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Thursday 17 July 2025
Footy's favourite farmer
Do you know a Victorian farmer who works hard, looks out for others, and backs their local footy and netball club like no other?
In collaboration with AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria, we’re on the hunt for the 2025 Footy’s Favourite Farmer.
Nominate someone from your local club at footysfavouritefarmer.com.au
Entries close Monday, 21 July.
On-farm kangaroo control rebate program
Farmers who have livestock competing with kangaroos for fodder can apply for the On-Farm Kangaroo Control Rebate now.
Farmers can access up to 3 rebates of $450 each (ex-GST) with a 25% co-contribution.
Rebates are to be used to engage professional harvesters (authorised by Game Management Authority) to control eastern and western grey kangaroos under an Authority To Control Wildlife.
For more information and to apply visit https://go.vic.gov.au/4eRWVxa
Find more information about drought support: www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
Farming experts sought for drought services
Agriculture Victoria is continuing to back our farmers and regional communities through the drought, with more one-on-one support services and practical workshops.
Acting Executive Director Agriculture Sector Development and Services Kate Linden said agriculture organisations, service providers and consultants are encouraged to apply their expertise to help support farmers across the state.
‘Agriculture Victoria is seeking quotes from service providers with specialist farm management technical expertise to work with us in delivering one-on-one consultations and group-based events.
‘Every farm is different, so it’s critical that we have a range of service providers to deliver the professional business and technical advice our farmers need right now.
‘Technical specialists such as agronomists, livestock nutritionists, veterinarians, pasture and grazing specialists, and farm business advisors are encouraged to submit a quote to deliver practical advice on subjects such as feed budgeting, farm business and financial management and managing farm water shortages.
‘We are looking for specialists to deliver our one-on-one service, which offers farmers the opportunity to sit down one-on-one with a consultant to discuss the best way forward for their business in the current season.
Guilty pleas – offences to bobby calves in transportation
There have been 2 recent court cases where transporters of bobby calves have pleaded guilty to animal cruelty relating to rough handling of calves during unloading at abattoirs.
Agriculture Victoria Animal Health and Welfare Compliance Daniel Bode said transporters have a responsibility to ensure calves are fit for the journey ahead, protected from cold and heat and are handled appropriately during loading and unloading.
‘Calves should always be handled with great care and the use of dogs or electric prodders on bobby calves is prohibited by law. Calves must also not be kicked, beaten, pulled, thrown or dumped or prodded with any sharp instrument.
‘These responsibilities and others are described in the Australian Animal Welfare Standards - Land Transport of Livestock. Under the Livestock Management Act (2010), anyone involved in the livestock transport process must comply with these standards,’ he said.
Improved farm water calculator now available
Agriculture Victoria’s online farm water calculator has been a reliable tool for land managers to keep an eye on their farm water supplies.
It has now been upgraded and offers an even more user-friendly and accessible experience.
This valuable tool helps farmers estimate:
- water requirements across the farm
- storage capacity in tanks and dams
- water supply potential from sources like shed roofs, waterways, groundwater and catchment runoff.
Agriculture Victoria Climate Change Development Officer Heather Field said by adjusting rainfall inputs, users can explore how their water supply might perform under different climate scenarios, helping them plan for dry seasons or unexpected shortages.
‘The calculator now works seamlessly on mobile phones and tablets, making it easier to perform in-field assessments.
‘It complements the existing Summer Water Calculator, which focuses on livestock water needs and dam longevity during hotter months.
‘For the most accurate results, farmers are encouraged to use the calculator alongside regular monitoring of water use, storage and supply.’ Ms Field said.
Try the upgraded tool today.
Across the state any farmer can access technical information and advice to help manage the impacts of increasingly difficult seasonal conditions.
These services will be delivered in partnership with a range of technical experts, including farm business advisors, livestock nutritionists, soil, water and pasture specialists and veterinarians.
The technical decision-making, support program provides tailored advice through one-on-one consultations, webinars, workshops, field days, and online tools and information.
Find more information on drought support or call 136 186.
You may be asking, when will my dam fill?
While some good rain has fallen across much of the state, many dams are unlikely to fill unless they are in the path of a thunderstorm.
Agriculture Victoria Land Management Officer Clem Sturmfels said the hot, dry summer and lack of autumn rainfall has left soil moisture levels well below average for this time of the year.
‘Without an intense rainfall event, good runoff is unlikely until our soils become saturated.
‘Developing a water budget can help with making decisions about remaining water levels and how to manage shortages.
‘The amount of rain that is required to achieve saturation varies enormously across the state, depending on the soil depth, structure, soil moisture and pasture cover.
‘Deep and well-structured soils may need more than 200 mm, while shallower soils may require more than 150mm to saturate.
‘In normal years, actively growing pastures use much of the stored soil moisture; however, plant growth and water use this year will be low due to the very late break.
‘Even in an average year, plenty of rain is required to fill farm dams.
‘The rate of runoff varies from about 5% to 10% of annual rainfall, and the location, climate, soil type and ground cover all impact on this figure.
‘Using the rates above, a catchment area of 5 – 10 hectares is required to fill a small 1 Megalitre dam, for example.
‘Contour banks can help to increase the catchment area of a dam by collecting water from the adjoining area.
