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Thursday 2 October 2025
Cash back into the pockets of drought-affected farmers
The Victorian Government is driving down business costs for Victorian primary producers and providing critical cash flow help for drought affected farmers.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently announced the rollout of the Duties and Fees Relief Package, which will waive fees for farmers over the next financial year and deliver more than $10 million in relief to Victorian producers.
This is part of the government’s $144 million Drought Support Package which is making sure our state’s world-class agriculture industry can get through these difficult times – protecting our farming families, our food supply and the jobs and communities that rely on it.
Click here for more information on the duties and fees covered by this package.
For the full range of supports available to drought-affected farmers and communities, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or phone 136 186.
Our top tips for silage this season
Capitalising on the spring surplus will be critical on farms this year. While some things are out of our control, focusing on key factors will help ensure that you get the best possible return.
New pasture research trials to boost sheep productivity
The Victorian Government is supporting a new research program at Agriculture Victoria’s Hamilton SmartFarm, using next generation technology to help Australian farmers raise healthier, more productive flocks.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence announced the MultiMix forage research program is now underway, to determine which combinations of multispecies pasture mixes work best for Australian sheep producers – research that will support meat sheep production while also cutting methane emissions.
The government is investing $2.4 million to support Agriculture Victoria to officially launch the program, with additional support from Meat & Livestock Australia and the Zero Net Emissions Agriculture Cooperative Research Centre (ZNE-Ag CRC), bringing the total funding to $5.5 million to deliver the three-year program.
Have you seen us at the Melbourne Royal Show?
The Melbourne Royal Show is on and we’re in the Livestock Pavilion!
Chat with our team about the importance of agriculture, drought support and how we are protecting our farms, communities and environment into the future.
Learn how to help keep Victoria safe from H5N1 avian influenza.
We also have activity packs and fun headbands for the kids! Come past and say hello.
Find more information about available drought support visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
Important information for small berry, melon and leafy vegetable growers
We understand that small horticulture businesses operate differently to larger ones.
To help, we have made sure that relevant information, resources and support are available to help you meet the requirements of the new Food Safety Standards.
Small growers who are not within recognised food safety schemes will complete an online Food Safety Management Statement (FSMS) as part of the registration process. We have created a factsheet to help small growers understand this process.
Learn more here: FSMS Fact Sheet
The Fresh Produce Safety Centre have created 1 page grower guides to help navigate the requirements of the standards: fpsc-anz.com/food-safety-grower-guides/
We recognise it may take some time to work through the necessary steps, so our team is here to help. Reach out at food.safety@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Find more information and resources, including a factsheet on water quality testing, on our website.
Fast Break Newsletter out now
The Fast Break details oceanic and atmospheric climate driver activity over the last month and summarises 3 month model predictions for the Pacific and Indian oceans, rainfall and temperature for Victoria.
View the latest issue for Victoria.
If you are interested in reading past issues of The Fast Break, please email dale.grey@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Star gazing disease in livestock
Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer, Northern Region
Following the seasonal conditions we have experienced this year, there is very little standing roughage in most paddocks. This has set the scene for cases of ‘star gazing disease’ also known as polio encephalomalacia.
Polio encephalomalacia occurs when an animal lacks enough thiamine (Vitamin B1), an essential nutrient for normal body metabolism. In healthy ruminants — cattle, sheep, and goats — thiamine is produced naturally in the rumen, the first stomach, where microbes aid in breaking down food.
However, if this microbial community is disturbed, thiamine levels can become dangerously low. Any condition that disrupts the balance of rumen microbes can lead to thiamine deficiency. This includes grain poisoning, low-fibre diets, or an excess of sulphur in feed.
The disease most commonly affects well-grown calves or lambs aged between 6 and 12 months old, but it can affect animals of any age or sex.
Things to look out for
The earliest signs can be subtle: animals may seem lethargic, lose their appetite, or wander away from the herd. They may bump into objects, appear blind, or stand motionless — sometimes with their heads drooped, at other times gazing fixedly at the sky.
As the condition worsens, affected animals may experience convulsions, collapse with their head arched backward, and ultimately slip into a coma. Without treatment, death often occurs within 2 to 3 days.
But not every case is the same. Some animals are found dead without warning, while others show only mild symptoms and recover on their own.
Treatment and prevention
If caught early, the condition may potentially be reversed with an injection of thiamine, which is available without a prescription from veterinarians. Farmers are also advised to support the rest of the herd by offering high-fibre feed, which promotes a healthy rumen environment and consistent thiamine production.
Unfortunately, once blindness or paralysis occurs, the brain damage is often irreversible. In such cases, humane euthanasia is usually the only option.
Farmers are encouraged to seek advice from their local veterinarian. In Victoria, advice is also available from Agriculture Victoria Veterinary or Animal Health Officers.
CFA - get fire ready
Victorians are being urged to prepare for the upcoming fire season, as part of CFA’s “Get Fire Ready” month during October.
CFA brigades are hosting activities at fire stations and community events to meet residents and provide practical advice on how they can plan for what may be an increased fire risk this summer.
'Get Fire Ready' focuses on helping householders understand their local bushfire and grassfire risks, including how to create a survival plan, and learning where to access emergency information.
Getting prepared doesn’t need to be complicated. Clearing gutters, mowing lawns and trimming branches around homes can reduce the chance of embers starting a fire.
Families are encouraged to make a fire plan that includes where they will go if a fire breaks out, and making sure they have set a watch zone in the VicEmergency app to receive alerts.
The 'Get Fire Ready' events strengthen connections between CFA brigades and their local communities, ensuring everyone has the information they need.
All Victorians, particularly those in high-risk areas, are encouraged to attend a local event by visiting www.cfa.vic.gov.au/getfireready
You can also request a free 'Get Fire Ready' pack to be sent to you by filling out an online form at the same website address.
