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Thursday 10 July 2025
Australian Government – support in drought
The Australian Government has support programs to help manage through the impacts caused by drought. Programs are open all the time with no drought declarations needed to apply.
You may be eligible for more than you realise - know your options and apply early.
- Farm Household Allowance - Call the Farmer Assistance Hotline on 132 316 or visit Services Australia to see if you are eligible for up to four years of support.
- Rural Financial Counselling Service - Call 1300 771 741 to access free, confidential and independent financial counselling if you’re an eligible primary producers or small businesses experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship.
- Concessional loans - Call 1800 875 675 to find out about a low-cost RIC loan if you’re an eligible farmer or farm-related small businesses in financial need.
- Farm Management Deposits - Talk to your accountant about drawing down on any farm management deposit account you may have.
- Tax support - Call 1800 806 218 to ask the ATO for more time to lodge and pay tax or talk to a registered tax professional about other concessions.
- Social support and wellbeing - Call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 for immediate support or visit Head to Health for a list of other services that can help.
Visit drought.gov.au to see if these programs could work for you too.
Winter worm burdens in sheep
Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer, Northern Region
Worms and scours can be a significant problem in weaners and lambing ewes, especially with limited feed and the cold stress of winter.
Winter conditions provide ideal conditions for the survival of worm larvae on pastures. What is more, feed may be short.
Sheep that are nutritionally stressed and in light condition grazing short pastures are likely to be affected by worms and scouring this winter.
Worms should be considered in all ill-thrifty or scouring sheep, regardless of when the sheep were last drenched.
To help establish whether worms are the cause of ill-thrift or scouring it is worth considering the following:
- nutrition of the sheep including the feed availability, supplemental feeding, and stocking rate
- class and condition of the sheep including their body condition score
- drench program including the product/s used and date/s drenched, particularly the time since the last treatment.
To know for sure faecal samples from at least 5 affected and 5 non-affected sheep should be submitted for worm egg counts.
To help manage worms in sheep during winter:
- provide adequate feed for weaners and lambing ewes on low worm pastures such as those prepared by smart grazing over summer, those previously grazed by cattle, or those used for cropping
- weaners and lambing ewes need to be in a condition score around 2.5. If lighter, they will need preferential treatment and feeding
- check worm egg counts by Wormtest (samples from 10 representative sheep) every 4 to 6 weeks through winter
- confirm the drench worked by Wormtest at the time of drenching and 10 to14 days later.
- check worm egg counts in lambing ewes about 4 weeks before lambing.
For further information please contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria animal health or extension staff, or in NSW your Local Land Services, or use WormBoss at https://wormboss.com.au/
Find more information on drought and technical decision-making support at Drought support | Farm management | Agriculture Victoria. or call 136 186.
Victoria's drought support
The Victorian Government is providing more support for drought-affected farmers, announcing an additional $75 million in funding.
This support was informed by the Drought Taskforce and includes:
- $35.8 million in Primary Producer Support Payments for farmers in the south west.
- $2 million for the Country Women’s Association of Victoria to deliver household payments to people in the south west.
- $5.9 million to extend important statewide technical decision-making support, mental health services, community events, and timely farm debt mediation.
- A fee and duty relief package of up to $6.3 million to reduce costs linked to biosecurity and food safety regulations and duties.
- Funding to extend existing infrastructure and secure long term water reliability.
- $1 million for catchment management authorities to run Drought Employment Programs.
Farmers across the state can access the Farm Drought Support Grants Program (previously the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants Program) to fund a range of eligible activities including infrastructure improvements, support for dealing with fallen livestock, water carting and pasture re-establishment.
Find more information on drought support: agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
Drought support – Statewide 1:1 technical support
Farmers anywhere in Victoria can register now for a one-on-one farm advisory consultation to take stock and discuss the best way forward for their business.
The consultation includes a session of up to 3 hours (face to face or online) and follow-up call, to develop and implement a drought management action plan.
When registering for the program, participants can indicate their preferred consultant from an extensive list of experienced service providers.
To view the full range of financial, technical and wellbeing support available visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
Driving economic growth in the North East and Gippsland
The Victorian Government is creating more local jobs and economic opportunities across North East Victoria and Gippsland.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence is investing more than $2 million towards several projects as part of Round 2 of the Community Development Fund – to create jobs and help former forestry communities thrive long term.
Upper Murray Inc. will receive a $500,000 grant towards its Local Development Strategy, targeting high-impact opportunities to attract investment to the region and deliver a leadership development program for locals.
Upper Murray Inc will receive a further $250,000 grant for an agricultural pilot project to collect and share data and knowledge that will help farmers build resilient farming systems and retain and create employment.
