Thursday 24 July 2025

Drought support for south west farmers

Agriculture Victoria continues to support drought-affected farmers in south west Victoria with an ongoing program of events.

Stay up to date with what’s on at the calendar of events. 

Drought support

One-one-one farm advisory service

All farmers, anywhere in Victoria, can register for a free consultation with a farm management specialist. 

The advisory service offers a session of up to 3 hours (face-to-face or online) and a follow-up call, to help farmers take stock and develop a plan for managing drought conditions.

The advice is suited to your situation, from a consultant that you nominate from the registered panel. 

Agronomists, livestock nutritionists, veterinarians, pasture and grazing specialists and farm business advisors, can support you with: 

• feed and water budgeting 
• farm safety and workload management  
• farm business and financial management 
• soil health and pasture re-establishment 
• animal health and welfare, and more.

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

Victorian Drought Freight Network

The Victorian Drought Freight Network is open in south west Victoria to improve key freight routes for fodder transport.  

These changes will now allow loads of up to 84 tonnes – a 15-tonne increase on the usual limit of these routes. Eligible vehicles under the scheme include 36.5 metre long A-Doubles and B-Triples.  

The Victorian Drought Freight Network allows operators to deliver grain and fodder to central pick-up points. Farmers can then collect and transport the feed to their properties in smaller vehicle combinations.  

This initiative has been developed with the Department of Transport and Planning, Victorian Farmers Federation and the Livestock and Rural Transport Association of Victoria.  

Get more information or apply for a free network permit at: https://shorturl.at/l345G   

If bringing in fodder from other states (except NT or Tas), drivers must apply for either a plant health certificate or a permit issued by Agriculture Victoria.  

Permits are free and essential to avoid a fine.  

For more information or to apply for a free permit visit https://go.vic.gov.au/4kKwr1R   

Sheepvention – Women in Agriculture lunch

Sheepvention will be hosting the first Women in Agriculture luncheon this year with the help of Agriculture Victoria. 

A chance to connect with likeminded women who champion rural resilience and community, Agriculture Victoria are organising an impressive panel of women in agriculture to tell their stories. 

Sharing insights on leadership, innovation and the future of women in agriculture, the panel will consist of: 

• Georgina Gubbins, Warrnambool cattle and sheep producer, founding member and chair of Food and Fibre Great South Coast. 
• Esmee de Looff, Agribusiness Consultant from Pinion Advisory. 
• Bec Cruise, Carwarp cattle and sheep producer, Producer Demonstration Site member. 

Attendees can engage with the panel discussion while enjoying a delicious two-course plated meal by The Speckled Frog, and a refreshing mocktail crafted by Noodledoof Brewing and Distilling Co. 

Agriculture Victoria staff will be there to offer information and resources for drought from our stall in the Innovation Hub across the two-day event. 

Sheepvention Rural Expo has been a leading event in the Australian sheep industry since 1979. 

Held over 2 days at the showgrounds in Hamilton, it brings together agribusiness, machinery, livestock and professional services in the heart of Australia’s pastoral region. 

Farm safety podcast: from the paddock gate to the kitchen table

Many farms are homes as well as workplaces, and we all have a part to play in improving farm safety, health and wellbeing.

Agriculture Victoria Director Rural Assistance, People and Planning Clare Purcell said despite employing only 2% of working Victorians, the agriculture sector accounts for 14% of all workplace fatalities. On average, 2 people are injured on Victorian farms every day.

‘We all have a role to play in making farm safety a priority, not just for those working the land, but for everyone who lives, works and visits the farm.

‘As a part of the Farming Safe and Well program, we have spoken to experts on farm safety for a new podcast season.

Do you have questions on Q fever? 

Dr Jeff Cave, Agriculture Victoria Senior Veterinary Officer 

You may have heard of reports of increased cases of Q fever in parts of Victoria in recent months and wondered, what is Q fever? 

Q fever is one of several diseases that are transmissible from animals to humans. Such diseases are known as zoonotic diseases and in cases of Q fever is caused by a microorganism known as Coxiella burnetii. 

Cattle, sheep and goats are the most common sources of infection in humans. 

Infection generally occurs through the inhalation of infected material.  

Placental material or after birth is a particularly significant source of infection. Hence, strict hygienic practices should be followed around calving, lambing or kidding. 

People may also become infected by being in contact with infected animals and their waste products, and occasionally through the ingestion of unpasteurised milk. 

