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Thursday 2 April 2026
Managing pests and weeds from introduced fodder
If purchasing fodder to see the farm through to the autumn break, or build reserves coming into winter, don’t forget to consider the increased risks of introducing pests and weeds to the property.
There are key steps that farmers should follow to minimise the risk of introducing and spreading unwanted weeds and pests.
To minimise the risk of these weeds and pests establishing across your farm, make sure all purchased fodder is fed in a designated containment area, feedpad or sacrifice paddock that has been sited to mitigate risks.
Feeding out in restricted areas allows for better observation of any new plants germinating. It enables quick eradication and control of any weeds or pests that might emerge, therefore reducing the risk of these becoming established in the area.
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
The final round of the Partnerships Against Pests program close on 11 May.
The program helps farmers protect their crops, and livestock pasture from invasive pests, and improve the long-term health of their land.
Applicants can apply for grants of between $10,000 and $50,000 to deliver projects over a 12-month period.
The Bee Pest Blitz is on!
This April, make a bee-line for your hives to check for pests.
Surveillance is key to the early detection of new pests and provides the best chance for industries and governments to respond before pests become established and widespread.
Gippsland Irrigation Expo set to make a splash
The Gippsland Irrigation Expo is back for the first time since 2020.
Hosted by Agriculture Victoria, the Expo will return to the Sale Showgrounds on Wednesday 20 May, bringing the latest in irrigation technology, practical demonstrations and expert speakers.
Agriculture Victoria Irrigation Extension Officer Caelan McIntosh said the free event aims to connect farmers, industry experts, and technology providers to share knowledge and explore new ways to improve water efficiency and farm productivity,
‘It’s a great opportunity for our region to showcase innovation in irrigation and highlight how sustainable water management supports the future of Gippsland agriculture.’ he said.
Respected Gippsland dairy farmer Graeme Anderson, a longtime advocate for irrigation development in the district, said events like the Expo play an essential role in keeping the community connected and informed.
‘We should always try to work as an irrigation community. Bringing everyone together means we can share the best knowledge that’s available,’ he said.
Farm Drought Support Grants
Use a Farm Drought Support Grant to make on-farm infrastructure upgrades and improvements such as grain feeders, troughs, pasture restoration, stock containment areas, and more.
$5,000 as a co-contribution grant is available statewide.
Farmers from across the state have access to 2 Farm Advisory Service one-on-one consultations with a technical specialist.
Specialist consultants include agronomists, veterinarians, animal nutritionists, business advisors and farm planners, with expertise across dairy, beef, sheep and wool, horticulture and cropping.
For further drought support visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
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.
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
The Victorian Government has announced measures to support Victorian primary producers affected by the January 2026 bushfires.
You can check your eligibility via Rural Finance www.ruralfinance.com.au or call them on 1800 260 425 with any questions.
If you need help working through what support you can get or how to apply, the Rural Financial Counselling Service is available at Home - Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria - Gippsland
Maximising livestock profitability and herd performance
When: Thursday 16 April. 9:30 am –1:00 pm
Where: 47 McCartin Street, Leongatha
Discover practical, evidence‑based strategies to boost farm profitability through smarter livestock and pasture management in South Gippsland.
Join Mackinnon Project specialists John Webb Ware, Ben Ashton, Leah Tyrell and Georgie Champion de Crespigny as they share insights on:
- Self‑replacing vs trading beef and lamb systems to identify the most profitable system.
- Optimal calving timing for weaner and feeder production systems, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Hear the latest MLA PDS update on cattle gastrointestinal worms and liver fluke resistance, presenting practical biosecurity measures to prevent farm introduction.
- Optimising lamb reproductive performance and implementing best-practice heifer management strategies to strengthen herd fertility and structure.
- A cost-benefit analysis of fertiliser application amid rising fertiliser costs to enable informed investment decisions.
Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
This event is being delivered by Mackinnon Project - University of Melbourne on behalf of Agriculture Victora as part of the Victorian Government’s statewide Drought Support Package.