Ag Vic Talk season 10 -Beekeepers vs Varroa: Survival, Support and Strategy with Mike Allerton and Jamie Perry-Meijer
In this compelling Farming Safe and Well episode, beekeeper Mike Allerton shares his personal journey through the Varroa mite outbreak - navigating hive losses, grief, and rebuilding with determination. He reflects on the emotional toll of this ongoing biosecurity challenge and the importance of peer support in the beekeeping community.
Joining him is Jamie Perry-Meijer, Resilience Officer, National Varroa Mite Management Program, who discusses the transition from eradication to management, the mental health impacts on apiarists, and the resources available to help beekeepers.
Listen now to hear how beekeepers are dealing with Varroa mite, looking after their mental health, and finding support through tough times.
Varroa resources: https://varroa.org.au
More drought support
The Victorian Drought Freight Network
The Victorian Drought Freight Network is supporting fodder and grain movements on key freight routes in south west Victoria.
As part of the network we are also providing a free and tailored service to suppliers, transporters and farmers to help them to efficiently navigate the permit requirements to bring feed into Victoria while managing biosecurity risks.
One-on-one farm advisory service
All farmers, anywhere in Victoria, can register for a free consultation with a farm management specialist.
The advisory service offers a session of up to 3 hours (face-to-face or online) and a follow-up call, to help farmers take stock and develop a plan for managing drought conditions.
The advice is suited to your situation, from a consultant that you nominate from the registered panel.
Agronomists, livestock nutritionists, veterinarians, pasture and grazing specialists and farm business advisors, can support you with:
- feed and water budgeting
- farm safety and workload management
- farm business and financial management
- soil health and pasture re-establishment
- animal health and welfare, and more.
For more information about drought support: www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
On-farm kangaroo control rebate program
Farmers impacted by kangaroos competing for pasture and crops can apply for the On-Farm Kangaroo Control Rebate program now.
The program provides rebates for eligible farmers statewide who hold an Authority to Control Wildlife (ATCW) to hire authorised professional harvesters who have accreditation from the Game Management Authority.
Eligible farmers across the state can access up to 3 rebates of $450 each (ex-GST) with a 25% co-contribution to help control kangaroos.
Find more information on drought support: agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
What's On
Details about these events and more can be found on our website.
Spring webinar series webinar 3 - bounce back pastures
We are hosting a lunchtime webinar series. The series will cover key topics including silage, hay and pasture recovery. Join us for one webinar or attend them all.
Join Andrew Speirs, senior agronomy consultant, Meridian Agriculture as he shares insights into the impact of drought and if pastures will bounce back, how individual species have coped and practical recovery strategies for post-drought success.
Date: Wednesday 8 October from 12:30 - 1:30 pm
Protection from farm theft webinar
Join co-founder of AgCloud Grant Sutton, a representative from Victoria Police Farm Crime Liaison Group and AgVic Grains Industry Officer Darryl Pearl for a timely webinar on how AgTech and strong biosecurity protocols can protect your farm assets.
The webinar will cover:
- farm theft trends, Victoria Police
- physical security solutions, Grant Sutton
- biosecurity and safety, Darryl Pearl
- question and answer session.
Whether you're looking to make informed decisions or future-proof your farm operations, this session offers practical insights and tools to support your journey in protecting what matters.
When: Tuesday, 7 October from 12 – 1 pm
Click below to register or contact Darryl Pearl on 0417 432 711 or email.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information on how to join the webinar. The session will be recorded for those who register but are unable to attend.
Take a Well-Being Break workshop for women farmers and service providers – Camperdown
Date and time: Wednesday 8 October from 10:30 am - 2:30 pm.
Where: Camperdown Golf Club, Saddlers Road, Camperdown
Carrying the mental load. Being the emotional support blanket for the family. Juggling farm work, business pressures and home life. Doing all the things, all the time! It’s no wonder your energy can run low, your head feels full and you find yourself running on empty.
The Take a Well-Being Break workshop is your chance to pause, recharge and get back to thriving – both on and off the farm.
Your facilitator, Cynthia Mahoney, is an agricultural scientist and an experienced leadership coach who has worked extensively with farmers and agricultural teams across Australia. She’ll share proven strategies, grounded in brain science, to help you lift wellbeing, protect relationships and achieve more without adding extra hours to your day.
Farm business health check - Nareen Hall
Date and time: Wednesday 8 October from 8:30 - 11 am
Where: Nareen Hall
RSVP: Sardie on 0478 053 943
Join us for a free breakfast and hear from guest speaker Neville Brady. Neville will speak about improving team (family) performance by reducing conflict. You will get a farm business health check, looking at gaps between actual and ideal structures.
Boosting livestock performance with eID
Date and time: Friday 7 November from 3 - 5 pm
Join us for a webinar with a focus on the practical implementation and use of eID data to boost farm productivity and reduce methane emissions.
Why should farmers attend?
Sheep eID allows for tracking individual animal performance with precision. By leveraging this data, farmers can unlock new opportunities to increase productivity across the flock and reduce emissions by identifying and managing high-impact animals. Suitable for farmers just starting with eID or more experienced farmers looking to refine your data strategy.
Zanda McDonald Award
Are you a rising star in the agriculture or rural sector?
The Zanda McDonald Award can help you realise your ambitions through life-changing mentoring, industry connections, and unique 'light-bulb moments'.
Tap into a dynamic network of leading ag professionals and take part in a fully funded trans-Tasman tour designed to fast-track your personal and professional growth.
Open to individuals aged 21–35 across Australia and New Zealand. Apply for the 2026 Award and unlock your full potential.
Online applications open 1–31 October 2025.
www.zandamcdonaldaward.com
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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