Thursday 12 March 2026

Gippsland Irrigation Expo set to make a splash

The Gippsland Irrigation Expo is back for the first time since 2020.

Hosted by Agriculture Victoria, the Expo will return to the Sale Showgrounds on Wednesday 20 May, bringing the latest in irrigation technology, practical demonstrations and expert speakers.

Agriculture Victoria Irrigation Extension Officer Caelan McIntosh said the free event aims to connect farmers, industry experts, and technology providers to share knowledge and explore new ways to improve water efficiency and farm productivity,

‘It’s a great opportunity for our region to showcase innovation in irrigation and highlight how sustainable water management supports the future of Gippsland agriculture.’ he said.

Respected Gippsland dairy farmer Graeme Anderson, a longtime advocate for irrigation development in the district, said events like the Expo play an essential role in keeping the community connected and informed.

‘We should always try to work as an irrigation community. Bringing everyone together means we can share the best knowledge that’s available,’ he said.

Victorian Fox Bounty resumes

The Victorian Fox Bounty resumes this week.

The bounty is currently funded to 30 June 2026 and reward payments remain at the increased rate of $14 per fox scalp.

To streamline the application process and ensure prompt electronic payment, participants are encouraged to create an online bounty account. Please note that cheque payments are no longer accepted.

The 2026 collection schedule across the state can be viewed on our website.

Ideal conditions for flystrike

Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer

With the current weather conditions, sheep producers should be aware conditions are ideal for flystrike.

Flystrike is a condition that costs the Australian sheep industry approximately $320 million annually, because of lost production, treatment costs and deaths.

Reducing the risk of flystrike has great benefits to the health and well-being of sheep – as well as their productivity. The major fly responsible for flystrike in sheep in the green blowfly, Lucilia cuprina, which is believed to be the cause of 90% of flystrike cases.

Equine herpesvirus is active in the region

Agriculture Victoria has investigated reports from properties in Gippsland, of horses displaying fever, respiratory signs, and mouth ulcers.

Initial testing has ruled out exotic diseases and shown that the common equine herpesvirus (EHV-4) is active in the region.

EHV-4 is widespread and causes respiratory disease in horses. Clinical disease is usually mild, and most horses recover with rest and supportive care.

This is a timely reminder for horse owners to review their biosecurity plans and contact their vet if they have sick horses.

Also, please check your horses are healthy and fit for travel before going to events with other horses.

If you suspect an emergency animal disease, contact your vet or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888

Victoria cracks down further on aquatic pests

To protect Victoria’s aquatic environment and industries, Agriculture Victoria has strengthened aquatic pest rules by declaring 14 new high‑risk species.

The declaration of these additional noxious aquatic species means people must not bring, keep, sell, transport or release these live species in Victoria’s protected waters.

Biosecurity Victoria Executive Director, Charlotte Austin said Victoria’s rivers, lakes and coasts face increasing threats from harmful pests and invasives that do not belong here.

‘These pests can damage habitats, harm native wildlife, and hurt local industries by spreading quickly and are almost impossible to remove once they take hold,' Ms Austin said.

‘They can hitch a ride on boat hulls, fishing gear, or even through the aquarium trade and if they spread, they cost millions of dollars to manage and can destroy our waterways.’ 

Get shearing done to prevent animal welfare issues

Agriculture Victoria is reminding sheep owners of their responsibility to manage wool length, so it doesn’t become excessive.

Agriculture Victoria Senior Veterinary Officer Dr Jeff Cave said sheep with more than one year’s wool growth are highly susceptible to heat stress and disease and those with overlong fleeces are also more likely to become cast – lying on their side and unable to rise.

A person who allows sheep in their care to grow excessively long fleeces may be exposed to cruelty provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 2019.

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 Varroa Transition program is a 2‑year initiative supporting Victoria’s move to Varroa management, tackling long‑term challenges and safeguarding pollination services.

Side-by-sides can be an excellent tool on farming properties. They have extra space for passengers and a greater load carrying capacity than motorbikes and quad bikes.

But, like any vehicle operated on farms, they come with risks. There are some simple ways that you can control these risks to stay safe.

Irrigation incentives turn ideas into action for farmers

More farmers across Gippsland can now access Incentives for Irrigation Farm Plans.

Agriculture Victoria Irrigation Extension Officer Stephanie Veskoukis said after years of success in the Macalister Irrigation District (MID), the Irrigation Efficiency Incentives Program has been expanded to include irrigators across the entire Lake Wellington Catchment.

‘The incentive covers 75% of the cost of an updated irrigation farm plan, up to a maximum of $45 per hectare for design only, or $90 per hectare for survey and design of a new plan, capped at $10,000 (excluding GST).

‘Tailored options are available for farms with specialised requirements.’

She said an Irrigation Farm Plan is a practical tool that helps irrigators compare systems, plan upgrades and design improvements that work with existing infrastructure.

