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Thursday 10 September 2026
Locust response preparedness takes flight in north west
Agriculture Victoria is stepping up support for landholders and managers to prepare for higher-than-normal locust numbers in the state’s north-west over coming weeks.
An Incident Management Team has been established and spring surveillance has begun in the Mallee, initially to confirm the locations of egg beds where earlier egg laying activity was recorded.
Surveillance is focusing on 7 priority local government areas, based on forecasts showing a moderate to high chance of high locust numbers in the Mallee and a low to moderate chance of high locust numbers in the Wimmera.
Incident Controller Melissa Cann said priority areas were determined through surveys in May, following reports of high locust activity driven by favourable weather conditions for breeding.
‘The May surveillance, undertaken with the Australian Plague Locust Commission, provided the data to inform the likely spring risk and direct where response efforts should be focused.
‘Agriculture Victoria has established the Incident Management Team as the coordinating agency to ensure information and support is provided to all land managers, who are responsible for surveying and spraying on their land.
‘We are encouraging landholders and managers to join surveying efforts over the coming weeks, report sightings of locusts, which will refine priority areas and timing for spraying.
‘Spraying will be most effective around 2 weeks after hatching, when young locusts are on the ground and banding together but not yet flying.
‘It’s difficult to predict the exact hatching times but based on forecasting data and surveys from earlier in the year, we expect it to start in the northern Mallee from mid to late this month, and slightly later in the Wimmera,’ Ms Cann said.
Agriculture Victoria will support private landholders, councils and public land managers throughout September and October by conducting surveillance and collecting public reports, and identifying when and where locust management activities, such as ground spraying, should be implemented.
‘Locusts can cause serious damage to pasture, crops and horticulture, also impacting road users, so effective treatment is essential.
‘Early reporting helps support accurate advice to landholders and managers, and leads to a reduced risk of widespread impacts,’ Ms Cann said.
To report locust activity, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/locusts. You can also report locust activity to the Customer Service Centre on 136 186.
Priority local government areas include Mildura, Swan Hill, Gannawarra, Buloke, West Wimmera, Yarriambiack, Hindmarsh.
Agriculture Victoria has identified several new infestations of serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma) in Ballarat and surrounding areas.
Leading Biosecurity Officer Josh Howard said when any new infestations are detected it’s important the community stay vigilant and control sightings.
‘Serrated tussock is a declared noxious weed in Victoria and poses a significant threat to western Victoria’s valuable grazing land, as it is highly invasive and unpalatable to stock,' he said.
‘It can spread by seed dispersal aided by wind and the movement of vehicles, machinery, livestock, fodder, soil, and clothing.'
Dr Jeff Cave, senior veterinary officer, Northern Region
Livestock producers are being urged to remain vigilant for bloat in cattle as spring growth accelerates across the region.
The condition is most commonly seen when cattle rapidly consume lush, immature legume-dominant pastures such as clover and lucerne.
While bloat can occur on any pasture, it is far less common where grasses dominate.
Bloat develops when fermentation in the rumen produces gas that becomes trapped as foam rather than being released through normal belching.
Fox bait misuse results in charges
A property owner from Buffalo has been charged at the Wonthaggi Magistrates Court in relation to the misuse of 1080 fox baits.
Roger Davis was charged and convicted of multiple offences and ordered to donate $3,000 to the RSPCA after he was found to have incorrectly used the regulated chemical on his property.
Agriculture Victoria Program Manager Daniel Bode said the accused did not hold the appropriate authorisation for the use of 1080 in Victoria.
‘1080 fox baits must be used according to the product label and the Directions for the Use of 1080 and PAPP Pest Animal Bait Products in Victoria.
Out now: September 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
H5 bird flu update
H5 bird flu is present in wild birds in Victoria. Bird flu cannot be controlled in the wild.
From 20 August, bird flu reporting in Victoria has changed to align with the national reporting framework.
We now report H5 bird flu events, rather than individual detections. The new number of positive events captures all previously reported individual confirmed detections.
You can explore confirmed events on our interactive map.
Please 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).
Your report helps us to understand the spread of H5 bird flu across the state. Accurate reports help us respond quickly where necessary.
Plan now for the fire season
A farm map is a useful tool when it comes to developing your fire preparedness plan – and it may prove vital in the case of fire.
Use it to highlight where your critical assets are, including:
- assembly areas and evacuation/exit points
- farm gates and internal fences
- water sources, water tanks and pumps
- stock refuge areas and stock yards
- stock disposal sites
- vegetation.
Share it with family and employees.
For more tips on developing a farm map – either online or on paper – get your copy of the Fire Preparedness Toolkit:
Download it at https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/emergency-management/bushfires/fire-toolkit
Request a hard copy by emailing recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Kangaroo population survey
DEECA's biennial kangaroo population surveys are happening 5 to 30 September across Victoria.
The surveys are done from the air so helicopters will be flying at low altitudes and slow speeds to count kangaroos. Flights are carefully planned to avoid houses and livestock.
These surveys improve our understanding of Victoria's kangaroo population and help inform wildlife management decisions.
For further information, call 131 186.
Bushfire information
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
Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Grants and Concessional Loans
Has your farm been impacted by bushfires?
The Victorian Government has 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. A full list of eligible activities is included in the program guidelines.
When applying for a grant or loan, it’s important that you don’t self-assess and if you’re unsure of your eligibility, contact Rural Finance with any questions.