South Gippsland Biodiversity Forum
When: Thursday 23 April. 11 am – 1 pm
Where: Leongatha Memorial Hall, 6-8 McCartin St, Leongatha
South Gippsland Landcare Network (SGLN) is excited to announce the date for the inaugural South Gippsland Biodiversity Forum.
There is so much happening locally to protect our wildlife and native flora, from collaborative projects such as the Biodiversity Protection Plan and the Biolinks Map (currently being developed), through to on-ground activities.
SGLN will be sharing good news stories about the efforts and achievements of farmers, community members, local groups and organisations.
There will also be guest speakers and a panel discussion featuring participating partners, tackling the big questions about how we can work together to increase biodiversity in South Gippsland.
Attendees will also have the chance to share ideas about who else can get involved and to connect with others who share similar interests over a delicious free lunch.
Decisions that drive success
When: Tuesday 21 April. 8:45 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Bellevue on the Lakes, 201 Esplanade, Lakes Entrance
A powerful and practical 1-Day Group Workshop that equips participants to make the decisions necessary to navigate their farm business through critical seasonal challenges, change and crisis.
When: Wednesday 22 April. 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm
Where: Rosedale Pub, 29 Lyons Street, Rosedale
New to irrigation? Getting back into it? Want to get ahead of dry conditions? Whether you call yourself an irrigator or not - if you use water on your property to increase production and want to improve how you manage it, this night is for you.
Chat with local farmers, SRW, Agriculture Victoria and the WGCMA about:
- using water efficiently
- planning or upgrading irrigation
- rules, compliance and what to avoid
- incentives programs available now
Food will be provided, but the purchase of alcoholic beverages is on the onus of the individual.
For more information, please get in touch with Steph Veskoukis (Agriculture Victoria) at 0477 924 286 or
Jo Rule (WGCMA) at 0457 115 140.
Please register your attendance before the 20th of April.
Do you have a plan for your farming future?
When: 5, 12, 19 and 26 May. 9:30 am – 3 pm
Where: Gippsland Ag Centre, Bengworden
Gippsland landholders are invited to a workshop series designed to build on current management practices and support planning for future improvements.
Participants will meet every Tuesday in May to look at their:
- Farm layout
- Setting current and future goals
- Soils and land classing
- Soil fertility and nutrient budgeting
- Grazing and feed management
- Farm water supply planning
A free laminated property map will be provided as part of the course.
Morning tea and lunch provided.
Planning for the Seasons Ahead
When: Friday, 15 May. 9:30 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Wonthaggi (address upon registration)
A practical workshop helping farmers plan feed, water, finances to make confident decisions in changing conditions.
Join us for the Planning for the Seasons Ahead workshop, delivered in partnership with Bass Coast Landcare Network our event partner.
This practical, on-farm workshop is designed to support farmers to make confident, informed decisions in challenging seasonal conditions. The day will begin with a presentation from Leigh and Liz Crocker (Ion Group), followed by lunch, and then a session with Fiona Baker (Agriculture Victoria).
Topics will include feed and water budgeting, financial planning, and identifying key management triggers to help plan for the months ahead.
Lunch is provided, and registrations are essential.
Please bring a chair and a mug for the day.
Goat essentials workshop - Healesville
When: Friday 1 May, 1:30 pm – 5 pm
Where: Healesville - location sent out closer to event
This hands-on workshop will cover practical goat husbandry, including vaccinations, faecal egg counts, general bio-security and body condition scoring.
It will also explore electric fence options for goat grazing and containment.
Afternoon tea is provided.
Best Wool/Best Lamb and Better Beef conferences
When: 23 – 24 June
Where: The Goods Shed, Ballarat
After last year’s successful roadshow, the BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef conferences return to Ballarat.
There’ll be 2 full days of insights, innovations and practical take home messages for sheep and cattle producers across Victoria – and a combined industry dinner at the end of day 1.
Pop it in your diary now for June.
Stay tuned for more updates.
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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