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Thursday 26 March 2026
Boost pastures using effluent
Pictured: an effluent application before the start of the wet period can be a cost-effective way to boost pasture growth
If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to plan to empty your dairy effluent ponds to gain the best result from both its nutrient content and water.
Utilising effluent effectively could save you money on synthetic fertilisers and boost pasture growth.
As long as the plants are growing, they can get a further kickstart with an effluent application and be ready to take advantage of follow up rain.
Improved testing for anthrax
Pictured: pen-side ICT (immunochromatographic test) kits provide a quick, safe and accurate means of diagnosing or excluding anthrax when investigating cases of sudden death of livestock
Anthrax has been a cause of sudden death of livestock in Australia for the past 150 years. Once an animal has died from anthrax, the anthrax spores can survive in the soil for decades, waiting for the right set of environmental conditions to infect another animal.
Most districts in Victoria have experienced livestock deaths due to anthrax.
Anthrax-related livestock deaths mostly occur in the warmer months, although history has shown that they can occur at any time of year.
Relief payments available to assist with household costs
Household Relief payments of up to $1,000 are available for farmers, farm employees and farming contractors in the south west Local Government Areas and parts of West Wimmera Shire.
These payments are there to help you with household costs, like groceries, school expenses, utilities, rates and other incidentals.
Growing our food safety standards
Agriculture Victoria is supporting berry, melon and leafy vegetable growers to implement new national food safety standards.
These standards are found in the Food Standards Code (the Code), and each state or territory has an obligation to interpret, implement and enforce them.
Regulations introduced last year aim to meet Victoria’s obligation to implement the Code and to maintain and advance the state’s reputation as a responsible and safe producer of food.
Last days to have your say on biosecurity
Last chance, Victoria! Have your say on our state’s biosecurity future.
Biosecurity is everyone’s business — and the Implementation Plan for Victoria’s Biosecurity Strategy closes on Tuesday 31 March.
Built in partnership with industry, community, First Nations and government, this plan sets out how we work together to stop the harm caused by pests and diseases.
Your voice helps protect our environment, our agriculture and our way of life.
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.
Farm Drought Support Grants
Pictured: The grant covers activities like constructing new or upgrading existing feed systems - feed pads or feed troughs
Use a Farm Drought Support Grant to make on-farm infrastructure upgrades and improvements such as grain feeders, troughs, pasture restoration, stock containment areas, and more.
Farmers in south west Victoria can access $10,000.
Wellbeing counsellors
Wellbeing counsellors work hand in hand with experienced financial counsellors to ensure that your mental health receives as much attention as your bottom line.
Providing practical strategies and helping you to tailor them to your specific circumstances, across the north and south west.
Wellbeing counsellors can visit you at your property or talk over the phone to assist with:
✔ Managing stress
✔ Building resilience for tough times
✔ Balancing work and life with practical tools
✔ Getting support for big decisions and life changes.
To speak to a Wellbeing Counsellor call 1300 735 578.
Find out more at wswrcs.com.au/
For further drought support visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
Farm Advisory Service
Farmers from across the state have access to 2 one-on-one consultations with a technical specialist.
Specialist consultants include agronomists, veterinarians, animal nutritionists, business advisors and farm planners, with expertise across dairy, beef, sheep and wool, horticulture and cropping.
For further drought support visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
Look Over the Farm Gate applications open
In response to the bushfires and ongoing drought, Look Over the Farm Gate applications are open. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for events and activities that support mental health and wellbeing.
Managed by the National Centre for Farmer Health on behalf of the Victorian Government. For further drought support visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
For more information on bushfire support, visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/bushfires or call 136 186.
Partnerships Against Pests grants program - Round 5 webinar
When: Friday 27 March, 11 am – 12 pm
Where: online
Have you got an idea to help your community to tackle established invasive species in your area? The Partnerships Against Pests grants program can help you turn that idea into on-ground action, with grants of up to $50,000 for 12-month projects that build local capacity to manage established weeds and pest animals.
Round 5 is open to groups and organisations working at state, regional and local levels who are ready to make a difference in established invasive species management.