‘A well-prepared plan improves water-use efficiency, reduces nutrient losses and ensures works meet statutory requirements.

‘For farmers involved in the program, increased confidence is one of the most consistent outcomes.’

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.  

$5,000 as a co-contribution grant is available statewide.  

Keeping Victoria’s farmers and animals safe

The Victorian Government is making it easier for farmers to protect their livestock from pests and diseases and keep their farms productive.

The 2026 Livestock Biosecurity Fund Grants Program 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.

Farmers from across the state have access to two Farm Advisory Service one-on-one 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.  

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 Gippsland. 

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 045 747.  

Find out more at: www.nexsolutions.org.au  

For further drought support visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186. 

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

The Victorian Government has announced measures to support Victorian primary producers affected by the January 2026 bushfires. 

You can 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 Home - Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria - Gippsland  

• Livestock tag prices lowest in Australia 
• First virtual fencing product approved for use
• Victorian Food Safety Standards - have you registered?
• Gippsland sheep farmer fined for animal cruelty
• Funding for communities to get together in tough times
• On the ground support for fire affected farmers

Plan to Be Resilient 

When/Where: 25 March (Benambra) 26 March (Orbost) 31 March (Bairnsdale) - all sessions 10am to 1pm (light lunch provided).

Delivered by NEX Business Farming Wellness with support from Agriculture Victoria’s Drought Support Program, the Plan to Be Resilient workshops provide access to structured business planning support at no cost to participants. 

Plan to Be Resilient is a practical, hands-on workshop designed for farmers and small agri-business operators who are often time poor but know that taking time to plan is critical.   

The session is grounded in real regional scenarios and designed for practical application within working farm businesses. 

Participants leave with a structured workbook and practical strategies that can be used immediately and revisited as conditions change. 

Secure your place via the online registration form or by phoning 1300 045 747.

Pastures and soils seminar

When: Friday 20 March 2026, 9 am – 1 pm
Where: Main Ridge CFA, 431 Main Creek Rd, Main Ridge 

VFF Peninsula Branch will host a seminar on pastures and soils next week.

Agriculture Victoria Livestock Extension Officer Fiona Baker will speak on:

• Pasture management – how grass grows, what influences its persistence, how to decide when stock should go in and come out
• Pasture pests (as they are a big influence on pasture performance) like RLEM, lucerne flea, red & black cockchafers
• Nutrients as drivers of pasture growth

Free admission. Non-members welcome. BBQ Lunch provided.

Carbon farming: know your number

When: Tuesday 24 Mar 2026 10 am – 2.30 pm
Where: West Gippsland CMA office, corner Bair and Young Streets, Leongatha

Join Nick Dudley, a South Gippsland agricultural advisor, farmer and carbon expert, for a practical workshop designed to help you understand and estimate your farm's carbon footprint.

Bring your laptop, or you can borrow one on the day, and learn how to use an online carbon calculator.

Learn what the numbers mean for your business and discover opportunities to improve productivity while reducing emissions.

Lunch will be provided. Please register to RSVP.

Goat essentials workshop - Healesville

When: Friday 1 May, 1:30 pm – 5 pm
Where: Healesville - location sent out closer to event

This hands-on workshop will cover practical goat husbandry, including vaccinations, faecal egg counts, general bio-security and body condition scoring.

It will also explore electric fence options for goat grazing and containment.

Afternoon tea is provided.

Planning for your farming future

When: Tuesday 5, 12, 19 & 26 May (9:30 am – 3 pm each day)
Where: Gippsland Ag Centre, 345 Bengworden Road, Bengworden

Do you wish your farm was easier to manage, more adaptable to seasonal conditions and helps provide environmental benefits?

Landholders are invited to participate in a series of workshops designed to build on current management practices and support planning for future improvements.

Participants will meet for 4 sessions, every Tuesday in May, to discuss the following farm management topics. 

Workshop topics will include:

• Farm layout
• Setting current and future goals
• Soils and land classing
• Soil fertility and nutrient budgeting
• Grazing and feed management
• Farm water supply planning

Plant and soil health workshop

When: Thursday 26 March (2:30 pm – 5 pm)
Where: Fresh Select, 610 Duncans Rd, Werribee South

Victorian vegetable growers are invited to a practical workshop at Fresh Select with international soil expert Joel Williams from Integrated Soils.
Learn about plant and soil health in vegetables, including managing sodium/salts, and high chloride irrigation water.
Participate in a paddock walk featuring a brix meter/refractometer demonstration and a visual soil health assessment.
Afternoon tea provided
 

Best Wool/Best Lamb and Better Beef conferences 

When: 23 – 24 June 
Where: The Goods Shed, Ballarat

After last year’s successful roadshow, the BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef conferences return to Ballarat.

There’ll be two 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.

Pop it in your diary now for June.

Stay tuned for more updates.

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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