Support to help you reset and recover after drought

Victorian farmers are encouraged to access support as they recover from drought and plan for the seasons ahead.

Agriculture Victoria Executive Director Dougal Purcell said recovery is not the same for every farm, with each business facing its own circumstances and timeline. Many farmers are also continuing to manage seasonal uncertainty and financial pressures.

'We are supporting farmers to stabilise, rebuild and make practical decisions that strengthen their businesses over time.

Preparing for seasonal uncertainty

Clem Sturmfels, Land Management Extension Officer

Damp, cool conditions and shorter days are an ideal time to relax in front of the fire and consider changes that might make your farm easier to manage during seasonal uncertainty, drought or planning for future seasons.

Changes might include, upgrading your water supply, installing a stock containment area or changing your business model. All of these can be expensive, time consuming and not without risk. Developing a strategy requires careful planning.

Seen sick or dead birds or wildlife? Avoid. Record. Report

H5 bird flu has not been detected in Victoria, but community reports play an important role in helping us monitor for signs of disease.

Each report DEECA receives is reviewed and assessed using information such as the species, number of birds affected, location and disease risk.

Not all reports will lead to an investigation, collection or testing. Where further action is needed, we may contact you for more information or arrange collection and testing.

If you see sick or dead birds or wildlife, avoid contact, record its exact location and report it online or call 1800 675 888.

You can also view reports on our online map and follow surveillance activity across the state.

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

Support before, during and after drought with RIC loans  

Wherever you are in the drought cycle, a RIC Drought Loan can improve cash flow to help eligible farm businesses manage through, recover and prepare when faced with drought.   

Or if you’re in prolonged drought that has affected your financials for two years or more, and you expect the impact to continue, you may be eligible for a RIC Drought Hardship Loan to pay for operating costs, with no repayments for the first two years of the five-year loan. Interest is deferred in this time to be repaid with principal and interest from year three.  

RIC has helpful tools and information to understand loan products and eligibility before applying. If in doubt, please don’t self-assess. It’s important to start a conversation with RIC’s agri lending team about your individual business situation.