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Thursday 19 February 2026
Following a bushfire there is a lot to consider when it comes to caring for livestock and getting your farm back on track.
To assist in making decisions for your on-farm recovery, a range of practical technical information and advice is available on our website.
You can also speak to an Agriculture Recovery team member on 136 186 or by contacting recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Community events near you
We’ll be at several farm recovery events over the next couple of weeks to support farmers impacted by recent fires across the state.
Our staff will be on hand to talk through your recovery, including feeding livestock, looking after soils and managing farm water.
- Yarck Town Hall, Monday 23 February, 10 am to 12 noon
- Harcourt Recovery Hub, Monday 23 February, 11 am to 3 pm
- Euroa Hub, Tuesday 24 February, Time TBC
- Yea Community Chat and Chew Barbecue, Wednesday 25 February, 5 pm
- Ruffy Hall, Farmers Community Connect, 7 am to 12 noon
- Fawcett Hall, Friday 27 February, 10 am to 12 noon
- Longwood Community Centre, Information Session, Friday 27 February, 1-4 pm
- Highlands, Autumn on farm tactical planning, Friday 27 February, 5-8 pm
For support, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/bushfires or email recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Grants and Concessional Loans
Has your farm been impacted by recent bushfires?
The Victorian Government recently announced measures to support Victorian primary producers affected by the January 2026 bushfires.
You may be eligible for a recovery grant or a concessional loan to help with cleanup, restoration and rebuilding, including:
- engaging a tradesperson to conduct a safety inspection of damage to a property, premises or equipment
- hiring and leasing equipment, or purchasing materials to clean a property, premises or equipment
- purchasing, hiring or leasing equipment or materials that are essential for immediately resuming operation of the primary production enterprise, including pumps and generators
- removing and disposing of debris, damaged goods and material, and injured or dead livestock
- other activities as listed in the program guidelines.
A full list of eligible activities is included in the program guidelines.
When applying for a grant or loan, it’s important that you don’t self-assess and if you’re unsure of your eligibility, contact Rural Finance with any questions.
Applications are now open and will close at 4 pm on 21 October 2026.
You can check your eligibility via Rural Finance www.ruralfinance.com.au or call them on 1800 260 425 with any questions.
If you need help working through what support you can get or how to apply, the Rural Financial Counselling Service is available at:
- Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria North East for farmers and small farm businesses.
- RFCS Victoria West | Home (Mildura and north western).
Communities leading the charge against invasive pests
The Victorian Government is strengthening Victoria’s frontline against invasive pests, backing Community Pest Management Groups to drive decisive, community-led projects across the state.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently announced the recipients of the Partnerships Against Pests grants program – empowering communities to lead the fight against invasive pest species at local and regional levels.
First Virtual Fencing product approved for use
The Victorian Government is making it easier and safer for farmers to raise cattle with the first approved virtual fencing technology.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence announced that the Halter’s P5 electronic collar system is the first to be approved in Victoria for virtual fencing.
This technology will help farmers to save on the cost of building and maintaining cattle fencing through smart, real-time technology.
We’ve heard from many farmers using various forms of virtual fencing, and it was clear that the technology made a significant difference to the health of their stock, their pastures and their workloads.
Keep an eye out for highly invasive water hyacinth
Victorians are urged to keep an eye out for water hyacinth after an infestation on a rural property in Anakie, north of Geelong.
Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a State prohibited weed (SPW) declared under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994.
Agriculture Victoria Leading Biosecurity Officer Incursion Control Kaitlin Wright said it’s considered the world’s worst water weed and has infested rivers, dams, lakes and irrigation channels on every continent except Antarctica.
Duck Season bag limit
The Victorian Government has set a daily bag limit of nine ducks per hunter for the 2026 duck hunting season.
The season length, as set out in the Victorian Government’s Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2024, remains unchanged – opening at 8:00am on Wednesday, 18 March 2026 and closing 30 minutes after sunset on Monday, 8 June 2026.
The daily hunting times are from 8:00am until 30 minutes after sunset for the first five days, then from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset for the remainder of the season.
Seven game duck species can be hunted. They are Pacific Black Duck, Grey Teal, Chestnut Teal, Wood Duck, Mountain Duck, Hardhead and Pink-eared Duck.
The nine bird bag limit has been informed by modelling undertaken as part of Adaptive Harvest Management for game ducks in Victoria, which is now being used to inform sustainable duck hunting arrangements each year.
WorkSafe Tractor Safety
Passing on accurate safety advice protects you now and for generations to come.
