to full water tanks in key locations around the farm will help protect your assets.
H5 bird flu is present in wild birds in Victoria. Bird flu cannot be controlled in the wild.
From 20 August, bird flu reporting in Victoria has changed to align with the national reporting framework.
We now report H5 bird flu events, rather than individual detections. The new number of positive events captures all previously reported individual confirmed detections.
You can explore confirmed events on our interactive map.
Please report clusters of 5 or more sick or dead wild birds of any species, anywhere in Victoria.
Report even 1 sick or dead:
- wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey
- marine mammal (e.g. seal, dolphin).
Your report helps us to understand the spread of H5 bird flu across the state. Accurate reports help us respond quickly where necessary.
Supporting H5 preparedness and poultry welfare reforms
With H5 bird flu continuing to pose a biosecurity threat, the Victorian Government is giving poultry producers more time to prepare for new poultry welfare regulations.
The regulations will now be introduced in mid-2027, allowing industry and government to maintain their immediate focus on H5 preparedness and biosecurity.
The existing Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Domestic Fowl) Regulations 2016 will apply during the extension.
Requirement to prevent poultry contact with wild birds extended
As H5 bird flu continues to spread among wild birds along much of Victoria's coastline, the requirement for targeted biosecurity measures to be implemented in southern parts of the state has been extended for another 28 days from 19 September 2026.
Under the requirement, those who own or are in control of 50 or more poultry in southern local government areas, including metropolitan Melbourne, must continue to confine their birds in a manner to prevent contact with wild birds, their droppings and any environments accessed by wild birds.
New H5 bird flu cases detected in fur seals
New cases of H5 bird flu have been confirmed in two fur seals in Victoria following ongoing surveillance activities and reports from the community.
One deceased Long-nosed fur seal was identified on Gabo Island on the eastern Victorian coast through community reports last week. Specialist veterinarians were deployed to the island to assess the animal and collect samples, which later confirmed the presence of H5 bird flu.
An Australian fur seal was also identified on Rye Back Beach on the Mornington Peninsula following community reports.
Investigating wildlife deaths on Port Phillip Bay’s Mud Islands
Testing has returned a negative result for H5 bird flu at Mud Islands in Port Phillip Bay, after aerial surveillance identified a small number of dead pelicans.
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) completed further ground surveillance last week and sampled the pelicans.
The negative result for bird flu at Mud Islands contributes to our ongoing efforts to monitor how bird flu is spreading and where we can expect to see further impacts. We will continue monitoring Mud Islands and other significant areas.
Mud Islands are an extensive area of exposed sand with areas of saltmarsh and dune shrubland in Port Phillip Bay, about 6 km northeast of Portsea.
On Farm Connectivity Program Round 3
The On Farm Connectivity Program Round 3 assists Primary Producers to take advantage of digital agribusiness solutions to boost productivity and improve safety.
The grant is provided as a rebate to Approved Suppliers following the sale, delivery, installation, and training, where applicable, of eligible equipment to eligible Primary Producers. Eligible Primary Producers must access the program through an Approved Supplier.
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.
Drought Support Package
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:
- Farm Drought Support Grants
- Farm Advisory Service - 1:1 consultations
- Look Over the Farm Gate grants
- Rural Financial Counselling Service Wellbeing Counsellors
Household Financial Relief Payments for south west Victorian farmers.
To view the full range of financial, technical and wellbeing support available, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or phone 136 186.
Support for farmers and workers in the south west
Drought impacted farming families and workers in the south west are encouraged to access financial support to ease cost-of-living pressures caused by prolonged drought conditions.
Up to $1,000 is available for farmers, farm employees and farm dependent contractors in 11 south west local government areas and parts of the West Wimmera Shire through Household Financial Relief Payments coordinated by the Country Women's Association (CWA).
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
Mental health first aid training
Balmoral: Thursday 1 and 2 October, 9 am – 3 pm
Where: Bush Nursing Centre, 26-28 Bell Street, Balmoral
Elmhurst: Thursday 29 October, 9 am – 3 pm
Where: Elmhurst Bush Nursing Centre, 36 Green Street, Elmhurst
Cost: Free
Do you know how to safely respond when someone says they are struggling?