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.
Drought Support Package
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:
- Farm Drought Support Grants
- Farm Advisory Service - 1:1 consultations
- Look Over the Farm Gate grants
- Rural Financial Counselling Service Wellbeing Counsellors
Household Financial Relief Payments for south west Victorian farmers.
To view the full range of financial, technical and wellbeing support available, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or phone 136 186.
Support for farmers and workers in the south west
Drought impacted farming families and workers in the south west are encouraged to access financial support to ease cost-of-living pressures caused by prolonged drought conditions.
Up to $1,000 is available for farmers, farm employees and farm dependent contractors in 11 south west local government areas and parts of the West Wimmera Shire through Household Financial Relief Payments coordinated by the Country Women's Association (CWA).
Support through prolonged drought: Drought Hardship Loan
Pictured: RIC Drought Hardship Loans are available for farm businesses that have managed through at least 24 months of drought and expect further impacts.
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: drought.gov.au
Mental health first aid training
Lake Bolac: Monday 14 and Tuesday 15 September, 9 am – 3 pm
Where: Lake Bolac Bush Nursing Centre, 155 Montgomery Street, Lake Bolac
Woomelang: Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 September, 9 am – 3 pm
Where: Woomelang and District Bush Nursing Centre, 16 Proctor Street, Woomelang
Harrow: Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 September, 9 am – 3 pm
Where: Bush Nursing Centre, 24 Blair Street, Harrow
Balmoral: Thursday 1 and 2 October, 9 am – 3 pm
Where: Bush Nursing Centre, 26-28 Bell Street, Balmoral
Cost: Free
Do you know how to safely respond when someone says they are struggling?
This free course equips participants with skills to recognise and safely respond to mental health concerns. Participants will receive an accredited Certificate of Completion upon meeting requirements.
Mental health first aid is the help you give to someone developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis. This Mental Health First Aid International course will teach you the resources and competence to safely provide support.
Morning tea and lunch provided.
Profitable and resilient farms – Lake Bolac
When: Wednesday 16 September, 9 am – 4 pm
Where: Lake Bolac Golf Club, Lake Bolac Complex Road, Lake Bolac
Cost: Free
This one-day workshop will help Victorian farmers make clear and confident decisions during dry and changing seasonal conditions.
Based on RCS Management principles from the Grazing for Profit school, the workshop focuses on the challenges facing your region. It looks at the practical decisions that affect farm performance, business resilience and wellbeing.
You will learn how to:
- assess feed and pasture availability
- understand the relationship between stocking rates and carrying capacity
- identify financial pressure points
- set clear decision triggers before conditions become more difficult
- make timely decisions to protect land condition and farm cash flow.
The workshop focuses on practical application. You will learn what to look for, what it means and what action to take next.
Wimmera Faba Bean Crop Walk
When: Tuesday 6 October, 8–10 am
Where: Smiley Meyer's, Polkemmet East School Road (north of Polkemmet Road),
Vectis
Cost: Free
Come along to the final crop walk in a 3-year GRDC NGN investment exploring ways to grow more consistent beans in the Wimmera. This crop walk moves to a new demonstration site, with paddock-scale strip trials testing fungicide and trace element strategies for disease and nutrition management.
Facilitated by Matthew Sparke, Sparke Agricultural & Associates, with expertise from:
- Dr Jason Brand, Director, Gem Agronomy
- Dr Josh Fanning, Research Leader, Plant Pathology, Agriculture Victoria
- Stuart Ockerby, Territory Manager, South Eastern Australia, Seednet.
We'll discuss: Disease management, nutrition & trace element performance, soil amelioration, yield potential for the season, new varieties FBA Barmah (PBR) & FBA Coorong (PBR).
Your legacy, their future: success with succession planning – Elmhurst
When: Tuesday 6 October, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Elmhurst Golf Club, Golf Course Road, Elmhurst
Cost: Free
Join this 1-day workshop in Elmhurst to learn how to plan for the future of your farm business.
The workshop is presented by Dr Kate Burke, an independent consultant who works with farm families on business planning and succession. Kate has extensive experience helping people identify what matters most to them and plan for the future.
During the workshop, Kate will help participants:
- understand the key factors that support successful farm succession
- identify common challenges and how to avoid them
- discuss ways to keep the farm business strong and viable
- explore how to support family relationships through the succession process
- plan for the long-term future of the farm and the people involved.
This workshop is suitable for farm business owners and family members who want to start thinking about succession or are already planning for a transition.
Farm office efficiencies workshops
Colac: Tuesday 27 October, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Where: DEECA Office, 83-85 Gellibrand Street, Colac
Skipton: Wednesday 28 October, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Skipton Golf and Bowls Club, Geelong Road, Skipton
Goroke: Thursday 29 October, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Goroke Community Complex, 85 Main Street, Goroke
Cost: Free
This workshop will help you improve your farm office systems and make better use of your accounting software. Bring your laptop and work through practical examples using your own records or a demonstration program. This workshop covers accounting software skills, including:
- emailing invoices
- attaching statements to line items
- using Hubdoc and Dext
- processing batch payments
- using rules and knowing when they are appropriate
- reconciling accounts
- tracking inventory such as fuel, grain and livestock
- creating and using custom reports.
You will also learn practical ways to better manage emails, receipts, paper records and cloud-based storage.
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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