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Thursday 6 August 2026
H5 bird flu update: Wednesday 5 August
Surveillance activities continue across Victoria following the detection of H5 bird flu in wild birds along the state's south west coastline.
Preliminary testing at Victoria's state lab, AgriBio, has identified 33 further suspect cases of H5 bird flu, including 30 greater crested terns, one gull, one inconclusive magpie and one unidentified bird. Samples are now undergoing further confirmatory testing at CSIRO's Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness.
The 33 suspect cases are in addition to the 7 already confirmed cases in Victoria.
These suspect cases are the result of community reports and aerial and on-ground surveillance along the south west coast that took place over the weekend.
The growing cases indicate that H5 bird flu is present in the crested tern population in the region, and the community can expect to see an increase in the number of sick or dead terns in the coming weeks.
Grants for timber and fibre businesses to innovate
The new $12 million Timber and Fibre Innovation Fund is backing Victorian businesses to develop new products, scale up innovation and reach new markets.
The fund will support businesses to create new products from timber and plant based fibres for use in Australia and overseas.
It will help turn ideas into full production, supporting jobs and building a more future ready timber and fibre sector.
Applications are open now.
Be on the lookout for foot problems in sheep
Dr Jeff Cave, senior veterinary officer, Northern Region
Unusual seasonal conditions often lead to animal health and welfare issues.
The relatively wet and warm winter we have experienced up until now has led to an abundance of feed, making sheep unusually heavy. Coupled with wet pastures or muddy ground, this leads to them being susceptible to foot abscess or footrot.
For most producers, foot abscess and footrot are conditions usually associated with a wet spring.
Now is the time to prepare for spring plague locust hatchings.
The risk of plague locusts has increased across Victoria due to favourable autumn and winter conditions, more egg laying, and high locust numbers in New South Wales and South Australia. Egg hatching is expected to occur sooner than originally predicted.
Mallee: moderate to high chance of high locust numbers in spring, with hatching expected from mid-September.
Wimmera: low to moderate chance of high locust numbers in spring, with hatching expected from late September.
Now is the time to prepare:
• check paddocks, roadsides and bare or lightly grassed areas for egg beds
• learn what young locusts look like
• get your chemical and management plans ready.
Spraying is most effective about 2 weeks after hatching, when young locusts can’t fly and start to band together.
See locusts? Report them to us. Early reporting helps track locust movements and supports timely management responses.
National Biosecurity Week coming up
Biosecurity benefits us all, and we each have a part to play in protecting Australia from exotic pests and diseases.
National Biosecurity Week raises awareness and showcases the collaborative efforts of government, industry, peak bodies and the community in protecting the Australian way of life.
Australian-first Stubble Quail GPS tracking research begins in Victoria
The Game Management Authority (GMA) has partnered with Deakin University to conduct an Australian-first research project that will use GPS tracking technology to better understand the movements, habitat use and behaviour of Stubble Quail.
The new study aims to understand what drives Stubble Quail movement, which habitats they use and when and how they respond to environmental conditions and changing land management. This improved ecological understanding will help to ensure sustainable management of Stubble Quail hunting in Victoria.
Support to help you reset and recover after drought
Victorian farmers are encouraged to access support as they recover from drought and plan for the seasons ahead.
Agriculture Victoria Executive Director Dougal Purcell said recovery is not the same for every farm, with each business facing its own circumstances and timeline. Many farmers are also continuing to manage seasonal uncertainty and financial pressures.
'We are supporting farmers to stabilise, rebuild and make practical decisions that strengthen their businesses over time.
Bushfire recovery grants and concessional loans
Farmers impacted by the January 2026 bushfires: you may be eligible for financial support for recovery.
- Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Grants of up to $75,000 to assist with clean-up and reinstating enterprises.
- Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Concessional Loans of up to $250,000 for those who have suffered major asset damage or loss of income.
Applications can be made at ruralfinance.com.au/grants
2026 Victorian Landcare Forum
When: Monday 31 August – Wednesday 2 September, 9 am – 5 pm
Where: Cardinia Cultural Centre, 40 Lakeside Blvd, Pakenham VIC 3810
Throughout 2026, Victoria will celebrate Landcare’s 40-year anniversary. A key part of these celebrations is the Victorian Landcare Forum, which brings together landcarers, professionals, experts and key stakeholders who are working to support rich landscapes, vibrant ecosystems and sustainable agricultural practices, while strengthening local communities.
Program and streams to be announced soon.
Understanding the risks of Q fever
At times, Q fever is contracted by people who may not have realised that they were at risk.
