Gippsland Ag News - Thursday 2 October 2025

Thursday 2 October 2025

drought support available visit our website www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought

Farm Drought Support Grants of up to $5,000 to support on-farm drought management activities like infrastructure improvements, water carting and pasture re-establishment
expert technical support through the one-on-one farm advisory service
local workshops and events to connect with other farmers and discuss drought issues and management strategies
fee and duty relief package to reduce costs linked to biosecurity and food safety regulations and duties.

Find more information about drought support: www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.

On-Farm Kangaroo Control Rebate program

Farmers impacted by kangaroos competing for pasture and crops can apply for the On-Farm Kangaroo Control Rebate program now.

The program provides rebates for eligible farmers statewide who hold an Authority to Control Wildlife (ATCW) to hire authorised professional harvesters who have accreditation from the Game Management Authority.

Eligible farmers across the state can access up to 3 rebates of $450 each (ex-GST) with a 25% co-contribution to help control kangaroos.

Find more information on drought support: agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.

For more information and to apply

Cash back into the pockets of drought-affected farmers

The Victorian Government is driving down business costs for Victorian primary producers and providing critical cash flow help for drought affected farmers.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently announced the rollout of the Duties and Fees Relief Package, which will waive fees for farmers over the next financial year and deliver more than $10 million in relief to Victorian producers.

Learn more

Get Fire Ready

Victorians are being urged to prepare for the upcoming fire season, as part of CFA’s 'Get Fire Ready' month during October.

CFA brigades are hosting activities at fire stations and community events to meet residents and provide practical advice on how they can plan for what may be an increased fire risk this summer.

'Get Fire Ready' focuses on helping householders understand their local bushfire and grassfire risks, including how to create a survival plan, and learning where to access emergency information.

Getting prepared doesn’t need to be complicated. Clearing gutters, mowing lawns and trimming branches around homes can reduce the chance of embers starting a fire.

Families are encouraged to make a fire plan that includes where they will go if a fire breaks out, and making sure they have set a watch zone in the VicEmergency app to receive alerts.

The 'Get Fire Ready' events strengthen connections between CFA brigades and their local communities, ensuring everyone has the information they need.

All Victorians, particularly those in high-risk areas, are encouraged to attend a local event by visiting www.cfa.vic.gov.au/getfireready

You can also request a free 'Get Fire Ready' pack to be sent to you by filling out an online form at the same website address.

Star gazing disease in livestock

Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer, Northern Region

Following the seasonal conditions we have experienced this year, there is very little standing roughage in most paddocks. This has set the scene for cases of ‘star gazing disease’ also known as polio encephalomalacia.

Polio encephalomalacia occurs when an animal lacks enough thiamine (Vitamin B1), an essential nutrient for normal body metabolism. In healthy ruminants — cattle, sheep, and goats — thiamine is produced naturally in the rumen, the first stomach, where microbes aid in breaking down food.

However, if this microbial community is disturbed, thiamine levels can become dangerously low.

Any condition that disrupts the balance of rumen microbes can lead to thiamine deficiency. This includes grain poisoning, low-fibre diets, or an excess of sulphur in feed.

The disease most commonly affects well-grown calves or lambs aged between 6 and 12 months old, but it can affect animals of any age or sex.

Things to look out for

The earliest signs can be subtle: animals may seem lethargic, lose their appetite, or wander away from the herd. They may bump into objects, appear blind, or stand motionless — sometimes with their heads drooped, at other times gazing fixedly at the sky.

As the condition worsens, affected animals may experience convulsions, collapse with their head arched backward, and ultimately slip into a coma. Without treatment, death often occurs within 2 to 3 days.

But not every case is the same. Some animals are found dead without warning, while others show only mild symptoms and recover on their own.

Treatment and prevention

If caught early, the condition may potentially be reversed with an injection of thiamine, which is available without a prescription from veterinarians. Farmers are also advised to support the rest of the herd by offering high-fibre feed, which promotes a healthy rumen environment and consistent thiamine production.

Unfortunately, once blindness or paralysis occurs, the brain damage is often irreversible. In such cases, humane euthanasia is usually the only option.

Farmers are encouraged to seek advice from their local veterinarian. In Victoria, advice is also available from Agriculture Victoria Veterinary or Animal Health Officers.

New pasture research trials to boost sheep productivity

The Victorian Government is supporting a new research program at Agriculture Victoria’s Hamilton SmartFarm, using next generation technology to help Australian farmers raise healthier, more productive flocks.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence announced the MultiMix forage research program is now underway, to determine which combinations of multispecies pasture mixes work best for Australian sheep producers – research that will support meat sheep production while also cutting methane emissions.

