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Thursday 31 July 2025
Backing the heart of agriculture through grants
Victorian agricultural and pastoral societies will receive greater support from the Victorian Government to upgrade infrastructure and participate in regional shows.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently announced the opening of applications for this year’s Agricultural and Pastoral Society Grants Program, helping organisations with projects that encourage community involvement and promote Victoria’s rich agriculture industry.
The grants provide successful applicants with up to $10,000 to support infrastructure development and upgrades to celebrate Victoria’s agricultural communities, industries and produce.
The grants can be used to upgrade or establish new facilities, enhance public amenities, improve essential infrastructure, improve business management activities, biosecurity planning and promote reporting of livestock movements.
In previous rounds, the Rochester Agricultural Society received a grant worth $8,100 to purchase cattle fencing panels, and Wodonga Show Society Incorporated upgraded its amenities block at the local showgrounds with a $9,977 grant.
Agricultural and Pastoral Societies are community groups with a shared interest in agriculture, horticulture or livestock.
These groups can be found across rural and regional areas, dedicating their time to a wide range of roles in their communities, such as hosting events and fundraisers to support local priorities and agricultural activities.
With over 100 societies across the state, the grant program plays a significant role in regional Victoria’s vibrant calendar of events – building community spirit by celebrating agriculture in a fun, entertaining, educational and inclusive environment.
Applications for the latest round of grants close 12 September 2025.
For more information or to apply, please visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/support-and-resources/funds-grants-programs/agricultural-and-pastoral-society-grants
Farm drought support grants
The Victorian Government is providing practical support to farmers impacted by drought.
The Farm Drought Support Grants (formerly On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants) program is available to assist primary production businesses to implement on-farm infrastructure improvements and undertake essential business activities that improve drought.
Eligible farmers will receive up to $5,000 (ex-GST) as a co-contribution grant that will support activities including water infrastructure upgrades (such as pipes, tanks, troughs and dams), stock containment areas, and grain and fodder storage.
See the program guidelines for the full list of eligible activities.
For eligible farmers in south west Victoria, an additional $5,000 (ex-GST) top-up is available through the grant program, taking the total grant on offer up to $10,000 (ex-GST).
Feed budgeting help available
Help is available to develop feed budgets or assist with livestock feeding decisions – vital for maintaining the health of livestock while pastures start to recover following recent rain.
Any Victorian farmer can get help with feed budgeting by booking a one-on-one session with a specialist from our panel of farm advisors at https://go.vic.gov.au/452dHXb.
For practical tools and resources visit Agriculture Victoria’s Feeding Livestock website www.feedinglivestock.vic.gov.au or call 136 186.
Expressions of interest now open – Irrigation Efficiency Incentives for producers
Irrigators in the North East Catchment Management Authority (CMA) region and dryland areas of the Goulburn Broken CMA are invited to apply for financial incentives aimed at boosting irrigation efficiency and building resilience to climate change.
Eligible applicants can access up to $4,000 (ex GST) in funding, with a 50% co-contribution required. Incentives are available for:
- purchasing and installing irrigation scheduling equipment or tools
- contributing to weather stations that support irrigation industries
- developing an Irrigation Drainage and Environment Plan (IDEP).
This initiative is delivered by North East CMA in partnership with DEECA, Goulburn-Murray Water, and Agriculture Victoria.
Agriculture Victoria officers are available to provide technical advice, help assess individual needs, and support
applicants in shaping their proposals.
Key dates to remember:
- EOI deadline: 5 pm, 5 September 2025
- Submit EOIs to: incentives@necma.vic.gov.au
Sustainable Irrigation Grants (2025–27) for industry groups and community organisations
The North East Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is now inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from irrigation industry groups and community organisations across the North East CMA region.
These grants are designed to support irrigated agriculture and irrigation communities in adapting to variable water availability and climate change, with a focus on building resilience and productivity.
Grant overview
- Funding Available: $20,000–$35,000 (ex GST)
- Program: North East Sustainable Irrigation Program
- Purpose: Support climate adaptation planning and implementation for irrigated agriculture
Eligible activities
- on-ground works
- research and innovation
- capacity-building initiatives
- development of climate adaptation plans
- implementation of priority actions
- case studies and engagement events to share learnings regionally and statewide.