Rutherglen and Dookie workshops for an adaptive farming future
Farmers from livestock and grain businesses are encouraged to attend 2-day adaptive farming workshops in western and northern Victoria this winter.
Consultant Dr Kate Burke will present the ‘In good times and bad: adaptive skills for your farming future’ workshops funded through the Farm Business Resilience (FBR) program.
Agriculture Victoria Regional Manager Grains South West Felicity Pritchard said Dr Burke’s evidence-based approach will help participants to develop a plan for their farm’s success.
‘Dr Burke brings a wealth of experience in broadacre and mixed farming, crop agronomy, and farm business management,’ Ms Pritchard said.
‘Farmers can learn valuable strategies to manage their businesses, particularly in the current challenging conditions and into the future.
‘Past participants have given excellent reviews and appreciated the time away from the farm to focus on the bigger picture.’
At these workshops Kate will cover a range of topics such as:
- managing climate variability and farm financial performance
- identifying opportunities for growth and mitigate risk
- reviewing key profit drivers and benchmarks
- analysing income versus cost of production
- evaluating your appetite for risk and production potential
- scenario planning for the rest of 2025 and beyond.
Running from 8:30 am for 9 am start to 3 pm, the workshops will take place on:
- 22-23 July, 940 Dookie – Nalinga Road, Dookie College, University of Melbourne, Dookie
- 14-15 August, Agriculture Victoria offices, 124 Chiltern Valley Road, Rutherglen.
These workshops are free and include morning tea and lunch, but numbers are limited so registration is essential. For more information, visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/events
The FBR Program is jointly funded through the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the Victorian Government’s Future Agriculture Skills Capacity Fund.
Find more information about available drought support at www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
EOI: Sheep and beef cattle producer members of SALRC regional committees
Expressions of Interest's (EOI’s) are invited from livestock producers to assist in directing the RD&A agenda for the livestock industries in south-eastern Australia through membership of the following SALRC regional committees: northern NSW ● southern NSW ● central and western NSW and Queensland sheep, central Victoria ● south-east Victoria and Tasmania ● South Australia.
The Southern Australia Livestock Research Council (SALRC) is an independent, Incorporated Association and one of three national research councils set-up to provide recommendations on Research, Development & Adoption (RD&A) priorities and planning for grass-fed beef and sheepmeat producers and R&D professionals throughout Australia.
Working closely with their respective Regional Committee Chair, SALRC’s regional committee members provide the critical interface between RD&A providers and the needs of red meat and livestock producers.
Note: some current members are eligible for re-appointment however, positions are open to other applicants. The successful candidates will have:
- established commercal beef and/or sheepmeat production experience
- a strong interest in RD&A within the context of red meat and livestock production
- a detailed knowledge of red meat and livestock production in their region
- a willingness and capability to take a leadership role to collate RD&A priorities on behalf of their region
- a preparedness to act as industry and community advocates on livestock RD&A issues.
For more information, including selection criteria and roles and responsibilities, please visit https://salrc.com.au or contact SALRC Executive Officer Mike Stephens on (03) 5341 6100 or info@salrc.com.au.
Expressions of interest addressing selection criteria and their desired region should be emailed to info@salrc.com.au.
Sheep Emissions Update – webinar recording
In this webinar we heard from Sam Henty (Farm Business Economist, Agriculture Victoria) presenting on the 2023/24 Livestock Farm Monitor Greenhouse Gas Results and Dr Ralph Behrendt (Senior Specialist, Climate Change, Agriculture Victoria) discussing the outcomes of the On Farm Emissions Action Plan Pilot for sheep enterprises.
Passcode: Sheep1
Mansfield – AgCelerate workshop
15 July from 11 am to 3:30 pm.
Mansfield Golf Club Function Room, 24 Kidston Parade, Mansfield
Farmers and ag service providers across Victoria are facing tough seasonal decisions – and that’s exactly what this workshop is here to support.
This event is supported by Agriculture Victoria’s Drought Support Package.
Delivered by ag consultant, business coach and former agribusiness banker Paige Cross from Cross Country Management, this interactive half-day session is designed to help producers make informed, forward-focused business decisions – especially in a dry and uncertain season.
You’ll explore real-world scenarios – like buying or leasing land, off-farm investments, or continuing to feed stock – and understand the short and long-term financial impact of each choice.
We'll also include a focused 1-hour ‘Wow Your Banker’ session to help you feel on the front foot for your next finance conversation.
- Explore costed scenarios relevant to your business.
- Gain tools to support confident decision-making.
- Understand the impact of current choices on future outcomes.
