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Thursday 20 November 2025
Drought support available now
Farmers can access financial assistance and support today to help manage during drought.
Our website provides information on available support, including financial counselling, mental health and wellbeing services and links to other organisations that can help.
You’ll also find practical tools, resources and information to help you plan and manage your feed, water and livestock needs.
Request for quotes: join the group-based events program in 2026
Join us in delivering the next phase of Agriculture Victoria’s drought technical decision-making group events program.
We’re seeking applications from service providers across the state – agronomists, farm business planners and veterinarians, to name a few – to deliver local group-based events in 2026.
The Request for Quotation (RFQ) program for group-based events is open for 5 weeks closing Sunday, 21 December.
Service providers who registered to deliver events under round 1 and 2 can reapply for round 3.
Priority areas for the round 3 group-based events program include technical decision-making and farm business management.
Duties and fees support
The Duties and Fees relief package is helping to reduce the cost of doing business for drought affected primary producers.
Food safety registration fees waived for horticulture and regulated crop producers in the 12 LGAs in south west Victoria experiencing the most challenging drought conditions in the state.
Food safety registration fees for 2025–26 remain at the same rate as 2024–25 for all primary producers outside of these LGAs.
Food safety registration fees are currently charged at a 50% reduction. No audit fees charged until February 2027.
Find more information on our website: https://go.vic.gov.au/48FF4bG
For further drought support visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
Farm Drought Support Grants
Farmers across the state are using Farm Drought Support Grants to set themselves up for the current, and future droughts.
Check out the list of some eligible activities below:
- stock containment areas
- reticulated water systems, pipes and troughs
- irrigation system upgrades– including repairs and maintenance
- grain and fodder storage
- internal fencing
- feed system upgrades
- pasture/crop restoration
- water carting for livestock and essential business activities.
Farmers can claim expenses on eligible activities since 30 September 2024.
For program guidelines, a full list of eligible activities, and to apply visit https://www.ruralfinance.com.au/grants/
Find more information on drought support at: agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
What to consider when siting stock containment areas
Greg Ferrier, Livestock Extension Officer
A stock containment area (SCA) provides many benefits to farm management, including during drought, seasonal extremes (dry and wet), after fire and for general farm management.
SCAs can help support a range of daily farming activities, including:
- stock feeding, watering and monitoring
- pasture management
- minimising erosion risks by avoiding over-grazing
- an area to manage potential weed introduction from introduced feeds.
2025 Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarship Program recipient highlights
Pictured above: The recipients of the 2025 Young Farmer Upskill and Invest Scholarship, Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence and Agriculture Victoria executives at the award ceremony
Agriculture Victoria is proud to support the future of agriculture through the Young Farmers Upskill and Invest Scholarship.
Since 2015 there have been 146 new and emerging farmers who have received this scholarship, and in 2025 there are 3 recipients who hail from Grampians Mallee.
Rex Chalmers is a market gardener and co-owner of Tumpinyeri Growers, and small scale agroecological market garden operating through a land-sharing partnership on Jonai Farms, a pasture raised pig and cattle farm on Djaara Country.
He focuses on designing efficient, regenerative growing systems that build soil health, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen farm resilience and profitability.
Lisa Monaghan from Concongella is a registered nurse but has recently returned to the family farm with the aspiration to take it over.
This scholarship will support Lisa to gain accredited agricultural education through a Certificate II in Agriculture and wool classing certificate.
Lisa will take these skills back to the family farm where she will continue to grow and improve the business with confidence.
Based in McKenzie Hill, Keely McDonald is committed to a long-term career in apiculture, focusing on queen bee breeding and its role in supporting Australia’s food industries.
As a young beekeeper and queen bee breeder with a career background in scientific research, Keely is eager to expand her technical knowledge and practical skills.
She will focus on strengthening her understanding of selective breeding (including using artificial insemination), data-informed decision-making, the native Australian flora on which bees heavily rely and farm tourism for business diversification.
