Thursday 25 June 2026

H5 bird flu detection in Western Australia and South Australia

This disease is not present in Victoria, but it’s a timely reminder to stay aware.

If you see sick or dead birds:

• AVOID contact
• RECORD what you see
• REPORT it to 1800 675 888 or via the online form

Report 5 or more dead birds anywhere in Victoria, or even one high risk species like marine mammals, seabirds, waterbirds, shorebirds or birds of prey.

Backing farmers with data to grow productivity

More farmers will have access to tools that will help grow more feed, improve productivity and manage costs.

Minister Settle recently attended the Best Wool/BestLamb and BetterBeef Conferences in Ballarat to announce a new $6 million partnership between Agriculture Victoria and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA).

Sheep and beef farmers can participate in the program through local workshops, producer networks and on farm trials, helping them use farm data to make informed decisions.

Farmers will have better access to trusted advisors who understand local conditions, can offer clear, practical guidance and help reach farmers who may not currently participate in industry programs.

Vet Talk – Why roughage is needed over winter

Dr Jeff Cave, Chief Veterinary Officer

With the ongoing challenges of drought – including higher prices and the need for other feed supplements – you could be thinking about how and why to feed roughage over winter.

Roughage may be needed this winter for any of the following reasons:

• Even though some roughage may be left uneaten, for digestive function livestock require a minimum amount of fibre and long roughage to maintain their digestive systems. This is sometimes known as the ‘scratch factor’ and stimulates rumination (cud chewing).
• If feeding grain or pellets with too little roughage, acidosis or grain poisoning can occur.
• As we move further into winter, hay may be needed to reduce grass tetany risks and allow a way of administering Causmag.
   

Seen something? Say something to protect our grains

Pictured: Khapra beetles and larva. Image credit: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Jim Moran – Leading Biosecurity Officer, Plants Grains Biosecurity

Everyone connected to agriculture plays a critical role in protecting Australia’s cropping systems.

Grain growers, agronomists, transport operators and rural communities are our first line of defence against exotic pests, weeds and diseases and should remain vigilant and report anything unusual.

We urge you to have a good look for anything unusual during your regular ‘drive by’ and in-paddock crop assessments. Check around equipment and structures and even while opening packages delivered by mail especially spare parts from overseas.

If you see something unusual in a crop, in or around storage facilities, on machinery, or even in imported packaging - report it immediately so that it can be identified. Don’t stay silent.

Now is a good time to start monitoring dams

Clem Sturmfels, Land Management Extension Officer

With patchy rainfall across the state and the forecast of a drier spring, now is an ideal time to start monitoring dam water levels.

Over recent years stock water has become a scarce commodity across many parts of the state, significantly impacting carrying capacity over drier months.

Taking stock of dam water levels and pasture growth over the next few months will greatly assist farmers in calculating potential carrying capacity.

Trees on Farms Utilisation Program applications open

Applications are now open for the Trees on Farms Utilisation Program.

Eligible Victorian landowners can receive a free expert assessment of their timber plantations, including tailored management advice and potential market pathways.

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.    

Streatham - Yalla-Y-Poora fire recovery support 

Farm Drought Support Grants

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.  

Farmers in south west Victoria can access $10,000.

Look Over the Farm Gate applications

Pictured: the Look Over the Farm Gate community grants program has funded projects including creative workshops, like this Blooming in the Dry event in Kyabram

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. 

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 735 578. 

Find out more at wswrcs.com.au/  

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

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 

• Biosecurity strengthened through private vet training
• Vet Talk - winter worms in sheep
• Guide helps farmers cut emissions and boost efficiency
• More support for Look Over the Farm Gate events
• Boost for businesses impacted by Varroa mite
• Keep accurate records when spraying by drone
• Fungicide decisions for high blackleg risk in canola
• Entries for WorkSafe Awards close 30 June
• Unlocking productivity in high P-fixing soils | GroundCover
   

Financial skills workshop – Ararat

When: Wednesday 1 July, 9 am - 3 pm
Where: Gordon Street Recreation Reserve, Ararat
Cost: Free

Gross margin analysis is a critical step in farm planning and decision making. In this workshop, you will take an enterprise focused approach considering both cash flow implications of a variety of enterprise choices, and will also focus on preparing annual cash flow budgets.

This is an interactive one day face-to-face workshop. Participants have the opportunity to interact with facilitator Tony Hudson (Director, Hudson Facilitation), other farmers and the local Rabobank team.

The workshop is broken down into 4 components:

1. Review of financial statements:
   • the profit and loss statement
   • balance sheet
   • cash flow budget.
2. Law of diminishing returns.
3. Gross margin analysis - learn how to calculate the gross margin of your business.
4. Cash flow budgeting - learn why is it important. Work through a practical example to gain useful tools to better manage your own cash flow budget.

RSVP by Friday 26 June.

GRDC Farm Business Update – Does every hectare earn its place?

When: Thursday 9 July, 1-2 pm
Where: Online
Cost: Free

Does every hectare earn its place in your business? Whether land is owned, leased or sharefarmed, every block consumes capital, management time and involves risk.

This session will challenge growers to look beyond yield and assess how each parcel contributes to whole-farm profitability and resilience. Exploring practical ways to evaluate the profitability, production capacity and cost structure of individual land parcels, regardless of how they are held.

Presenter Tony Hudson will examine how ownership models influence returns, the role in business growth that leasing and sharefarming can play, and how underperforming blocks, capital and management decisions, and help answer some of the most important questions in farming.

Aboriginal business procurement information session

When: Thursday 30 July, 12-1 pm
Where: Online
Cost: Free

Join Agriculture Victoria and Kinaway Chamber of Commerce for an online information session. Learn how Aboriginal businesses can supply goods and services to Agriculture Victoria.

What you will learn:

• What Agriculture Victoria buys
• Where we work across Victoria
• Where procurement opportunities may be available
• How our procurement processes work
• Future opportunities and support available.

Aboriginal-owned businesses from all industries are encouraged to attend

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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