Thursday 13 November 2025

Drought support – duties and fees relief

The duties and fees relief package is helping to reduce the cost of doing business for drought affected primary producers.  

• Payment of livestock duties for the sale of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs paused until 30 September 2026

• Primary producers won’t have to pay the standard processing fees when ordering NLIS tags (for orders placed from 1 October 2025 to 30 June 2026)

• Other livestock related fees and services for 2025–26 stay at the same rate as 2024–25. 

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. 

The latest Very Fast Break video is available now

The latest The Very Fast Break video is now available.

The Very Fast Break is delivered as short YouTube videos summarising oceanic and atmospheric climate drivers and the summarised model predictions for rainfall and temperature for Victoria. Visit the Very Fast Break Youtube channel here The Very Fast Break - YouTube

Pest detection prompts market access requirements

Agriculture Victoria has fast-tracked new accreditation processes to help horticultural businesses with market access requirements after a new detection of tomato potato psyllid (TPP).

Victoria’s Chief Plant Health Officer Dr Rosa Crnov confirmed TPP was recently detected in a home garden in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, and outside of the current restricted area on the Bellarine Peninsula.

‘The new detection occurred outside the restricted area, indicating that the pest may be present beyond the previously identified area.’

‘We’ve worked with industry to develop a new arrangement, helping businesses to maintain interstate market access,’ Dr Crnov said.

Agriculture Victoria co-hosted a webinar with Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria recently to help guide businesses through the changes.

The webinar, along with information and resources, will also be available on the Agriculture Victoria website for businesses to access.

TPP is a small insect that feeds on solanaceous hosts such as tomato, potato, eggplant, chili and capsicum, and was detected in Victoria for the first time on 12 November 2024 on the Bellarine Peninsula.

What’s in your fire preparedness plan this season?

If you missed our webinar, make yourself a cuppa and take some time to listen. Kylie Macreadie discusses key preparedness activities and the tools and templates you can use to plan ahead.

Farmers who have been impacted by fire also share stories and insights of putting their plans into action.

Hear from:

• Rob Pelletier and Kate Blood, horticulture business owners, Beaufort Victoria
• Doug and Jan James, livestock producers, Bungeet Victoria.

Vet Talk – Regular check urged to monitor for eye cancer

Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer

This week I’m drawing attention and urging cattle producers to regularly check their livestock for signs of eye cancer, a condition that can cause significant animal suffering and financial loss if left untreated.

Eye cancer, which typically affects the eyelid or eyeball, is most commonly seen in white-faced breeds such as Herefords.

The disease is associated with prolonged exposure to sunlight and typically begins as a small growth that gradually enlarges, potentially invading surrounding tissue and spreading to other parts of the body.

If undetected, eye cancer can result in animals being condemned at the abattoir, reduced productivity and breaches of animal welfare standards.

Prompt veterinary treatment or culling can significantly reduce the severity of the disease.

Genetic selection also plays a role in prevention. Breeding cattle with pigmentation around the eye, particularly in the sclera and eyelid, can lower the risk of developing tumours.

When a tumour is found, the recommended course of action depends on its size and condition:

• Small tumours (under 5-cent piece, clean and not flyblown): Animal may be sold through a saleyard for slaughter only.

• Medium tumours (between 5-cent and 20-cent piece, clean and not flyblown): Direct sale to an abattoir is permitted.

• Large or infected tumours (bleeding, flyblown, or larger than a 20-cent piece): Animal must be disposed of on-farm or sent to a knackery.

Failure to act appropriately may result in prosecution under the Livestock Disease Control Act or the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

A photographic guide to assessing eye cancers is available from Agriculture Victoria.

For further advice, producers are encouraged to contact their local veterinarian, Agriculture Victoria veterinary or animal health officer, or in New South Wales, Local Land Services.

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.

What to look out for

Early detection is crucial. Farmers should regularly inspect haystacks for signs of heating:

• steam rising from the stack
• musty, caramel or tobacco-like odours
• mould growth on or inside bales
• condensation or corrosion under roofing
• slumping or deformation of the stack.

Using a temperature probe or inserting a metal rod (like a crowbar) into the stack can be used to detect internal heat. If the rod feels hot to the touch after removal, the hay may be dangerously warm and action should be taken.

