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Thursday 8 October 2026
H5 bird flu – current situation
If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife, do not touch them.
Avoid direct contact.
Record what you see.
Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or using the online form.
Report clusters of 5 or more sick or dead wild birds of any species, anywhere in Victoria.
Report even 1 sick or dead:
- wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey
- marine mammal (e.g. seal, dolphin).
Prepare your farm now for the fire season
As part of your farm fire plan, document your farm assets and review your insurance policies.
Having an up-to-date inventory and insurance cover will make the claims process easier if you need to make a claim after a fire.
Get your copy of the Fire Preparedness Toolkit with tips and templates: Fire Preparedness Toolkit.
Request a hard copy of the Fire Preparedness Toolkit by emailing recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Fast Break Newsletter out now
The Fast Break details oceanic and atmospheric climate driver activity over the last month and summarises 3 month model predictions for the Pacific and Indian oceans, rainfall and temperature for Victoria.
Videos show smart yard design makes farms safer
New videos by Agriculture Victoria are helping farmers improve safety in cattle yards, showcasing practical design features to reduce injury and make stock handling easier and more efficient.
The videos --Safe Cattle Yard Design: Key Considerations and Cattle Loading Ramps: Safe Handling -- were filmed at properties in north east Victoria to demonstrate how a safely designed cattle yard functions in real conditions.
Investing in regional drought resilience
The Victorian Government is helping regional communities prepare for future drought.
Minister for Agriculture Michaela Settle recently announced grants are now open for Phase 2 of the Future Drought Fund’s Regional Drought Resilience Planning program, jointly funded with the Federal Government.
Regional Drought Resilience Planning phase 2 implementation grants
The Regional Drought Resilience Planning program focuses on the planning and implementation of resilience and preparedness building action across 9 regions of
Victoria.
Phase 1 focused on developing Regional Drought Resilience Plans for the Barwon, Central Highlands, Gippsland, Goulburn, Great South Coast, Loddon Campaspe, Mallee, Ovens Murray and Wimmera Southern Mallee regions.
Phase 2 (2026-2029) will build on the momentum of Phase 1 with $13.95 million of Implementation Grants to deliver priority actions aligned with the Regional Drought
Resilience Plans.
Expressions of Interest are now open for Phase 2 Implementation Grants of up to $1.55 million per region and close 5 pm Monday 23 November.
Email enquiries: drought.support@agriculture.vic.gov.au
The RDRP program is funded by the Victorian Government and the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
Drought support
As we move into the warmer months, support is still available for farmers across Victoria.
Manage current conditions, access practical advice and plan ahead with more confidence with:
Rural Financial Counselling Service Wellbeing Counsellors - free, confidential wellbeing support alongside its usual financial and business counselling support.
Drought support events – workshops and events across the state supporting farmers in drought and recovery.
To view the full range of financial, technical and wellbeing support available, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or phone 136 186.
Have your say - Looking ahead 2026 survey
Help East Gippsland Shire, Wellington Shire and East Gippsland CMA update the 2019 'Looking Ahead' advocacy paper for Gippsland agriculture.
If you live in Wellington Shire Council or East Gippsland Shire Council they need your input on:
- What are the key issues affecting your farm?
- What opportunities do you see?
- What challenges are you facing?
Take 15 minutes to have your say.
Survey closes Friday 9 October.
Support is available for farmers in fire recovery
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.
- Grants are open until 4 pm on 21 October 2026.
Applications can be made at ruralfinance.com.au/grants
Is your farm business eligible for a RIC loan?
RIC low-interest loans support Australian farm businesses involved in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural (beekeeping) or aquacultural industries.
They have compiled an overview of the eligible industries on their website.
Before you apply, visit the website to check if your farm business is an eligible industry.
Chemical skill set training for beekeepers
Do you own 20 or more registered beehives? Using chemicals to manage Varroa mite?
Become accredited in safe chemical use through Melbourne Polytechnic.
When: 16 and 17 October, 9 am – 5 pm
Where: Melbourne Polytechnic, Fairfield campus
As part of this training program, you may be eligible to be reimbursed up to $200 for the cost of this course.
For more information, contact biosecurityservicescentre@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Managing the spring break
When: Wednesday 21 October, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Where: The Courthouse Restaurant, 72 Smith St, Warragul
Come and enjoy a night off the farm. Join a farm consultancy presentation and farmer-led discussion focused on preparing for the spring season.
Hear practical insights on:
- knowing your numbers
- managing feed
- navigating the opportunities
- challenges that spring can bring to your business.
Connect with fellow farmers, share experiences, and take home ideas to help set your farm up for a successful season.
A delicious sit down dinner will be provided.
GippsDairy industry update lunch - Morwell and Orbost
Morwell: Thursday 29 October, 12 – 2 pm
Where: Morwell Club, 136 Helen St, Morwell
Orbost: Thursday 12 November, 6:30-8:30 pm
Where: Orbost Football Club, Lochiel St, Orbost
Tom Youl, Dairy Australia
Tom will present Dairy Australia's latest Situation and Outlook Report, providing expert analysis and unbiased insights into current domestic and international dairy market trends, industry drivers, and what they mean for Victorian dairy farmers.
20 Years of Dairy Farm Monitor Project Insights
Natalie Nelson, Farm Business Economist, Agriculture Victoria
Natalie will share findings from the project's landmark 20th year, highlighting the key trends, challenges, and opportunities that have shaped Victorian dairy farming over the past 2 decades.
The DFMP provides comprehensive physical and financial analysis of approximately 250 dairy farms across Australia, representing a broad range of farm sizes, herd sizes, and geographical locations. The project supports decision-making and investment priorities for Dairy Australia, Agriculture Victoria, and other key industry stakeholders.
Natalie will also discuss:
- The challenges dairy farms faced during the 2024-26 period due to difficult weather conditions.
- The impact on home-grown feed consumption and fodder reserves.
- How some businesses have successfully rebuilt fodder reserves and strengthened resilience.
- Recent improvements in farm profitability, with average returns on assets approximately doubling between 2024/25 and 2025/26.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training – Cann River and Dargo
Who is this for?
- Individuals: Equip yourself with practical skills to recognise and safely respond to mental health concerns
- Businesses and Organisations: Supports organisations in meeting Psychosocial Hazards obligations under Australian WHS legislation
- Community groups and Clubs: Increased capability in providing support.
Includes:
- Official MHFA Manual to each participant
- MHFA Training by a Licenced Instructor
- MHFA Certificate of Completion upon meeting requirements.
9 am to 3 pm. Morning tea and lunch provided.
- Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 October – Cann River: Bush Nursing Centre, 27 Monaro Hwy, Cann River
- Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 November – Dargo: Bush Nursing Centre, 72 Lind Ave, Dargo.
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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