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Thursday 14 August 2025
The Look Over the Farm Gate grants help communities come together to promote social connection and support mental health and wellbeing during drought.
The program is coordinated by the National Centre for Farmer Health and is offering grants of up to $5,000 to help local organisations run events that bring together and support farmers, farming families and communities under stress.
For information about the Victorian Government’s drought support package visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
One-on-one farm advisory service
All farmers, anywhere in Victoria, can register for a free consultation with a farm management specialist.
The advisory service offers a session of up to 3 hours (face-to-face or online) and a follow-up call, to help farmers take stock and develop a plan for managing drought conditions.
The advice is suited to your situation, from a consultant that you nominate from the registered panel.
Agronomists, livestock nutritionists, veterinarians, pasture and grazing specialists and farm business advisors, can support you with:
- feed and water budgeting
- farm safety and workload management
- farm business and financial management
- soil health and pasture re-establishment
- animal health and welfare, and more.
For more information about drought support: www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
Farm Drought Support Grants
The Victorian Government is providing practical support to farmers impacted by drought.
The Farm Drought Support Grants (formerly On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants) program is available to assist primary production businesses to implement on-farm infrastructure improvements and undertake essential business activities that improve drought.
Eligible farmers will receive up to $5,000 (ex-GST) as a co-contribution grant that will support activities including water infrastructure upgrades (such as pipes, tanks, troughs and dams), stock containment areas, and grain and fodder storage.
Seeking private vets
Private vets play an important part in an Emergency Animal Disease response
Agriculture Victoria is looking for private vets to help support future emergency animal disease outbreak response efforts.
Emergency response work for private vets could include:
- investigation of suspect cases.
- in-field surveillance.
- diagnostic sampling.
- euthanasia and vaccination.
Putting your hand up is a great opportunity to share your expertise, learn new skills and help protect Victoria’s agriculture sector. Casual employment and veterinary service contracts are available.
Training and resources
We have a range of online courses tailored for vets available on our website covering different topics, including some that contribute to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points.
Check your luggage for stowaway pests
Spotted a toad in your luggage? It could be an Asian black-spined toad – an invasive species sneaking into Victoria via suitcases and travel gear.
If you're returning home, remember to:
- Check in shoes and bags
- Report any sightings by calling 136 186 or on our website.
Celebrating pathways to participation in Agriculture STEM Research
Hands-on science workshops for Victorian school students are shining a spotlight on the wide range of careers in agricultural research.
In celebration of National Science Week (11-19 August), Agriculture Victoria’s Get into AgSTEM program will launch a new workshop exploring on-farm energy generation and cultivation of plants under solar panels.
Get into AgSTEM is a free curriculum-linked education program delivered by Agriculture Victoria and offered to secondary school students.
Agriculture Victoria Community Education Manager Anna Vietz said the new Energy Ag – Agrivoltaics workshop gives students the chance to use laboratory-scale solar panels and circuitry to generate power.
‘The workshop offers students the opportunity to get hands-on experience while exploring how global climate change is altering climate variables in Victoria and how this can impact farming.’
‘We are looking forward to rolling out this workshop and welcome any interested school teachers to get in touch with us to find out more,’ Anna said.
The Energy Ag – Agrivoltaics workshop was funded through the Agriculture Energy Investment Program and will be delivered to students across the state.
The innovative Get into AgSTEM program opens the doors to Agriculture Victoria’s state-of-the-art research facilities at AgriBio in Bundoora and the Hamilton, Horsham, Tatura, Mildura and Ellinbank SmartFarms.
Students work to complete practical activities based on current research projects run by scientists at Agriculture Victoria, learning molecular analytical techniques for on-farm efficiency improvements, through to digital data collection for precision agriculture.
By showcasing research and innovation, Get into AgSTEM links studying STEM at school, with high-tech, cross-disciplinary skills that are relevant to future careers in agriculture.
Teachers interested in the program can visit the Agriculture Victoria website for more information.
Economic growth in Gippsland and Loddon Mallee regions
The Victorian Government is supporting job creation and business development in former native timber industry communities with grants funded through the second round of the Forestry Transition Fund grants program.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently announced the fund will award more than $69,000 to two business owners – a mechanical repair business in northern Victoria and a local meat supply company in Gippsland.
VEG Education launches Farm Gate Program
Addressing the national challenge of low vegetable consumption among Australian children, VEG Education is proud to introduce the Farm Gate program—a hands-on initiative providing primary and secondary students with immersive experiences in vegetable farming.
The program is designed to spark lifelong healthy eating habits, deepen understanding about where food comes from, and inspire the next generation to see vegetables—and the horticulture industry—in an entirely new light.
