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Thursday 24 July 2025
Technical decision-making support for drought affected farmers
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.
Farm safety: from the paddock gate to the kitchen table
Many farms are homes as well as workplaces, and we all have a part to play in improving farm safety, health and wellbeing.
Agriculture Victoria Director Rural Assistance, People and Planning Clare Purcell said despite employing only 2% of working Victorians, the agriculture sector accounts for 14% of all workplace fatalities. On average, 2 people are injured on Victorian farms every day.
‘We all have a role to play in making farm safety a priority, not just for those working the land, but for everyone who lives, works and visits the farm.
‘As a part of the Farming Safe and Well program, we have spoken to experts on farm safety for a new podcast season.
‘Our latest AgVic Talk season, Farming Safe and Well, focuses on the many aspects that make up farm safety, from fatigue management, safe livestock handling, supporting youth mental health and an inclusive approach to farming with a disability.
‘The stories shared are personal and important, covering vital elements of farm safety such as safe shearing practices through to topics that may be hidden from view like supporting staff members with dyslexia.
‘This podcast season hopes to foster discussions on the high-risk aspects of the rewarding business of farming, emphasising the importance of raising awareness, sharing stories, and building a culture of safety.’
In one episode, we hear from experts Joel Haberfield and Peter Miller as they discuss the critical importance of safe livestock handling during loading and unloading processes. Their insights highlight the importance of improving safety standards in the agricultural sector, to protect both workers and animals.
In another, Samantha Pritchard from People in Paddocks and Sheree Henderson, a farmer from north west Victoria, share insights about how to make farm safety inductions more effective and inclusive.
‘Creating a culture of safety on farms now and into the future is a shared responsibility to ensure safety is woven into everyday farm operations, from decision making through to daily practices.’
You can subscribe and listen to Farming Safe and Well on AgVic Talk wherever you get your podcasts:
- Follow AgVic Talk on Spotify
- Follow AgVic Talk on Apple Podcasts
Find out more and listen to other AgVic Talk episodes at agriculture.vic.gov.au/agvictalk
Find out more about Agriculture Victoria’s work on farm safety on our website.
For more information about drought support call 136 186 or visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought
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 are 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.
Attendees can engage with the panel discussion while enjoying a delicious two-course plated meal by The Speckled Frog, and a refreshing mocktail crafted by Noodledoof Brewing and Distilling Co.
Agriculture Victoria staff will be there to offer information and resources for drought from our stall in the Innovation Hub across the two-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, it brings together agribusiness, machinery, livestock and professional services in the heart of Australia’s pastoral region.
The Victorian Drought Freight Network
The Victorian Drought Freight Network is open in south west Victoria to improve key freight routes for fodder transport.
These changes will now allow loads of up to 84 tonnes – a 15-tonne increase on the usual limit of these routes. Eligible vehicles under the scheme include 36.5 metre long A-Doubles and B-Triples.
The Victorian Drought Freight Network allows operators to deliver grain and fodder to central pick-up points. Farmers can then collect and transport the feed to their properties in smaller vehicle combinations.
This initiative has been developed with the Department of Transport and Planning, Victorian Farmers Federation and the Livestock and Rural Transport Association of Victoria.
Get more information or apply for a free network permit at: https://shorturl.at/l345G
If bringing in fodder from other states (except NT or Tas) drivers must apply for either a plant health certificate or a permit issued by Agriculture Victoria.
Permits are free and essential to avoid a fine.
For more information or to apply for a free permit visit https://go.vic.gov.au/4kKwr1R
Do you have questions on Q fever?
Dr Jeff Cave, Agriculture Victoria Senior Veterinary Officer
You may have heard of reports of increased cases of Q fever in parts of Victoria in recent months and wondered, what is Q fever?
Q fever is one of several diseases that are transmissible from animals to humans. Such diseases are known as zoonotic diseases and in cases of Q fever is caused by a microorganism known as Coxiella burnetii.
Cattle, sheep and goats are the most common sources of infection in humans.
