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Thursday 2 July 2026
H5 bird flu update
This disease is not present in Victoria, but it’s a timely reminder to stay aware.
If you see sick or dead birds:
- AVOID contact
- RECORD what you see
- REPORT it to 1800 675 888 or via agriculture.vic.gov.au/reportdeadbirds
Report 5 or more dead birds anywhere in Victoria, or even 1 high risk species like marine mammals, seabirds, waterbirds, shorebirds or birds of prey.
Webinar: Understanding H5 bird flu
When: Thursday 2 July, 6 pm
Where: Online
Hear from Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer Graeme Cooke on H5N1 avian influenza.
The session will cover what it is, the current situation, animals at risk and the potential impacts for producers.
It will also include Victoria’s response and practical biosecurity measures producers can take to help protect their animals and property.
Preparing for flooding
Farm conditions can change quickly during wet weather, and a little planning now can make a big difference if flooding occurs.
Taking time to review your flood plan can help you protect livestock, machinery, fodder and important records.
Knowing where you'll move animals, how you'll access feed and water, and who to contact in an emergency can help you act confidently and quickly if conditions change.
Stay informed about flood warnings on the VicEmergency app or website.
If you need emergency assistance, contact VICSES on 132 500.
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.
Applications can be made at ruralfinance.com.au/grants
Mike Gooey appointed inaugural Safe Food Victoria CEO
Pictured: Mike Gooey is the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of Safe Food Victoria
The Safe Food Victoria board has appointed Mike Gooey as its inaugural Chief Executive Officer following a competitive recruitment process.
Mr. Gooey brings over 20 years of agricultural and regional public sector experience to the position, including across food safety, regulation and economic development.
Previously working as the Executive Director - Local Government Victoria for the last five years, Mr Gooey commenced in the role on 1 July, the day that Safe Food Victoria commenced operations.
Safe Food Victoria up and running
Victoria’s new streamlined food regulator Safe Food Victoria will cut red tape, making it easier to get fresh food to families.
Minister for Agriculture Michaela Settle visited Meredith Dairy with Safe Food Victoria Chair Luke Wilson and CEO Mike Gooey to mark the start of operations.
The business is 1 of 12,000 regulated food producers set to benefit from the new regulator.
Planting more trees on farms
Landholders across Victoria are being supported to integrate more trees into their farming systems, following an extension of the Victorian Trees on Farms (VToF) Program.
The program and Professional Service Provider Register has been extended to 1 November 2026, giving eligible landholders more time to apply for grants to establish trees on their properties.
Through the Victorian Trees on Farms Program, landholders can access grants of up to $40,000 to deliver on-ground works such as shelterbelts, riparian planting and revegetation projects.
The program supports farmers to improve productivity and build resilience, while delivering environmental benefits including better soil health, reduced erosion, increased carbon sequestration and enhanced biodiversity.
Keeping puppy protection laws up to date
The Victorian Government is reviewing Victoria's dog breeding laws to ensure sure they continue to protect animal welfare.
Victorians love their pets and expect them to come from responsible breeders.
That’s why we’re reviewing the Domestic Animals Act 1994 to make sure our laws continue to reflect public expectations and uphold high standards of animal care.
Now is a good time to start monitoring dams
Clem Sturmfels, Land Management Extension Officer
With patchy rainfall across the state and the forecast of a drier spring, now is an ideal time to start monitoring dam water levels.
Over recent years stock water has become a scarce commodity across many parts of the state, significantly impacting carrying capacity over drier months.
Taking stock of dam water levels and pasture growth over the next few months will greatly assist farmers in calculating potential carrying capacity.
Drought Hardship Loans
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 information can be found here: drought.gov.au
A feed and a yarn events
When: Friday 3 July, 6 pm
Where: Korumburra Middle Hotel, 81 Commercial Street, Korumburra
When: Wednesday 8 July, 6 pm
Where: Bairnsdale RSL Club, 2 Forge Creek Road, Bairnsdale
When: Friday 10 July, 6 pm
Where: Orbost Club Hotel, 63 Nicholson Street, Orbost
Join us for a feed and a yarn, a chance to connect with fellow farmers and share experiences.
Explore practical ideas for on-farm challenges, whether it’s seasonal conditions, farm management, or simply a chat with people who understand.
Everyone is welcome! Numbers are limited so you must register to attend.
Time: Doors open 6 pm, Farmer panel 6:30 pm and meal 7 pm.
Meals will be provided. Drinks at bar prices.
Mini-technical workshop for nut growers
When: Wednesday 8 July, 1-3 pm
Where: 232 Dingley Dell Road, Thorpdale South
Cost: free
Chestnut, Walnut and Hazelnut growers are invited to attend practical mini-technical workshops focused on soil moisture assessment and irrigation decisions.
These small, orchard-based workshops will help growers better understand the active root zone, assess soil moisture in the field, and make more informed decisions about when to start irrigation.
The focus will be on simple, practical and low-cost ways to improve irrigation decisions. Workshop topics:
- How to assess soil moisture by hand-feel
- Where the active root zone is located
- How to identify the main wetted zone
- How to use tensiometers and other soil moisture tools
- How to compare instrument readings with field observations
- When to start irrigation
- Common irrigation issues (dry patches, over-watering, blocked emitters, uneven water distribution).
Registration is required as places are limited. To RSVP, please contact Guy Rischmueller - guy@risch.com.au or 0424 557 600.
Aboriginal business procurement information session
When: Thursday 30 July, 12-1 pm
Location: 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
Why you should attend
- understand how procurement supports the Victorian Government’s Pupangarli Marnmarnepu – Owning Our Future strategy
- learn how the strategy creates more opportunities for Aboriginal businesses
- get practical tips on working with Agriculture Victoria
Who should attend
- Aboriginal-owned businesses
- Traditional Owner Corporations
Be Work Ready – Jobs on Farms
When: Commencing Tuesday 4 August 9:30 am – 2:30 pm, running for 5 sessions, concluding Thursday 13 August
Where: Heyfield Community Resource Centre, 5 George Street, Heyfield
Looking to start a rewarding career in agriculture? Our locally focused training course is designed to help you gain the practical skills and confidence needed to step into jobs across a variety of ag-based sectors. With strong industry connections and support to make the first steps into employment, you’ll be better prepared to secure real job opportunities in your community.
- Local farm tours
- Meet industry representatives
- Support with resume writing and interview skills
- TAFE training pathways
and more...
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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