Q fever is caused by a bacterium called Coxiella burnetii. The disease was first identified in Queensland in the 1930s, but at the time scientists didn't know what caused it. It was named 'Q fever', with the 'Q' standing for 'query'.
Q fever is one of several diseases that are transmissible from animals to humans. Such diseases are known as zoonotic diseases.
Cattle, sheep and goats are the most common sources of infection in humans. Infection generally occurs through the inhalation of infected material.
EPA survey
EPA is running a Small Business Support Program and hoping to survey small businesses from varying industries all over Victoria.
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria wants to make environmental responsibilities easier to understand and put into practice. Your feedback will help EPA create useful resources, that give you the information you need, in the way that works for you.
All feedback provided will be de-identified in the report and will not be used for enforcement.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5FL9M5V
This survey closes Tuesday 18 August.
Trees on Farms Utilisation Program
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.
Applications close 5 pm, Friday 28 August.
Support before, during and after drought with RIC loans
Wherever you are in the drought cycle, a RIC Drought Loan can improve cash flow to help eligible farm businesses manage through, recover and prepare when faced with drought.
Or if you’re in prolonged drought that has affected your financials for two years or more, and you expect the impact to continue, you may be eligible for a RIC Drought Hardship Loan to pay for operating costs, with no repayments for the first two years of the five-year loan. Interest is deferred in this time to be repaid with principal and interest from year three.
RIC has helpful tools and information to understand loan products and eligibility before applying. If in doubt, please don’t self-assess. It’s important to start a conversation with RIC’s agri lending team about your individual business situation.
Young Farmers Upskill and Invest Scholarship closing 14 August
Don't miss out, apply today!
If you’re working in agriculture and looking to build your skills or invest back into your business, the Young Farmers Upskill and Invest Scholarship is closing soon.
Since 2015, the program has been supporting young Victorian farmers to take the next step in their careers - from learning new skills to delivering on-farm improvements.
You could receive:
- Up to $5,000 for training or study
- Up to $5,000 to put your skills into practice.
What's On
GRDC: Managing waterlogging risk - insights from recent research
When: Tuesday 11 August, 1–1:45 pm
Where: online
Presenters:
- Meixue Zhou – University of Tasmania
- Malcolm McCaskill – Agriculture Victoria
- Matthew Harrison – University of Tasmania
Waterlogging can take a toll on yield, but the impact varies depending on paddock, season and crop. This session will reveal recent research to understand the yield impact of various levels of waterlogging on canola, faba bean and barley. We’ll also look at the costs and benefits of management options such as raised beds, land forming and subsurface drainage.
The focus will be on helping growers better understand their risk and make informed decisions about long-term waterlogging management and investment.
Soil Moisture Monitoring Workshop
When: Thursday 13 Aug, 9–11am
Where: St Paul's Anglican Church Hall, Myrtleford
Agriculture Victoria and the North East Catchment Management Authority are offering a free half-day workshop to help irrigators better understand and interpret soil moisture monitoring data.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their login details and, where appropriate, share their data with the group. The workshop will cover soil water principles, graph interpretation, summed and split-level graphs, and setting refill and fill points.
Morning tea will be provided. Funded by the Victorian Government and supported by Chestnuts Australia.
Save the date: Getting ready for spring workshops
When: Friday 14 August, 10:15 am – 1:30 pm
Where: Tallangatta Football Netball Club, 2C Akuna Avenue, Tallangatta
When: Monday 17 August, 10:15 am – 1:30 pm
Where: Shamrock Hotel, 5–13 Melville Street, Numurkah
When: Tuesday 18 August, 10:15 am – 1:30 pm
Where: Cohuna Bowls Club, Tennis Court Road, Cohuna
When: Tuesday 18 August, 6:30–8:30 pm
Where: KyClub, 82 Allan Street, Kyabram
Come along to hear the season and irrigation forecast and pick up ideas for making the most of spring and beyond.
- Dale Grey from Agriculture Victoria will discuss the seasonal forecast and what this could mean for the season ahead.
- Andrew Shield from Goulburn Murray Water will explain the current irrigation determinations and outlook for the 2026/27 season.
- Dennis Watson from Agriculture Victoria will run through the irrigation checklist and tips on making the most out of your irrigation water.
- Phil Shannon farm consultant, will explore the options available to your business and how you can implement these to make the most of the coming spring and beyond.
Registration is essential for catering purposes.
