No images? Click here
Thursday 5 June 2025
Expanded drought support package: Assistance for farmers and communities
The Victorian Government has announced a new and expanded Drought Package – with an additional $37.7 million in funding.
Eligible farmers across the state will be able to access grants of up to $5,000 to support on-farm drought management.
For eligible farmers in the south west, the grant has been increased to up to $10,000.
The Premier has also established a Drought Response Taskforce.
More details will be available soon at www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons
Farmers can lodge an Expression of Interest for the grants by emailing Rural Finance at: admin@ruralfinance.com.au
Working together to support farmers - before, during and after the drought
Dairy industry organisations across South-west Victoria are working together to provide critical support to dairy farmers affected by the ongoing drought.
The region’s Dairy Industry Leadership Group (DILG), established in 2016 by the Victorian Government in response to the dairy price downturn, continues to play a pivotal role in coordinating support services for dairy farmers and industry stakeholders. The DILG brings together a wide range of organisations that work collaboratively behind the scenes with its members delivering their respective services.
The long standing and strong relationship between DILG members ensure comprehensive support is available to dairy farmers in challenging times. Since the DILG was formed it has supported the industry through COVID-19, fires, floods and previous extended dry periods.
The DILG members include the dairy farmer representative bodies, Dairy Farmers Victoria and United Dairyfarmers of Victoria, Agriculture Victoria, Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria West, WestVic Dairy, milk processors, local government, relevant Commonwealth government agencies and local health care services. The collective approach ensures that support efforts are well-informed and responsive to the evolving needs of the dairy community.
DILG Chair and Colac dairy farmer, Mark Billing said the strength of the group lies in its regular communication and shared commitment to see the regions dairy industry thrive.
'Members provide invaluable updates on the needs of farmers and how the broader industry is travelling,' Mr Billing said.
'With that local information, our representative bodies have been able to seek government funding for support in the region. While we welcomed the recent expansions to the Victorian Governments drought package, the region continues to seek additional assistance.'
Several DILG members also sit on the South West Drought Co-Ordination group, led by Agriculture Victoria, which works across all agricultural sectors in the region to provide drought relief. These groups receive good support from the local business community as the drought continues to impact others in the supply chain.
Dairy is a key driver of the regional economy and remains the dominant industry in the region producing 22% of the nation’s milk, worth 1.3 billion at the farm gate.
Regional Manager for Dairy Australia, Lindsay Ferguson said his team have now shifted from delivering group workshops to providing personalised support.
'Our team are now visiting farmers one-on-one, delivering a drought resource information pack and providing a listening ear,' Mr Ferguson said.
'The pack includes practical technical information to assist with decision-making as well as contact details for health and wellbeing support. Our staff are able to refer farmers to specialist advisors or simply act as a sounding board. It’s important that farmers liaise with their key business partners, such as banker, milk processor, nutritionist and agronomist to help plan the way through. Once a plan is in place, most people find their levels of stress reduce significantly.'
For further support, contact:
- WestVic Dairy: (03) 5557 1000 | dairyaustralia.com.au
- Agriculture Victoria: 136 186 | agriculture.vic.gov.au
- Rural Financial Counselling Service: 1300 735 578 | rfcsvictoriawest.com.au
Growing the next generation of farming leaders
The Victorian Government is strengthening the future of agriculture by helping young farmers develop their skills and advance their careers through a scholarship program.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently announced the opening of the 2025 Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarship Program, encouraging early-career farmers to apply and gain the tools they need to thrive in Victoria’s agriculture sector.
Urolithiasis in livestock – what is it and what causes it?
Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer
As many producers have been supplementary feeding for some time a number of related animal health issues may emerge. One of those issues is urolithiasis due to bladder stones.
Bladder stones form as a result of minerals in the urine forming crystals that grow on to become stones.
Bladder stones may either pass in the urine or remain in the bladder in which case they are not an issue.
It is when they become stuck in the urethra and cause a blockage that they become a problem as the animal then cannot urinate. This is condition is known as urolithiasis.
Urolithiasis is mainly seen in wethers and feeder steers.
The first sign of urolithiasis is restlessness as the animal attempts to urinate. A swelling is then often seen around the pizzle. Finally, the animal may die due to the toxic effects of not being able to urinate.
Urolithiasis is particularly seen in animals fed primarily grain rations. Grain is relatively high in phosphate but low in calcium. This imbalance predisposes the production of phosphate rich stones.
When feeding grain, the most effective way of preventing urolithiasis is to add calcium in the form of ground limestone.
In addition, it is important to ensure that ample water is available to prevent dehydration. The provision of salt will help stimulate water intake.
For further information please contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria Veterinary or Animal Health Officer.
Nominations now open for the 2025 Australian Biosecurity Awards
The awards provide important recognition for biosecurity champions across industry, government and the public, who have made a significant contribution towards protecting our nation from pests and diseases.
We encourage you to submit a nomination if you know someone who deserves to be recognised for their biosecurity efforts.
Nominations close 9 am Monday 30 June.
There are 9 award categories that recognise a wide range of stakeholders:
- Dr David Banks Lifetime Achievement Award
- Dr Kim Ritman Award for Science and Innovation
- First Nations Award for Excellence in Biosecurity
- Farm Biosecurity Producer of the Year
- Industry
- Government
- Environmental Biosecurity
- Community
- Education.
Catch up on our 'feeding by-products' webinar
If you missed our recent webinar on feeding by-products, you can catch up via the link below.
