No images? Click here ![]() Thursday 26 June 2025 Drought support for south west farmersAgriculture Victoria continues to support drought-affected farmers in south west Victoria with an ongoing program of events. Check out the events being delivered as part of the Drought Support Package. Stay up to date with what’s on at the calendar of events. Drought support![]() This program provides an opportunity to bring communities together to support farmers and their families under stress. Managed by the National Centre for Farmer Health on behalf of the Victorian Government, the program offers grants of up to $5,000 for community-led events that promote social connection and mental health awareness. Find out more at: https://farmerhealth.org.au/ To view the full range of financial, technical and wellbeing support available visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186. ![]() Dry swamps and dams pose toxic weed risk to livestock![]() Lesser loosestrife. Credit: Oliver Kerr Paul Beltz, Senior Veterinary Officer The green pick available on swampy land or dried up billabongs and dams may seem a boon for producers during drought and difficult seasonal conditions. However, it’s important to check for toxic weeds and plants in swampy areas before allowing stock access for grazing. There are many plants that grow where the land is usually wet and rarely dried out which could cause issues. Toxic plants that might be found in these areas include dock, soursob, fat hen, lesser loosestrife and swamp grass. Roughage is essential![]() Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer, Northern Region With the escalating price of hay and the availability of other feed supplements you may be asking ‘why feed roughage this winter?’ Roughage will be needed during winter for any of the following reasons:
Livestock need to eat more roughage in cold weather to give them energy for heat production. Roughage in their diet helps keep livestock warm since the fermentation and breakdown of cellulose creates heat energy. If they don’t have enough roughage, the weight will melt off as they mine body fat to create energy for warmth. Therefore, there are several compelling reasons why roughage may be needed this winter. Plus, if you can feed late in the afternoon it will provide your livestock ‘heat’ through the night. For further information please contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria animal health or extension staff. Across the state any farmer can access technical information and advice to help manage the impacts of increasingly difficult seasonal conditions. These services will be delivered in partnership with a range of technical experts, including farm business advisors, livestock nutritionists, soil, water and pasture specialists and veterinarians. The program provides tailored advice through one-on-one consultations, webinars, workshops, field days, and online tools and information. Find more information on drought support at www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186. Seasonal Outlook Mythbusting webinarDid you miss our recent webinar? Click below to watch. Hear Seasonal Risk Agronomist Dale Grey discuss the timing of the autumn break, if summer is really dry - does it have any bearing on the autumn break, why is it so hard to accurately predict the autumn break, current forecasts and what tools are available to help with planning. ![]() Do you have a great idea to help your community combat established pests and weeds in Victoria? Round 4 of the Applications close on Friday 4 July 2025 for 1 or 2-year projects between $10,000 and $50,000. We encourage all eligible groups with innovative and impactful ideas to apply. Nominations close Monday for the 2025 Australian Biosecurity Awards![]() The awards provide important recognition for biosecurity champions across industry, government and the public, who have made a significant contribution towards protecting our nation from pests and diseases. If you need help with your nomination or would prefer to provide it in a different format email ABA@aff.gov.au. Nominations close 9 am, Monday 30 June 2025. BCG Ag Tech Expo to deliver practical innovationFarmers, researchers, advisors, and agribusinesses will come together on Wednesday 16 July for Birchip Cropping Group (BCG)’s highly anticipated Ag Tech Expo, a full-day event showcasing cutting-edge digital tools and technologies designed to support the future of farming. What's OnDetails about these events and more can be found on our website. Lambing and calving during drought conditions![]() When: Tuesday 3 July, 8:30 am to 1 pm When: Monday 7 July, 8:30 am to 1 pm A practical workshop focused on improving lambing and calving outcomes during dry conditions. Learn how to manage nutritional demands, reduce animal health risks, and adapt livestock systems when pasture is limited. Know Your Number, Control Your FutureJoin North Central CMA to learn how understanding your farm’s number can help you improve efficiency, boost soil health, and gain access to emerging markets, while providing practical insights to help future-proof your business and maintain profitability. Free workshops will feature locally relevant strategies and be delivered by people who have practical experience in agriculture. Drop-in sessions at:
