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Thursday 5 March 2026
Bushfire recovery
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
Community events near you
We’ll be at several farm recovery events over the next couple of weeks to support farmers impacted by recent fires across the state.
Our staff will be on hand to talk through your recovery, including feeding livestock, looking after soils and managing farm water.
- Creighton's Creek, Fire Recovery Fencing Workshop, 6 March, 9.30 am - 3:30 pm
- Yea, 6 March, 9 am - 1 pm
- Euroa, Euroa Hub, 10 March, 11 am - 2 pm
- Baddaginnie, Lamb production and management, 111 March, 9 am - 12:30 pm
- Ruffy, Fire recovery - tactical planning for farms, 12 March, 10 am - 12 noon
- Ruffy, Ruffy hub, 18 March, TBA
- Euroa hub, 19 March, 11 am - 2 pm
For support, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/bushfires or email recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Grants and Concessional Loans
Has your farm been impacted by recent 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.
Applications are open and will close at 4 pm on 21 October 2026.
Check your eligibility via Rural Finance www.ruralfinance.com.au or call them on 1800 260 425 with any questions.
If you need help working through what support you can get or how to apply, the Rural Financial Counselling Service is available at:
- Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria North East for farmers and small farm businesses.
- RFCS Victoria West | Home (Mildura and north western).
Protect your dam with a burnt netting
Clem Sturmfels, Land Management Extension Officer
Fire damaged netting and steel posts can be repurposed to become a valuable resource to construct sediment traps after a bushfire.
Sediment traps are commonly installed following bushfires to protect dams, roads, tracks, stream crossings and a range of environmental assets from fire debris and sediment that can be washed downstream after heavy rain.
Issues like soil erosion, landslides and the movement of ash, soil, organic matter and woody debris are a common occurrence following rain events in bushfire affected hilly terrain.
Sediment traps can be easily constructed from fire damaged netting and steel posts by simply building a fence across your main drainage lines to slow water flow and capture sediment.
Livestock tag prices lowest in Australia
Victoria continues to lead the nation in supporting its livestock producers, offering Australia’s lowest priced National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) ear tags.
Agriculture Victoria Biosecurity Executive Director Charlotte Austin said the outcome of recent competitive tender process means producers can buy tags at prices equal to or lower than last year.
‘Victorian producers continue to access NLIS tags at some of the nation’s lowest prices, keeping on-farm costs down and upholding our world-class traceability reputation,’ Ms Austin said.
‘The cheapest NLIS cattle tag is now available for just 72 cents when ordered online through Agriculture Victoria, down from 75 cents last year.
‘By comparison, cattle producers in other states are paying between $2.50 and $4.00 per NLIS cattle tag,” Ms Austin said.
The range of approved NLIS cattle tags has also expanded, including a one-piece metal tag from Shearwell Australia and NLIS tags manufactured by Enduro Tags and FOFIA.
Sheep producers will also benefit, with the cheapest NLIS sheep tag now available for $1, well below unsubsidised prices in other jurisdictions.
‘The recent tender process secured strong wholesale pricing, supported by subsidies from Victoria’s livestock compensation funds, delivering significant savings producers.
More than two million cattle tags and 10 million sheep tags are expected to be purchased in 2026.
The electronic tags enable livestock movements to be recorded on the NLIS database as animals move between properties, saleyards and abattoirs.
‘This system allows livestock to be traced quickly and efficiently during food safety or disease incidents, helping protect Victoria’s domestic and protect access to export markets.
‘Victoria led the development and introduction of the NLIS (cattle) in the 1990s, and the NLIS (sheep and goats) commencing on a mandatory basis in 2017.
‘Victoria’s livestock industries can be justifiably proud of their long-standing contribution to the development and operation of Australia’s internationally recognised traceability system,’ Ms Austin said.
Producers can order their NLIS tags by visiting tags.agriculture.vic.gov.au.
For more information on the operation of the NLIS in Victoria, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/national-livestock-identification-system or call 1800 678779 during business hours.
WorkSafe Vehicle Safety
Wearing your seatbelt and helmet means you can be there for your family.
Victoria expands support for beekeepers
Agriculture Victoria is boosting its commitment to the state’s beekeepers who are crucial to our food security, with the appointment of 2 new bee biosecurity officers in Bendigo and Attwood.
This investment through the Victorian Varroa Transition program, adds to the 4 existing apiary inspectors, with the roles providing practical support to commercial and recreational beekeepers adapting to living with Varroa mite.
The Victorian Government is making it easier for Victorian farmers to protect their livestock from pests and diseases and keep their farms productive.
Minister Ros Spence recently launched the 2026 Livestock Biosecurity Fund Grants Program, which funds initiatives that help prevent, monitor and control diseases in animals, including cattle, sheep, goats, swine and honeybees.
This support will make it more affordable for farmers, reducing the financial burden of managing pests and diseases while easing the day-to-day costs of keeping animals healthy.
Last year, $15 million in grants supported 22 projects equipping farmers with the tools and support to prevent disease and protect their livestock.
The Victorian Farmers Federation used grants over $1,660,000 to extend their Stock Sense Program to peri-urban areas and ensure owners and hobby farmers know how to keep their animals healthy.
Victorian Food Safety Standards - have you registered?