How to prevent heating hay

• Cure hay thoroughly: Allow hay to dry completely before baling and monitor moisture levels using a moisture meter. Ideal moisture content for small square bales is 18% to 20%, large square bales 12% to 15% and round bales 15% to 18%. When making sure hay is cured properly, also test plant nodes and leaf sheaths for hidden moisture.
• Monitor temperatures: Use temperature probes or wireless sensors to track internal bale temperatures. If temperatures exceed 55 °C, monitor closely. At 71 °C, consider separating bales and increasing ventilation.
• Improve ventilation: Store hay in well-ventilated areas. Avoid stacking bales too tightly.
• Separate risky bales: Store damp or suspect bales separately. Monitor them more frequently and avoid placing them near dry hay.
• Limit stack size: Smaller stacks reduce heat accumulation. Leave space between stacks and walls for air circulation.
• Protect from moisture: Ensure roofs, spouts and drainage systems prevent water from reaching hay. Cover stacks with breathable tarps if stored outdoors.
• Use technology: Modern sensor systems can provide realtime data on hay temperature and humidity, helping farmers make informed decisions and prevent fires before they start.

What to do if you find heating hay:

• Pull apart the stack to release heat and moisture.
• Move bales outdoors if possible.
• Call 000 if smoke or fire is visible.
• Keep fire suppression tools (hoses, extinguishers) nearby.

Never attempt to extinguish a hay fire alone. Fires can reignite and spread rapidly.

Spontaneous combustion in hay is preventable. By understanding the biological and chemical processes involved, farmers can take proactive steps to protect their property and livestock. Proper curing, monitoring and storage practices are the keys to safe hay management.

Find more information about drought support at www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.

Keeping Victorian farmers safe

The Victorian Government is ensuring Victorian farmers have the tools and tailored support they need to make farms safe places to live, work or visit.

Deputy Premier and Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Ben Carroll recently announced a $2.6 million funding agreement between WorkSafe and the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) to deliver the next phase of the Making Our Farms Safer project.

The funding will expand the project’s dedicated safety advisory service, which delivers on-farm, in-person support to identify and help manage key risks.

The project also supports farmers with a range of tools and resources that help them adopt better on-farm health and safety practices.

Celebrating a sparkling year for Victoria’s wine industry

The Victorian Government is backing Victoria’s wine industry and the thousands of jobs it supports by celebrating its winners at the Melbourne Royal Wine Awards this year.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently presented the Yarra Valley’s Oakridge Wines with the Champion Victorian Winery award at the event.

Oakridge has now claimed the top honour in 3 of the past 4 years – 2022, 2024 and 2025 – cementing its reputation as a leader in Victorian winemaking since its founding in 1978.

Oakridge’s success highlights the strength and history of Victorian wine, joined in the major Victorian categories by Best Victorian Chardonnay winner Sexton Vineyard for its 2024 Giant Steps Chardonnay and Best Victorian Shiraz winner Glenlofty Estate for its 2024 Ridge Block Shiraz.

In addition, other Victorian winners included Tahbilk Winery near Nagambie, which took out the award for Best Single Varietal White.

The accolades demonstrate the diversity and resilience of the Victorian wine industry. Victoria boasts the most diverse wine industry in the nation, with 21 unique wine regions and around 400 cellar doors – more than any other state – drawing visitors from across the country and world.

Together, the industry powers more than 23,000 jobs across grape growing, winemaking, logistics, exports, hospitality and retail.

The government and industry unveiled the new Victorian Wine Strategy this year, which will guide sustainable growth for the industry ahead, including workforce development, improving the visitor experience, innovation and sustainability of the industry, and expanding domestic and international trade.

The government recently funded extension services through Wine Victoria in collaboration with Wine Australia.

To explore the new Victorian Wine Strategy, visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/crops-and-horticulture/wine-and-grapes/victorian-wine-strategy

Protecting Victorians from mosquito-borne diseases

More Victorians will have protection from the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), with the Victorian Government delivering free vaccines to at-risk regional Victorians this mosquito season.

Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas is encouraging Victorians to understand the risks of mosquito-borne diseases and to take simple steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites while enjoying more time outside over the warmer summer months.

Backed by a $2.3 million investment, the vaccine is now available to people in 24 regional local government areas, primarily inland riverine regions, where there is a higher risk of exposure to the virus.

Most people with JEV infection do not have symptoms or have only mild symptoms such as a fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and muscle aches.

However, a small number – around one in every 250 people – can develop severe infection of the brain (encephalitis) or meningitis, which can be fatal.

The free JEV vaccine is available for eligible people through GPs, Aboriginal health services, community pharmacies and some local councils.

Simple and practical steps that Victorians can undertake to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes, include:

• wearing long, loose and light-coloured clothing when outdoors
• using mosquito repellents that contain active ingredients including Picaridin or DEET
• spraying or rubbing repellent on children’s clothes is recommended, avoiding their skin
• limiting time spent outdoors when mosquitoes are most active such as at dawn and dusk
• removing stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed around the home or a campsite
• making sure windows are fitted with mosquito netting or screens.

