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Thursday 16 July 2026
Seen sick or dead birds or wildlife? Avoid. Record. Report
H5 bird flu has not been detected in Victoria, but community reports play an important role in helping us monitor for signs of disease.
Each report DEECA receives is reviewed and assessed using information such as the species, number of birds affected, location and disease risk.
Not all reports will lead to an investigation, collection or testing. Where further action is needed, we may contact you for more information or arrange collection and testing.
If you see sick or dead birds or wildlife, avoid contact, record its exact location and report it online or call 1800 675 888.
You can also view reports on our online map and follow surveillance activity across the state.
Preparing for seasonal uncertainty
Clem Sturmfels, Land Management Extension Officer
Damp, cool conditions and shorter days are an ideal time to relax in front of the fire and consider changes that might make your farm easier to manage during seasonal uncertainty, drought or planning for future seasons.
Changes might include, upgrading your water supply, installing a stock containment area or changing your business model. All of these can be expensive, time consuming and not without risk. Developing a strategy requires careful planning.
Like any changes on the farm, the starting point in developing a strategy involves having a clear vision of what you want your farm to look like in the future. Sitting down with your family, discussing and agreeing on a vision and set of goals is an important first step. This can be a challenging and confronting process, particularly when multiple generations are involved. Asking a third party to act as a mediator can be a great help.
Young farmers the future of Victorian agriculture
Agriculture Victoria is calling on the next generation of farmers to apply for the Young Farmers Upskill and Invest Scholarship, with applications now open for 2026.
The scholarship offers up to $10,000 per recipient, supporting young farmers and farm workers to build skills and invest directly in their businesses.
Participants can access:
- up to $5,000 for study or training, and
- up to $5,000 to put new skills into practice, including professional development, business planning or on-farm improvements.
Support to help you reset and recover after drought
Victorian farmers are encouraged to access support as they recover from drought and plan for the seasons ahead.
Agriculture Victoria Executive Director Dougal Purcell said recovery is not the same for every farm, with each business facing its own circumstances and timeline. Many farmers are also continuing to manage seasonal uncertainty and financial pressures.
'We are supporting farmers to stabilise, rebuild and make practical decisions that strengthen their businesses over time.
Bushfire recovery grants and concessional loans
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.
Applications can be made at ruralfinance.com.au/grants
Locust spring update for north-west Victoria
We are asking land managers in north-west Victoria to prepare now for possible locust activity in spring.
The Mallee has a moderate to high chance of high numbers of young locusts hatching in late September onwards.
The Wimmera has a low to moderate chance of high numbers of young locusts hatching in early October onwards.
Land managers are responsible for controlling locusts on their land.
The best time to control locusts is about 2 weeks after hatching, when they are young and can't yet fly.
Land managers can also help by checking paddocks and reporting any signs of locusts.
Reporting helps improve forecasting and supports control decisions.
This advice is for people in Mildura, Swan Hill, Gannawarra, Buloke, Yarriambiack, Hindmarsh and West Wimmera.
Bushfire recovery events
Our team will be on hand for a chat at upcoming fire recovery events and activities.
Here’s what’s coming up:
Euroa Special Sale, Wednesday 5 August
Victorian Landcare Awards
Do you know someone making a difference for our environment?
The 2026 Victorian Landcare Awards shine a spotlight on local champions leading the way in caring for biodiversity.
Nominations are now open.
For more information and to nominate: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/.../state-territory.../
Nominations close at 11:59 pm on Friday 31 July.
Trees on Farms Utilisation Program
Applications are now open for the Trees on Farms Utilisation Program.
Eligible Victorian landowners can receive a free expert assessment of their timber plantations, including tailored management advice and potential market pathways.
Support before, during and after drought with RIC loans
Wherever you are in the drought cycle, a RIC Drought Loan can improve cash flow to help eligible farm businesses manage through, recover and prepare when faced with drought.
Or if you’re in prolonged drought that has affected your financials for two years or more, and you expect the impact to continue, you may be eligible for a RIC Drought Hardship Loan to pay for operating costs, with no repayments for the first two years of the five-year loan. Interest is deferred in this time to be repaid with principal and interest from year three.
RIC has helpful tools and information to understand loan products and eligibility before applying. If in doubt, please don’t self-assess. It’s important to start a conversation with RIC’s agri lending team about your individual business situation.
Very Fast Break
The Very Fast Break seasonal climate update video clip for July is now available.