To help growers comply with the new food safety standards for berries, leafy vegetables, and melons, Agriculture Victoria has created a step-by-step Food Safety Registration Guide.
We will be reaching out to unregistered businesses to ensure you register and meet your compliance obligations. Action on unregistered businesses may be considered during 2026.
The Food Safety Standards apply to all berry, melon and leafy vegetable businesses that grow or complete primary or ‘early-stage’ processing, including:
- small producers operating farm-gate
- u-pick
- local market stands.
Under the Food (Primary Production and Processing) Regulations 2025 registration with Agriculture Victoria is a legal requirement for all Victorian leafy vegetable, berry, and melon businesses.
If you have any questions, please contact food.safety@agriculture.vic.gov.au
$10,000 fine for Numurkah sheep farm manager’s cruelty
A Numurkah sheep farm manager pleaded guilty in the Shepparton Magistrates’ Court recently for multiple counts of animal cruelty. Stephen Gapes was fined $10,000 as part of an aggregate sentence with conviction.
In September 2024 in response to a welfare complaint, officers attended the property and observed 350 sheep contained in a heavily grazed paddock with no supplementary feed supplied to compensate.
Multiple ewes and lambs were suffering from neglect, starvation and had either died or were suffering from injuries incurred by predators.
Many sheep were found dead or lying on the ground too weak to move. Post-mortems on some of the dead sheep revealed they had died from starvation, made worse by a severe worm burden.
The Magistrate, His Honor Mr Sabijak considered the plea of guilty and the absence of a criminal history, however also noted that these animals had a painful death, which could have been prevented.
The Magistrate also commented that general deterrence is very significant in the matters and that it is appropriate that a conviction is imposed.
Agriculture Victoria Compliance Manager Daniel Bode said the weight of the fine with conviction sends a very clear message to livestock producers that animal cruelty will not be tolerated by the Victorian Government or our community.
‘Victorians have a reasonable expectation that livestock will be cared for by those in charge of them,’ Mr Bode said
‘Apart from the obvious pain and suffering of the animals, animal welfare breaches can jeopardise Victoria’s reputation as a humane and responsible producer of food, which can, in turn, affect all producers.’
Anyone wishing to make a specific complaint in regard to livestock welfare can contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or aw.complaint@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Drought Support
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 771 741.
Find out more at Rural Financial Counselling Network.
For further drought support visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
Drought Farm Advisory Service
Farmers from across the state have access to 2 Farm 1-on-1 consultations with a technical specialist.
Specialist consultants include agronomists, veterinarians, animal nutritionists, business advisors and farm planners, with expertise across dairy, beef, sheep and wool, horticulture and cropping.
For further drought support visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
What can I use a Farm Drought Support Grant for?
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.
$5,000 as a co-contribution grant is available state wide.
In case you missed it...
- Murray-Darling Basin Plan review submissions close 1 May. Go to 2026 Basin Plan Review: Have Your Say - MDBA to lodge yours.
- Get shearing done to prevent animal welfare issues
- Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook 2024/25 out now
- First virtual fencing product approved for use
- New Chair and new strategy for Birchip Cropping Group
What's On
StockSense fencing workshops
When: Friday 6 March , 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Where: Tallangatta
When: Friday 6 March , 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Where: Creighton's Creek
Learn how to rebuild your farm from the ground up. Join StockSense for a session on installing new fencing, maintaining and repairing existing ones and how fencing relates to good biosecurity. Includes a speed session on whole farm planning and land class fencing principles by Agriculture Victoria.
Limited spots. More information at vff.org.au/stocksense.
Feeding livestock and managing pastures in drought - Maryborough
When: Tuesday 10 March , 6 pm
Where: Maryborough Highland Society, Maryborough
When: Thursday 12 March , 6 pm
Where: Maryborough Highland Society, Maryborough
Learn about animal health and nutrition from Dr Rachael Holmes and soil and pasture management from Jason McAinch at this free event
Join us in person to learn practical tips on feeding livestock and taking care of pastures during drought.
Bring along a stock water sample to test its salinity using the EC meter available on the night.
A delicious dinner will be provided. Registration is essential.
Multispecies pastures tutorial series with Jade Killoran
When: Commencing Monday 16 March , 4-5 pm
Where: Online
In this series of 4 online tutorials, multispecies pasture specialist Jade Killoran will discuss the establishment and management of your multispecies pastures.
Each tutorial will focus on a topic essential for the success of your multispecies pasture:
Monday 16 March - Seeds
Friday 20 March - Paddock Preparation
Monday 23 March - Grazing Management
Thursday 26 March – Monitoring Tools
Ask questions and workshop your paddock plans for an autumn multispecies pasture following the tutorial.
Join all 4 sessions or just the sessions relevant to your needs.
Decisions that drive success – Proven techniques for effective on-farm decision-making
When: Tuesday 17 March, 9 am to 3:30 pm
Where: Greater Shepparton Business Centre, 70 New Dookie Rd, Shepparton
Success depends on sound decision-making. This is especially so in times of crisis and change.
This ION Group workshop provides a proven and practical approach to managing competing priorities so you can make better decisions, rebuild your resilience and capacity and adapt your business to recover from drought and other challenges.
When: Tuesday 17 March, 3-4:30 pm
Where: Online
Access Lean management tools and business planning resources in this free webinar for Victorian growers managing drought and seeking practical support.
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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