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Thursday 26 February 2026
Irrigation incentives turn ideas into action for farmers
More farmers across Gippsland can now access Incentives for Irrigation Farm Plans.
Agriculture Victoria Irrigation Extension Officer Stephanie Veskoukis said after years of success in the Macalister Irrigation District (MID), the Irrigation Efficiency Incentives Program has been expanded to include irrigators across the entire Lake Wellington Catchment.
‘The incentive covers 75% of the cost of an updated irrigation farm plan, up to a maximum of $45 per hectare for design only, or $90 per hectare for survey and design of a new plan, capped at $10,000 (excluding GST).
‘Tailored options are available for farms with specialised requirements.’
She said an Irrigation Farm Plan is a practical tool that helps irrigators compare systems, plan upgrades and design improvements that work with existing infrastructure.
‘A well-prepared plan improves water-use efficiency, reduces nutrient losses and ensures works meet statutory requirements.
‘For farmers involved in the program, increased confidence is one of the most consistent outcomes.’
Parthenium weed in interstate fodder
Farmers importing or receiving donated fodder from interstate due to drought or after the recent Victorian bushfires are reminded to watch out for weeds growing from seeds contained in hay, particularly the State prohibited weed parthenium weed.
Agriculture Victoria Biosecurity Manager Angela Constantine said biosecurity threats like parthenium weed or Parthenium hysterophorus can add pressure to already stressed systems.
‘Parthenium is one of the world’s most aggressive weeds and a continuing threat to Victoria, it isn’t currently found in Victoria, but is present in New South Wales and Queensland, so the potential for it to invade Victoria is real.
‘Parthenium weed has several undesirable characteristics, not only is it difficult to control due to the large number of seeds produced by the plant’s fast reproductive cycle, but it’s also toxic to livestock, inhibits other plant growth and can cause severe allergic reactions in humans, she said.
Keep an eye out for water hyacinth
Victorians are urged to keep an eye out for water hyacinth after an infestation on a rural property in Anakie, north of Geelong.
Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a State prohibited weed (SPW) declared under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994.
Agriculture Victoria Leading Biosecurity Officer Incursion Control Kaitlin Wright said it’s considered the world’s worst water weed and has infested rivers, dams, lakes and irrigation channels on every continent except Antarctica.
‘Thriving in warm weather, water hyacinth is a floating water plant that can reproduce by daughter plants or seed. They can be identified by their swollen stems with air-filled tissue for buoyancy and large mauve-coloured flowers.’
Ms Wright said while the weeds may look attractive, their ability to quickly choke waterways harms native plants and wildlife.
$10,000 fine for sheep farm manager’s cruelty
A Numurkah sheep farm manager pleaded guilty in the Shepparton Magistrates’ Court recently for multiple counts of animal cruelty.
Stephen Gapes was fined $10,000 as part of an aggregate sentence with conviction. In September 2024 in response to a welfare complaint, officers attended the property and observed 350 sheep contained in a heavily grazed paddock with no supplementary feed supplied to compensate.
Multiple ewes and lambs were suffering from neglect, starvation and had either died or were suffering from injuries incurred by predators.
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
First virtual fencing product approved for use
The Victorian Government has announced that the Halter’s P5 electronic collar system is the first to be approved in Victoria for virtual fencing.
This technology will help farmers to save on the cost of building and maintaining cattle fencing through smart, real-time technology.
Halter’s P5 system features a collar connected to an app, allowing farmers to virtually fence, move and monitor well-being of their cows while receiving real-time insights into animal health and pasture conditions.
Farmers can virtually fence around waterways and sensitive land or vegetation, while still allowing native animals to access them, promoting faster pasture recovery, healthier riparian zones and reduced reliance on fertiliser.
Understanding heat stress in livestock
Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer
As warm summer temperatures continue across Victoria, farmers are urged to take extra care of their livestock to prevent heat stress, a condition that can severely impact both animal welfare and production.
Cattle are most comfortable in temperatures between 5°C and 25°C, while adult pigs prefer a narrower range of just 18°C to 20°C.
High-producing animals, such as dairy cows, are especially vulnerable, and poultry have been known to succumb to extreme heat on scorching days.
