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Thursday 29 May 2025
Drought and dry seasonal conditions support
The Victorian Government is providing further practical support to farmers impacted by drought across Victoria.
The new $15.95 million package extends the $13.53 million drought support package announced by the Premier and Agriculture Minister on 30 September 2024, and includes:
- expanded technical and decision-making support for farming businesses right across the state delivered in partnership with a range of technical specialists, to support farmers to manage the impacts of drought and increasingly difficult conditions.
- the On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grant program will be extended and offered to all farmers in the West Wimmera, Horsham, Northern Grampians, Towong, Hepburn, Moorabool, Ballarat, Cardinia, Casey, Bass Coast, Mornington Peninsula, South Gippsland and Baw Baw Local Government Areas, including French Island.
- continued funding for the Regional Drought Coordinator in the south west.
- introduction of small business financial counselling support for the south west, working with the Rural Financial Counselling Service.
To view the full range of financial, technical and wellbeing support available visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or phone 136 186.
Request for quotation (RFQ) from service providers – drought technical decision-making service delivery
Agriculture Victoria’s farm business technical and decision-making support, incorporating a range of technical specialists, is being expanded statewide to support farmers to plan and manage the impacts of difficult seasonal conditions.
Agriculture Victoria is seeking quotes to support delivery of either or both of the following 2 services across Victoria:
- one-on-one consultations
- group-based events.
RFQ for one-on-one consultations
Quotes are sought from suitably experienced and qualified service providers including contract service providers, agricultural service agencies, agricultural consultants and/or farm advisors to join a panel of consultants to deliver the one-on-one advisory service.
RFQs for group-based events
Quotes are sought from agricultural organisations including service providers, agricultural consultants, farm advisors, agriculture-specific training organisations, farmer groups or organisations to deliver publicly advertised, group-based events.
Providers may submit quotations for delivery of one or both of the above services, provided the relevant documentation is submitted for each.
Timelines and how to register
- The RFQ will be open until 11.59 pm on Monday 2 June.
- Delivery of these programs is expected to occur between June and October 2025, depending on demand and farmer needs.
- Visit the Agriculture Victoria website to download the RFQ documents
- A recording of the Q&A webinar held on Monday 26 May is now available. To request access, email drought.support@agriculture.vic.gov.au.
Get the timing right – when to drench for liver fluke
Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer
In any year, it’s worth anticipating animal health issues before they emerge.
In this year’s unseasonably dry conditions, the only moist areas with a green pick remaining on many properties are in springs, swamps, drains and billabongs.
These areas would currently be heavily grazed. Unfortunately, the same areas may contain a high concentration of the liver fluke snail.
At times like these, a rapid buildup of liver fluke infestation can occur.
Liver fluke is an internal parasite that lives in the bile ducts of cattle, sheep and goats and has a complex life cycle that requires a snail called Lymnea tomentosa to be involved.
The snail can be identified by its characteristic cone shaped shell and the spirals of the shell which rotate in a clockwise direction. Liver fluke can be treated using chemicals known as flukicides.
A question worth considering is when to strategically use those chemicals.
Flukicides should be used when needed to offset the clinical effects of a burden of liver fluke, as well as strategically to minimise pasture contamination and to most effectively kill the stage of fluke present in the stock. It should be noted that withholding periods apply.
The snail cannot survive frosty conditions so consideration should be given for giving flukicides following the first frosts.
It should be remembered that liver fluke control strategies vary by region and even property to property.
Producers should talk to their veterinarian for specific recommendations. This will enable them to put in place an effective and economical fluke control plan for their property.
For further information please contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria Veterinary or Animal Health Officer, or in NSW your Local Land Services.
Why do dam repairs often fail?
Clem Sturmfels, Land Management Extension Officer
As dry conditions continue across Victoria, many farmers may be considering repairing leaking or failed dams to increase on-farm water storage capacity once it rains.
Dam repairs are often high-risk and expensive and should only be undertaken when the cause of failure and repair options are well understood.
Repairs should only be attempted on larger, well-constructed dams.
Understanding the dam’s history – who built it, what equipment was used, and how it has performed – is essential before any work begins.
Are your livestock fit to load?
As drought and difficult conditions continue across Victoria and livestock producers consider further destocking, Agriculture Victoria is issuing a timely reminder.
Agriculture Victoria Livestock Industry Development Officer Dr Hannah Manning said it’s important to consider the condition of animals under your care before transporting them.
Dr Manning said there have been recent reports of stock arriving at livestock exchanges in poor condition.
Investments target ‘new normal’ of mouse activity
The ongoing threat of mouse activity to Australian grain growers is the focus of two key investments aimed at reducing the impact of mice in crops.
The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and partners will invest $11 million in multi-year collaborative projects to enable continued cutting-edge research led by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO.
Elevated mouse populations in key grain-growing regions have led to substantial economic losses for growers over many years. While advancements in farming systems have resulted in tremendous benefits, they have also inadvertently contributed to increasing the pest problem.
Report sick or dead birds or wildlife
High pathogenicity avian influenza (bird flu) has been detected in poultry in the Euroa area within Strathbogie Shire. Control measures are in place to prevent further spread.
Visit the website for more information on Avian influenza.
Report any unexplained sick or dead poultry or birds to the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.
Victorian Transmission Plan
Vic Grid wants to hear from communities, landholders, industry, and First Peoples about the draft Victorian Transmission Plan.