Passcode: feeding
Investments target ‘new normal’ of mouse activity
The ongoing threat of mouse activity to Australian grain growers is the focus of two key investments aimed at reducing the impact of mice in crops.
The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and partners will invest $11 million in multi-year collaborative projects to enable continued cutting-edge research led by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO.
Elevated mouse populations in key grain-growing regions have led to substantial economic losses for growers over many years. While advancements in farming systems have resulted in tremendous benefits, they have also inadvertently contributed to increasing the pest problem.
Victorian Transmission Plan
We want to hear from communities, landholders, industry, and First Peoples about the draft Victorian Transmission Plan.
We’ve opened community hubs across regional Victoria where you can learn more, ask questions and have your say in person.
Do you have a great idea to help your community combat established pests and weeds in Victoria?
Round 4 of the Partnerships Against Pests grants program is now open to organisations operating at a regional or local level with an interest in established invasive species management.
The grants will help community groups to deliver workshops, resources and community engagement initiatives, build
community capacity, and promote collaboration between neighbours and communities.
This round of grants will include an opportunity for groups that can demonstrate sustained community engagement over a minimum of two years, to purchase capital items with a value up to $10,000.
This will aid groups to move to the next stage of their engagement, education and management journey to purchase equipment for demonstration and education purposes in line with best practice management for their target species.
Applications close on Friday 4 July for 1- or 2-year projects between $10,000 and $50,000. Agriculture Victoria encourages all eligible groups with innovative and impactful ideas to apply.
What's On
Details about these events and more can be found on our website.
How can I help? Supporting farmer wellbeing for ag service providers
When: Tuesday 10 June, 7:30-10 am
Where: Hamilton Exhibition & Conference Centre
Join the National Centre for Farmer Health for a breakfast information session.
- Do you work with farmers and are unsure how to support them during this tough season?
- Are you a farmer yourself and would like to know how you can support your farming mates?
- Would you like to know what support services are available in the local area?
RSVP is essential for catering.
VFF sheep essentials webinar series
Join sheep expert Alison Gunn as she discusses all things sheep in this two-part webinar series. The first session will cover the dos and don’ts of sheep care, traceability requirements and what to look for when buying sheep.
Session 1
When: Wednesday 11 June, 6-7:30 pm.
Session 2
When: Wednesday 18 June, 6-7:30 pm.
Ewe feed and management workshop - Wonwondah
Wonwondah and district sheep farmers are set to benefit from a best practice ewe management and feed planning breakfast workshop on 12 June.
Hosted by Agriculture Victoria, presenter and livestock consultant Dr Steve Cotton from Dynamic Ag will discuss how to manage and feed ewes for reproduction and lamb survival during dry seasonal conditions.
When: Thursday 12 June
Time: 7:30-11 am
Where: Location on registration.
Water Wise Workshop - Rokewood
We invite all producers and industry stakeholders to participate in a free workshop with Clem Sturmfels, Adam Buzza from Agriculture Victoria, Southern Rural Water and Michelle McClure, Southern Farming Systems.
These will be an interactive and hands-on workshop please dress appropriately, we will be visiting a small farm dam site, gumboots and warm clothing may be required.
When: Tuesday 17 June
Time: 9:30 am-1 pm
Where: 'The Meadows', 705 Meadows Road, Rokewood.
RDA Torquay AI event
Regional Development Australia (RDA) Melbourne is partnering with Delos Delta, the National AI Centre, Australian Regional AI Centre and Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub to help explore opportunities and practical applications for AI in the regions.
Upcoming events in Wangaratta and Torquay follow RDA Melbourne’s highly successful 2024 AI forum in Bendigo – see some of the highlights here.
The events will be a platform for regional businesses to showcase how they have revolutionised their operations through innovative solutions, while providing attendees with the opportunity to hear from AI leaders in industry, academia, and governance.
Tickets are limited for each event, so get in soon to secure your spot!
AI Forum Barwon South West Region
In collaboration with RDA Barwon South West, the forum will be an opportunity for attendees to learn and explore the practical applications of AI in Industry.
The event will feature break-out sessions with real use cases, facilitated by industry leaders to provide you with skills to take home and apply to your business.
AI speakers and presenters include National AI Centre, Australian Regional AI Network, Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Hub and more.
Date: Friday 20 June
Location: RACV Torquay Resort.
In good times and in bad: adaptive skills for your farming future – Wonwondah and Dunkeld
When: Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 August, 8:30 am-3 pm
Where: Wonwondah Hall, Wonwondah Hall Rd, Wonwondah
When: Thursday 28 and Friday 29 August, 8:30 am-3 pm
Where: Dunkeld Bowling Club, 77 Parker St, Dunkeld.
Livestock and grain farmers are invited to participate in a 2-day workshop to help future proof your farm. Develop practical strategies to manage climate risk, build resilience and shape a stronger, more adaptable business.
Events include morning tea and lunch.
Numbers are limited. Registration is essential.
Whole farm planning online 6-week course
Are you needing some advice during the current drought conditions?
Would you like to review where your farm is heading, while hearing what other farmers are doing?
Are you interested in making your farm more resilient, productive and sustainable?
Are you wanting to complete a whole farm plan?
Farmers in south west Victoria are invited to join our upcoming online whole farm planning course, ‘Helping you meet the challenges of farming in the 21st century’, delivered in partnership with Glenelg Hopkins CMA.
Every Tuesday and Thursday morning for 6 weeks, commencing Tuesday 12 August through to Thursday 18 September, via Zoom.
Register your place before Friday 4 July.
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
This newsletter is distributed by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
Were you forwarded this email? Subscribe now.