‘They only need to be 200 - 300 mm high and can be installed quickly and efficiently using a modern articulated grader. However, they should not be built on soils prone to tunnel erosion. A fall of about 1 in 200 is usually recommended for such banks,’ Mr Sturmfels said.
Permits or licences may be required before undertaking this type of work. Landholders are encouraged to contact their local council planning officer and water authority for guidance.
For more information on dam management, visit the Agriculture Victoria website and Extension Aus for soil moisture monitoring.
Find more information about available drought support visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
Request for quotation (RFQ) from service providers – drought technical decision-making service delivery
Calling all agricultural service providers! We need your help to support drought-affected farmers across the state.
We’re seeking quotes from consultants, agricultural service agencies and other suitably experienced providers, to deliver technical decision-making support through:
One-on-one consultations, and Group-based events.
Round 2 Request for Quotations is open from Monday, 14 July until Thursday, 31 July.
Sheep Emissions Update – webinar recording
In this webinar we heard from Sam Henty (Farm Business Economist, Agriculture Victoria) presenting on the 2023/24 Livestock Farm Monitor Greenhouse Gas Results and Dr Ralph Behrendt (Senior Specialist, Climate Change, Agriculture Victoria) discussing the outcomes of the On Farm Emissions Action Plan Pilot for sheep enterprises.
Passcode: Sheep1
In case you missed it
Baranduda – Integrated fox management in peri-urban areas
Foxes are one of the most significant threats to native biodiversity, impacting livestock and agricultural production.
Join this free workshop and hear from experts on fox behaviour and best practice control options, focussing on peri-urban areas and collaborative management.
Saturday 19 July from 10 am to 1 pm at Baranduda Community Centre, 3 Sage Ct, Baranduda.
Wodonga Urban Landcare Network is working with Agriculture Victoria to deliver this workshop on managing foxes in our area.
Dookie and Rutherglen – In good times and bad: Adaptive skills for your farming future
When: 22-23 July, 8:30 am for 9 am start to 3 pm.
Where: Dookie College, 940 Dookie-Nalinga Road, Dookie.
When: 14-15 August, 8:30 am for 9 am start to 3 pm.
Where: Agriculture Victoria, 124 Chiltern Valley Road, Rutherglen.
Livestock and grain producers are invited to participate in a 2-day course for your farm business future. In the course you will develop a plan that will help contribute to your farm’s success.
For further information, contact: Kylie Macreadie Team Leader Land Management, on 0427 052 352 or email kylie.macreadie@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Kyabram – Planning your feedbase, water and nutrient value
22 July at Kyabram Fauna Park (Zoos Victoria), 75 Lake Road, Kyabram
10 am to 1 pm
Join local and national speakers to discuss practical and tangible tools for planning your forage base going forward.
While farming in our region experiences seasonal variability that has challenged most of us; we continue to work towards mitigating risk.
Join consultant Laura Tweddle and a team of speakers who are passionate to share their knowledge on future planning your feed base and profitability.
Irrigation Insights 2025
Irrigation Insights is designed to address the needs of irrigated farm systems offering growers access to information and the latest innovations. The conference program focuses on issues and opportunities for irrigated farm systems.
Event details
Date and time: Tuesday 22 July, 9 am to 4:30 pm
Venue: Rich River Golf Club, Moama
Webinar – From Feed Test to Feed Budget
AgVic is inviting livestock farmers to a webinar on working out your additional supplement to get the most of the feed you have.
23 July, starting at 12:30 pm.
Register and receive a free feedtest.
Agriculture Victoria Livestock Extension Officer Nick Linden will discuss feed quality, livestock requirements and how to make the most of what you have. Nick brings extensive expertise in feed management and will offer valuable guidance for farmers feeding and managing livestock.
Livestock Extension Officer Chris Blore will also talk about the current drought support available.
St Arnaud – Setting strategies for farm business success
St Arnaud Sporting Club, 26 Dunstan Street, St Arnaud.
The 2 days will discuss and examine areas that make for an effective farm business strategy.
8:30 am – 3 pm, 23 and 24 July.
Topics will cover financials, farm resources, human relationships, setting business goals and the tools and skills that will get you to where you want to go.
Presenters include Gavin Beever from Cumbre Consulting. Dale Grey and Jim Moran representing Ag Vic and Brendan Williams, Managing Director Autonomous Ag, on the latest in AgTech.
Virtual Drought Smokos
29 July - Online from 9 to 10 am
Drought Smokos are an hour a fortnight to get away from the paddock and catch up with a group of farmers who are all in the same boat!
We will talk about the science of feeding, how much, which commodities, pros and cons, cost, different options, trigger points and planning.
Corryong – Decisions that drive drought recovery
12 August at RSL Hall, Donaldson St, Corryong
9 am to 3.30 pm
A powerful and practical 1-day workshop on how to build resilience, navigate crisis and adapt to change.
Feel confident and equipped to make the decisions necessary to navigate your farm business through the current seasonal crisis/challenges by:
- learning how to navigate competing priorities for limited resources (family, farm and business)
- identifying key resource issues, stressors, risks and opportunities for your farm business
- learning improved decision-making skills and how to manage key priorities – especially when under pressure and stress
- learning skills to rebuild capacity after battling personal/health and business challenges
- connecting to networks that support recovery and resilience
Morning tea and a light lunch provided.
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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