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Thursday 29 May 2025
Expanded drought support package: Assistance for farmers and communities
The Victorian Government is providing further practical support to farmers across Victoria impacted by drought and difficult seasonal conditions.
The lack of rainfall during this autumn is accelerating the hardship being faced by farm businesses, with many farms facing significant decisions around destocking, securing fodder and managing low on-farm water supplies.
This new $15.95 million package extends the $13.53 million drought support package announced by the Premier and Agriculture Minister on 30 September 2024.
Agriculture Victoria’s farm business technical and decision-making support will be made available statewide, supporting farmers to manage the impacts of increasingly difficult seasonal conditions.
The technical, wellbeing and financial decision-making support program will ensure farm businesses have access to tailored advice through one-on-one consultations, webinars, workshops, field days, and boosted online tools and information.
Updated guidelines for the technical decision-making support program will be available soon.
You can express your interest here for further information about the program as soon it is available.
This program has been extended for farmers in south west Victoria who can continue to apply now
A ‘Look Over the Farm Gate’ mental health and wellbeing grant program will be available statewide to help communities come together and support farmers and farming families under stress.
In response to deteriorating seasonal conditions across the state more LGAs will be eligible for the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grant program.
This program which has already supported more than 1,500 farmers in south west Victoria, will continue for the existing 11 LGAs across south west Victoria and expanded to all West Wimmera, Horsham Rural City, Northern Grampians, Hepburn, Moorabool, Ballarat, Towong, Mornington Peninsula, Bass Coast, Cardinia, Baw Baw, Casey, South Gippsland, and French Island.
There will be continued support for the Regional Drought Coordinator role and additional funding will also support small businesses in south west Victoria through the appointment of a Small Business Financial Counsellor.
The government is also extending its partnership with the National Centre for Farmer Health by investing $900,000 to continue their important work in supporting regional communities.
These escalated supports build on programs that are always available to Victorian farm businesses across the state. These include the Rural Financial Counselling Service, the Commonwealth Government’s Farm Household Allowance and low interest loans available through the Regional Investment Corporation.
Agriculture Victoria will continue to monitor conditions and ensure support is given to farmers who need it most.
Find out more at www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or phone 136 186.
Request for quotation (RFQ) from service providers – drought technical decision-making service delivery
Agriculture Victoria’s farm business technical and decision-making support, incorporating a range of technical specialists, is being expanded statewide to support farmers to plan and manage the impacts of difficult seasonal conditions.
Agriculture Victoria is seeking quotes to support delivery of either or both of the following 2 services across Victoria:
- one-on-one consultations
- group-based events.
RFQ for one-on-one consultations
Quotes are sought from suitably experienced and qualified service providers including contract service providers, agricultural service agencies, agricultural consultants and/or farm advisors to join a panel of consultants to deliver the one-on-one advisory service.
RFQs for group-based events
Quotes are sought from agricultural organisations including service providers, agricultural consultants, farm advisors, agriculture-specific training organisations, farmer groups or organisations to deliver publicly advertised, group-based events.
Providers may submit quotations for delivery of one or both of the above services, provided the relevant documentation is submitted for each.
Timelines and how to register
- The RFQ will be open until 11.59 pm on Monday 2 June.
- Delivery of these programs is expected to occur between June and October 2025, depending on demand and farmer needs.
- Visit the Agriculture Victoria website to download the RFQ documents
- A recording of the Q&A webinar held on Monday 26 May is now available. To request access, email drought.support@agriculture.vic.gov.au.
Bushfire recovery support
If your business or industry has been impacted by the 2024-25 bushfires in western Victoria, support is available to assist with your immediate and long-term recovery. Upcoming supports include:
- Business Recovery Advisory Service – free business support for impacted businesses, via telephone, online or in-person for impacted businesses, to find the right strategies for long-term recovery.
- Business Bushfire Recovery Grant Program – $5,000 grants to small businesses, including eligible primary producers, that have experienced significant disruptions and revenue losses due to the bushfires.
These programs are jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements for the Western Victoria Bushfires which commenced in December 2024 (AGRN 1166).
Register your interest to receive updates on the 2024-25 Western Victoria Bushfire Recovery grants and other related supports as they become available.
Why do dam repairs often fail?
Clem Sturmfels, Land Management Extension Officer
As dry conditions continue across Victoria, many farmers may be considering repairing leaking or failed dams to increase on-farm water storage capacity once it rains.
Dam repairs are often high-risk, expensive, and should only be undertaken when the cause of failure and repair options are well understood.
Repairs should only be attempted on larger, well-constructed dams.
Understanding the dam’s history—who built it, what equipment was used, and how it has performed—is essential before any work begins.
Get the timing right – when to drench for liver fluke
Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer
In any year, it’s worth anticipating animal health issues before they emerge.
In this year’s unseasonably dry conditions, the only moist areas with a green pick remaining on many properties are in springs, swamps, drains and billabongs.
These areas would currently be heavily grazed. Unfortunately, the same areas may contain a high concentration of the liver fluke snail. At times like these a rapid buildup of liver fluke infestation can occur.
Liver fluke is an internal parasite that lives in the bile ducts of cattle, sheep and goats and has a complex life cycle that requires a snail called Lymnea tomentosa to be involved.
The snail can be identified by its characteristic cone shaped shell and the spirals of the shell which rotate in a clockwise direction.
Liver fluke can be treated using chemicals known as flukicides. A question worth considering is when to strategically use those chemicals.
Flukicides should be used when needed to offset the clinical effects of a burden of liver fluke, as well as strategically to minimise pasture contamination and to most effectively kill the stage of fluke present in the stock. It should be noted that withholding periods apply.
