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Thursday 23 July 2026
New heights for H5 bird flu surveillance
Detections of H5 bird flu on Australian shores reinforce the need for continued surveillance, preparedness and prompt reporting of sick or dead wild birds and wildlife.
As part of Victoria’s ongoing surveillance efforts, DEECA is using a helicopter-mounted high-resolution and thermal imaging camera to scan coastal areas and identify possible H5 bird flu cases.
Flights began in July, with initial operations focused on Victoria’s south-west in response to the detection of H5 bird flu in Robe, South Australia, near the Victorian border.
Crews have also monitored areas known to support large seal and seabird colonies, including Mud Islands, Phillip Island, Western Port, Port Phillip Bay and the Gippsland coast.
Update your PIC for the new financial year
More than 57,000 updates were made to Victoria’s Property Identification Code (PIC) register last year, highlighting the importance of keeping property details current.
With the new financial year now underway, Agriculture Victoria is encouraging livestock owners to check that their PIC details are up to date.
Agriculture Victoria Livestock Traceability Manager, Ben Fahy, said a PIC is required for every property where livestock are kept.
‘It’s also a legal requirement to keep the PIC up to date.
‘PICs help us contact livestock owners quickly during emergencies such as bushfires, floods and disease outbreaks and are a key part of Victoria’s livestock traceability system, along with livestock identification tags.’
Dairy farmers reminded to be rain ready
EPA Victoria is reminding dairy farmers that with winter well under way, now is the time to check effluent systems and prepare for the risk of heavy rainfall and flooding.
EPA’s Director of Regional Operations, Dan Hunt, said winter conditions could put extra pressure on effluent systems and increase the risk of pollution if farms are not prepared.
'Proper management of dairy effluent is important for protecting waterways, neighbouring properties and the broader environment,' he said.
Locust spring update for north-west Victoria
We are asking land managers in north-west Victoria to prepare now for possible locust activity in spring.
The Mallee has a moderate to high chance of high numbers of young locusts hatching in late September onwards.
The Wimmera has a low to moderate chance of high numbers of young locusts hatching in early October onwards.
Land managers are responsible for controlling locusts on their land.
The best time to control locusts is about 2 weeks after hatching, when they are young and can't yet fly.
Land managers can also help by checking paddocks and reporting any signs of locusts.
Reporting helps improve forecasting and supports control decisions.
This advice is for people in Mildura, Swan Hill, Gannawarra, Buloke, Yarriambiack, Hindmarsh and West Wimmera
Seen sick or dead birds or wildlife? Avoid. Record. Report
H5 bird flu has not been detected in Victoria, but community reports play an important role in helping us monitor for signs of disease.
Each report DEECA receives is reviewed and assessed using information such as the species, number of birds affected, location and disease risk.
Not all reports will lead to an investigation, collection or testing. Where further action is needed, we may contact you for more information or arrange collection and testing.
If you see sick or dead birds or wildlife, avoid contact, record its exact location and report it online or call 1800 675 888.
You can also view reports on our online map and follow surveillance activity across the state.
Bushfire information
Following a bushfire there is a lot to consider when it comes to caring for livestock and getting your farm back on track.
To assist in making decisions for your on-farm recovery, a range of practical technical information and advice is available on our website.
You can also speak to an Agriculture Recovery team member on 136 186 or by contacting recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Grants and Concessional Loans
Has your farm been impacted by bushfires?
The Victorian Government has measures to support Victorian primary producers affected by the January 2026 bushfires.
You may be eligible for a recovery grant or a concessional loan to help with cleanup, restoration and rebuilding. A full list of eligible activities is included in the program guidelines.
When applying for a grant or loan, it’s important that you don’t self-assess and if you’re unsure of your eligibility, contact Rural Finance with any questions.
Applications are now open and will close at 4 pm on 21 October 2026.
You can check your eligibility via Rural Finance www.ruralfinance.com.au or call them on 1800 260 425 with any questions.
Support through prolonged drought: Drought Hardship Loan
Pictured: RIC Drought Hardship Loans are available for farm businesses that have managed through at least 24 months of drought and expect further impacts.
The Australian Government has introduced the RIC Drought Hardship Loan to support farm businesses experiencing severe and prolonged drought.
The loan provides up to $250,000 over 5 years, at the RIC’s concessional interest rate (currently 5.18%), with a 2-year repayment holiday, to help farmers manage essential operating costs and improve cash flow during extended dry conditions.
