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Thursday 15 October 2026
H5 bird flu – current situation
If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife, do not touch them.
Avoid direct contact.
Record what you see.
Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or using the online form.
Report clusters of 5 or more sick or dead wild birds of any species, anywhere in Victoria.
Report even 1 sick or dead:
- wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey
- marine mammal (e.g. seal, dolphin).
H5 bird flu information sessions
Would you like to know more about H5 bird flu in East Gippsland?
We're holding two community information events where you can meet DEECA staff, hear the latest updates on the H5 response, and ask questions about what bird flu means for your local area.
Mallacoota: Tuesday 20 October, 1–2:30 pm
Where: Mallacoota Community Club Rooms, 6 Greer St, Mallacoota
Marlo: Wednesday 21 October, 11 am – 1 pm
Where: Triangle Park Playground, corner of Argyle Parade and Marlo Road, Marlo
Gippsland irrigators encouraged to join GINetwork
A new farmer network led by Agriculture Victoria is open to irrigators across Gippsland to share knowledge, experience and gain practical solutions to common issues.
Agriculture Victoria Irrigation Extension Officer, Stephanie Veskoukis, said the Gippsland Irrigator Network (GIN) recognises that some of the most valuable learning happens through conversations with peers.
‘We know it’s important for producers to get together with peers who have faced similar challenges, tested new ideas, and developed practical solutions on their own farms.’
Plan now for the fire season
By Rural Assistance Commissioner, Peter Tuohey
With the outlook for an increased fire risk across parts of Victoria, farmers should be planning now for the upcoming season – and there is lots of information available to assist them.
Seasonal conditions to date have supported average to above average crop and pasture growth increasing vegetation on farmland across large areas of the state.
As we know, bushfire risk depends on many factors including weather and climate, fuel amount and availability, vegetation types, recent fire, and disturbance history.
With this in mind, farmers and rural landholders should be working now to manage the risk of bushfire on their properties.
Biosecurity plans now essential for LPA accreditation
By Richard Smith, Agriculture Victoria Dairy Industry Development Officer
Recent changes to the Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) program mean producers seeking accreditation or reaccreditation must now upload or create an On-farm Biosecurity Management Plan for each property linked to their LPA account.
A biosecurity management plan is a practical way to show how you are preventing pests, diseases, weeds and contaminants from entering your property and from spreading around or leaving your property.
Webinar recording: Managing your on-farm biosecurity
On-farm biosecurity management is a mandatory requirement of the Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) program. It helps protect individual producers, strengthens Australia’s red meat supply chain and supports ongoing access to global markets.
Effective biosecurity management requires producers to take reasonable steps to prevent, control and minimise the spread of infectious diseases, pests and weeds.
If you missed Integrity Systems' recent Biosecurity webinar which provided an overview of on-farm biosecurity requirements and practical guidance to help producers manage biosecurity risks and a demonstration of how to create or upload an on-farm biosecurity management plan within LPA accounts. Click the link below.
Out now: October Very Fast Break
The Very Fast Break seasonal climate update video clip for September is now available.
We love to receive your feedback. If you have comments, questions or feedback, please contact Dale Grey at the.break@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Support is available for farmers in fire recovery
Farmers impacted by the January 2026 bushfires: applications for financial support close Wednesday 21 October.
- 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 experienced major asset damage or loss of income.
Applications can be made at ruralfinance.com.au/grants
Learn.Irrigate.Grow
West Gippsland CMA is looking for local irrigators who would like to explore new technologies, management practices or innovative approaches on their farm.
Participants receive financial and extension support to trial ideas, monitor outcomes and share learnings with the broader irrigation community.
The program is a partnership between West Gippsland CMA, Agriculture Victoria and local irrigators.
Apply now: 2027 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award
On International Day of Rural Women, we’re celebrating the women driving change across rural and regional Victoria and encouraging applications for the 2027 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.
Could you be Victoria’s next AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award winner?
Through the Rural Women’s Network we work in partnership with AgriFutures Australia to support the Award in Victoria and help develop and celebrate women leading change across our rural and regional communities.
Earlier this year, Victorian veterinarian Dr Becky Dickinson was named the 2026 Victorian winner for her work supporting early-career veterinarians entering rural practice. Through Veterinary Support Services, Becky is helping build the skills, confidence and long-term retention of vets working in rural communities.
The Victorian winner receives a $15,000 grant to help grow the impact of their project, business or program, along with professional development opportunities and access to a national alumni network.
If you’re a Victorian woman with an established initiative making a difference in agriculture, rural industries or regional communities, now is the time to apply.
Applications close Wednesday 4 November 2026.
Drought support
As we move into the warmer months, support is still available for farmers across Victoria.
Manage current conditions, access practical advice and plan ahead with more confidence with:
Rural Financial Counselling Service Wellbeing Counsellors - free, confidential wellbeing support alongside its usual financial and business counselling support.