This free course equips participants with skills to recognise and safely respond to mental health concerns. Participants will receive an accredited Certificate of Completion upon meeting requirements.
Mental health first aid is the help you give to someone developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis. This Mental Health First Aid International course will teach you the resources and competence to safely provide support.
Morning tea and lunch provided.
Wimmera Faba Bean Crop Walk
When: Tuesday 6 October, 8–10 am
Where: Smiley Meyer's, Polkemmet East School Road (north of Polkemmet Road),
Vectis
Cost: Free
Come along to the final crop walk in a 3-year GRDC NGN investment exploring ways to grow more consistent beans in the Wimmera. This crop walk moves to a new demonstration site, with paddock-scale strip trials testing fungicide and trace element strategies for disease and nutrition management.
Facilitated by Matthew Sparke, Sparke Agricultural & Associates, with expertise from:
- Dr Jason Brand, Director, Gem Agronomy
- Dr Josh Fanning, Research Leader, Plant Pathology, Agriculture Victoria
- Stuart Ockerby, Territory Manager, South Eastern Australia, Seednet.
We'll discuss: Disease management, nutrition & trace element performance, soil amelioration, yield potential for the season, new varieties FBA Barmah (PBR) & FBA Coorong (PBR).
Your legacy, their future: success with succession planning – Elmhurst
When: Tuesday 6 October, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Elmhurst Golf Club, Golf Course Road, Elmhurst
Cost: Free
Join this 1-day workshop in Elmhurst to learn how to plan for the future of your farm business.
The workshop is presented by Dr Kate Burke, an independent consultant who works with farm families on business planning and succession. Kate has extensive experience helping people identify what matters most to them and plan for the future.
During the workshop, Kate will help participants:
- understand the key factors that support successful farm succession
- identify common challenges and how to avoid them
- discuss ways to keep the farm business strong and viable
- explore how to support family relationships through the succession process
- plan for the long-term future of the farm and the people involved.
This workshop is suitable for farm business owners and family members who want to start thinking about succession or are already planning for a transition.
Maximising Livestock Productivity: drench resistance, worm management, and on-farm investment decisions
Online Farm Business Program
When: 6 weeks starting Wednesday 14 October, 12–2:30pm
Where: Online
Cost: Free
The online Farm Business program helps farmers strengthen knowledge and skills to better manage variable climate risks effectively.
Farm business consultants Rural People Co will be facilitating the program covering 5 modules on:
- identifying and managing risks, strategic planning and setting business goals
- financial management, budgeting and profitable decision making
- climate risk and natural resource management
- managing people on farm, succession planning and farm safety
- business planning.
As part of completing the course, participants will be offered a one-on-one session with Adam Jenkins from Rural People Co to review their business plan. These sessions will be held between module 4 and 5.
More information: Richard Smith (richard.m.smith@agriculture.vic.gov.au or 0436 803 765).
The Farm Business Resilience program is jointly funded by the Australian Government and Victorian Government through the Future Drought Fund.
Save the date: Wimmera Pulse Field Day
When: Wednesday 28 October, from 8:30 am
Cost: Free
The Wimmera Pulse Field Day is an annual regional showcase hosted by Agriculture Victoria and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). This year's field day will cover:
- pulse crop trials and agronomy
- maximising N-fixation in pulses
- nutrition management - how Phosphorus can improve yield
- the release of 2 faba beans.
More details to come soon!
Farm office efficiencies workshops
Colac: Tuesday 27 October, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Where: DEECA Office, 83-85 Gellibrand Street, Colac
Skipton: Wednesday 28 October, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Skipton Golf and Bowls Club, Geelong Road, Skipton
Goroke: Thursday 29 October, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Goroke Community Complex, 85 Main Street, Goroke
Cost: Free
This workshop will help you improve your farm office systems and make better use of your accounting software. Bring your laptop and work through practical examples using your own records or a demonstration program. This workshop covers accounting software skills, including:
- emailing invoices
- attaching statements to line items
- using Hubdoc and Dext
- processing batch payments
- using rules and knowing when they are appropriate
- reconciling accounts
- tracking inventory such as fuel, grain and livestock
- creating and using custom reports.
You will also learn practical ways to better manage emails, receipts, paper records and cloud-based storage.
N.B. Skipton and Goroke workshops are both fully booked
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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