It is available to eligible farm businesses that have managed through at least 24 months of drought and expect further impacts ahead. The loan complements other drought support and can be accessed alongside state programs.
Australian Government drought support: drought.gov.au
Webinar for Victorian Farmers Federation: Work Visa Pathways
When: Tuesday 28 July, 5–6 pm and Thursday 30 July, 8:30–9:30 am
Where: online
The Department of Home Affairs, through its Business, Industry and Regional Outreach (BIRO) network, invites you to join our upcoming sessions on employing overseas workers in Australia.
The sessions will help employers understand the main visa pathways available, when sponsorship may be required, how labour agreements operate, and how to check a worker’s visa conditions and work rights.
Topics include:
- Employer Sponsored visas
- Labour Agreements
- Working Holiday Maker Program
- Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme
- Pacific Engagement Visa
- Visa processing timeframes
- Tips for decision-ready applications
- Worker exploitation awareness
- Helpful links and resources.
Southern Farming Systems Winter Crop Walk – Hamilton
When: Wednesday 29 July
Where: Cereal Crop Site: Skene Homestead Old Drive (off Forts Rd), Canola Crop Site: north end of Skene Woolshed Road
Cost: Free
Producers and industry stakeholders are invited to come out and get among the trials in South West Victoria. Join us for a tour around the sites and get in touch with our latest research.
RSVP by Monday 27 July.
For more information, contact Michelle McClure (SFS): 0488 600 692.
New BetterBeef Group Leslie Manor – come along and join the group
When: Thursday 30 July
Where: Leslie Manor area (address on registration)
Agriculture Victoria is inviting local beef producers in the Leslie Manor area to join a new BetterBeef group, with the group's first meeting to be held on Thursday 30 July.
This initial session will be an opportunity to get together with fellow producers and discuss fodder conservation, while also learning more about how the BetterBeef group will operate and contribute to the formation and direction of the group.
BetterBeef groups bring farmers together to learn from each other, share experiences and tackle the challenges of running a beef enterprise in today’s conditions. The groups are producer-driven and practical, with members helping to shape future topics and activities based on their interests and priorities.
Participants can expect a mix of local knowledge, practical discussion and evidence-based information, with opportunities to host on-farm sessions, compare what is working in different enterprises and hear from specialist advisors when required.
Just as importantly, BetterBeef provides a chance to connect with other local producers, have valuable discussions, exchange ideas and build confidence in decision-making through shared learning.
If you are interested in attending the first meeting or would like to learn more about joining the group, contact Hannah Manning on 0400 532 595 or email hannah.manning@agriculture.vic.gov.au.
Aboriginal business procurement information session
When: Thursday 30 July, 12–1 pm
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Join Agriculture Victoria and Kinaway Chamber of Commerce for an online information session. Learn how Aboriginal businesses can supply goods and services to Agriculture Victoria.
What you will learn:
- What Agriculture Victoria buys
- Where we work across Victoria
- Where procurement opportunities may be available
- How our procurement processes work
- Future opportunities and support available.
Aboriginal-owned businesses from all industries are encouraged to attend.
Managing soil acidity: Cost effective lime strategies
Winchelsea: Thursday 6 August, 9:45 am – 1 pm
Where: Old Winchelsea Shire Hall, 28 Hesse Street Winchelsea
Dunkeld: Wednesday 12 August, 9:45 am – 1 pm
Where: Sterling Place, Supper Room, 14 Sterling Street Dunkeld
Soil acidity can quietly reduce pasture and crop performance, but with lime costs increasing, making the right decisions has never been more important. Join us for a practical, farmer-focused workshop on managing soil acidity. You'll gain practical insights into how to get the best return on your lime investment and protect one of your most valuable farm assets, your soil.
What we'll cover:
- How much lime should you apply?
- How often should you reapply?
- How can you maximise the return on your liming investment?
- Using the latest decision-support tools, including the LimeAssist Calculator and LimeAssistor webpage.
- Practical strategies tailored to your farming system.
Whether you're fine-tuning your current liming program or developing a new approach, this workshop will provide the confidence and knowledge to make informed, cost-effective decisions.
GRDC Grains Research Update – Kaniva
When: Thursday 13 August, 9 am – 1 pm
Where: Kaniva Community Hub, 132 Budjik Street Kaniva
Cost: Free
The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Grains Research Update events are for agronomists, consultants, researchers and growers to see and discuss the latest in research and to network with their peers about how to apply new and relevant information to the latest farming systems.