Drought support events – workshops and events across the state supporting farmers in drought and recovery.
To view the full range of financial, technical and wellbeing support available, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or phone 136 186.
Regional Drought Resilience Planning phase 2 implementation grants
The Regional Drought Resilience Planning program focuses on the planning and implementation of resilience and preparedness building action across 9 regions of
Victoria.
Phase 1 focused on developing Regional Drought Resilience Plans for the Barwon, Central Highlands, Gippsland, Goulburn, Great South Coast, Loddon Campaspe, Mallee, Ovens Murray and Wimmera Southern Mallee regions.
Phase 2 (2026-2029) will build on the momentum of Phase 1 with $13.95 million of Implementation Grants to deliver priority actions aligned with the Regional Drought
Resilience Plans.
Expressions of Interest are now open for Phase 2 Implementation Grants of up to $1.55 million per region and close 5 pm Monday 23 November.
Email enquiries: drought.support@agriculture.vic.gov.au
The RDRP program is funded by the Victorian Government and the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.
Is your farm business eligible for a RIC loan?
RIC low-interest loans support Australian farm businesses involved in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural (beekeeping) or aquacultural industries.
They have compiled an overview of the eligible industries on their website.
Before you apply, visit the website to check if your farm business is an eligible industry.
Chemical skill set training for beekeepers
Do you own 20 or more registered beehives? Using chemicals to manage Varroa mite?
Become accredited in safe chemical use through Melbourne Polytechnic.
When: 16 and 17 October, 9 am – 5 pm
Where: Melbourne Polytechnic, Fairfield campus
As part of this training program, you may be eligible to be reimbursed up to $200 for the cost of this course.
For more information, contact biosecurityservicescentre@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Managing the spring break
When: Wednesday 21 October, 6:30–8:30 pm
Where: The Courthouse Restaurant, 72 Smith St, Warragul
Come and enjoy a night off the farm. Join a farm consultancy presentation and farmer-led discussion focused on preparing for the spring season.
Hear practical insights on:
- knowing your numbers
- managing feed
- navigating the opportunities
- challenges that spring can bring to your business.
Connect with fellow farmers, share experiences, and take home ideas to help set your farm up for a successful season.
A delicious sit down dinner will be provided.
MLA PDS Updates webinar: Focus on weighty weaners
When: Thursday 22 October, 12 pm
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Are your weaners achieving their growth potential? Join Meat & Livestock Australia's next PDS Updates webinar and hear the latest findings from the ‘Focus on weighty weaners’ Producer Demonstration Site project.
The project is working with beef producers across East Gippsland to identify the key factors influencing post-weaning growth rates and demonstrate practical management strategies that support improved livestock performance.
GippsDairy industry update lunch – Morwell and Orbost
Morwell: Thursday 29 October, 12 – 2 pm
Where: Morwell Club, 136 Helen St, Morwell
Orbost: Thursday 12 November, 6:30–8:30 pm
Where: Orbost Football Club, Lochiel St, Orbost
Tom Youl, Dairy Australia
Tom will present Dairy Australia's latest Situation and Outlook Report, providing expert analysis and unbiased insights into current domestic and international dairy market trends, industry drivers, and what they mean for Victorian dairy farmers.
20 Years of Dairy Farm Monitor Project Insights
Natalie Nelson, Farm Business Economist, Agriculture Victoria
Natalie will share findings from the project's landmark 20th year, highlighting the key trends, challenges, and opportunities that have shaped Victorian dairy farming over the past 2 decades.
The DFMP provides comprehensive physical and financial analysis of approximately 250 dairy farms across Australia, representing a broad range of farm sizes, herd sizes, and geographical locations. The project supports decision-making and investment priorities for Dairy Australia, Agriculture Victoria, and other key industry stakeholders.
Natalie will also discuss:
- The challenges dairy farms faced during the 2024-26 period due to difficult weather conditions.
- The impact on home-grown feed consumption and fodder reserves.
- How some businesses have successfully rebuilt fodder reserves and strengthened resilience.
- Recent improvements in farm profitability, with average returns on assets approximately doubling between 2024/25 and 2025/26.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training – Cann River and Dargo
Who is this for?
- Individuals: Equip yourself with practical skills to recognise and safely respond to mental health concerns
- Businesses and Organisations: Supports organisations in meeting Psychosocial Hazards obligations under Australian WHS legislation
- Community groups and Clubs: Increased capability in providing support.
Includes:
- Official MHFA Manual to each participant
- MHFA Training by a Licenced Instructor
- MHFA Certificate of Completion upon meeting requirements.
9 am to 3 pm. Morning tea and lunch provided.
- Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 October – Cann River: Bush Nursing Centre, 27 Monaro Hwy, Cann River
- Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 November – Dargo: Bush Nursing Centre, 72 Lind Ave, Dargo.
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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