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Thursday 6 August 2026
H5N1 avian influenza strain detected in Victoria
Surveillance activities continue across Victoria following the detection of H5 bird flu in wild birds along the state's south west coastline.
Preliminary testing at Victoria's state lab, AgriBio, has identified 33 further suspect cases of H5 bird flu, including 30 greater crested terns, one gull, one inconclusive magpie and one unidentified bird. Samples are now undergoing further confirmatory testing at CSIRO's Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness.
The 33 suspect cases are in addition to the 7 already confirmed cases in Victoria.
These suspect cases are the result of community reports and aerial and on-ground surveillance along the south west coast that took place over the weekend.
The growing cases indicate that H5 bird flu is present in the crested tern population in the region, and the community can expect to see an increase in the number of sick or dead terns in the coming weeks.
Grants for timber and fibre businesses to innovate
The new $12 million Timber and Fibre Innovation Fund is backing Victorian businesses to develop new products, scale up innovation and reach new markets.
The fund will support businesses to create new products from timber and plant based fibres for use in Australia and overseas.
It will help turn ideas into full production, supporting jobs and building a more future ready timber and fibre sector.
Applications are open now.
Be on the lookout for foot problems in sheep
Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer
Unusual seasonal conditions often lead to animal health and welfare issues.
The relatively wet and warm winter we have experienced up until now has led to an abundance of feed, making sheep unusually heavy. Coupled with wet pastures or muddy ground, this leads to them being susceptible to foot abscess or footrot.
For most producers, foot abscess and footrot are conditions usually associated with a wet spring.
Celebrating National Biosecurity Week
Biosecurity benefits us all, and we each have a part to play in protecting Australia from exotic pests and diseases.
National Biosecurity Week raises awareness and showcases the collaborative efforts of government, industry, peak bodies and the community in protecting the Australian way of life.
Young Farmers Upskill and Invest Scholarship - closing 14 August!
Don't miss out, apply today!
If you’re working in agriculture and looking to build your skills or invest back into your business, the Young Farmers Upskill and Invest Scholarship is closing soon.
Since 2015, the program has been supporting young Victorian farmers to take the next step in their careers - from learning new skills to delivering on-farm improvements.
You could receive:
- Up to $5,000 for training or study
- Up to $5,000 to put your skills into
practice.
Understand the risks of Q fever
Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer
At times, Q fever is contracted by people who may not have realised that they were at risk.
Q fever is caused by a bacterium called Coxiella burnetii. The disease was first identified in Queensland in the 1930s, but at the time scientists didn't know what caused it. It was named 'Q fever', with the 'Q' standing for 'query'.
Q fever is one of several diseases that are transmissible from animals to humans. Such diseases are known as zoonotic diseases.
Cattle, sheep and goats are the most common sources of infection in humans. Infection generally occurs through the inhalation of infected material.
Australian-first Stubble Quail GPS tracking research begins in Victoria
The Game Management Authority (GMA) has partnered with Deakin University to conduct an Australian-first research project that will use GPS tracking technology to better understand the movements, habitat use and behaviour of Stubble Quail.
The new study aims to understand what drives Stubble Quail movement, which habitats they use and when and how they respond to environmental conditions and changing land management. This improved ecological understanding will help to ensure sustainable management of Stubble Quail hunting in Victoria.
Complete the EPA small business survey
How can we make your environmental responsibilities easier to understand?
Please take 7 minutes to complete the survey below.
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria wants to make environmental responsibilities easier to understand and put into practice.
Your feedback will help EPA create useful resources, to give you the information you need, in the way that works for you.
All feedback provided will be de-identified in the report and will not be used for enforcement. The survey closes on Tuesday 18 August.
Support is available for farmers in fire recovery
Farmers impacted by the January 2026 bushfires: you may be eligible for financial support for recovery.
- Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Grants of up to $75,000 to assist with clean-up and reinstating enterprises.
- Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Concessional Loans of up to $250,000 for those who have suffered major asset damage or loss of income.
- Grants are open until 4 pm on 21 October 2026.
Applications can be made at ruralfinance.com.au/grants
Support before, during and after drought with RIC loans
Wherever you are in the drought cycle, a RIC Drought Loan can improve cash flow to help eligible farm businesses manage through, recover and prepare when faced with drought.
Or if you’re in prolonged drought that has affected your financials for 2 years or more, and you expect the impact to continue, you may be eligible for a RIC Drought Hardship Loan to pay for operating costs, with no repayments for the first two years of the 5-year loan. Interest is deferred in this time to be repaid with principal and interest from year three.
RIC has helpful tools and information to understand loan products and eligibility before applying. If in doubt please don't self-assess. It’s important to start a conversation with RIC’s agri lending team about your individual business situation.
WorkSafe - noise basis online workshops
This free, online workshop:
- helps you check if noise is a problem on your farm
- provides practical tools and tips to protect you and your team from injury.
Date and time: Tuesday 18 August, 9 am - 12 pm
Date and time: Thursday 3 September, 9 am – 12 pm
Date and time: Wednesday 9 September, 1 pm – 4 pm
Wearing safety gear like earmuffs can reduce your risk of injury, but relying on it alone is not enough. Review your work and try to reduce the noise first.
Use safety gear, or PPE, as part of your plan – not as the only plan.
Get RIC Ready free webinar
Date and time: Wednesday 19 August, 12 pm
Location: Online
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.
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.
2026 Gippsland Red Meat Conference
Date: Tuesday 25 August
Location: Sale Baptist Church, 283 Princes Highway, Sale
Join us for a full day of practical, thought-provoking presentations from leading industry experts covering:
- markets and global outlook
- feed and pasture management
- business and profitability
- technology and innovation
- producer experiences and practical takeaways.
Tickets are selling fast! Don't miss your chance to be part of Gippsland's premier red meat event.
AI in horticulture workshops – Maffra and Cranbourne
Date and time: Tuesday 25 August, 10 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Maffra
Date and time: Wednesday 26 August, 10 am – 12:30 pm
Location: Cranbourne
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 2 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.
2026 Victorian Landcare forum
Date and time: Monday 31 August from 9 am – 5 pm
Location: Cardinia Cultural Centre, 40 Lakeside Blvd, Pakenham
Throughout 2026, Victoria will celebrate Landcare’s 40-year anniversary. A key part of these celebrations is the Victorian Landcare Forum, which brings together landcarers, professionals, experts and key stakeholders who are working to support rich landscapes, vibrant ecosystems and sustainable agricultural practices, while strengthening local communities.
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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