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Thursday 4 June 2026
Don’t let your dog roam
Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer
One of my most vivid childhood memories was of a dog attack on the sheep on our neighbour’s property.
For our neighbour’s sheep, it was carnage with dead and injured sheep across the paddock.
The dog involved was caught and euthanised, which also left me sad and angry since it was somebody’s pet, and it seemed like a nice, friendly dog.
Black field crickets active in south west
Pictured: a dry and warm autumn has provided favourable conditions for black field crickets in south west Victoria
Black field crickets remain active in the south west, as a dry and warm autumn provided favourable conditions. Identifying and controlling this native species now can help prevent future damage to pastures and crops.
Black field crickets are common in the region, hatching from late spring to early summer and progressing their lifecycle over summer. Females will lay more than 1,000 eggs into moist soil following autumn rain.
Crickets eat existing and germinating pasture and crops, lowering potential crop yields and reducing available feed for livestock.
BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef Conferences early bird ticket sales end this Sunday
Pictured: the BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef Conferences will feature a packed agenda of speakers in Ballarat on 23-24 June
The theme of this year’s BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef Conferences is ‘Turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities’.
We’ve lined up some amazing speakers who will test your thinking and inspire new ideas.
Among the program you’ll find:
- John Francis (Agrista): speaking on both days, John will challenge how producers think about risk, revealing why mindset, not markets, may be the biggest driver of profit
- Ricky and Marni Luhrs (Mooralla Merino Stud): hear how Ricky and Marni utilised knowledge from a BestWool/BestLamb Conference to create a resilient whole farm system
- Prof. Peter McGilchrist (University of New England): 1 of the Feeder Steer Masterclass speakers, Peter will explore what’s next in beef eating-quality improvement beyond marbling, including red meat yield, tenderness and ageing.
Join us in Ballarat on 23 and 24 June - early bird ticket sales end this Sunday! Tickets are available at trybooking.com
Is your PIC up-to-date?
In an emergency such as fire, flood or disease outbreak, every minute counts. Your Property Identification Code (PIC) helps us to contact you quickly and trace animals accurately when needed.
Keeping your PIC details current is a simple step that helps protect your livestock, your property, and the wider livestock industry.
Remember to update your PIC when:
- your contact details change (phone, email or address)
- your livestock changes (type/species)
- your management changes (new manager or changing business ownership)
- Your property details change (new land or you have downsized your landholdings)
Do your part to help keep Victoria’s livestock industry safe.
More productive trees on farms to benefit landowners
Minister for Agriculture Michaela Settle announced the rollout of the Trees on Farms Utilisation Program and the latest recipients of the Incubator Program.
The Trees on Farms Utilisation Program is a $4.5 million initiative that will help farm forestry plantation owners make the most of their existing plantations.
Eligible landowners can access a free professional assessment of their plantations, providing tailored insights into timber quality, market opportunities and next steps – all with no cost or obligation.
Securing Victoria's Farming Future
The Victorian government is supporting farmers to increase production and build stronger businesses.
Minister for Agriculture Michaela Settle visited Ellinbank SmartFarm in Gippsland to announce two research projects to support Victoria’s agricultural sector.
Victorian scientists will explore potential RNA treatments that could protect crops and livestock from diseases.
Drone did you know? Maintain full control at all times
Pictured: a drone operator preparing to fly a drone for chemical spraying
Remotely piloted aircraft, or drones, can be a useful tool for aerial spraying. But not all their features can be deployed in the paddock. Fully autonomous spraying is not allowed under Victorian rules or aviation safety laws.
Pilots must maintain control at all times and actively monitor the flight from start to finish. This is important to reduce the risk of spray drift, crashes and chemical exposure if conditions change during a flight.
You must not use a drone that:
- flies without the pilot being able to intervene
- sprays chemicals without a manual override
- continues operation if communication with the pilot is lost.
Don't forget to nominate
Nominate a biosecurity champion for the 2026 Australian Biosecurity Awards.
