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Thursday 30 October 2025
Primary producers – drought support is available
Apply today for a Farm Drought Support Grant to support drought management activities including:
- Stock Containment Areas (SCA)
- Reticulated water systems
- Irrigation system upgrades
- Grain and fodder storage
- Internal re-fencing
- Feed system upgrades
- Pasture/crop restoration
- Water carting for livestock and essential business activities.
Eligible primary producers across the state can access up to $5,000 (ex-GST) as a co-contribution grant, while south west Victorian producers can access up to $10,000 (ex-GST).
For program guidelines, a list of eligible drought management activities and to apply visit Rural Finance.
Farmers across the state are using Farm Drought Support Grants to set themselves up for the current, and future droughts.
Farmers can claim expenses on eligible activities since 30 September 2024.
For program guidelines, a full list of eligible activities, and to apply visit Rural Finance.
Take stock of your water reserves
With summer on the way, now is an ideal time to take stock of your water reserves.
Agriculture Victoria land management extension officer Clem Sturmfels recommends that farmers consider the following questions:
- What is the condition of dams on my farm?
- How many are full, how many are yet to recover from the drought?
- How do they compare to the same time last year?
- Are water levels rising or falling?
- How do my stock numbers compare?
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.
Throughout August, large numbers of beehives were moved into almond orchards for pollination. As anticipated, new detections of Varroa have and will continue to occur across Victoria.
Get your livestock fire plan done now
Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer
Victorian producers are more aware than most of the importance of being prepared and having a plan in place for livestock during a fire.
With the coming fire season almost upon us, now is the time for livestock owners to get prepared and have a clear strategy to apply in the event of a fire emergency on their farm.
A key factor in minimising the threat to livestock during a bushfire or on extreme fire danger days is to identify safer areas on-farm where livestock can be moved to.
The area you choose will depend on the type of livestock and their expected behaviour during a fire.
To reduce the potential for injury and death to livestock, consider relocating stock to designated low-risk areas during days of high fire danger and Total Fire Bans. Low risk areas include:
- bare areas such as ploughed paddocks, and areas cultivated and kept free of combustible vegetation
- bared-out paddocks, provided they are well defended by fire breaks
- irrigated paddocks or paddocks containing green summer crops
- stockyards that can be wet in advance. However, the yards must be well defended as the fire front passes
- dams and swamps are another possible option.
All low-risk areas should have sufficient drinking water to enable stock to remain in the area for extended periods of high fire risk and high temperatures. For more information regarding stock containment areas for emergencies, visit our website.
Stockyards have been known to successfully hold stock during a fire if protected by a firebreak. If this is your preferred option, consider using a sprinkler system, as stock held together on a hot day can suffer from heat stress.
Horses should not be confined to small areas or stables; instead, they should be moved to an open paddock with minimal vegetation, allowing them to move freely. Horses and cattle are adept at avoiding fires, moving themselves to safe, open areas, and usually suffer minimal burns if left to do so.
If equipment such as rugs, halters, and flyveils remains on horses, the plastic may melt, and metal buckles can burn the animal. Therefore, consider using rope halters for easier handling and management.
It’s crucial not to open gates that may allow stock access to public roadways, as any animals will be a hazard to traffic in smoky conditions.
On days of extreme fire danger or on the day before, stock should be moved into lower-risk areas on-farm or to a safer property.
Agriculture Victoria advises livestock owners to act early and avoid being caught trying to move stock as a fire approaches. Listen to weather forecasts and observe your own environment to help you decide when to put your plan into action.
For further assistance on preparing a farm and livestock bushfire plan go to our website or contact the Agriculture Victoria Customer Service Centre on 136 186.
Boosting long-term biosecurity across Victoria
The Victorian Government is backing local heroes who are fighting back against invasive pests and weeds – the kind that threaten our farms, forests and parks and can be harmful to native wildlife.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently announced 27 grant recipients from Round 4 of the $5 million Partnerships Against Pests grants program, which supports community-led initiatives to build strong partnerships, raise awareness, and deliver long-term, collaborative invasive species management.
Grants open to improve pet welfare across Victoria
The Victorian Government is backing shelters, rehoming groups and community vet clinics – making vet care more affordable and helping more pets find loving homes across Victoria.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently announced the opening of applications for Round 13 of the Animal Welfare Fund, which will invest $1.6 million to support companion animal welfare across Victoria.
Listen to the Berries Australia drought support webinar
Did you miss the Berries Australia Victorian drought support webinar for berry growers?
You can now watch the full recording online.
This practical session connects Victorian berry growers with the services, grants, and tools available to manage drought challenges.
Hear from experts at Agriculture Victoria, NexSolutions, Berries Australia Berry Industry Partner Netafim Australia & New Zealand, and Agribusiness Yarra Valley as they cover:
- drought support grants and financial assistance
- farm water management and budgeting tools
- advisory and counselling services for growers
- environmental stewardship planning
Apply now: irrigation incentive program
West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority and Agriculture Victoria are pleased to open a new round of farm plan incentives, and for the first time, farmers in Warragul, Thorpdale, Noojee and Perry Bridge and across the entire Lake Wellington Catchment are eligible to apply.
