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Thursday 28 August 2025
Drought support for south west farmers
Agriculture Victoria continues to support drought-affected farmers in south west Victoria with an ongoing program of events.
Stay up to date with what’s on at the calendar of events.
Find more information about the Victorian Government’s drought support at: www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
On-farm Kangaroo Control Rebate Program
Farmers who have livestock competing with kangaroos for fodder can apply for the On-Farm Kangaroo Control Rebate now.
Eligible farmers across the state can access up to 3 rebates of $450 each (ex-GST) with a 25% co-contribution.
Rebates are to be used to engage professional harvesters (authorised by the Game Management Authority) to control eastern and western grey kangaroos under an Authority To Control Wildlife.
Look over the farm gate event grants
The Look Over the Farm Gate grants help communities come together to promote social connection and support mental health and wellbeing during drought.
The program is coordinated by the National Centre for Farmer Health and is offering grants of up to $5,000 to help local organisations run events that bring together and support farmers, farming families and communities under stress.
To apply for a grant visit farmerhealth.org.au/look-over-the-farm-gate
Water quality testing during drought essential for food safety
Emily Scott, Engagement Officer Horticulture Standards, Maffra
Horticulture growers should take appropriate action to ensure that produce impacted by weather events or drought conditions is safe for consumption.
Weather events can include dust storms, floods, strong winds or rainfall.
These events can physically damage produce and/or contaminate it with dirt, chemicals or animal faeces carried by wind or water. It is recommended that growers keep records of key weather events that impact their farm, including rainfall records and periods of strong wind.
AgVic and VicPol working together for Victoria’s livestock producers
The National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) is Australia’s method for identifying and tracking of cattle, pigs, sheep and goats for disease control, food safety and market access purposes.
It uses an electronic ear tag or device, marking each animal with its own individual identification number.
Agriculture Victoria Livestock Traceability Manager Ben Fahy said all cattle, sheep, goats and pigs must be tagged with an NLIS-accredited tag, device or tattoo before leaving a property.
Jail time for animal cruelty charges
Mallee farmer Steven Ralston pleaded guilty to 14 charges under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, which included 9 charges of aggravated cruelty comprising of 128 animals, in the Bendigo Magistrates Court recently.
Mr Ralston was sentenced to a 6-month immediate term of imprisonment for the cruelty offences and further fined $10,000 for failing to comply with 3 notices issued by Agriculture Victoria officers.
At the time of offending, Steven Ralston was the owner and person in charge of approximately 2400 sheep located on properties in the Chinkapook region while living in Corack, approximately 120 kilometres away.
The Chinkapook properties were made up of 7 separate parcels of land, allocated to 5 paddocks, totalling approximately 3038 acres.
Chemical residue exposure risk to stock
With the dry conditions and paddocks looking a bit bare, it’s only natural to start eyeing those unused corners of your property.
Perhaps it’s the area around the old shed, the house paddock that hasn’t seen stock in years or even that overgrown tree plantation.
Some might even be thinking about letting cattle into places like an old dip site or the farm rubbish tip.
Agriculture Victoria veterinary officer Dr Lydia Nicholson said before farmers swing open the gate, it’s worth taking a moment to consider what might be lurking in these spots and whether they’re really safe for grazing.
Ag Vic Talk season 10 - Farm Safety First: Tackling Fatigue, with Simon Craig
In this Farming Safe and Well episode, Simon Craig discusses the critical issue of fatigue in farming.
He shares his journey managing a broad-acre grain and sheep farm in Kulinong, Northwestern Victoria, and the steps he has taken to reduce fatigue related risks on his property.
Simon highlights the importance of recognising fatigue signs, implementing training sessions for seasonal workers, and creating a culture of safety and well-being.
By hiring additional staff and managing shifts effectively, Simon has seen increased productivity and a better work-life balance.
🎧Listen now to learn how you can create a safer and more efficient farm.
In case you missed it 📰
What's On
Details about these events and more can be found on our website.
Show me the money! VicNoTill Healthy, Wealthy, Farming conference 2025
When: 2-3 September
Where: Rich River Golf Club, Moama
Conference and field day
VicNoTill farmers are passionate about better farming systems which connect soil, human, economic and environmental health. We know from experience that when it comes to growing more nutrient-rich food for today’s and future generations, you can’t be green if you’re in the red.
Speakers from finance, nutrition and farming.
BOOKINGS: www.trybooking.com/DAUKA
2025 Wimmera Biodiversity Seminar: Creatures of the Night
When: Thursday 4 September, 12:30-9 pm
Where: 208 Golf Course Road, Dimboola
The Wimmera Biodiversity Seminar is back for its 28th edition with the theme 'Creatures of the Night'.
Meet in Dimboola for an informative day ranging from glow in the dark fungi to the night's fascinating critters.
The seminar includes an afternoon session, an evening tour, and an optional dinner.
