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Thursday 22 October 2026
Stay ahead of flystrike
Lee Manning, District Veterinary Officer
With spring conditions now well established, sheep producers are encouraged to review their flystrike prevention plans.
Flystrike remains one of the most significant animal welfare and production challenges facing the sheep industry.
The condition can reduce productivity, increase labour and treatment costs and, in severe cases, result in sheep deaths.
Early planning can reduce the risk of flystrike and help producers avoid costly interventions later in the season.
Are your bulls ready for joining?
Darren Hickey, Project Leader BetterBeef Network
With spring calving well underway, it won’t be long before the bulls are back to work. Now is the time to make sure your bull team is healthy, sound and ready for joining.
Why pre-joining checks matter
Bulls may look fit and healthy but could still underperform during joining leaving you with lower than expected pregnancy rates. Problems can be identified during a pre-joining check, but without one they may not become apparent until pregnancy scanning or even calving.
Healthy, fertile bulls are key to achieving a tight calving window — ideally with 65% of calves born in the first 3 weeks, 20% in the next 3, and the remaining calves in the final 3 weeks. With cows cycling every 21 days, joining for 63 days will provide 3 exposures/ cycles to the bull. This compact calving pattern produces a more even line of calves, making them easier to manage, grow out and market.
Applications sought for key livestock and biosecurity advisory roles
Agriculture Victoria is calling for expressions of interest from people with skills, experience and industry knowledge to serve on 4 statutory ministerial advisory committees that support Victoria's cattle, sheep, goat, swine and honey bee industries.
Applications are now open for chair and member positions on the:
- Apicultural Industry Advisory Committee
- Swine Industry Projects Advisory Committee
- Cattle Compensation Advisory Committee
- Sheep and Goat Compensation Advisory Committee
The committees provide independent advice to the Minister for Agriculture on compensation matters and investments that support animal health, biosecurity, industry development and market access outcomes for Victorian livestock industries.
Victorian landholders urged to act now before serrated tussock sets seed
The Victorian Serrated Tussock Working Party (VSTWP) is urging landholders across Victoria to take action against serrated tussock before the invasive weed enters its annual seeding period, warning that early intervention is critical to preventing further spread.
With Serrated tussock typically flowering and setting seed during late spring and early summer, October and November provide an important opportunity for landholders to identify infestations, undertake control works and remove developing seed heads before they mature and disperse.
Serrated tussock (Nassella trichotoma) is one of Victoria's most damaging agricultural weeds, reducing pasture productivity, threatening native biodiversity and creating significant long-term management costs for landholders.
VSTWP Chair Lance Jennison said the coming weeks represent a crucial window for controlling infestations before they contribute to the existing seed bank.
'Every serrated tussock plant that is allowed to set seed has the potential to create problems for years to come. A single mature plant can produce tens of thousands of seeds, which can be carried considerable distances by wind,' Mr Jennison said.
'Now is the time for landholders to inspect their paddocks, roadsides and property boundaries, identify serrated tussock plants and take action before those seed heads mature.'
The VSTWP is particularly encouraging landholders to prioritise the removal of seed heads from isolated plants and smaller infestations, where preventing seed production can make a significant difference to long-term control efforts.
Where seed heads have already developed, they should be carefully removed and securely bagged to prevent seed dispersal. Landholders should also consider appropriate herbicide treatments, manual removal and longer-term pasture management strategies.
'Removing seed heads before they release viable seed is an important preventative measure, particularly where immediate treatment of the entire infestation isn't possible,' Mr Jennison said.
'However, removing seed heads alone won't kill the plant. Landholders need to follow up with effective control measures to prevent regrowth and future seed production.'
The VSTWP also reminds landholders that serrated tussock can be difficult to identify among native grasses, particularly before its distinctive, purple-tinged flowering heads develop and mature into golden-coloured seed heads.
Maintaining competitive, healthy pastures and regularly monitoring previously treated areas are essential components of successful long-term management.
'Managing serrated tussock is a shared responsibility. When one property allows plants to set seed, neighbouring properties and surrounding landscapes can be affected,' Mr Jennison said.
'We encourage everyone to be proactive this spring. A little effort now can prevent much larger infestations and considerable expense in the future.'
Victorian dairy farmers rebound in milestone year
Victoria’s dairy farmers are enjoying a welcome turnaround, with a new report showing improved returns and growing confidence after a challenging season.
Minister for Agriculture Michaela Settle recently released the 2025–26 Victorian Dairy Farm Monitor Project Annual Report, marking 20 years of the project.
Delivered by Agriculture Victoria and Dairy Australia, the project tracks 90 dairy farms across northern Victoria, south west Victoria and Gippsland.
Farm fire preparedness: what’s in your emergency kit?
It’s never too early to check your emergency kit.
Staying to defend your property or preparing to shelter in place can be extremely dangerous when a bushfire is on the way.
