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Thursday 25 June 2026
H5 bird flu detection in Western Australia and South Australia
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 the online form
Report 5 or more dead birds anywhere in Victoria, or even one high-risk species like marine mammals, seabirds, waterbirds, shorebirds or birds of prey.
Backing farmers with data to grow productivity
More farmers will have access to tools that will help grow more feed, improve productivity and manage costs.
Minister Settle recently attended the Best Wool/BestLamb and BetterBeef Conferences in Ballarat to announce a new $6 million partnership between Agriculture Victoria and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA).
Sheep and beef farmers can participate in the program through local workshops, producer networks and on farm trials, helping them use farm data to make informed decisions.
Farmers will have better access to trusted advisors who understand local conditions, can offer clear, practical guidance and help reach farmers who may not currently participate in industry programs.
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
Vet talk - why roughage is needed over winter
With the ongoing challenges of drought – including higher prices and the need for other feed supplements – you could be thinking about how and why to feed roughage over winter.
Roughage may be needed this winter for any of the following reasons:
- Even though some roughage may be left uneaten, for digestive function livestock require a minimum amount of fibre and long roughage to maintain their digestive systems. This is sometimes known as the ‘scratch factor’ and stimulates rumination (cud chewing).
- If feeding grain or pellets with too little roughage, acidosis or grain poisoning can occur.
- As we move further into winter, hay may be needed to reduce grass tetany risks and allow a way of administering Causmag.
Trees on farms utilisation program now open
Applications are now open for the Trees on Farms Utilisation Program.
Eligible Victorian landowners can receive a free expert assessment of their timber plantations, including tailored management advice and potential market pathways.
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
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.
Seen something? Say something to protect our grains
Image: supplied by DAFF.
Jim Moran – Leading Biosecurity Officer Plants Grains Biosecurity
Everyone connected to agriculture plays a critical role in protecting Australia’s cropping systems.
Grain growers, agronomists, transport operators and rural communities are our first line of defence against exotic pests, weeds and diseases and should remain vigilant and report anything unusual.
We urge you to have a good look for anything unusual during your regular ‘drive by’ and in-paddock crop assessments. Check around equipment and structures and even while opening packages delivered by mail especially spare parts from overseas.
If you see something unusual in a crop, in or around storage facilities, on machinery, or even in imported packaging - report it immediately so that it can be identified. Don’t stay silent.
Webinar recording: pasture research update
Missed our recent Emissions in Agriculture Community of Practice meeting? You can now catch the full recording.
Hear from Agriculture Victoria researchers Kevin Smith and Dr Anna Thomson as they share insights from 2 exciting pasture projects:
MultiMix Project
Testing diverse mixes of grasses, legumes and herbs to build more climate-resilient pastures—boosting sheep productivity while reducing methane emissions and fertiliser reliance.
Resilient Forages
Exploring nutrient-dense, diverse forage systems to support productive, profitable dairy farms under climate and cost pressures.
Watch the recording: https://tinyurl.com/2prrbn9w Passcode: 170626
WorkSafe Awards entries close 30 June
There's less than a week left to enter the Agriculture Safety Solution category in the WorkSafe Awards.
Entries close Tuesday 30 June.
The Agriculture Safety Solution award recognises Victorian farmers, workers and farming businesses implementing practical safety solutions that help everyone return home safely to their families and communities.
A feed and a yarn events
When: Wednesday 1 July, 6 pm
Where: Welshpool Hotel, 21/23 Main Street, Welshpool
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.
Aboriginal business procurement information session
Date and time: Thursday 30 July from 12-1 pm
Location: online and 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
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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