Community hubs are open across regional Victoria where you can learn more, ask questions and have your say in person.
What's On
Details about these events and more can be found our website.
We invite service providers to join a webinar focused on building both personal and professional resilience. The session will explore frameworks that clarify your role, support effective decision-making and promote healthy boundaries.
In this difficult time, agricultural service providers are operating under a higher mental load. Join Kate Burke to discuss strategies for managing your personal wellbeing while continuing to provide high quality professional services for your clients. This session will equip you with the tools and confidence to stay the course and maintain strong, sustainable connections with your farming clients.
Presenter: Dr Kate Burke, Managing Director, Think Agri.
When: Friday 30 May
Time: 12 – 1:30 pm – free and online.
Exploring soil health and productivity opportunities in irrigated and dryland systems
When: Tuesday 3 June, 4 to 8 pm
Where: Boorhaman Hotel and Buffalo Brewery, 1519 Boorhaman Rd, Boorhaman.
Join us for an informative session focused on understanding soil health challenges and opportunities in the Boorhaman region, with a particular focus on both irrigated and non-irrigated cropping systems. Presented by Dr Cassandra Schefe.
Topics include:
- enhancing soil fertility
- improving water holding capacity
- building better soil aggregation
- managing soil acidity
- addressing soil compaction and waterlogging
- tackling reduced soil structure.
Key takeaways:
- why building soil carbon is critical to improving water retention
- strategies for managing physical and chemical constraints in the soil profile
- how to unlock productivity potential by better understanding your soil
- insights into continuous cropping challenges and opportunities in Boorhaman
- tips for better irrigation scheduling and equipment use to support soil health.
Workshop – Soil Health
BetterBeef and BestWool/BestLamb Network Roadshow
Agriculture Victoria’s BetterBeef and BestWool/BestLamb network are hitting the road!
The 2025 Beef and Sheep Network Roadshow will bring top industry experts to four locations across Victoria, delivering the latest insights on pastures, livestock, and farm business management.
When: Wednesday 4 June
Where: Mansfield Golf Club, Mansfield.
Regional Development Australia AI forum – Wangaratta
Regional Development Australia (RDA) Melbourne is partnering with Delos Delta, the National AI Centre, Australian Regional AI Centre and Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Hub to help explore opportunities and practical applications for AI in the regions.
Upcoming events follow RDA Melbourne’s highly successful 2024 AI forum in Bendigo – see some of the highlights here.
The events will be a platform for regional businesses to showcase how they have revolutionised their operations through innovative solutions, while providing attendees with the opportunity to hear from AI leaders in industry, academia, and governance.
Tickets are limited for each event, so get in soon to secure your spot!
AI Forum Wangaratta Region
Working with the Rural City of Wangaratta, RDA Melbourne is delivering an AI Forum that will showcase how Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies are being leveraged in the Hume region by SMEs. The event will feature keynotes, panel discussion, and deep-dive into current use cases with regional representation of businesses using AI.
AI speakers and presenters include Future Skills Organisation, Swinburne University of Technology Factory of the Future, Australian Regional AI Network, Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Hub and more.
Date: Wednesday June 11.
Location: Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre.
VFF Stock Sense Sheep Essentials Webinar Series
When: Wednesday 11 June (Session 1), 18 June (Session 2), 6-7:30 pm
Where: Delivered via Zoom
Join sheep expert Alison Gunn for this webinar series.
Session 1 – Traceability 101, the dos and don’ts of sheep care, and what to look for when buying sheep.
Session 2 – Parasite management, vaccinations, and the importance of a vet/client relationship.
Webinar: Myth busting the seasonal outlook
Join us for a Zoom webinar designed to give farmers a comprehensive view of the forecasts for the weather in their specific districts so they can have the tools and the knowledge to plan for the future.
13 June, 12 noon to 1 pm.
Hear Agriculture Victoria Seasonal Risk Agronomist Dale Grey discuss topics such as:
- Timing of the autumn break, historical analysis
- Why is autumn such a difficult time to accurately predict?
- Current climate influences
- Current forecasts for winter and spring
- Tools that are available to help with planning.
Just a farmer film screening – Yackandandah
When: Friday 13 June from 6 pm
Where: Yackandandah Public Hall
Cost: $10, proceeds to AgBiz Care.
Register at events.humanitx.com/jaf
In good times and bad: Adaptive skills for your farming future
When: 22-23 July, 8:30 am for 9 am start to 3 pm.
Where: Dookie College, 940 Dookie-Nalinga Road, Dookie.
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
Diversifying farm income
When: 27 June, 9:30 am
Where: Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre
The Murray Region Forestry Hub, in partnership with the North East Catchment Management Authority, Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, and Wangaratta Rural City Council is proud to present a pivotal forum aimed at empowering landholders with practical and research-backed insights into the benefits of integrating forestry into farming systems.
This free event will take place on 27 June in Wangaratta, featuring a range of topics presented by leading specialists.
Save the date – Setting Strategies for Farm Business Success – St Arnaud
St Arnaud Sporting Club, 26 Dunstan St, St Arnaud.
The 2 days will discuss and examine areas that make for an effective farm business strategy.
8.30 am – 3 pm, 23 and 24 July.
Topics will cover financials, farm resources, human relationships, setting business goals and the tools and skills that will get you to where you want to go.
AgVic's Dale Grey will be presenting Climate risk and Natural Resource Management and Brendan Williams will lead a session on the latest in Agricultural Technology.
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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