Wind erosion webinar
When: Monday 30 March, 12–1 pm
Where: online
Presenter Dr John Leys has over 40 years experience in soil conservation. Dr Leys founded DustWatch Australia to monitor and report dust levels and the causes of wind erosion. Topics covered in this webinar include:
- Causes of wind erosion
- Forecasting tools
- Mitigation
- Actions that can be taken when erosion begins such as ripping, roughening and ridging.
Links to resources and the webinar recording will be made available to those who register.
When: Tuesday 31 March, 1–2:30 pm
Where: online
Running a farm business in a challenging climate is no small task – but you don’t have to do it alone.
This free webinar is designed for business owners and management teams seeking practical tools, fresh perspective and support to begin planning for a stronger, more sustainable future for their business.
Upskilling agribusinesses for the future: opportunities with grants, write offs, key tax issues
When: Wednesday 1 April 2026, 11 am – 1 pm
Where: Warrnambool Golf Club, Younger St Warrnambool
These sessions are designed to assist agribusinesses to prepare for the unexpected by setting up the business to have the capability and sustainability to navigate challenging situations and prepare for the future.
Come along and hear from McLaren Hunt about what you need to think of with tax planning, preparing for grant opportunities, tax write offs to assist with water and fodder storage.
Upskilling agribusinesses for the future: managing bills and cashflow
When: Tuesday 14 April 2026, 11 am – 1 pm
Where: Warrnambool Golf Club, Younger St Warrnambool
Come along and hear from McLaren Hunt about what you need to think of when using software to track and pay bills, prepare for payday super, creating budgets and monitoring overdrafts. Session snapshot:
- Using Xero and other software to track and pay creditors
- Are you utilising your software such as xero to its maximum potential?
- Creating budgets using Figured and other cashflow tools
- When will I exceed my overdraft?
- Are you prepared for payday super?
This event is being delivered by McLaren Hunt on behalf of Agriculture Victoria as part of the Victorian Government’s statewide Drought Support Package.
Succession Planning and Business Growth - Warracknabeal
When: Thursday 16 April, 9 am – 4 pm
Where: Warracknabeal (details provided on registration)
Cost: free
Participants will gain awareness of key success factors and principles related to succession planning and wealth creation that will support them in pursuing their goals.
This one day workshop is designed for all farming families, no matter your size or enterprise type.
The workshop will equip participants with clarity on:
- the value and approach to adopting business systems that will enable growth
- the required mindset
- value of
personal development to support emerging generations
Farm Financials for Future Decisions - Longerenong
When: 16-17 April, 8:30 am – 4 pm
Where: Longerenong College Skills Hub, Longerenong Rd, Longerenong
Cost: free
Build the confidence to make long term, strategic decisions about your farm business to manage the impacts of drought, seasonal conditions, and market variabilities.
This two-day workshop incorporates interactive sessions, discussions and practical sessions using your farm financial statements - so you can identify, plan for and manage risks that are relevant to your farm business.
Irrigation masterclass
When: Thursday 23 April 2026, 2-5 pm
Where: Fresh Select, 610 Duncans Rd, Werribee South
This hands-on training will provide practical and theoretical training on how to get the most value out of your irrigation system.
Jeremy Giddings has more than 3 decades of irrigation experience and has developed tools to assist farmers understand their sprinkler heads and irrigation efficiency. Jeremy will also addressing related topics such as salinity, cleaning, and wind.
Afternoon tea will be provided. Registration is required for catering purposes.
Travelling Trials Review Day- Kaniva
When: Monday 30 March, 10 am – 12 pm
Where: Kaniva Community Hub, 130 Budjik St, Kaniva
Join Birchip Cropping Group staff Dr Yolanda Plowman and Lucy Giles at the Kaniva Travelling Trials Review Day to unpack the latest local BCG research results.
The session will cover topics such as durum trial results, the latest on nitrogen including enhanced efficiency fertilisers, bio-stimulants and pest monitoring, with practical insights for growers and time to discuss how the findings can be applied on farm.
Come along for the latest local updates to improve the productivity and profitability for your farm business.
Save the date: BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef conferences
When: 23-24 June 2026
Where: The Goods Shed, Ballarat
The BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef conferences return to The Goods Shed in Ballarat on 23 and 24 June. There’ll be 2 full days of insights, innovations and practical take home messages for sheep and cattle producers across Victoria – and a combined industry dinner at the end of day 1.
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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