To learn more about how Agriculture Victoria is investing in the next generation of farmers visit https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/support-and-resources/networks/young-farmers/
The science behind hay fires
Andrea Henry, dairy industry development officer, Maffra
Spontaneous combustion in hay occurs when internal heat builds up to the point of ignition, as a result of microbial activity and chemical reactions.
Unlike fires caused by lightning or machinery, spontaneous combustion is insidious: it starts deep within a haystack and can smoulder unnoticed until it erupts into flames.
How do spontaneous combustions happen?
Hay is an organic material rich in sugars, proteins and moisture – ideal conditions for microbial growth. When hay is baled too wet or stored before it has fully cured, bacteria and fungi begin to break down the plant matter. This microbial activity then generates heat.
What are the risk factors?
- High moisture content: Hay baled with more than 20% moisture is at risk. Mould growth and fermentation occur when moisture levels are between 20% and 35%.
- Dense packing: Tightly packed bales trap heat and moisture, accelerating microbial activity.
- Poor ventilation: Lack of airflow prevents heat from dispersing.
- Environmental conditions: Warm, humid weather.
- Storage practices: Storing hay in enclosed barns or sheds without monitoring.
Birchip Cropping Group survey on fleabane and sowthistle
Birchip Cropping Group (BCG) is inviting local growers and advisors to take part in a short survey on summer weed management.
The survey focuses on the management of fleabane and sowthistle, aiming to benchmark current practices and inform future trials and extension activities.
Your input will help ensure research and extension efforts are targeted, helping improve weed management outcomes across the region.
Access the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZRCRYX6
Future Drought Fund - FRRR grants
As part of the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund, 2 grant programs are now open through the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR). These grants offer funding for community-led projects that bring people together, build local capability, and support wellbeing — practical initiatives that can strengthen communities now and into the future.
What’s Available?
Small Network Grants
Open to eligible groups across rural and remote Australia. Grants of up to $50,000 can support:
- community events
- learning and training activities
- small infrastructure upgrades
- initiatives that build local capability
Social Outcome Grants
For organisations in one of the 50 approved Regional Drought Resilience Plan (RDRP) regions. Grants of up to $100,000 are available for projects that:
- strengthen community networks
- host events that bring people together
- run workshops or training
- upgrade small-scale infrastructure
- support leadership and personal development
Why these grants matter
Connected communities are stronger. No matter where we are in the drought cycle, there are always things we can do to support each other and build social cohesion. These grants can help fund activities that:
- keep people connected and boost morale
- share knowledge and skills
- create safe, welcoming spaces
Apply Now. Applications close 11 December 2025.
Learn more about the Future Drought Fund Small Network Grants and Future Drought Fund Social Outcome Grants on the FRRR website.
Reforming agricultural and veterinary chemicals licensing and fees
Reforming agricultural and veterinary chemicals licensing and fees
Have your say on the proposed changes to agricultural and veterinary chemicals licence and permit frameworks and fees.
The Australian Agriculture Ministers’ Forum (now known as the Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting) agreed to national harmonisation reforms regarding the use of agricultural and veterinary chemicals. These reforms include minimum training and licensing requirements for fee-for-service users of agricultural chemicals and criteria for licensing exemptions. To align with these reforms, Agriculture Victoria is proposing changes to the framework for licensing, permits and fees under Victoria’s Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1992 (AVCCOU Act).
The changes proposed are to:
- Agricultural Chemical User Permits
- Commercial Operator Licenses
- Licence and permit fees and terms, including aerial spraying.
New GRDC video series: Harvester setup
View GRDC's new harvester setup videos to help you get ready for harvest and optimise equipment set-up.
- Measuring harvest losses
- Reducing header front losses
- Feeder house setup
- Threshing system setup
- The cleaning area
- Harvest weed seed control
And don’t forget their helpful publication Harvester set-up guide and our Harvester resources web page for lots more info.
The Victorian Government is supporting farmers to improve soil health, boost biodiversity and provide natural shelter for livestock by planting more trees.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence announced that Rock House Farm in Kyneton has commenced planting its timber plantation – made possible by a $94,350 investment through the Victorian Carbon Farming Program.