Rooted in the core belief that hands-on, experiential learning fosters powerful emotional connections, Farm Gate enables students to step directly into the world of agriculture.
Through interactive on-farm excursions at Velisha Farms, as well as a Mobile Farm Gate incursion for remote and regional schools, students engage in activities from paddock to plate—including interactive tours, tastings, and curriculum-aligned projects.
By building knowledge and shifting attitudes, the program seeks to make eating vegetables not just nutritious, but exciting and meaningful for young Australians.
The Wiggles join national push to get children eating more fruit and veg
Australia’s fresh produce industry has teamed up with beloved children’s entertainers, The Wiggles, in a national campaign to encourage children to eat more fruit and vegetables.
Launched recently at Hort Connections by the International Fresh Produce Association Australia and New Zealand (IFPA ANZ), the campaign will be rolled out across digital, social, at concerts and through colourful resources to promote fruit and vegetables in an age-appropriate, educational and positive way.
It comes as new research reveals that while two-thirds of Aussie parents say it’s very important their children eat the recommended amount of fruit and vegetables, less than half say that fruit and vegetables actually make up most of their child’s snacks.
Original Blue Wiggle Anthony Field said the collaboration was a natural fit, given The Wiggles’ longstanding relationship with Australia’s fruit and vegetable industry with their iconic songs for children that celebrate fresh food.
Farming with a disability with Nigel Corish and Josie Clarke
Hear an inspiring story from Nigel Corish, the 2023 Farmer of the Year and Chair of Ability Agriculture.
In this Farming Safe and Well episode, Nigel shares his incredible journey of farming with cerebral palsy, the challenges he's faced, and how he's overcome them.
Plus, hear from Josie Clarke, founder of Ability Agriculture, about her mission to create an inclusive agriculture sector
Listen to this inspiring episode to discover how Nigel and Josie are transforming agriculture through resilience and inclusivity.
Popular irrigation incentive program set to benefit even more Gippsland farmers
West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority and Agriculture Victoria are pleased to open a new round of farm plan incentives, and for the first time, farmers in Warragul, Thorpdale, Noojee and Perry Bridge and across the entire Lake Wellington Catchment are eligible to apply.
Up to $10,000 per farm is available through the Lake Wellington Irrigation Efficiency Incentive Program to help with the cost of a professionally designed irrigation plan.
What's On
Managing Dry Season Conditions to Maximise Spring Pasture Growth - Buffalo, Woodleigh, Phillip Island and Neerim South
When: Monday 18 August, 9:45 am to 2:30 pm
Where: Buffalo Community Centre, Hall Road, Buffalo
When: Monday 25 August, 9:45 am to 2:30 pm
Where: Woodleigh Hall, 86 Woodleigh - St Helier Road, Woodleigh
When: Tuesday 26 August, 9:45 am to 2:30 pm
Where: Surf Beach, location provided on registration
When: Thursday 28 August, 9:45 am to 2:30 pm
Where: Neerim South Football Clubrooms,15 Neerim E Road, Neerim South.
With low rainfall, and minimal hay and silage stocks, we need to ensure we have the knowledge and confidence to manage a potentially dry spring and summer.
Presenters include:
- Dale Grey (the Fast Break) - weather outlook and what we can expect in the next few months
- Fiona Baker - setting ourselves up for spring, and summer, water requirements, and maximising our potential growth leading into our peak growing season
- James Paulet – will talk about the 6 new soil moisture probes and weather stations located in West and South Gippsland and using this data to make informed decisions
- Farmers Chris Nixon (beef and dairy - Orbost) and Trevor Caithness (beef and cropping – Goon Nure) will talk about strategies they implemented to get through the 3-year drought in East Gippsland and what worked and what didn’t, and what they would do better next time.
After lunch we will visit Ross Batten, and Madeline and Bernard Buckley’s farm and discuss strategies they are implementing in preparation for a potentially dry spring and summer.
Feral Cat and Fox Management Online Forum
The National Feral Cat and Fox Management Coordination Program are running 2, day-long free online forums dedicated to sharing knowledge on effective fox and feral cat management.
- Wednesday 20 August, 9 am to 5 pm: Fox Management Forum
- Thursday 21 August, 9 am to 5 pm: Cat Management Forum
Come and go throughout the day to watch different sessions or stay for the whole day.
Register now to keep up to date with information. A forum link will be sent closer to the date.
Technical irrigation workshop – vegetables
When: Tuesday 26 August, 11 am to 2 pm.
Where: Peter Schreurs & Sons, Devon Meadows.
This half-day, on-farm practical irrigation workshop will be held at Peter Schreurs & Sons in Devon Meadows. It will be presented by irrigation agronomist and designer Jeremy Giddings.