The snail cannot survive frosty conditions so consideration should be given for giving flukicides following the first frosts.
It should be remembered that liver fluke control strategies vary by region and even property to property.
Producers should talk to their veterinarian for specific recommendations. This will enable them to put in place an effective and economical fluke control plan for their property.
For further information please contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria Veterinary or Animal Health Officer.
Are your livestock fit to load?
As drought and difficult conditions continue across Victoria and livestock producers consider further destocking, Agriculture Victoria is issuing a timely reminder.
Agriculture Victoria Livestock Industry Development Officer Dr Hannah Manning said it’s important to consider the condition of animals under your care before transporting them.
Dr Manning said there have been recent reports of stock arriving at livestock exchanges in poor condition.
‘It’s important to make early decisions to minimise welfare impacts on livestock.
‘Body condition of livestock must be factored in when making a decision to sell to ensure they are strong enough to make the journey ahead.
Investments target ‘new normal’ of mouse activity
The ongoing threat of mouse activity to Australian grain growers is the focus of two key investments aimed at reducing the impact of mice in crops.
The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and partners will invest $11 million in multi-year collaborative projects to enable continued cutting-edge research led by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO.
Elevated mouse populations in key grain-growing regions have led to substantial economic losses for growers over many years. While advancements in farming systems have resulted in tremendous benefits, they have also inadvertently contributed to increasing the pest problem.
Victorian Transmission Plan
We want to hear from communities, landholders, industry, and First Peoples about the draft Victorian Transmission Plan.
We’ve opened community hubs across regional Victoria where you can learn more, ask questions and have your say in person.
Registration required for berry, melon and leafy veg growers
Melon, berry and leafy vegetable businesses of all sizes are required to register for the new Food Safety Standards which came into effect for growers in February 2025.
Join the over 50 businesses that have registered so far. Log into Agriculture Victoria Connect to complete your food safety registration. The average registration only takes 30 minutes.
We are here to help – reach out if you need any assistance with registering your business via email food.safety@agriculture.vic.gov.au
It is a legal requirement to register with Agriculture Victoria and follow the standards, penalties may apply for unregistered growers from 1 July 2025.
Click here for more information on the Standards, visit our website.
What's On
Details about these events and more can be found on our website.
Healthy client relationships – a session for service providers
When: Friday 30 May
Time: 12 - 3 pm
Presenter: Dr Kate Burke, Managing Director, Think Agri
Online and free
We invite service providers to join a webinar focused on building both personal and professional resilience.
The session will explore frameworks that clarify your role, support effective decision-making, and promote healthy boundaries.
In this difficult time, agricultural service providers are operating under a higher mental load. Join Kate Burke to discuss strategies for managing your personal wellbeing while continuing to provide high quality professional services for your clients.
This session will equip you with the tools and confidence to stay the course and maintain strong, sustainable connections with your farming clients.
Autumn/winter feedbase planning - Skipton and Ararat
Ararat - 3 June, 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
Where: 388 Logan Road, Langi Logan.
Skipton - 4 June, 9:30 am - 2:30 pm
Where: Skipton Bowls and Golf Club, Rokewood, Skipton Road.
Producers and industry stakeholders are invited to participate in a free workshop that is assessing and planning to meet feed requirements for the Autumn/Winter under dry conditions with Lisa Miller and Michelle McClure, SFS.
VFF sheep essentials webinar series
Join sheep expert Alison Gunn as she discusses all things sheep in this two-part webinar series. The first session will cover the dos and don’ts of sheep care, traceability requirements and what to look for when buying sheep.
Session 1
When: Wednesday 11 June, 6 - 7:30 pm.
Session 2
When: Wednesday 18 June, 6 - 7:30 pm.
Ewe feed and management workshop - Wonwondah
Wonwondah and district sheep farmers are set to benefit from a best practice ewe management and feed planning breakfast workshop on 12 June.
Hosted by Agriculture Victoria, presenter and livestock consultant Dr Steve Cotton from Dynamic Ag will discuss how to manage and feed ewes for reproduction and lamb survival during dry seasonal conditions.
When: Thursday 12 June
Time: 7:30 - 11 am
Where: Location on registration.
Water Wise Workshop - Rokewood
We invite all producers and industry stakeholders to participate in a free workshop with Clem Sturmfels, Adam Buzza from Agriculture Victoria, Southern Rural Water and Michelle McClure, Southern Farming Systems.
These will be an interactive and hands-on workshop please dress appropriately, we will be visiting a small farm dams site, gumboots and warm clothing may be required.
When: Tuesday 17 June
Time: 9:30 am - 1 pm
Where: 'The Meadows', 705 Meadows Road, Rokewood.
RDA Torquay AI event
Regional Development Australia (RDA) Melbourne is partnering with Delos Delta, the National AI Centre, Australian Regional AI Centre and Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub to help explore opportunities and practical applications for AI in the regions.
Upcoming events in Wangaratta and Torquay follow RDA Melbourne’s highly successful 2024 AI forum in Bendigo – see some of the highlights here.
The events will be a platform for regional businesses to showcase how they have revolutionised their operations through innovative solutions, while providing attendees with the opportunity to hear from AI leaders in industry, academia, and governance.
Tickets are limited for each event, so get in soon to secure your spot!
AI Forum Barwon South West Region
In collaboration with RDA Barwon South West, the forum will be an opportunity for attendees to learn and explore the practical applications of AI in Industry.
The event will feature break-out sessions with real use cases, facilitated by industry leaders to provide you with skills to take home and apply to your business.
AI speakers and presenters include National AI Centre, Australian Regional AI Network, Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Hub and more.
Date: Friday 20 June
Location: RACV Torquay Resort.
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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