• Will emergency services be able to access your property?
• Apply for an On-Farm Drought Infrastructure grant today
• Have your say on strengthening Victoria’s biosecurity laws
• Important step to protect Victorian cats and wildlife
• National Food Safety Standards factsheet
• Back on Track - National Centre for Farmer Health
• 2024 game bird harvest report now available
• In case you missed it
• What's on

Make sure roadside numbers are visible, vegetation around gates, culverts and bridges has been cleared, and gates are wide enough and easy to open.

Check out the tips and templates in the Farm Fire Preparedness Toolkit. 

Download a copy on our website.

Eligible drought-affected farmers in the south west can now apply for up to $5,000 in co-contribution grants to support establishing on-farm infrastructure such as:

• 💧 water infrastructure upgrades (pipes, tanks, troughs, dams)
• 🐑 stock containment areas
• 🌾 grain and fodder storage.

Click here for more information on the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants or to apply today.

For more information on managing during drought and dry conditions visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or call 136 186.

Agriculture Victoria is seeking your feedback on two proposals aimed at strengthening the state’s biosecurity system – critical to protecting agriculture, public health, animal welfare, and market access.

Acting Executive Director at Agriculture Victoria, Kris Duthie invites farmers, veterinarians, livestock owners, agricultural and horticultural businesses, including nursery, and the general public, to have their say on two proposals.

READ THE MEDIA RELEASE IN FULL HERE

The Victorian Government is improving the health and wellbeing of domestic cats and protecting our unique native wildlife with the launch of the state’s first cat management strategy.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence and Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos recently launched the 10 year cat management strategy which will improve responsible ownership and education programs, and increase desexing rates.

READ THE MEDIA RELEASE IN FULL HERE

Do you grow berries, leafy vegetables or melons?

Check out our factsheet on the new National Food Safety Standards coming into effect February 12, 2025.

The factsheet covers everything businesses need to know about the Standards in Victoria including which businesses they affect, the different registration pathways, where and how to register, the cost and frequently asked questions.

Head to our food safety for horticulture producers webpage to view the factsheet and find out more about the Food Safety Standards.

Back On Track is an innovative, peer-guided mental health initiative designed to support farming communities.

Funded by the Gardiner Foundation and led by the National Centre for Farmer Health, this program focuses on improving mental health outcomes for farmers by providing practical, culturally appropriate support delivered by trusted community members.

FIND OUT MORE HERE ABOUT BACK ON TRACK

The Game Management Authority (GMA) recently released the Estimates of duck and Stubble Quail harvest in Victoria 2024 report.

Results show an estimated 391,900 game ducks were harvested in 2024, which is 22 per cent above the long-term average of 320,000.

READ THE MEDIA RELEASE IN FULL HERE

Below are a number of recent technical articles aimed at providing advice to farmers in the south-west affected by drought and dry conditions.

Don’t forget the benefits of farm laneways

Monitor for blue-green algae in stock water

Ask questions before upgrading farm water equipment

Grazing sheep on stubble in dry seasons

Details about Agriculture Victoria events can now be found in one spot on our website. Log on to agriculture.vic.gov.au/events to find out what's on.

DATE: Wednesday 5 February

TIME: 12 - 1 pm

LOCATION: online

COST: free

REGISTER HERE FOR THE WEBINAR

The Farm Business Resilience program is supporting farmers to build on their knowledge and skills to strengthen their farm business and be better equipped to manage the risks associated with a variable climate.

Agriculture Victoria invites you to join other farm business owners and managers for a free short course on Wednesdays during February and March with farm business consultants Rural People Co.

DATE:  Wednesday 12 February

FREE ONLINE LEARNING

TIME: 12 - 3 pm

REGISTER HERE FOR THE WEBINAR

REGISTER HERE FOR THE WEBINAR SERIES

DATE:  Wednesday 12 February

WHERE: Raglan Hall

TIME: 2 pm, with a free BBQ dinner.

Hear from consultant Lisa Warn with information specifically for farmers affected by flood, fire and drought.

REGISTER HERE FOR THE WORKSHOP

Talk the Talk is an interactive 2-hour session delivered by the Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria West.

It is aimed at helping farm service providers, farmers and farming families recognise mental health problems and provide support.

You will learn about observation, what to say, how to say it and what to do next.

A light lunch will be provided on the day.

HAMILTON

DATE: Wednesday 12 February

TIME: 10 am - 12 pm

LOCATION: Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria West, 77 Kennedy Street, Hamilton.

REGISTER FOR THE HAMILTON EVENT HERE

INVERLEIGH

DATE: Friday 14 February

TIME: 10 am - 12 pm

LOCATION: Inverleigh Bowls Club, 20 Railway Street, Inverleigh.

REGISTER FOR THE INVERLEIGH EVENT HERE

The Herd'25 conference has a program tailored to attract the herd improvement, genetics and animal performance industry.

Featuring a strong lineup of speakers from Australia and worldwide.

Several world leaders are on the program this year and the Herd'25 gathering provides an opportunity for all interested in dairy herd improvement to unite, network and learn.

WHEN: 12 and 13 March, 9:30 am.

WHERE: All-Seasons Resort Hotel, Bendigo.

REGISTER FOR THE EVENT HERE

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