With 9 categories, the awards recognise significant biosecurity contributions across industry, science, community, education and more.
If you know someone whose leadership, collaboration or innovation is enhancing Australia’s biosecurity, consider nominating them.
Nominations close 5 pm AEST, Tuesday 16 June 2026.
Access to fertilisers during global supply disruption
Image credit: Fertilizer Australia
Farmers are finding it harder to get enough fertiliser. Conflict overseas has disrupted production and supply chains, reducing availability and driving up prices in Australia.
When supply is disrupted overseas, the impacts are felt locally. It is important to plan ahead, understand Victorian regulations before purchasing, and avoid compromising on fertiliser quality.
Victoria regulates fertilisers to reduce risks that harm soils, animals and people. The rules apply to fertilisers sold in packaging and in bulk. They focus on managing heavy metal contamination and making sure buyers receive clear product information.
Information you must receive for bulk fertiliser
When you buy fertiliser in bulk, the supplier must give you a written advice note. This helps you understand what you are buying before you use it.
The advice note must include:
- the name of the fertiliser
- the quantity of the fertiliser
- the name and address of the wholesale dealer or the seller of the fertiliser
- any required warning statements.
Additional requirements are put on bulk fertilisers:
- if a person is collecting the fertiliser, the advice note must be given to the person at the time the fertiliser is collected.
- if the fertiliser is being delivered, the advice note accompanying the fertiliser must be given to a person at the time of delivery.
if the fertiliser is delivered to a premises where no one is there, the seller must take reasonable steps to ensure that the advice note is given to the buyer within 24 hours of the delivery date.
This information supports safe use and long-term soil health.
Know what you are buying when ordering in bulk
Buying fertiliser in bulk can save time and money, especially when supply is tight. However, bulk orders also carry higher risk if the product is not suitable for your land or crops.
Getting advice notes before you order helps you:
- check the fertiliser meets Victorian requirements
- avoid excess heavy metal build up in soil
- match nutrients to crop and pasture needs
- reduce the risk of wasted product and cost.
Planning early reduces risk
Early planning gives you more options when supply is limited. It also gives you time to review advice notes and seek technical guidance if needed.
We recommend speaking with your supplier or an agronomy adviser before placing large orders – and to do this as early as possible. This helps you make informed decisions during uncertain supply periods.
Nominate a safety star for the WorkSafe Awards
Individuals and businesses championing health and safety improvements at work are encouraged to share their stories, with nominations now open for the 2027 WorkSafe Awards.
In its 37th year, the annual awards will shine a spotlight on efforts that reduce workplace harm and improve outcomes for injured workers – celebrating the employers, workers and teams who have developed creative health and safety solutions, fostered a strong safety-first culture, and supported injured workers in their return-to-work journey.
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.
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
- Winter road and track closures across public land
- Vet Talk - twin lamb disease
- Know the rules when spraying with drones
- Locust alert. Report activity now
- BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef Conferences program out now
- To clean or not to clean? Managing dam sediment
- Varroa mite chemical resistance in Victoria
- Young Farmers Advisory Council EOI closing soon!
- Almost 160,000 deer harvested by recreational hunters in 2025
Business cashflow – Mortlake
When: Thursday 18 June, 5:30-7 pm
Where: Mortlake Recreation Reserve
Cost: free
These free workshops will provide practical cashflow strategies and business support for local operators during challenging economic conditions. By the end of the session, participants will:
- understand the fundamentals of cash flow management
- learn to forecast income and expenses realistically
- gain practical tools to improve cash flow immediately
- identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising operations
- know what financial tools and support are available locally and online.
Delivered by Shane Annett, a Rural Financial Counsellor with Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria West and Finwell Support. Shane works closely with regional and rural businesses to navigate financial challenges and build long-term resilience.
BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef Conferences
When: Tuesday 23 – Wednesday 24 June
Where: The Goods Shed, Ballarat
The BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef Conferences return to The Goods Shed in Ballarat 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 ticket sales end this Sunday: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1553856
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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