Email Richard Smith, Regional Manager Dairy Northern richard.m.smith@agriculture.vic.gov.au for more information
WorkSafe Noise basics workshop
When: Tuesday 18 August, Thursday 3 September, 9 am – 12 noon, Wednesday 9 September, 1 –4 pm
Where: online
Noise Basics is a free education program helping Victorian employers who manage occupational health and safety (OHS) in small to medium businesses. Get practical tools to prevent noise-related injuries, improve safety and support a more productive workplace.
Future ready your farm business
When: Tuesday 18 August, 8:30 am – 12 pm
Where: Elmore Recreation Reserve, 2 Elmore-Mitiamo Road, Elmore
When: Wednesday 19 August, 8:30 am –12 pm
Where: Raywood Town Hall, 50 Inglewood Street, Raywood
Agriculture Victoria and the City of Greater Bendigo invite you to join a FREE 3-hour event to hear from Cath and Adam Jenkins from Rural People Co. A workshop aimed at helping farm business owners build confidence in leading people, have better conversations and plan for the future.
Morning tea and light lunch provided. Email zoe.tsenalidis@agriculture.vic.gov.au for more information.
Get RIC Ready free webinar
When: Wednesday 19 August, 12 pm
Where: online
RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) is hosting a free online Get RIC Ready webinar to help you understand if a RIC low interest loan is right for you and get prepared to apply, so you can take the next step with confidence.
The webinar is for farmers, advisers and industry representatives keen to find out more about RIC loan eligibility, how to apply, and how RIC loans can help farmers in financial need.
RIC Agri Lending Specialists and Rural Financial Counsellors will lead the session to answer your most frequently asked questions.
Can’t attend the live event? Register anyway and RIC will send you the webinar recording.
Recovering stronger workshop
When: Sunday 23 August, 10 am – 3 pm
Where: Bullioh Hall
Recovering Stronger is a free workshop for community members, farmers, business owners and volunteers to learn practical strategies for managing prolonged stress and supporting recovery after challenges such as fire or drought.
Delivered by Cynthia Mahoney on behalf of Agriculture Victoria, the workshop will explore how stress affects the brain and body, and provide evidence-based tools to improve wellbeing, clear thinking, relationships and confidence.
The workshop is supported through the Victorian Government's statewide Drought Support Package and funding from the Australian Government's Natural Heritage Trust under the Climate-Smart Agriculture Program.
Buying livestock with confidence
When: Friday 28 August, 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Where: Yea saleyards
Join VFF Stock Sense at Yea Saleyards for a free practical workshop designed to help small landholders buy cattle, sheep or goats with confidence.
A stock agent/saleyard representative will cover choosing livestock to suit your property and experience level and what to consider when buying through saleyards, private sales or online platforms.
An Agriculture Victoria representative will also cover key PIC, NLIS, traceability and biosecurity requirements to help you bring new livestock home safely and avoid common compliance mistakes.
Future-proof your family farm business - Hopetoun
When: 3–4 September, 8:30 am – 3 pm
Where: Hopetoun Golf Club, Hopetoun-Rainbow Road, Hopetoun
Hopetoun farmers are invited to a free 2-day workshop.
Learn practical planning skills to help prepare your farm business for the future. Build strategies to manage climate risk, strengthen resilience and create a more adaptable business.
Presenter Dr Kate Burke is an independent farm consultant, agri-strategist and educator. Kate has extensive experience in farm business management and works with farming families and businesses across a range of areas.
BCG’s Main Field Day 2026
When: Wednesday 9 September, 8:30 am – 4 pm
Where: Main Research Site at Birchip
Succession planning
When: Thursday 17 September, 9 am – 3 pm
Where: Corryong Events Centre, 54 Strzelecki Way, Corryong
When: Friday 18 September, 9 am – 3 pm
Where: Yarck Hall, 6583 Maroondah Highway, Yarck
Farm business owners, partners and family members are invited to a free 1-day workshop to learn how to plan a smooth transition of their family farm.
Presented by Dr Kate Burke, an independent consultant with extensive experience in coaching and facilitating farm business strategy.
GRDC events
Visit the GRDC events page for upcoming events.
- 13 August GRDC Grains Research Update – Kaniva
- 3 September Disease Management Extension Network workshop – Mildura
- 3 September FAR Australia NE VIC (Yarrawonga) Spring Field Walk
- 16 September GRDC Harvest Set up Workshop – Echuca
- 17 September GRDC Harvest Set up Workshop – Ultima
- 18 September GRDC Harvest Set up Workshop – Bridgewater
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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