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Thursday 10 April 2025
Animal disease investigation courses held across Victoria
Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer, Northern Region
During March, Agriculture Victoria ran 3 Animal Disease Investigation (ADI) courses. The regionally based courses were held in Ellinbank, Bendigo, and Hamilton.
Each course hosted 12 private livestock veterinarians. The majority of participants came from local veterinary clinics in each of the regions.
The courses were presented by the combination of local Agriculture Victoria veterinary officers along with a pathologist from Agriculture Victoria’s state laboratory Agribio, located in Bundoora, Melbourne.
The 2-day intensive courses focus on up-skilling livestock veterinarians across Victoria to conduct disease investigations, and to be especially on the lookout for exotic diseases such as Foot and mouth disease.
The courses have a strong practical theme, with veterinarians getting hands on experience in learning new techniques and procedures, as well as being given a refresher of their existing skills and knowledge.
Agriculture Victoria has been running ADI courses for well over 10 years, training upwards of 50 private veterinarians a year, and in doing so strengthening the skills of Victoria’s veterinary profession and overall biosecurity preparedness for emergency animal diseases.
The courses have been made possible thanks to the Livestock Biosecurity Funds Grant Program, which is funded through duties generated by the sale of cattle, sheep, goat and pigs and their carcasses in Victoria.
The Very Fast Break now available
The first 2025 edition of the Very Fast Break seasonal climate update video clip is now available.
Save the date – BWBL and BB networks roadshow
Our BetterBeef (BB) and Bestwool/Bestlamb (BWBL) networks are hitting the road! The 2025 Beef and Sheep Networks Roadshow will bring top industry experts to 4 locations across Victoria, delivering the latest insights on pastures, livestock, and farm business management.
In response to seasonal challenges, we’re taking a fresh approach in 2025. Instead of one big Bestwool/Bestlamb and BetterBeef state-wide conference, we’re bringing the knowledge to producers with a series of half-day events, making it easier to attend without spending a whole day off-farm. Same high-quality content — just more accessible and closer to home.
Roadshow dates and locations:
- South West Victoria – 28 and 29 May
- Gippsland – 3 June
- North East Victoria – 4 June.
This format ensures more producers can connect, learn, and plan for the seasons ahead — without the travel commitment of a conference. Mark one (or more) of the roadshow events on your calendar.
Full event details will be published on the Agriculture Victoria events website, and Beef and Sheep Networks Newsflash email newsletter.
If you would like further information, email us at beef.sheepnetworks@agriculture.vic.gov.au.
Subscribe to the BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef Newsflash at agriculture.vic.gov.au/newsflash
Victorian tech start-ups take on circular agriculture
The Victorian Government is working with the state’s brightest technology start-ups to develop innovative new solutions to challenges facing the agriculture sector.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently announced the new CivVic Labs challenge theme would be circular agriculture – with a focus on how technology can be used to maximise efficiency, minimise waste, and unlock new revenue streams.
Drought resilience scholarship opportunity –2025 scholarships now open
The Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub is committed to building capacity that enhances the future resilience of farmers and regional communities. The Vic Hub is offering 5 awards of $2,000 each to support aspiring research students in the delivery of their research.
The awards are open to students conducting research as part of Honours or post-graduate study. Researchers from all disciplines are encouraged to apply.
Victoria’s Biosecurity Roundtable Report 2024 is now available
Local experts – from the wine industry, wildlife sector, horticulture and more – explored phylloxera impacts on the wine industry, what to do to prepare for our biggest biosecurity threats, and reaching diverse communities with important messages.
Victorian Regional Development Australia Deputy Chair and Member position vacancies
Regional Development Australia (RDA) is seeking highly motivated leaders with vision, drive and strong ties to their region to volunteer on RDA Committees across Victoria.
Applications have opened for RDA Committee Deputy Chair and Member positions in Barwon South West, Gippsland, Grampians, Hume, Loddon Mallee and Melbourne.
Workshop: Planning for water security
Calling Gippsland farmers, join our workshop to discuss water planning in dry seasonal conditions.
Assess your farm’s water needs and availability, hear practical information from Southern Rural Water and other water corporations, and learn about the process of increasing the size of existing dams, siting new dams and/or drilling a bore for stock and domestic use.
When: Friday 11 April, 11 am – 2 pm
Where: Leongatha.
Farming Stronger - Tools for Peak Performance
Join us for Farming Stronger: Tools for Peak Performance, a practical, results-driven workshop designed to give farmers the science-backed strategies used by top performers to sustain energy, manage stress, and optimise their operations - even in the toughest seasons.
Date: Tuesday 15 April, 10:30 am - 2:30 pm. Lunch provided.
Location: Ellinbank Football Club, Ellinbank Recreation Reserve, Korumburr-Warragul Road, Warragul South
Seasonal Stocktake Session
Join Fiona Baker from Agriculture Victoria and Nicole Frost from Peak Pastures and Livestock for a discussion on making the most of pasture, crop and stock decisions for the coming months.
Topics will include:
- Maximising feed from crops and pasture
- Options to rebuild fodder reserves
- Protecting pastures in difficult seasons
- The golden rules of supplementary feeding
- Animal health – what to look out for.
When: Wednesday 23 April, 11 am – 1 pm. Lunch provided.
Where: Benambra Recreation Reserve.
Food & Fibre Gippsland are holding drought resilience workshops in April and May across the region.
Keep up to date with GippsDairy's events on their website.
Keep up to date with Gippsland Agricultural Group'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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