We love to receive your feedback. If you have comments, questions or feedback, please contact Dale Grey at the.break@agriculture.vic.gov.au
What's On
GRDC Grains Research Updates
When: Wednesday 22 July, 9 am – 1 pm
Where: Quambatook Bowling Club, 29 River Street, Quambatook
Topics:
- Evolution of clethodim resistance, and what can we do? Peter Boutsalis, University of Adelaide and Plant Science Consulting
- Industry panel – pushing pulses for better crops in the southern Mallee, Audrey Delahunty (Agriculture Victoria), Claire Pickles (BCG) and Matt Bissett (ExceedAg)
- Protect your most perishable asset – latest tips on grain storage Chris Warrick, Primary Business
- Risk and reward of N fertiliser decision-making strategies - insights from a national network of RiskWi$e field experiments Yolanda Plowman, BCG
- Seasonal climate outlook: what is driving this season? Dale Grey, Agriculture Victoria
When: Thursday 23 July, 9 am – 1 pm
Where: Dookie Campus, Bar Lounge, University of Melbourne, 940 Dookie-Nalinga Road, Dookie
Topics:
- Risk and reward of N fertiliser decision-making strategies - insights from a national network of RiskWi$e field experiments James Hunt, University of Melbourne
- Industry panel – pushing pulses for better crops in the north Audrey Delahunty (Agriculture Victoria), Aaron Vague (FAR) and Tom Price (FAR)
- Protect your most perishable asset – latest tips on grain storage Chris Warrick, Primary Business
- Get best bang for buck on canola fungicides Alec McCallum, University of Melbourne
- Profitable yield frontiers James Manson, CSIRO
The update for agronomists, consultants, researchers and growers to see and discuss the latest in research and to network with their peers.
Paddock walk - Fawcett Hall
When: Tuesday 28 July, 10 am – 2 pm
Where: Fawcett Hall, 655 Spring Creek Road, Fawcett
Agriculture Victoria is working together with Fawcett Hall to deliver this ag recovery event and paddock walk.
Join land management extension officer Kerri Goshnick and ag recovery officer Sarah Fox on a paddock walk and talk.
Catch up and chat about fodder, water, feed on hand and paddock weeds. The paddock walk will look at 2 to 3 paddocks to generate discussion.
BYO boots and jacket. Lunch included back at Fawcett Hall by 1 pm.
No registration required.
Work visa pathways for employers webinar
When: Tuesday 28 July, 5–6 pm
Where: Online
When: Thursday 30 July, 8:30–9:30 am
Where: Online
The Department of Home Affairs, through its Business, Industry and Regional Outreach (BIRO) network, invites you to join our upcoming sessions on employing overseas workers in Australia.
The sessions will help employers understand the main visa pathways available, when sponsorship may be required, how labour agreements operate, and how to check a worker’s visa conditions and work rights.
Both webinars cover the same content so you only need to register for one session.
Aboriginal business procurement information session
When: Thursday 30 July, 12 noon – 1 pm
Where: Online
Join Agriculture Victoria and Kinaway Chamber of Commerce for an online information session. Learn how Aboriginal businesses can supply goods and services to Agriculture Victoria.
National Alpaca Show 2026
When: 7-9 August
Where: Bendigo Showgrounds
National auction, fleece show, art and photography competition.
Buying livestock with confidence
When: Friday 28 August, 9:30 am – 1:30 pm
Where: Yea saleyards
Join VFF Stock Sense at Yea Saleyards for a free practical workshop designed to help small landholders buy cattle, sheep or goats with confidence.
A stock agent/saleyard representative will cover choosing livestock to suit your property and experience level and what to consider when buying through saleyards, private sales or online platforms.
An Agriculture Victoria representative will also cover key PIC, NLIS, traceability and biosecurity requirements to help you bring new livestock home safely and avoid common compliance mistakes.
Future-proof your family farm business - Hopetoun
When: Thursday 3 September, 8:30 am – 3 pm
Where: Hopetoun Golf Club, Hopetoun-Rainbow Road, Hopetoun
Hopetoun farmers are invited to a free 2-day workshop.
Learn practical planning skills to help prepare your farm business for the future. Build strategies to manage climate risk, strengthen resilience and create a more adaptable business.
Presenter Dr Kate Burke is an independent farm consultant, agri-strategist and educator. Kate has extensive experience in farm business management and works with farming families and businesses across a range of areas.
BCG’s Main Field Day 2026
When: Wednesday 9 September, 8:30 am – 4 pm
Where: Main Research Site at Birchip
Beekeeper Breakfasts
When: Tuesday 4 August, 8 – 11 am
Where: Hattah Outback Roadhouse, 3478 Calder Hwy, Hattah
When: Wednesday 5 August, 8 – 11 am
Where: 8879 Murray Valley Hwy, Boundary Bend
Topics:
- Are we coping or moping? workshop with Neville Brady
- Miticide use and regulations
- Chemical handling, protective equipment, workplace and general machinery safety with WorkSafe
- Building varroa awareness with Horticulture Services (pollination industries)
- Bushfire recovery and drought support
For
more information contact James Rowe, Horticulture Sector Officer, Agriculture Victoria
on james.rowe@agriculture.vic.gov.au or call 0408 512 599
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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