Therefore, people who are in regular contact with livestock such as abattoir workers, farmers, veterinarians and other people involved with handling livestock are at most risk of contracting Q fever. 

The most common clinical signs of Q fever include headaches, fever and muscle pain. 

This could be easily misdiagnosed as influenza. Therefore, if you are from a high-risk group and you are exhibiting flu like symptoms it is worth discussing the possibility of Q fever with your GP. 

Q fever is usually treatable with the use of an appropriate antibiotic. 

On occasions, Q fever sufferers can go on to develop post Q fever fatigue syndrome. Q fever can therefore be quite a debilitating condition. 

A vaccination is available to prevent Q fever. If you are in a high-risk group, prevention through vaccination should be seriously considered. Similarly, if you employ staff, vaccination for Q Fever should be considered in your OH&S procedures. 

For further information, for human aspects of the disease please contact your medical practitioner, and for veterinary aspects please contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria animal health or extension staff. 

Supporting Victorians to be safe and inclusive

The Victorian Government is investing in a new all-ability initiative that is set to make farms safer and more inclusive – ensuring people of all abilities can fully participate in farm life with confidence and safety.

Acting Minister for Agriculture Gayle Tierney recently announced $25,000 in funding for Ability Agriculture, an organisation which represents people living with a disability and promotes safety initiatives across the agricultural sector.

Welcome to season 10 of Ag Vic Talk

To introduce the Farming Safe and Well season Agriculture Victoria’s Chief Executive Officer Beth Jones joins us to discuss the high-risk aspects of the rewarding business of farming, emphasising the importance of raising awareness, sharing stories, and fostering a culture of safety.  

Listen now and help make positive changes on our farms.

What's On

Details about these events and more can be found on our website.

Virtual Drought Smokos with Dr Jillian Kelly

When: 29 July, 9-10 am
Where: Online

Drought Smokos are an hour a fortnight to get away from the paddock and catch up with a group of farmers who are all in the same boat! We will talk about the science of feeding, how much, which commodities, pros and cons, cost, different options, trigger points and planning.

Decisions that drive drought recovery

When: 30 July, 9 am - 3.30 pm
Where: Darley Civic and Community Hub - Pavilion

A powerful and practical 1-day workshop on how to build resilience, navigate crisis and adapt to change.

Topics

• How to navigate competing priorities for limited resources (family, farm and business)
• Identifying key resource issues, stressors, risks and opportunities for your farm business
• Improved decision-making skills and how to manage key priorities – especially when under pressure and stress
• Skills to rebuild capacity after battling personal/health and business challenges
• Connecting to networks that support recovery and resilience

Enquiries: Leigh Crocker, ION Group, 0419 359 409

Webinar: Horticulture Seasonal Update with Dale Grey and Rachel Davis

When: 30 July, 12 noon to 1 pm

Horticulture producers – wanting to know more about the spring and summer forecasts?

Seasonal Risk Agronomist Dale Grey and Bureau of Meteorology’s Agricultural Lead Rachel Davis will present on upcoming forecasts and Bureau updates.

Hear about:

• Understanding climate influences and model forecasts
• What is the predictability barrier?
• Rainfall, temperature and deep soil moisture levels across the state
• Getting the most out of long-range forecasts
• Brown rot advice changes
• Forecast improvement projects
• Decision making tools

GHCMA Scheduling workshops for irrigators

In good times and in bad: adaptive skills for your farming future

When: 18-19 August, 8:30 am — 3 pm
Where: Wonwondah Hall, Wonwondah Hall Road, Wonwondah

When: 21-22 August, 8:30 am — 3 pm
Where: Dunkeld Bowling Club, Memorial Park, Dunkeld

Livestock and grain farmers join us for a 2-day adaptive farming workshop with Think Agri consultant Dr Kate Burke.

Learn valuable strategies to manage your business in the current challenging conditions and how to develop a plan for your farm’s future success.

Topics

•  Managing climate variability and farm financial performance
•  Identifying opportunities for growth and mitigating risk
•  Reviewing key profit drivers and high-level benchmarks
•  Analysing income versus cost of production
•  Evaluating your appetite for risk and production potential
•  Scenario planning for 2025 and beyond

Free, morning tea and lunch included, but register early as numbers are limited.

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

GRDC events

Birchip Cropping Group 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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