EOI Deadline: Midnight, 19 September 2025
Ag Vic Talk season 10
Embracing Diversity, Ensuring Safety with Catherine Velisha and Vy Pham
In this Farming Safe and Well episode, we hear from Catherine Velisha, Managing Director and Vy Pham, Production Manager at Velisha Farms about the world of cultural safety in the workplace.
Discover how Catherine and Vy are embracing diversity and ensuring safety for their multicultural workforce.
🎧 Listen now and learn how to create a workplace where everyone can thrive: go.vic.gov.au/4kTI6LK
Sheepvention – Women in Agriculture lunch
Sheepvention will be hosting the first Women in Agriculture luncheon this year with the help of Agriculture Victoria.
A chance to connect with likeminded women who champion rural resilience and community, Agriculture Victoria is organising an impressive panel of women in agriculture to tell their stories.
Sharing insights on leadership, innovation and the future of women in agriculture, the panel will consist of:
- Georgina Gubbins, Warrnambool cattle and sheep producer, founding member and chair of Food and Fibre Great South Coast
- Esmee de Looff, Agribusiness Consultant from Pinion Advisory
- Bec Cruise, Carwarp cattle and sheep producer, Producer Demonstration Site member.
Agriculture Victoria staff will be there to offer information and resources for drought conditions, while also running a stall across the 2-day event.
Sheepvention Rural Expo has been a leading event in the Australian sheep industry since 1979.
Held over 2 days at the showgrounds in Hamilton Victoria, it brings together agribusiness, machinery, livestock and professional services in the heart of Australia’s pastoral region.
Grab your ticket now: https://www.hamiltonshowgrounds.com.au/sheepvention
One-on-one advisory service
All farmers, anywhere in Victoria, can register for a free consultation with a farm management specialist.
The advisory service offers a session of up to 3 hours (face-to-face or online) and a follow-up call, to help farmers take stock and develop a plan for managing drought conditions.
The advice is suited to your situation, from a consultant that you nominate from the registered panel.
Agronomists, livestock nutritionists, veterinarians, pasture and grazing specialists and farm business advisors, can support you with:
- feed and water budgeting
- farm safety and workload management
- farm business and financial management
- soil health and pasture re-establishment
- animal health and welfare, and more.
For more information about drought support: www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
What's On
Details about these events and more can be found our website.
Corowa – Riverine Plains event – In season update
This update is a farmer-led, farmer-focused event, specifically designed to meet the needs of grain and mixed farm enterprises in our region. A well-regarded event, attracting over 85 growers and advisors with the aim of unpacking current issues and opportunities in the lead up to harvest.
Wednesday 6 August at Corowa Distilling Co. 20-24 Steel Street, Corowa
Topics include:
1. Gain export advantages and access premium prices through ISCC
2. Understand alternative options for effective weed control with changes to Paraquat
3. Make informed decisions for spring, with a commodity market outlook.
The In season update kicks off at 9 am sharp (registrations open from 8:30 am) and finishes at 1:30 pm.
Free for members and $40 for non-members (includes morning tea and lunch).
Mallee Machinery Field Days
When: 6-7 August, 8:30 am - 5pm
Where: 2574 Sunraysia Hwy, Speed
Come and see us at site 130 at the Mallee Machinery Field Days to chat about current drought supports, upcoming workshops and more.
Rutherglen – In good times and bad: Adaptive skills for your farming future
When: 14-15 August, 8:30 am for 9 am start to 3 pm.
Where: Agriculture Victoria, 124 Chiltern Valley Road, Rutherglen.
Livestock and grain producers are invited to participate in a 2-day course for your farm business future. In the course you will develop a plan that will help contribute to your farm’s success.
For further information, contact: Kylie Macreadie Team Leader Land Management, on 0427 052 352 or email kylie.macreadie@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Corryong – Decisions that drive drought recovery
19 August at RSL Hall, Donaldson St, Corryong
9 am - 3:30 pm
A powerful and practical 1-day workshop on how to build resilience, navigate crisis and adapt to change.
Feel confident and equipped to make the decisions necessary to navigate your farm business through the current seasonal crisis/challenges by:
- learning how to navigate competing priorities for limited resources (family, farm and business)
- identifying key resource issues, stressors, risks and opportunities for your farm business
- learning improved decision-making skills and how to manage key priorities – especially when under pressure and stress
- learning skills to rebuild capacity after battling personal/health and business challenges
- connecting to networks that support recovery and resilience
Morning tea and a light lunch provided.
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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