NCFH: Using evidence to influence action on farmer health
In this series, find out how the team at the National Centre for Farmer Health translates research in agriculture, health, behavioural and social sciences into practical and impactful programs and services that support farmer health, wellbeing and safety across Australia.
The Back on Track mental health initiative is unique as it is a peer-guided program delivered by trusted community members – also known as coaches – who understand the unique challenges associated with farming and can provide practical and tailored support to farmers to improve their mental health.
GRDC study tours - apply now
GRDC supports study tours that help build the capability of Australian grain growers by exposing them to new ideas, practices and networks that align with GRDC’s RD&E priorities.
GRDC support is available to organisers who can demonstrate how their proposed tour will deliver clear learning objectives and tangible benefits to participants and the broader grains industry.
Current round of applications closes 28 November. Apply now on their website.
VFF asking truck transporters to register for emergency fodder delivery
Victoria is starting to dry out and that means more risk of bushfires.
With the support of the Victorian Government and as part of the Emergency Fodder Support Program, the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is reminding truck transport operators to pre-register their details with them.
In the event of a bushfire or other significant emergency, the VFF may call on those registered to help deliver fodder to where it’s needed most.
Water planning webinars
When: Every Tuesday from 10 am up to and including 16 December
Join this series of informal presentation led by Clem Sturmfels, a land management extension officer with Agriculture Victoria.
Participants will also have access to a range of other recordings, videos and associated resources.
Topics
- Water self-assessment
- Water planning
- Farm dams
- Pipeline layout and design
- Installation and construction.
Trees on farm – Boosting productivity and cutting net emissions
Join our climate webinar to hear about how integrating trees into livestock systems can deliver real productivity gains and help reduce farm emissions.
Date and time: Monday 24 November from 12 -1 pm
Register here:
Productivity driver deep dive – Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation and mechanisation
Understand how AI and automation are being brought to life with Bluewhite Robotics.
Dive into a world of automation and artificial intelligence with Hort Innovation and Bluewhite Robotics. Unearth learnings and find out more about adoption as they share the final influences of the Factors Driving Horticulture Productivity report - AI and automation.
MultiMix Field Day
When: Monday 1 December, 10 am to 1 pm
Where: Hamilton Smart Farm, 12 Research Station Road, Hamilton
Join us to hear about how multispecies pasture have the potential to improve sheep production, reduce methane emissions and extend the resilience of pastures in the Southern regions of Australia.
The field day will showcase the trial platform with presentations from research scientists explaining the aims of the MultiMix project.
The event will conclude with a free BBQ lunch.
Interpreting soil moisture monitoring equipment
When: Wednesday 8 December, 9-11 am
Where: Agriculture Victoria, 308–390 Koorlong Avenue, Irymple
Irrigators, join us for a free half-day workshop on interpreting soil moisture monitoring data.
Gain a better understanding of soil water principles, interpreting graph responses and more.
Bring your login and data to discuss soil moisture for your property.
Limited places, RSVP by email to irrigation@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Drip monitoring and maintenance course – Mildura
When: Wednesday 10 December, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
Where: Agriculture Victoria, 308–390 Koorlong Avenue, Irymple
Join us for a free half-day workshop on drip irrigation monitoring and maintenance to help you maximise on-farm profitability and water use efficiency!
Led by Jeremy Giddings from Ag Vic and Peter Henry from Netafim, topics covered include:
- understanding design and specification sheets
- monitoring, measuring pressures and discharges
- flushing, chlorination and acid injection
Email irrigation@agriculture.vic.gov.au to register and for further information.
GRDC events
26 November, GRDC Grains Research Update, online, Profitable and effective grazing of crops
24-25 February, GRDC Grains Research Update – Bendigo
26 February, GRDC Grains Research Update – Lake Bolac
Visit grdc.com.au/events to learn more.
Birchip Cropping Group events
Visit www.bcg.org.au/events
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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