Please register for catering purposes.
Get RIC Ready free webinar
RIC (Regional Investment Corporation) is hosting a free online Get RIC Ready webinar to help you understand if a RIC low interest loan is right for you and get prepared to apply, so you can take the next step with confidence.
When: Wednesday 19 August, 12 pm
Where: online
The webinar is for farmers, advisers and industry representatives keen to find out more about RIC loan eligibility, how to apply, and how RIC loans can help farmers in financial need. RIC Agri Lending Specialists and Rural Financial Counsellors will lead the session to answer your most frequently asked questions.
Can’t attend the live event? Register anyway and RIC will send you the webinar recording.
Success with succession planning – Skipton and Lake Bolac
Skipton: Tuesday 18 August, 8:30 am (for 9 am start) – 2:30 pm
Where: Skipton Golf and Bowls Club, Geelong Road Skipton
Lake Bolac: Wednesday 19 August, 8:30 am (for 9 am start) – 2:30 pm
Where: Lake Bolac Football Netball Clubrooms, Frontage Road Lake Bolac
Farm business owners, partners and family members are invited to a free 1-day workshop to learn how to plan a smooth transition of their family farm.
Presenter Dr Kate Burke will work with participants to understand the success factors and common pitfalls in farm succession, ensuring the legacy continues, the business remains viable, wealth grows and families stay connected for generations to come.
Registration is essential. Numbers are limited and priority will be given to farming families before advisers.
For further information, contact Julio Vargas (0428 316 018) or Kate McCue (0407 099 793).
Springing back better – strategies that count
Ballarat: Monday 17 August, 7–8:30 pm
Where: The Red Lion Hotel, 223 Main Road Ballarat
Woolsthorpe: Friday 21 August, 10:30 am – 12 pm
Where: The Union Hotel, 23 Manifold Street Woolsthorpe
Cobden: Monday 24 August, 7–8:30 pm
Where: Thompson's Hotel, 36 Curdie Street Cobden
Colac: Wednesday 26 August, 10:30 am – 12 pm
Where: Colac Bowling Club, 35 Moore Street Colac
Come along, hear what's worked for others in recent seasons, and pick up ideas to set up for spring and beyond.
Cam Nicholson from Nicon Rural will discuss learnings and successful farm strategies that farmers have used to manage the drought and prepare for the future. An agronomist will cover key decisions for a successful spring including nitrogen fertiliser use and maximising fodder production.
There will be time to catch up with others over dinner.
This workshop is brought to you by Agriculture Victoria and WestVic Dairy as part of the Farm Business Resilience Program.
The FBR Program is jointly funded through the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund and the Victorian Government's Sustainability Fund.
AI in horticulture workshop – Werribee
When: Thursday 27 August, 2:30–5 pm
Where: Werribee
Victorian growers are invited to a practical demonstration on how AI can be used to support horticulture - from farm to packing shed and beyond.
Learn from two presenters about a wide variety of uses for AI, including: the different AI options available - cost, pros/cons etc privacy and data protection using AI to analyse farm and factory data AI in meetings, the pack-shed and much more.
The event will be tailored to grower questions - tell us how you would like AI to support your farming operations. Minimal cost input for maximum efficiency output.
Future-proof your family farm business – Kaniva and Hopetoun
Kaniva: Tuesday 1 September, 8:30 am – 3 pm
Where: Kaniva Community Hub, 132 Budjik Street Kaniva
Hopetoun: Thursday 3 September, 8:30 am – 3 pm
Where: Hopetoun Golf Club, Hopetoun-Rainbow Road Hopetoun
Kaniva and Hopetoun farmers are invited to a free 2-day workshop.
Learn practical planning skills to help prepare your farm business for the future. Build strategies to manage climate risk, strengthen resilience and create a more adaptable business.
Presenter Dr Kate Burke is an independent farm consultant, agri-strategist and educator. Kate has extensive experience in farm business management and works with farming families and businesses across a range of areas.
Kate will share practical insights on:
- improving farm productivity
- strengthening farm finances
- leadership, people and succession planning
- managing climate variability and uncertainty.
Participants will:
- identify what matters most to them
- improve the productivity, people and profit areas of their business
- explore ways to balance growth and risk
- set priorities and create a practical plan for the future.
This workshop will give participants tools and strategies they can apply to their own farm business.
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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