- Enjoy a supportive, judgement-free environment.
This is not a sit-and-listen workshop. It’s a hands-on, practical space to reflect, plan, and take action—with someone who understands the ag sector and the challenges you're working through.
The session includes a working lunch and concludes at 3:15 pm with afternoon tea.
Broadford – Drought workshop
Whether you are a primary producer, a small-scale grower, or a lifestyle landholder, this free community evening offers practical advice and support to help you during the current drought.
Wednesday, 16 July, from 6.30 to 8.30 pm.
Hear from local experts on:
- Current and predicted weather patterns
- Livestock feeding and nutrition, pasture and farm dams
- Animal health considerations in drought conditions
- Government assistance available
- Hardship planning
- Blazeaid – Give a farmer a break and Dunkirk for Drought
- Looking after your mental health and wellbeing.
Bring a dam water sample for salinity testing. Light supper provided.
RSVP for catering purposes via email environment@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au
Baranduda – Integrated fox management in peri-urban areas
Foxes are one of the most significant threats to native biodiversity, impacting livestock and agricultural production.
Join this free workshop and hear from experts on fox behaviour and best practice control options, focussing on peri-urban areas and collaborative management.
Saturday 19 July from 10 am to 1 pm at Baranduda Community Centre, 3 Sage Ct, Baranduda.
Wodonga Urban Landcare Network is working with Agriculture Victoria to deliver this workshop on managing foxes in our area.
Dookie and Rutherglen – In good times and bad: Adaptive skills for your farming future
When: 22-23 July, 8:30 am for 9 am start to 3 pm.
Where: Dookie College, 940 Dookie-Nalinga Road, Dookie.
When: 14-15 August, 8:30 am for 9 am start to 3 pm.
Where: Agriculture Victoria, 124 Chiltern Valley Road, Rutherglen.
Livestock and grain producers are invited to participate in a 2-day course for your farm business future. In the course you will develop a plan that will help contribute to your farm’s success.
For further information, contact: Kylie Macreadie Team Leader Land Management, on 0427 052 352 or email kylie.macreadie@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Kyabram – Planning your feedbase, water and nutrient value
22 July at Kyabram Fauna Park (Zoos Victoria), 75 Lake Road, Kyabram
10 am to 1 pm
Join local and national speakers to discuss practical and tangible tools for planning your forage base going forward.
While farming in our region experiences seasonal variability that has challenged most of us; we continue to work towards mitigating risk.
Join consultant Laura Tweddle and a team of speakers who are passionate to share their knowledge on future planning your feed base and profitability.
Irrigation Insights 2025
Irrigation Insights is designed to address the needs of irrigated farm systems offering growers access to information and the latest innovations. The conference program focuses on issues and opportunities for irrigated farm systems.
Event details
Date and time: Tuesday 22 July, 9 am to 4:30 pm
Venue: Rich River Golf Club, Moama
Webinar – From Feed Test to Feed Budget
AgVic is inviting livestock farmers to a webinar on working out your additional supplement to get the most of the feed you have.
23 July, starting at 12:30 pm.
Register and receive a free feedtest.
Agriculture Victoria Livestock Extension Officer Nick Linden will discuss feed quality, livestock requirements and how to make the most of what you have. Nick brings extensive expertise in feed management and will offer valuable guidance for farmers feeding and managing livestock.
Livestock Extension Officer Chris Blore will also talk about the current drought support available.
St Arnaud – Setting strategies for farm business success
St Arnaud Sporting Club, 26 Dunstan Street, St Arnaud.
The 2 days will discuss and examine areas that make for an effective farm business strategy.
8:30 am – 3 pm, 23 and 24 July.
Topics will cover financials, farm resources, human relationships, setting business goals and the tools and skills that will get you to where you want to go.
Presenters include Gavin Beever from Cumbre Consulting. Dale Grey and Jim Moran representing Ag Vic and Brendan Williams, Managing Director Autonomous Ag, on the latest in AgTech.
Corryong – Decisions that drive drought recovery
12 August at RSL Hall, Donaldson St, Corryong
9 am to 3.30 pm
A powerful and practical 1-day workshop on how to build resilience, navigate crisis and adapt to change.
Feel confident and equipped to make the decisions necessary to navigate your farm business through the current seasonal crisis/challenges by:
- learning how to navigate competing priorities for limited resources (family, farm and business)
- identifying key resource issues, stressors, risks and opportunities for your farm business
- learning improved decision-making skills and how to manage key priorities – especially when under pressure and stress
- learning skills to rebuild capacity after battling personal/health and business challenges
- connecting to networks that support recovery and resilience
Morning tea and a light lunch provided.
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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