The government’s mosquito surveillance program is helping track the presence of diseases in mosquitoes across Victoria, providing an early warning system to protect the public.

The surveillance program helps to monitor the presence of JEV, Murray Valley encephalitis virus, Ross River virus, Barmah Forest virus and West Nile virus – informing public health advice so local communities, holidaymakers and livestock managers can be aware of the risks.

More information is available at: betterhealth.vic.gov.au/campaigns/protect-yourself-mosquito-borne-disease.

What can you do about an evaporating dam?

Kerri Goschnick, Land Management Extension Officer

As we head into the warmer months, it's essential to monitor your water storage regularly. This helps you understand how much water stock is drinking and what you may be losing through evaporation or leakage.

See if you can identify which is having the greatest impact – water used through stock consumption or water lost through evaporation or leakage. Have you simply run out of water because there has not been sufficient rainfall to produce the required runoff?

To generate runoff into storages, rainfall events typically need to exceed 20mm.  If your grass height is over 50 mm, you may need 60 mm or more per event. Many regions have not had these types of events for some time.

Funding available to boost CALD workforce participation in agriculture

Agriculture Victoria and Gardiner Foundation are inviting expressions of interest (EOIs) for local projects that help strengthen the integration of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities into Victoria’s agricultural workforce.

The Accelerating CALD Workforce project supports place-based initiatives that create opportunities for CALD people to access employment, while building the capability of agricultural businesses to attract and retain a diverse workforce through inclusive and culturally safe practices.

Funding of up to $50,000 per initiative is available for eligible projects delivered in the Goulburn Murray (Greater Shepparton, Campaspe, Moira) and Leongatha–Maffra (South Gippsland, Wellington) regions.

Eligible applicants include local governments, agricultural businesses, industry bodies, multicultural organisations, community groups and education providers.

Round 1 EOIs open 6 November and close 5 December 2025. Successful applicants will be notified by 17 December 2025, with projects delivered from January to December 2026.

Find out more or apply by downloading the following form(s):

• Guidelines
• Application Form

For more, place-based information please contact:

• Goulburn Murray: Tonia Lincoln, tlincoln@primarycareconnect.com.au | 0447 219 158
• Leongatha–Maffra: Mandy Bucholtz, mandy.buchholtz@gardinerfoundation.com.au | 0407 792 558.

VFF asking truck transporters to register for emergency fodder delivery

Victoria is becoming drier which 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.

Drought support information

Farmers across Victoria 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. 

Find more information about drought support: www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.

Reporting varroa mite remains vital in transition to management - Agriculture Victoria is encouraging beekeepers to continue to report varroa mite despite the state transitioning to management of the pest.

Advice on farm water and management decisions - With the long dry period, many farm dams are yet to fill. Support is available to assist with stock water planning and other farm management decisions.

Take stock of your water reserves - With summer on the way, now is an ideal time to take stock of your water reserves.

Nathalia sessions on switching to electric appliances or bottled gas (LPG)

Do you have questions about the closure of the Solstice gas network or what it means for your home or business? 

DEECA representatives will be in Nathalia to talk about support available and your options for switching to electric appliances or bottled gas (LPG). 

Come and speak with our team in person. We look forward to assisting you at one of our sessions: 

Friday 21 November – footpath pop-up session. Drop by any time 3:30 pm to 6 pm 

Blake Street, Nathalia (near the IGA)   

Saturday 22 November – Nathalia Energy Expo. Drop in anytime 10 am to 2 pm 

Nathalia Uniting Church, Chapel Street, Nathalia 

Learn more and see upcoming session dates at www.energy.vic.gov.au/households/supporting-solstice-energy-customers

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.

When: Monday, 24 November, 12 pm

Webinar – Taking stock of feed quality 

Making metabolizable energy and protein work effectively. 

Variable seasonal conditions impact quality and quantity of available pasture, silage, hay and grain. Now is the time to look at what ‘fuel’ – metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) – is available to manage livestock productivity through the season ahead. 

Join Dr Jill Kelly to explore the fundamentals of ruminant nutrition to drive performance of the rumen to support good productivity. Making the most of ME and CP in conserved fodder, grain and standing feed is vital in running an efficient production system. 

When: 2 December 
Where: Online 
Time: 12:30 to 1:30 pm 

Hear from Julian Carroll and Ed Weatherly using in-paddock weighing for cattle and sheep that assists understanding feed and animal performance. 

There are a limited number of free feed tests available to Victorian farmers attending, so register early! 

For more information, contact Greg Ferrier on 0438 738 634 or greg.ferrier@agriculture.vic.gov.au. 

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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