Watch out for parthenium weed in interstate fodder
Farmers importing or receiving donated fodder from interstate due to drought or after the recent Victorian bushfires are reminded to watch out for weeds growing from seeds contained in hay, particularly the State prohibited weed parthenium weed.
Agriculture Victoria Biosecurity Manager Angela Constantine said biosecurity threats like parthenium weed or Parthenium hysterophorus can add pressure to already stressed systems.
‘Parthenium is one of the world’s most aggressive weeds and a continuing threat to Victoria, it isn’t currently found in Victoria, but is present in New South Wales and Queensland, so the potential for it to invade Victoria is real.
Vet Talk: Understanding heat stress in livestock and ways to prevent it
Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer
As warm summer temperatures continue across Victoria, farmers are urged to take extra care of their livestock to prevent heat stress, a condition that can severely impact both animal welfare and production.
Cattle are most comfortable in temperatures between 5°C and 25°C, while adult pigs prefer a narrower range of just 18°C to 20°C.
High-producing animals, such as dairy cows, are especially vulnerable, and poultry have been known to succumb to extreme heat on scorching days.
When the mercury rises, animals divert energy to cooling themselves, which can lead to reduced feed intake, slower weight gain, and lower milk production. Fertility may also decline.
Humidity adds to the problem, intensifying heat stress even at moderate temperatures.
Signs of heat stress include panting, standing rather than lying down, seeking shade, increased drinking, and decreased appetite.
Farmers are advised to check their stock daily during hot weather and take steps to keep them comfortable.
Key recommendations include:
- provide unlimited access to shade or shelter
- ensure cool, clean drinking water is always available
- avoid animal movement during the hottest part of the day or on extreme heat days
- offering high-quality feed in the cooler evening hours
- have a fire plan ready and ensure someone checks on stock if you're away.
By making small adjustments to daily management, producers can significantly reduce the impact of heat stress and protect both animal welfare and productivity.
For more advice, contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria animal health staff.
Drought Support
Wellbeing counsellors
Wellbeing counsellors work hand in hand with experienced financial counsellors to ensure that your mental health receives as much attention as your bottom line.
Providing practical strategies and helping you to tailor them to your specific circumstances, across the north and south west.
Wellbeing counsellors can visit you at your property or talk over the phone to assist with:
✔ managing stress
✔ building resilience for tough times
✔ balancing work and life with practical tools
✔ getting support for big decisions and life changes.
To speak to a Wellbeing Counsellor call 1300 771 741.
Find out more at Rural Financial Counselling Network.
For further drought support visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
Drought Farm Advisory Service
Farmers from across the state have access to 2 Farm 1-on-1 consultations with a technical specialist.
Specialist consultants include agronomists, veterinarians, animal nutritionists, business advisors and farm planners, with expertise across dairy, beef, sheep and wool, horticulture and cropping.
For further drought support visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
Have your say on the future of the Basin Plan
For the first time since 2012 the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) is undertaking a review of the Basin Plan. This is your opportunity to have a say about future water management in the Basin.
The MDBA has released a discussion paper with public consultation running until 1 May 2026.
Outcomes of the review will have long term implications for Victorian catchments and communities including environmental objectives, how water is recovered, and the role of the Australian Government in regulating water across the Basin.
For more information about the review and how to make a submission go to 2026 Basin Plan Review: Have Your Say - MDBA.
Growing resilient, productive pastures for the future
Multispecies pastures are emerging as a powerful way to build more resilient and sustainable livestock systems. Our latest video explores how we’re generating Victorian specific evidence to help farmers adopt these systems with confidence.
At the Ellinbank SmartFarm, we’re trialling different pasture combinations of grasses, legumes and herbs and assessing them over time. Early results show promising benefits, including improved feed resilience during dry conditions, better soil health and potential reductions in livestock methane emissions.
The video also features a Gippsland farmer who is partnering with us to test the pastures in real world conditions. Their on-farm experience provides practical insights for farmers to consider in their own systems.
What's On
The Victorian Farmers Federation 2026 Grains Conference
When: Sunday 22 to Monday 23 February, 8:30 am to 9:30 pm
Where: Sebel Yarrawonga, 40 Silverwoods Blvd, Yarrawonga
Speakers will dive into some of the most relevant and forward-looking topics in agriculture, including gene editing and plant breeding to develop better varieties, the power of AI to drive smarter farming, and essential market updates covering inputs and supply chains. Each session is designed to help growers and graziers achieve better outcomes, offering insights that will elevate how you operate and deepen your understanding of an ever-evolving world.