Keynote speaker is Lindy Lumsden from the Arthur Rylah Institute. Lindy has been conducting ecological research on insectivorous bats for over 40 years. The focus of her research is to understand more about both threatened and non-threatened species, to improve their management and conservation.
Soil probe secrets to success
When: Tuesday 9 September, 5:45-8:30 pm
Where: Natimuk Hotel, 65 Main Street, Natimuk
Join local farmers and advisers for a dinner event exploring the soil moisture probe network in the Wimmera. Discover how the data can support better crop and pasture decisions this spring.
Presenters:
- Dale Boyd, Agriculture Victoria. Dale will provide a seasonal update and present some of the ‘bigger wins’ for Wimmera farmers making the most of the soil moisture probe network.
- Tim Powell, Integrated Irrigation, Tim will showcase the features of the BushLinx® range of sensor monitoring IOT devices and software that have been rolled out to farmers through the Wimmera CMA.
- Alexander McRae. Xander, a Wallup farmer, will share how he has used soil probes and weather forecasts to make tactical decisions such as cutting crops for hay and nitrogen timing and rate.
For further information, contact Felicity Pritchard on 0448 146 604.
VFF Stock Sense: Goat diseases and nutrition webinar series
Date and time: Wednesday 3 September from 6-7:30 pm
Session 1 - Goat nutrition essentials for small landholders after a dry winter with Jess Revell (Rumenate Livestock Services).
Session 2 - Managing Victoria's most common goat diseases - identification, prevention and treatment with Berwyn Squire from Agriculture Victoria.
Perennial Pasture Systems annual conference
When: 9 September, 8 am - 5 pm
Where: Ararat Town Hall, corner Barkly and Vincent Streets, Ararat
This year's conference theme of 'Taking Stock' is focusing on where our region’s farms are at after a period of low sheep and wool prices followed by very dry conditions. PPS is also looking at the effect of the PPS project on farm resilience to help get through these tough times.
PPS is also looking forward to seeing how members can position themselves to take advantage of changing circumstances in the foreseeable future.
Virtual drought smokos with Dr Jillian Kelly – 23 September
When: Tuesday 9 and 23 September
Time: 9-10 am
Drought smokos are an hour a fortnight to get away from the paddock and catch up with a group of farmers who are all in the same boat!
We will talk about the science of feeding, how much, which commodities, pros and cons, cost, different options, trigger points and planning.
Dr Jillian Kelly is a vet and nutritionist from Coonamble, in north-west NSW. She ran drought smokos every fortnight through the 2018–20 drought and it made a difference to hundreds of farmers and thousands of livestock.
Australasian Seed Science Conference 2025
When: 22 - 25 September
Where: Horsham
ASSC 2025 offers a platform to explore cutting-edge research, share new technologies, and exchange ideas on common scientific, legal, and policy challenges in seed conservation and use.
The program will feature diverse topics including:
- Revitalisation of traditional food systems through Indigenous leadership
- Policy frameworks enabling access to, and sustainable use of, plant genetic resources
- Advances in germinating and conserving hard-to-propagate species
- The role of genomics and digital tools in climate adaptation and crop recovery.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and lead - and be part of seeding innovation for a more resilient future.
Hamilton - Farm Safety Day
Farm safe and strong - Practical tips for improving safety on the land
When: Friday 3 October, 9 am - 1:30 pm
Where: Hamilton SmartFarm, 915 Napier Road, Hamilton
Join us for a hands-on event dedicated to improving safety and well-being in agriculture – and especially during challenging times. Through expert-led demonstrations and practical advice, attendees will learn safer methods for cattle handling including loading and unloading cattle, preventing Q fever and needle stick injuries.
Whether you’re managing or working on a family farm or a large property, or you are a student in agriculture, this event offers valuable insights and tools to protect your livelihood, your team, and yourself. Come away informed, connected and better equipped for a safer future on the land.
GRDC events
3 September, 1-1:35 pm GRDC Grains Research Update, online – Legacy effects of vetch, plus a hay market update
23 September, 9 am - 3 pm GRDC Harvester Set Up Workshop – Horsham
Visit grdc.com.au/events to learn more.
Birchip Cropping Group events
When: 5 September, 5-11 pm
Where: The Logan Pub, 6742 Wimmera Highway, Logan
When: 12 September, 5-6 pm
Where: Hopetoun Recreation Reserve, Strachan Street, Hopetoun
Farmers night off – Logan and Hopetoun
Join us for a free, in-person session designed to support individuals and farm businesses navigating challenging times. This event brings together practical business advice, financial support options and wellbeing strategies – all aimed at building resilience.
Topics
- Business advice and grant guidance from Richard Bales (Dundee Swanwater Consulting)
- Mental health strategies with Warren Davies, The Unbreakable Farmer
- Support from East Wimmera Health Service, Rural Financial Counselling Service, and Authentic Conversations
- Farmer-to-farmer networking
Free food – and drinks at bar prices. Please register before Monday 8 September for catering requirements.
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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