Up to $10,000 per farm is available through the Lake Wellington Irrigation Efficiency Incentive Program to help with the cost of a professionally designed irrigation plan.
Listen while you work
Hear farmers across Victoria chat about the agriculture sector, like using Ag Tech on-farm and improving farm safety from the paddock to the kitchen table.
Farmers share their inspiring stories of managing the dynamic nature of farming, in droughts or recovering from fires and floods. Plus, much more.
Next time you’re out in the back paddock, driving the tractor, straining a fence, or harvesting a crop, put on a podcast that’s all about you.
Find more information on drought support at: agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
What's On
Turning Weed Control into Pasture Success
When: Friday 7 November, 11 am - 2 pm
Where: ‘Holstons’, 1119 Buchan – Ensay Road, Ensay.
Join us to look at the results of the 3-year MLA funded demonstration site into improving pasture quality and productivity through effective weed control.
Topics:
- managing weeds in existing pastures
- controlling weeds prior to perennial pasture establishment
- nutrient management to maintain productive pastures
- grazing management for persistence
- comparing pasture quality and impact on production.
Presenters:
Nicole Frost - Agronomist at PEAK Pasture & Livestock
Fiona Baker – Agriculture Victoria Livestock Extension Officer.
Webinar: Boosting livestock performance with eID
When: Friday 7 November, 3 – 5 pm
RSVP by: Monday 3 November
This webinar will focus on the practical implementation and use of eID data to boost farm productivity and reduce methane emissions.
Topics will include:
- key benefits of adopting eID technology
- practical tips for effective data management
- aligning data collection with your farm’s strategic goals
- building a data collection calendar tailored to your business
- turning raw data into actionable insights.
Profitable pastures - Clifton Creek Hall
When: Saturday 8 November, 9:30 am to 2:30 pm
Where: Clifton Creek Hall, 810 Depford Road, Clifton Creek
Turning weeds into feed. Hear from leading specialists and see firsthand how soil health, grazing management and targeted weed control can lift productivity and profitability in your farming system.
Practical soil health solutions for beef and sheep in the Omeo, Benambra landscape
When: Monday 10 November, 11 am to 4 pm
Where: 1702 Benambra Rd, Benambra
The workshop will highlight region-specific insights and opportunities for producers in the Omeo and Benambra area.
Topics covered:
- Soil pit inspection and discussion
- Physical and chemical barriers in soil
- Pasture root behaviour and growth limitations
- Soil carbon’s role in moisture retention and soil health
- The connection between soil carbon and emissions
- Soil pH testing, lime applications, and overall fertility
- The importance of ground cover and topsoil protection
- Selecting pasture species to optimise rainfall capture.
Dr Cassanda Schefe, AgriSci Pty Ltd, will present the session. Dr Schefe is a soil scientist with over 25 years’ experience in identifying and addressing soil constraints in agriculture, with expertise and experience spanning from synchrotrons to soil pits.
Webinar: Intro to lean and drought support business planning
When: Tuesday 11 November, 12:30 to 2:30 pm
Learn how to strengthen your operations, improve profitability, and drive long-term sustainability with expert insights from Moshie.
What you’ll gain:
- Introduction to lean business management and how it applies to your farm business
- Moshie’s tools for identifying waste and improving efficiency to increase profitability and resilience
- Simple business planning templates to identify areas for improvement
- Straightforward costing tools to improve decision-making and resource management
- Strategies for risk management, building drought resilience and long-term business sustainability
- 12 months of access to an exclusive online portal, with workshop resources
Webinar: Introducing the Rural Financial Counselling Service
When: Wednesday 12 November, 12 to 1 pm
Join this informative session to learn how the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) can help you, your business, or your community build resilence through financial and wellbeing support.
Discover how free, confidential services can help you:
- manage financial stress
- develop recovery plans
- access personal wellbeing support
- strengthen business and community resilience
Register via email to: lena@theagricollective.com.au
Lardner Park Beef Day
When: Friday 14 November, 8:30 am - 2:45 pm
Where: Lardner Park
Ticket Price: $35
Join Lardner Park for the 50th Anniversary Steer Trial Final Day - a celebration of beef, knowledge, and community.
- Expert Insights: learn what makes the difference between a top-quality carcass and one that misses the mark, hear the latest industry analysis from Simon Quilty, and gain culinary perspectives from Coles Ambassador and MasterChef Michael Weldon.
- Special Guest: former AFL star and Essendon captain Dyson Heppell shares his story.
- See the Cattle: witness the final weighing of this year’s steers and the results of Australia’s only grass-fed Steer Trial.
- Taste and Connect: enjoy a beef-focused lunch, network with industry leaders, and share in engaging stories and demonstrations.
Keep up to date with GippsDairy's events on their website.
Keep up to date with Gippsland Agricultural Group's events on their website.
Keep up to date with Food & Fibre Gippsland's events on their website.
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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