New Frontiers Grainstorming – Bendigo
When: Monday 23 February, 6:30-8:30 pm
Where: Quality Hotel Lakeside, 286 Napier St, Bendigo
Leading Australian grain growers and advisers are invited to a free GRDC New Frontiers Grainstorming dinner to share innovative, new ideas for ground-breaking, blue-sky research that will make a difference on-farm. If you have an idea or suggestion, please come along. Knowledge and expertise of thought leading growers and advisers is needed to ensure new investments by GRDC reflect what the industry needs now and into the future.
Please register your interest with event facilitator, DemocracyCo. Email emily@democracyco.com.au for more information.
Online Farm Business Resilience Program
When: Wednesday 25 February, 12-2:30 pm
Where: Online
The online Farm Business Resilience Program is supporting farmers to build on their knowledge and skills, strengthening their farm business to better manage the risks associated with a variable climate.
Facilitated by farm business consultants Rural People Co., this free online short course runs over 6 weeks, covering 5 modules:
- Module 1: Identifying and managing risks, strategic planning and setting business goals (25 February)
- Module 2: Financial management, budgeting and profitable decision making (4 March)
- Module 3: Climate risk and natural resource management (11 March)
- Module 4: Managing people on farm, succession planning and farm safety (18 March)
- Module 5: Business planning (1 April)
The program includes a one-on-one session, to be held between Module 4 and 5, to review business plans. Participants are expected to attend all 5 online sessions.
Partnering in nature-based investment for resilient communities
When: Thursday 26 February, 10:30 am - 3:30 pm
Where: The Glasshouse, Benalla Lakeside Community Centre, Benalla
The forum will consist of 2 sessions:
- Session 1: hear examples and case studies of localised nature-based offset markets already happening in Victoria.
- Session 2: a facilitated discussion and workshop to create the framework for future partnerships.
An introduction to carbon offsetting will also be included, so that everyone can fully participate on the day.
Interested staff, executives and councillors from metropolitan and regional councils, and partner agencies, are warmly invited to attend.
Please register to assist with catering. Refreshments and lunch provided.
GRDC Grains Research Bendigo Update
When: 24-25 February, 8:50 am - 4:30 pm
Where: Ulumbarra Theatre, 10 Gaol Road, Bendigo
Discuss the latest farm-ready information to improve profit, with researchers, agronomists and leading growers at the Bendigo GRDC Grains Research Update.
Fencing farm dams
When: Thursday 26 February, 5:30 -7 pm
Where: Online
Healthy dams and wetlands can increase on-farm productivity, biodiversity, livestock health and water security. When properly managed, they can also store carbon from our atmosphere, known as teal carbon.
This webinar will bring together experts and landcarers to explore why you should give a damn about your farm dams.
Dung beetle farm walk in Romsey
When: Friday 27 February, 5-7 pm
Where: Black Ranges Road, Romsey
This farm visit will focus on dung beetles: their life cycle, the role they play in soil health, and how to introduce and manage them on your property.
Confinement Feeding Sheep Workshops
When: Mia Mia - 3 March, Serpentine - 4 March, Harrow - 5 March and Nullawil - 6 March
Time: 9 am to 12 noon
Come along and learn about establishing and managing sheep in a confinement feeding area as a tool to help deal with climate volatility and drought, or to manage feed gaps in their yearly program.
Presented by Dr Jillian Kelly, veterinarian and ruminant nutritionist, you'll hear the science behind feeding and see practical examples of how successful confinement feeding areas can be used.
These workshops are run in conjunction with locals:
- Erica Schelfhorst (AgVic Bendigo),
- Dr Frankie Collett (Collett Veterinary and Consultancy Service),
- Dr Jane Gaussen (The Livestock Vet Pty Ltd)
- Roger Harrower (AgVic Swan Hill).
This event is supported by Agriculture Victoria’s Drought Support Package.
Events scheduled within regions declared as ‘Total Fire Ban’ or 'Catastrophic' may be postponed or cancelled.
StockSense fencing workshops
When: Friday 6 March , 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Where: Tallangatta
When: Friday 6 March , 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
Where: Creighton's Creek
Learn how to rebuild your farm from the ground up. Join StockSense for a session on installing new fencing, maintaining and repairing existing ones and how fencing relates to good biosecurity. Includes a speed session on whole farm planning and land class fencing principles by Agriculture Victoria.
Limited spots. More information at vff.org.au/stocksense.
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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