Five key tips for silage this season

Capitalising on the spring surplus will be critical on farms this year. While some things are out of our control, focusing on key factors will help ensure that you get the best possible return.

Five key factors for silage this season are:

Only lock up pasture that is surplus to requirements
Use nitrogen (N) to increase dry matter yield but cut pasture within 6 weeks of application
Be prepared to cut pasture when the ryegrass component of the sward is just reaching early ear emergence
Use tedders to increase the drying rate of cut material and so reduce the wilting period
Ensile material quickly and seal well.

Melbourne Royal Show - 25 September to 5 October

The Melbourne Royal Show is on and we’re in the Livestock Pavilion!

Chat with our team about the importance of agriculture, drought support and how we are protecting our farms, communities and environment into the future.

Learn how to help keep Victoria safe from H5N1 avian influenza.

We also have activity packs and fun headbands for the kids!

Come past and say hello.

Find more information about available drought support, visit our website or call 136 186.   

More information on drought support here

Fast Break Newsletter out now

The Fast Break details oceanic and atmospheric climate driver activity over the last month and summarises 3-month model predictions for the Pacific and Indian oceans, rainfall and temperature for Victoria.

If you are interested in reading past issues of The Fast Break, please email dale.grey@agriculture.vic.gov.au

View the latest issue for Victoria

Are you a rising star in the agriculture or rural sector?

The Zanda McDonald Award can help you realise your ambitions through life-changing mentoring, industry connections, and unique 'light-bulb moments.' Tap into a dynamic network of leading ag professionals and take part in a fully funded trans-Tasman tour designed to fast-track your personal and professional growth.

Open to individuals aged 21–35 across Australia and New Zealand.

Apply for the 2026 Award and unlock your full potential.

Online applications are open until 31 October 2025.

Apply here

Beekeepers vs Varroa: Survival, Support and Strategy with Mike Allerton and Jamie Perry-Meijer

In this compelling Farming Safe and Well episode, beekeeper Mike Allerton shares his personal journey through the Varroa mite outbreak - navigating hive losses, grief, and rebuilding with determination. He reflects on the emotional toll of this ongoing biosecurity challenge and the importance of peer support in the beekeeping community. 

Joining him is Jamie Perry-Meijer, Resilience Officer, National Varroa Mite Management Program, who discusses the transition from eradication to management, the mental health impacts on apiarists, and the resources available to help beekeepers. 

Listen now to hear how beekeepers are dealing with Varroa mite, looking after their mental health, and finding support through tough times.

Varroa resources: https://varroa.org.au 

Listen here

Apply now: irrigation incentive program

Popular irrigation incentive program set to benefit even more Gippsland farmers

West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority and Agriculture Victoria are pleased to open a new round of farm plan incentives, and for the first time, farmers in Warragul, Thorpdale, Noojee and Perry Bridge and across the entire Lake Wellington Catchment are eligible to apply.  

Up to $10,000 per farm is available through the Lake Wellington Irrigation Efficiency Incentive Program to help with the cost of a professionally designed irrigation plan.

Apply here

Apply now: GRDC Research Scholarship

A GRDC Research Scholarship (GRS) supports PhD candidates in delivering innovative research that:

addresses constraints in the Australian grain industry; or
builds opportunities for Australian grain growers to help improve their sustainability and profitability.

Applications close: Wednesday 15 October 2025.

More information and to apply

In case you missed it

Safe Food Victoria: help shape the future of food safety

What's On

Winning the blackberry battle

When: Friday 3 October, 11 am - 3 pm
Where: Poowong Football Club, Poowong.

If you have blackberry on your property and you want expert advice on the best ways to manage it, come along to this free event.

Speakers include:

Dr Robin Air from the Victorian Blackberry Taskforce
local framer Jackie Checkley
Katie Robinson and Luke Vinton from Agriculture Victoria.

Weather permitting, there will also be a drone demonstration.

Register here

Webinar: Protection from farm theft

When: Tuesday, 7 October, 12 to 1 pm 
Where: online.

AgVic is hosting a timely webinar on how AgTech and strong biosecurity protocols can protect your farm assets.

Presenters include Grains Industry Officer Darryl Pearl, co-founder of AgCloud Grant Sutton, and a representative from Victoria Police Farm Crime Liaison Group. 

The webinar will cover:  

farm theft trends, Victoria Police  
physical security solutions, Grant Sutton 
biosecurity and safety, Darryl Pearl 
question and answer session.

Whether you're looking to make informed decisions or future-proof your farm operations, this session offers practical insights and tools to support your journey in protecting what matters.  