Setting Strategies for Farm Business Success – Underbool, Ultima and St Arnaud![]() When: 30 June and 1 July, 8:30 am to 3 pm When: 3 and 4 July, 8:30 am to 3 pm When: 23 and 24 July, 8:30 am to 3 pm Join Gavin Beever from Cumbre Consulting for a Setting Strategies for Farm Business Success 2 day workshop series commencing in Underbool Wednesday 23 July followed by workshops in Ultima and St Arnaud. Learn:
Catch up with Ag Vic experts Dale Grey and Jim Moran to discuss seasonal risk and biosecurity concerns. Hear Brendan Williams from Autonomous Ag talk about latest in AgTech. Sheep emissions updateWhen: Tuesday 3 July This webinar will offer an opportunity to hear from 2 experts sharing insights on recent greenhouse gas (GHG) calculations of sheep enterprises across Victoria. Hear from Sam Henty (Farm Business Economist) on the 2023–24 livestock farm monitor GHG results and from Dr Ralph Behrendt (senior specialist, climate change) discussing the outcomes of the sheep rounds in the On-Farm Emissions Action Plan Pilot Drought Ready Think Tank![]() When: Thursday 3 July, 9 am - 4 pm Hear about Wimmera Southern Mallee's 11 drought resilience projects and help shape the region’s drought ready future. Talking trees webinarWhen: Thursday 3 July, 5:30-7 pm Join this Landcare webinar to learn more about how trees can benefit your farm while being used to generate additional revenue through agroforestry, carbon farming, or biodiversity markets. On-farm emissions for advisorsWhen: Monday 14 July, 2-4 pm This workshop will provide an overview of the external forces driving the need to track farm emissions. Cam Nicholson will share insights into how ag industry advisors can assist farmers to best position their business for a low carbon emission future. Drip irrigation monitoring and maintenance courseWhen: Monday 15 July, 2-4 pm Join Jeremy Giddings (AgVic) and Peter Henry (Netafim) for this free event. Please bring your irrigation design to this session. Topics:
Places are limited so please book your spot in advance. Emissions and productivity: What farmers need to know with Cam NicholsonWhen: Tuesday 15 July, 10 am — 2:30 pm This workshop will provide an overview of the external forces driving the need to track farm emissions. Why should farmers attend? New legislation requires large business and financial institutions to report their carbon emissions. Many global and national businesses have signed up to voluntary targets and emissions reporting. This means there will be increasing supply-chain demand to provide your farm’s carbon emissions. Presenter Emissions and productivity: What farmers need to know with Dr Cass SchefeWhen: 22 July, 10 am — 2:30 pm This workshop will provide an overview of the external forces driving the need to track farm emissions. It will assist farms to position their business for a low carbon emission future. Why should farmers attend? New legislation requires large business and financial institutions to report their carbon emissions. Many global and national businesses have signed up to voluntary targets and emissions reporting. This means there will be increasing supply-chain demand to provide your farm's carbon emissions. Tumpinyeri growers soil biology workshopWhen: 1 July, 10 am — 2 pm Tumpinyeri Growers have been working with RMIT University and the University of Melbourne on a research project examining soil biological health with a focus on nematodes, bacteria and fungi. The workshop will present a summary of the research findings. This will be an opportunity to hear from scientists about soil biology, soil health, and how management practices influence soil properties, plant growth and healthy production systems. Australian Brassica Conference 2025When: 21-23 July The 22nd Australian Brassica Conference (ABC) is held every 2 years and is the peak Australian conference for canola research and development, focussed on advancement of canola production and utilisation. The conference will bring together scientists and representatives from the canola/oilseeds sector to showcase new developments. Talk the talk workshop![]() When: 22 July, 3:30-5:30 pm A free workshop to help community leaders and farm supplier and service providers support people facing mental health challenges. Bookings essential by 17 July. GRDC events![]() 24 July, 9 am - 1 pm GRDC Grains Research Update – Manangatang 7 August, 9 am - 1 pm GRDC Grains Research Update – Dimboola Visit grdc.com.au/events to learn more. Birchip Cropping Group events![]() Visit www.bcg.org.au/events 1 July, 8:30 am - 3 pm BCG AgTech Expo 10 September 9 am - 5 pm BCG Main Field Day ![]() Contacting Agriculture VictoriaCall 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 This newsletter is distributed by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. Were you forwarded this email? Subscribe now. |