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Thursday 16 July 2026
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.
Support to help you reset and recover after drought
Victorian farmers are encouraged to access support as they recover from drought and plan for the seasons ahead.
Agriculture Victoria Executive Director Dougal Purcell said recovery is not the same for every farm, with each business facing its own circumstances and timeline. Many farmers are also continuing to manage seasonal uncertainty and financial pressures.
‘We are supporting farmers to stabilise, rebuild and make practical decisions that strengthen their businesses over time.
‘The Drought Support Package continues to provide financial, technical and wellbeing support to farmers as we move into recovery from this drought.
‘We encourage farmers who haven’t taken up support yet to explore what is available to assist their business into the future,’ Mr Purcell said.
Preparing for seasonal uncertainty
Clem Sturmfels, Land Management Extension Officer
Damp, cool conditions and shorter days are an ideal time to relax in front of the fire and consider changes that might make your farm easier to manage during seasonal uncertainty, drought or planning for future seasons.
Changes might include, upgrading your water supply, installing a stock containment area or changing your business model. All of these can be expensive, time consuming and not without risk. Developing a strategy requires careful planning.
Like any changes on the farm, the starting point in developing a strategy involves having a clear vision of what you want your farm to look like in the future. Sitting down with your family, discussing and agreeing on a vision and set of goals is an important first step.
Young farmers backed to build skills and invest in the future of Victorian agriculture
Agriculture Victoria is calling on the next generation of farmers to apply for the Young Farmers Upskill and Invest Scholarship, with applications now open for 2026.
The scholarship offers up to $10,000 per recipient, supporting young farmers and farm workers to build skills and invest directly in their businesses.
Participants can access:
- up to $5,000 for study or training, and
- up to $5,000 to put new skills into practice, including professional development, business planning or on-farm improvements.
Since the program began in 2015, 146 young farmers across Victoria have been supported to develop practical skills, strengthen their businesses and drive innovation on-farm.
Call for new BetterBeef Group in Leslie Manor area
Agriculture Victoria is seeking expressions of interest from beef producers in the Leslie Manor area to join a new BetterBeef 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.
BetterBeef groups and the topics covered in each session are producer-driven and practical. Members decide the topics, host each other on-farm, compare what’s working (and what’s not), and combine their experience with evidence-based information to test ideas and build confidence to make better decisions. Trusted advisors are brought in when needed to cover more technical content required on a topic, like drench resistance or ruminant nutrition.
Sessions often focus on preparing for and recovering from drought, fire and floods, managing tough seasonal conditions, and building more resilient and profitable farming systems.
Just as importantly, it’s a chance to connect with other local producers, have a good discussion, pick up ideas you can actually use, and enjoy the process along the way.
If you’re interested in being part of the group or want to learn more, contact Hannah Manning on hannah.manning@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Out now: July Very Fast Break
The Very Fast Break seasonal climate update video clip for July is now available.
We love to receive your feedback. If you have comments, questions or feedback, please contact Dale Grey at the.break@agriculture.vic.gov.au
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
Women on Farms Program
When: Tuesday 21 July, 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
Where: 1231 Rokewood–Shelford Road, Rokewood
Cost: Free
Southern Farming Systems (SFS) is excited to relaunch its popular Women on Farms program in 2026, continuing a successful partnership with the Corangamite Rural Women’s Network and Corangamite CMA that began in 2018.
The first workshop, Plant Biology 101, will be facilitated by Lisa Miller, SFS Specialist Research and Extension Officer. Lisa has more than 20 years of pasture agronomy experience and has spent the past 13 years with Southern Farming Systems, specialising in soil, pasture and livestock systems research and extension.
This hands-on session will cover identifying common pasture species and weeds, understanding management tactics and control options and practical paddock-based learning.
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.
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.
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 at 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 whats 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 Governments Future Drought Fund and the Victorian Governments Sustainability Fund.
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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