Make sure you have an emergency kit ready with:
- protective clothing, boots and work gloves
- smoke masks and eye protection
- pure wool blankets or fire blankets
- spare batteries and chargers
- water.
To download the full checklist, visit: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/emergency-management/bushfires/fire-toolkit#h2-6
Request a hard copy of the farm Fire Preparedness Toolkit by emailing recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Locust response – current situation
Thanks to all the farmers and landholders who have been busy preparing for locust management this spring.
Surveillance from our teams and landholders means we know locusts are forming bands near Meringur, south-east of Werrimull, and along the Mallee Highway between Underbool and Murrayville.
Farmers have been telling us they’ve been spraying their land as a result – and we’re continuing our surveillance in the area and other high-risk parts of the Mallee and Wimmera.
Hatching is ongoing, and we’re seeing locusts at different growth stages, which means landholders may notice activity over a longer period.
If you’re in these areas, check your properties, be ready to spray bands before they can fly using an approved product, and report activity at agriculture.vic.gov.au/reportlocusts
Apply now: 2027 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award
Could you be Victoria’s next AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award winner?
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.
Good biosecurity helps protect Victorian livestock
Livestock owners are encouraged to stay informed about H5 bird flu and maintain good farm biosecurity.
There have been no detections of H5 bird flu in poultry or other livestock in Australia.
H5 bird flu is present in wild birds in Victoria. The disease primarily affects birds and has not been detected in Australian livestock.
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).
You can explore confirmed events on our interactive map.
Your report helps us to understand the spread of H5 bird flu across the state. Accurate reports help us respond quickly where necessary.
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.
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
Victorian Regional Drought Resilience Planning phase 2 information session
When: Tuesday 27 October, 1–2 pm
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Please join us for an information session on Phase 2 of the Regional Drought Resilience Planning (RDRP) program, particularly the grant application process.
Attendees are encouraged to submit their specific questions using the meeting's Q&A function.
Wimmera Pulse Field Day
When: Wednesday 28 October, 9 am – 1 pm
Where: 75 Hemphills Road, Minyip
Cost: Free
The Wimmera Pulse Field Day is an annual regional showcase hosted by Agriculture Victoria and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). Gain practical insights into current research and how it can be used in on-farm decision making.
Topics will include:
- Pulse agronomy
- Pulse breeding
- Nutrition management
- Nitrogen fixation research.
The morning will conclude with a barbecue lunch and an opportunity to network with fellow agronomists, researchers and industry representatives.
This event is free however registrations are essential for catering purposes.
Free emergency animal disease training for vets
Vets can build their emergency animal disease skills through our free, self-paced online case studies.
The practical, species-based modules cover cattle, pigs, sheep and goats, and help vets recognise, investigate and report suspected emergency animal diseases.
Find out more about available courses below.
Mental health first aid training
Elmhurst: Thursday 29 October, 9 am – 3 pm
Where: Elmhurst Bush Nursing Centre, 36 Green Street, Elmhurst
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.
Farm office efficiencies workshop – Colac
Colac: Tuesday 27 October, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Where: DEECA Office, 83-85 Gellibrand Street, Colac
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.
On-Farm Energy and Electrification Demonstration program: information session
When: Thursday 29 October, 1–2:30 pm
Where: Online
The On-Farm Energy and Electrification Demonstration (OFEED) Program aims to accelerate the uptake of proven and new-to-market energy technologies across Victoria’s agriculture sector, through industry-led demonstration projects.
Up to $5 million in grant funding is available to deliver the OFEED program. Grants of $200,000 to $750,000 are available for successful applicants to showcase energy technologies that can:
- improve on-farm energy efficiency
- reduce fuel, gas or energy consumption
- generate renewable energy
- provide energy storage on farm.
This webinar event will provide further details about the program guidelines, including eligibility, project expectations, eligible expenditure. co-funding and knowledge-sharing expectations.
Perennial Pasture Systems spring farm tour
When: Sunday 8 November, 10 am – 2 pm
Where: 1504 Amphitheatre Road, Mount Lonarch
Cost: Free
Join Perennial Pasture Systems for a farm tour at Howell Pastoral near Amphitheatre. Learn how the Howell family manages perennial pastures, finishes lambs and uses stock containment areas during dry conditions.
Scott, Liz and Daniel Howell run a Primeline sheep operation. They use perennial pastures and a feedlot to finish lambs. Their pastures include ryegrass, phalaris, sub-clover, plantain and chicory.
You will have time to tour the farm, ask questions and discuss how these approaches could work on your farm. Attendance is free, with lunch included. Bookings are essential for catering – please include any dietary requirements when registering.
This event is being delivered by Perennial Pasture Systems on behalf of Agriculture Victoria as part of the Victorian Government’s statewide Drought Support Package.
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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