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Thursday 11 June 2026
Support is available for farmers in fire recovery
Farmers impacted by the January 2026 bushfires are encouraged to check what support they may be eligible for to help with recovery.
Victoria’s Rural Assistance Commissioner Peter Tuohey said recovery from fires can take months or years and support is still available.
‘Recovery doesn’t stop when the fires are out. For many farmers, the real work is just beginning,’ Mr Tuohey said.
‘Farmers have been getting on with the job and may not realise what support is available to ease some recovery pressures.
‘I encourage anyone affected to take a moment to see what’s available. You might be eligible for assistance that can make a real difference.’
Last days to secure your conference tickets
The finishing touches for the BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef Conferences are being made, and we can’t wait to see everyone in Ballarat.
If you haven’t got your tickets yet, it’s now or never.
Join us at the Goods Shed Ballarat on 23-24 June for 2 packed days of learning and networking.
The practical, producer-focussed program will deliver proven strategies and the latest research that you implement on your farm.
View the full program and purchase tickets via the links in the comments section.
Last tickets available now at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1553856
Drone spraying in Agricultural Chemical Control Areas
Spraying by drone in an Agricultural Chemical Control Area (ACCA)?
Extra rules apply.
There are 9 ACCAs in Victoria, established to protect high-value and herbicide-sensitive crops, with restrictions on how and when certain chemicals can be used.
The standard requirements for spraying via remotely piloted aircraft still apply, but check these extra steps:
- check if the land is inside an ACCA
- check for any restriction dates
- check the chemical label and approved spray methods.
After doing these checks and confirming you need an ACCA permit, make sure you apply at least 4 weeks before you plan to spray.
Guide how we care for Victorian waterways
Consultation has opened for the new Victorian Waterway Management Strategy, which guides how we will sustain Victoria’s waterways, while balancing the many ways we use and value them.
Waterways are the lifeblood of communities, supporting our health, wellbeing and productivity, as well as providing critical habitat for Victoria’s native wildlife and plants.
This will be the third iteration of the 10-year waterway management strategy and will build on more than 20 years of learnings and achievements in waterway and catchment management across Victoria.
Webinar recording: Protecting Mallee Soils: Seasonal Outlook, Land Management and Monitoring Wind Erosion
If you missed our recent Zoom webinar about Protecting Mallee soils, you can catch up by clicking the following link:
Passcode: kFEDVE
Look Over the Farm Gate applications open now
Look Over the Farm Gate grants are now open for new applications!
Support from community is an important part of getting back on track for farmers and farming families in drought and bushfire recovery.
Grants of up to $5,000 are available for events and activities that support mental health and wellbeing.
Look Over the Farm Gate is managed by the National Centre for Farmer Health on behalf of the Victorian Government.
Find out more on the National Centre for Farmer Health website
WorkSafe Awards 2027 nominations close soon
Announcing the WorkSafe Awards 2027 call for nominations
Highlighting and recognising excellence in workplace health and safety and return to work – entry submission for the WorkSafe Awards 2027 is now open.
Nominate yourself or someone you know for the Agriculture Safety Solution award.
This award recognises innovative, practical approaches that reduce risk and prevent harm on farms including for those businesses who operate at times on farms or provide services to farms.
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.
Do your part to help keep Victoria’s livestock industry safe.
Drought Hardship Loan
The Australian Government RIC Drought Hardship Loan is available 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.
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.
Learn more about the Drought Hardship Loan at ric.gov.au
Every day, individuals, groups and organisations across Australia are working to prevent, detect and respond to biosecurity threats. Their efforts help protect our agricultural industries, environment and way of life.
If you know someone making a significant contribution to biosecurity, nominate them for an Australian Biosecurity Award.
To learn more or nominate, visit agriculture.gov.au/aba
Nominations close 5 pm, Tuesday 16 June.
Drought 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.
Wellbeing counsellors
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 771 741.
Find out more at Rural Financial Counselling Network.
For further drought support visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
What's On
Women in agriculture forum
When: Thursday 18 June, 9:15 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Henley’s Wine Bar & Kitchen, 1597 Snow Road, Milawa
Hosted by North East CMA, women working in agriculture are invited to an energising forum designed to help you reconnect, recharge, and refocus.
What to expect
- a hands-on workshop with Cynthia Mahoney, sharing practical tools used by top performers to help you sustain energy, manage stress, and optimise your business, even during challenging seasons
- time to reflect, reset, and refocus on what matters most
- a networking lunch with trade displays, and opportunities to connect with other rural women and local support organisations
- after lunch, choose one of three concurrent recharge sessions: restorative yoga, resilient garden design, or nature journaling
Cost: $20 per person Includes lunch, workshop sessions, and take-home resources.
Australian Sheep and Wool Show
When: Friday 17 June to Sunday 19 June, 9 am – 4 pm
Where: Bendigo Prince of Wales Showgrounds, North Bendigo
Visit Bendigo, July 17–19, 2026, for a weekend celebrating Australia’s finest sheep, wool, and country life. From livestock and wool craft to fashion, food, and family fun.
Get your tickets today at The Australian Sheep and Wool Show Highlights — Sheep Show
AI and robotics in crops, exploring new water allocation outlooks
When: Thursday 18 June, 4:30–6:30 pm
Where: La Trobe University, Mildura Campus, Mildura
Hosted by Mallee Regional Innovation Centre (MRIC), dive into the future of farming with AI and robotics and new ideas on water allocation outlooks to make better decisions and work smarter
GRDC Farm Business Update
When: Thursday 25 June, 9:30 am – 3:15 pm
Where: Shamrock Hotel, 5 - 13 Melville Street, Numurkah
The GRDC Farm Business Update events drive innovation and adoption of improved farm business management practices across the grains industry.
Free but please register for catering purposes.
Contact Jane Foster 03 5441 6175 or email admin@orm.com.au
When: Tuesday 30 June, 12 midday – 1:50 pm
Where: Online
Free GRDC NGN funded workshop style webinar for grain growers and agronomists. Two sessions covering how to identify, select and implement the right on-farm connectivity solution for your farm.
Interpreting soil moisture monitoring equipment
When: Wednesday 15 July, 9–11 am
Where: Agriculture Victoria Office Corner Koorlong Avenue and 11th Street, Irymple
When: Thursday 16 July, 9:30–11:30 am
Where: Conference Room, Robinvale District Health Service, Latje Road, Robinvale
Half day workshops for irrigators looking to have a greater understanding of interpreting their soil moisture monitoring data. This workshop has been held regularly for a number of years and has been highly popular with irrigators.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their login details and share their data with the group if appropriate.
Places are limited for this workshop. Please contact Jeremy Giddings, Agriculture Victoria Regional Manager Irrigation Mallee at email irrigation@agriculture.vic.gov.au for further information.
GRDC Grains Research Update – Dookie
When: Thursday 23 July, 9 am – 1 pm
Where: Dookie Campus, Bar Lounge, University of Melbourne, 940 Dookie-Nalinga Road, Dookie
The update for agronomists, consultants, researchers and growers to see and discuss the latest in research and to network with their peers.
National Alpaca Show 2026
When: 7-9 August
Where: Bendigo Showgrounds
National auction, fleece show, art and photography competition.
BCG’s Main Field Day 2026
When: Wednesday 9 September, 8:30 am – 4 pm
Where: Main Research Site at Birchip
BCG's Field Day draws growers, advisors, and industry professionals together to explore advances in crop management, weed control, soil nutrition, new varieties, and farming systems.
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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