You will learn about:
- efficient vegetable irrigation systems and design
- water usage
- budgeting
- and much more.
A light lunch will be provided to all registered attendees.
Irrigating berries technical workshop
When: Wednesday 27 August, 11 am to 2 pm
Where: Lilydale Lakeside Conference Centre, 1 Jarlo Drive, Lilydale.
Agriculture Victoria irrigation agronomist and designer Jeremy Giddings will present a session focused on berry irrigation systems and design, including:
- how to test for drip application uniformity
- designing and maintaining optimum system drainage, avoiding ‘wet patches’
- chlorination, flushing and system maintenance checks
- pressure and discharge maintenance.
The event also includes an on-farm practical irrigation demonstration at a berry farm in the Yarra Valley.
Decisions that drive drought recovery – Meeniyan
When: Wednesday, 27 August, 9 am - 3:30 pm
Where: Meeniyan Community Hub, 95 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan
A powerful and practical 1-day workshop on how to build resilience, navigate crisis and adapt to change.
Feel confident and equipped to make the decisions necessary to navigate your farm business through the current seasonal crisis/challenges by:
- learning how to navigate competing priorities for limited resources (family, farm and business)
- identifying key resource issues, stressors, risks and opportunities for your farm business
- learning improved decision-making skills and how to manage key priorities – especially when under pressure and stress
- learning skills to rebuild capacity after battling personal/health and business challenges
- connecting to networks that support recovery and resilience.
Morning tea and a light lunch provided.
CFOP workshop and farm walk – Bass Coast
When: Friday 29 August, 10 am to 1:30 pm
Where: Archies Creek (address provided after registration)
Join us for this informative Bass Coast Carbon Farming Outreach Program (CFOP) workshop and farm walk.
This event will be hosted at the Archies Creek property of Ric Oldham, who has developed a CFOP action plan, and will be supported by expert CFOP presenter Nick Dudley.
Nick has over 15 years of experience in carbon farming and will be speaking on the following topics:
- Fundamentals of carbon farming
- Tracking and calculating your farm emissions
- Estimating your farm’s carbon footprint
- Using carbon accounting tools including a greenhouse accounting framework and LOOC–C
- Introduction to developing an on-farm emissions action plan
- Showcasing Ric Oldham’s case study action plan.
Host farmer Ric Oldham will also provide insights into the development of his action plan and showcase some of the works he has implemented on his property during the farm walk.
Morning tea and lunch will be provided. BYO chair and mug. Please RSVP by Monday 25 August.
All about feralSCAN
When: Thursday 4 September, 5 to 6:30 pm
Where: online.
Join Peter West from the Department of Primary Industry to hear about how and why recording pest animal sightings on feralSCAN is one easy way we can contribute to pest animal management.
Peter has 20 years’ experience in pest animal research and management and is responsible for the national feralSCAN program.
Download the feralSCAN app to your phone now.
Contact Kirby on kirby@sgln.net.au or 0480 749 731 if you need any help.
This project is supported by the Victorian Government through the Partnerships against Pests program
Plant and soil health seminar – Maffra and Pakenham
When: Tuesday 9 September, 11 am to 2 pm
Where: DEECA, 1 Stratford–Maffra Road, Maffra.
When: Wednesday 10 September, 11 am to 2 pm
Where: Mercure Pakenham conference room, 77 Racecourse Road, Pakenham.
International soils expert Joel Williams is returning to the region. Learn about foliar nutrition and soil management in baby leaf and brassica crops, including sap testing.
Submit your questions to Joel through the registration page.
Best Practice Fox Control
When: Friday 12 September, 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Sandy Point Community Centre
The lead up to lambing season is a great time to plan a control program.
Attendees to this event will have the opportunity to borrow camera traps from South Gippsland Landcare that can be used during a control program or to help you understand your pest animals.
At this event Aaron Stephens from Bass Coast Landcare Invasive Species team will cover:
- all available fox control methods
- how to integrate methods for the most successful control
- what qualifications are required
Fox control is currently being undertaken in Sandy Point and along the Bass and Bunurong coast. Aaron will also talk about this fox control program.
Kasun Ekanayake from Birdlife Australia will talk about how fox control along with other methods have been implemented to try and increase the success of Hooded Plover breeding along the coast. Learn how you could get involved.
Please email kirby@sgln.net.au if you have questions.
This project is supported by the Victorian Government through the Partnerships against Pests program.
Youth Agritech Jobs Expo
When: Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 September
Where: Gippsland Agriculture Centre.
Head along to the Youth Agritech Jobs Expo - showcasing the broad range of careers in agriculture.
For more information, call 0423 205 007.
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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