Growing resilient, productive pastures for the future
Multispecies pastures are emerging as a powerful way to build more resilient and sustainable livestock systems. Our latest video explores how we’re generating Victorian specific evidence to help farmers adopt these systems with confidence.
At the Ellinbank SmartFarm, we’re trialling different pasture combinations of grasses, legumes and herbs and assessing them over time. Early results show promising benefits, including improved feed resilience during dry conditions, better soil health and potential reductions in livestock methane emissions.
The video also features a Gippsland farmer who is partnering with us to test the pastures in real world conditions. Their on-farm experience provides practical insights for farmers to consider in their own systems.
Communities leading the charge against invasive pests
The Victorian Government has strengthened Victoria’s front-line against invasive pests with grants announced for Community Pest Management Groups across the state.
In total, $347,753 will support the strategic expansion of initiatives, including the Victorian Blackberry Taskforce, the Victorian Rabbit Action Network and the Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party.
Farmers from across the state have access to two Farm Advisory Service 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.
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 Gippsland.
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 045 747.
Find out more at: www.nexsolutions.org.au
For further drought support visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
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
Has your farm been impacted by recent bushfires?
The Victorian Government has announced 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.
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.
If you need help working through what support you can get or how to apply, the Rural Financial Counselling Service is available at Home - Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria - Gippsland
Essential Water Replacement
In a bushfire FFMVic and CFA may need to take water from private property using tankers or aircraft to help put out fires.
If essential water is taken from your property, you can make a request for its replacement via the FFMVic website.
Essential Water is water that is needed for:
- health of residents and pets
- health and productivity and stock
- agricultural and horticultural crops, permanent plantings and intensive industries.
Find out more and download the request form from here.
Managing and treating dams in fire affected areas
Farmers in fire affected areas are encouraged to monitor their dams and remove floating debris as soon as possible following heavy or prolonged rain. They should also consider installing sediment traps upstream of their bigger dams.
Following fires, many dams became unusable due to pollution from decomposing organic matter or after being filled with soil, sand, and gravel.
Consider stock water after fire
The impact of the Victorian fires on farmers and livestock has been significant. Along with feed, a reliable supply of good quality water is essential for stock retained on affected properties.
Water is critical to avoiding health issues, maintaining production and meeting animal welfare needs. Unfortunately, in many cases, water tanks, pipes, troughs and pumps have been destroyed or damaged due to these fires. Even where this infrastructure is still operational, if larger numbers of stock are confined to a small area of the farm, it can result in an inadequate water supply.
At this time of year, beef cattle can consume up to 100 L per day and sheep up to 10 L per day, with lactating animals requiring even more. At these rates, a semitrailer load of water would be needed every 6 to 7 days for 50 cattle or 500 sheep.
Genes to Greens - Newry
When: Wednesday 12 March, 10 am - 1:30 pm
Where: Newry Hall, Newry
Curious to learn more about genetics, soil and nutrient management, pasture research, or rearing calves? We’d love to share the latest insights with you at the Genes to Greens event in Newry.
Topics covered will include multispecies pastures and ryegrasses, effluent technology, efficient calf rearing and heat tolerant genetics in dairy. A farm-walk is part of the program.
Speakers:
- Anna Thomson, Senior research, Agriculture Victoria
- Marlie Wright, Research scientist, Agriculture Victoria
- Peter Thurn, Stakeholder relations and industry liaison, DataGene
- Sharon Aarons, Senior researcher, Agriculture Victoria
Trees on farms field day - Torwood
When: Tuesday 24 February, 10 am - 12:30 pm
Where: 585 Torwood-Topiram Rd, Torwood
Planting trees on farms offers opportunities for farmers to diversify their income through revegetation, carbon benefits, increased agricultural productivity, and timber supply.
This event will include a site visit to a 14-year-old hardwood plantation within a sheep and wool enterprise and will showcase mid-rotation machine thinning operation.
Speakers
- Bob Gray, sheep and wool farmer, will share his experiences establishing a hardwood agroforestry system in wet, steep country and what he’s learned over 14 years.
- Callam Reynolds from Maffra and Districts Landcare Network will explain how farmers can apply for funding under the Victorian Trees on Farms Program.
Lunch will follow the presentations. Please register to RSVP.
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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