Register here

Look Over the Farm Gate: Help a Mate!

Farming families are invited to a series of community BBQs to connect during the drought conditions.

11 am to 2 pm.

Wednesday 8 October: Neerim South
Tuesday 14 October: Ellinbank

Register for Bounce Back Pastures

Spring webinar series

Spring is here, and silage, hay and pasture recovery will be top of mind for many producers.

Join us for a lunchtime webinar, 12:30 to 1:30 pm.

October 8: Bounce Back Pastures with Andrew Speirs from Meridian Agriculture

Succession Planning Roadshow: Paynesville, Genoa, Buchan, Twin Rivers, Bairnsdale, Orbost and Omeo

'It's all okay... until it's not.'

As part of the Victorian Seniors Festival 2025, NEX and East Gippsland Shire Council are hosting a series of informative workshops on Succession Planning. These sessions are
designed to give attendees clarity and confidence to approach the important and often difficult topic of succession.

Learn why succession planning matters, what options there are and how to start the process.

Paynesville:
When: Tuesday 7 October, 1:30 - 3:30 pm
Where: Service Centre/Library, 55 Esplanade, Paynesville

Genoa:
When: Thursday 9 October, 12 - 2 pm
Where: Genoa Community Hall, Princes Highway, Genoa

Buchan:
When: Tuesday 14 October, 10 am - 12 pm
Where: Neighbourhood House, 6 Centre Road, Buchan

Twin Rivers:
When: Wednesday 15 October, 2:30 - 4:30 pm
Where: Nicholson Hotel, 929 Princes Highway, Twin Rivers

Bairnsdale:
When: Tuesday 21 October, 10 am - 12 pm
Where: GAgG, 345 Bengworden Road, Bairnsdale

Orbost:
When: Wednesday 22 October, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Where: Service Centre/Library, 1 Ruskin Street, Orbost

Omeo:
When: Tuesday 28 October, 4 - 6 pm
Where: Fresh Air Cafe, 199 Day Avenue, Omeo.

Register here

Managing biodiversity on your farm - Flynn and Tetoora Road

When: Friday 10 October, 10 am - 2 pm
Where: Redmond property, 850 Princes Hwy, Flynn

When: Wednesday 22 October, 10:30 am - 2 pm
Where: Tetoora Road Community Centre, 2575 Korumburra-Warragul Rd, Tetoora Road

West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority and the Latrobe Catchment Landcare Network invite you to a farm walk and talk with local ecologist Peter Gannon.

Learn practical ways to protect and enhance biodiversity on your property, and explore exciting opportunities in carbon farming, biodiversity markets, and grants designed to support sustainable land management.

Lunch provided. BYO chair.

Register for Flynn here

Register for Tetoora Road here

Integrated Worm Management for Sheep

Gelantipy:
When: Monday 13 October, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm.
Where: 52 Saleyards Road, Gelantipy.

Swifts Creek:
When: Monday 13 October, 5 - 8 pm
Where: DEECA Office. 13 McMillan Avenue.

Bengworden:
When: Tuesday 14 October, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Where: Gippsland Ag Centre, 345 Bengworden Road.

A 3-year project with the Bairnsdale BestWool/BestLamb group aims to demonstrate best practice sheep worm management in East Gippsland.

These sessions will outline the various practices important to integrated sheep worm management such as monitoring drench effectiveness, grazing management and breeding for resistance.

Topics

outcomes of the drench resistance testing undertaken as part of the project.
importance of quarantine drenching.
grazing management to reduce worm burdens in your pastures.
breeding for resistance
update on demonstration sites in each area.

Register here

Waste Not: Getting the most from your dairy effluent

When: Wednesday 15 October, 10 am - 2 pm
Where: Macalister Demonstration Farm
285 Boggy Creek Rd, Riverslea

Dairy effluent is a valuable source of nutrients that can save you money in reduced fertiliser bills.

This workshop will explore different effluent management options, including composting, fermentation and biogas.

Pros and cons of different systems
How to get the best out of the organic resources on a dairy farm
How much extra nutrient is really required on a dairy farm

Make your dairy farm more resource savvy, less reliant on imported nutrients, less exposed to commodity price fluctuations. A much more resilient farming system.

Register here

Weed and Pest Workshop on Farm - Flynn and Seaview

Flynn – Friday 17 October, 10 am to 2 pm
Seaview – Thursday 30 October, 10 am to 2 pm

Got weed or pest problems? Join the Latrobe Catchment Landcare Network for practical, expert advice from vertebrate control specialist Dominic Bromilow (DeeperGreen) and habitat restoration guru Gez Watt (Native Habitat).

What you’ll get: