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Thursday 26 March 2026
Boost pastures using effluent
If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to plan to empty your dairy effluent ponds to gain the best result from both its nutrient content and water.
Utilising effluent effectively could save you money on synthetic fertilisers and boost pasture growth.
As long as the plants are growing, they can get a further kickstart with an effluent application and be ready to take advantage of follow up rain.
Effluent storage ponds are designed to contain effluent over winter, so must be emptied before the start of the wet period.
An effluent test is recommended before application, to ensure appropriate application rates, as nutrient levels vary depending on several factors.
Have your say on our state’s biosecurity future.
Biosecurity is everyone’s business — and the Implementation Plan for Victoria’s Biosecurity Strategy closes on Tuesday, 31 March.
Built in partnership with industry, community, First Nations and government, this plan sets out how we work together to stop the harm caused by pests and diseases.
Your voice helps protect our environment, our agriculture and our way of life.
Improved testing for anthrax
Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer
Anthrax has been a cause of sudden death of livestock in Australia for the past 150 years. Once an animal has died from anthrax, the anthrax spores can survive in the soil for decades, waiting for the right set of environmental conditions to infect another animal.
Most districts in Victoria have experienced livestock deaths due to anthrax.
Anthrax-related livestock deaths mostly occur in the warmer months, although history has shown that they can occur at any time of year. Therefore, anthrax should be considered whenever there is any sudden death of livestock, particularly if blood is seen around the animal’s nose, mouth and anus.
At one time, veterinarians had to carry a microscope and examine a smear of specially stained blood to rapidly diagnose anthrax.
This all changed with the development of pen-side ICT (immunochromatographic test) kits, which provide a quick, safe and accurate means of diagnosing or excluding anthrax when investigating cases of sudden death of livestock.
All private veterinarians who deal with livestock have free access to ICT kits and can investigate sudden deaths through subsidised disease investigations.
Growing our food safety standards
Agriculture Victoria is supporting berry, melon and leafy vegetable growers to implement new national food safety standards.
These standards are found in the Food Standards Code (the Code), and each state or territory has an obligation to interpret, implement and enforce them.
Regulations introduced last year aim to meet Victoria’s obligation to implement the Code and to maintain and advance the state’s reputation as a responsible and safe producer of food.
The regulations help industry to provide continued food safety assurance and reduce risks associated with foodborne illness.
Robust food safety standards underpin Victoria's access to important interstate and international markets, as well as supporting consumer confidence.
Farm World starts today at Lardner Park, so come say g'day to the Ag Vic team.
Drop past site 540, where we will be sharing a space with the Trees on Farms team.
Information will be available about:
- the Trees on Farms program
- drought support
- farm biosecurity
- on-farm emissions, climate resilience and recovery
- and more.
For drought support, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought
For bushfire support, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/bushfires
For Trees on Farms information, visit https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/crops-and-horticulture/plantations-and-farm-forestry/trees-on-farms
Landcare Grant applications now open
Applications are now open for Landcare Grants to help fund projects making a difference to enhance and protect Victoria’s great outdoors.
Landcare and environmental volunteer groups can apply for grants of up to $20,000 for projects and $500 for support.
Applications close on 23 April 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.
Biodiversity on farms
South Gippsland Landcare Network (SGLN) is excited to announce the date for the inaugural South Gippsland Biodiversity Forum.
There is so much happening locally to protect our wildlife and native flora, from collaborative projects such as the Biodiversity Protection Plan and the Biolinks Map (currently being developed), through to on-ground activities.
SGLN will be sharing good news stories about the efforts and achievements of farmers, community members, local groups and organisations.
There will also be guest speakers and a panel discussion featuring participating partners, tackling the big questions about how we can work together to increase biodiversity in South Gippsland.
Attendees will also have the chance to share ideas about who else can get involved and to connect with others who share similar interests over a delicious free lunch.
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.
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
Plan to Be Resilient
When/Where: 31 March (Bairnsdale) - 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.
Wind erosion webinar
When: 30th Mar 2026, 12 pm – 1 pm
Where: Online
Presenter Dr John Leys has over 40 years experience in soil conservation. Dr Leys founded DustWatch Australia to monitor and report dust levels and the causes of wind erosion.
Topics covered in this webinar:
- Causes of wind erosion
- Forecasting tools
- Mitigation
- Actions that can be taken when erosion begins such as ripping, roughening and ridging
Links to resources and the webinar recording will be made available to those who register.
Growing and Grazing Multispecies Crops
When: Wednesday, 1 April, 10 am – 2.30 pm
Where: 224 Lees Road, Briagolong
Growing and Grazing Multispecies Crops - With Guest Speaker Jade Killoran discussing:
- How to Grow them,
- How to oversow with them
- Where they fit into a pasture renovation plan
- What are the benefits to your cattle.
Do you have a plan for your farming future?
When: 5, 12, 19 and 26 May. 9.30 am – 3 pm
Where: Gippsland Ag Centre, Bengworden
Gippsland landholders are invited to a workshop series designed to build on current management practices and support planning for future improvements.
Participants will meet every Tuesday in May to look at their:
- Farm layout
- Setting current and future goals
- Soils and land classing
- Soil fertility and nutrient budgeting
- Grazing and feed management
- Farm water supply planning
A free laminated property map will be provided as part of the course.
Morning tea and lunch provided.
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.
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.
Keep up to date with GippsDairy's events on their website.
Keep up to date with Gippsland Agricultural Group's events on their website.
Keep up to date with Food & Fibre Gippsland's events on their website.
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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