Infection generally occurs through the inhalation of infected material.
Placental material or after birth is a particularly significant source of infection. Hence, strict hygienic practices should be followed around calving, lambing or kidding.
People may also become infected by being in contact with infected animals and their waste products, and occasionally through the ingestion of unpasteurised milk.
Therefore, people who are in regular contact with livestock such as abattoir workers, farmers, veterinarians and other people involved with handling livestock are at most risk of contracting Q fever.
The most common clinical signs of Q fever include headaches, fever and muscle pain.
This could be easily misdiagnosed as influenza. Therefore, if you are from a high-risk group and you are exhibiting flu like symptoms it is worth discussing the possibility of Q fever with your GP.
Q fever is usually treatable with the use of an appropriate antibiotic.
On occasions, Q fever sufferers can go on to develop post Q fever fatigue syndrome. Q fever can therefore be quite a debilitating condition.
A vaccination is available to prevent Q fever. If you are in a high-risk group, prevention through vaccination should be seriously considered. Similarly, if you employ staff, vaccination for Q Fever should be considered in your OH&S procedures.
For further information, for human aspects of the disease please contact your medical practitioner, and for veterinary aspects please contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria animal health or extension staff.
Seeking request for quotation - closing 31 July
We need your help to support drought-affected farmers across the state.
We’re seeking quotes from consultants, agricultural service agencies and other suitably experienced providers, to deliver technical decision-making support through:
- One-on-one consultations, and
- Group-based events.
Round 2 Request for Quotations is open until Thursday 31 July.
Welcome to season 10 of Ag Vic Talk
To introduce the Farming Safe and Well season Agriculture Victoria’s CEO Beth Jones joins us to discuss the high-risk aspects of the rewarding business of farming, emphasising the importance of raising awareness, sharing stories, and fostering a culture of safety.
Listen now and help make positive changes on our farms: https://go.vic.gov.au/4eWdnMK
Episode 1 - Importance of Safety in Livestock Handling with Joel Haberfield and Peter Miller
‘We have to be aware of the industry we're in and protect our drivers and our animals.’
Dive into the world of farm safety and livestock handling with experts Joel Haberfield and Peter Miller.
In this Farming Safe and Well episode, we discuss the critical importance of safe livestock handling during loading and unloading processes, and how experiences and insights on improving safety standards are crucial in the agricultural sector.
South-west farmer fined for animal cruelty charges
A south-west farmer, from Dreeite has been fined $75,000 and disqualified for 10 years from owning cattle or being a person in charge of cattle after pleading guilty to 23 animal cruelty charges and being sentenced at the Colac Magistrates’ Court.
Agriculture Victoria Program Manager Animal Health and Welfare Compliance, Daniel Bode said the significant offending occurred over a combination of 3 separate incidents across numerous properties in south-west Victoria, over a period of 4 years, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.
‘This outcome is welcomed by Agriculture Victoria as this level of offending was exceptionally appalling, including multiple failures to provide proper or sufficient feed to his cattle, a failure to treat seriously ill cattle and provide appropriate management care to his stock
Supporting Victorians to be safe and inclusive
The Victorian Government is investing in a new all-ability initiative that is set to make farms safer and more inclusive – ensuring people of all abilities can fully participate in farm life with confidence and safety.
Acting Minister for Agriculture Gayle Tierney today announced $25,000 in funding for Ability Agriculture, an organisation which represents people living with a disability and promotes safety initiatives across the agricultural sector.
Ability Agriculture will create an online hub featuring resources and videos highlighting all-abilities modifications farm owners have made to support workers, family members and others.
What's On
Details about these events and more can be found on our website.
Here and now workshops: Colac and Warrnambool
When: Tuesday 29 July, 10 am to 1:30 pm
Where: COPACC - Colac Otway Performing Arts & Cultural Centre, 95-97 Gellibrand Street Colac.
When: Tuesday 21 August, 10 am - 2 pm
Where: The Flying Horse, 10691 Princes Highway, Warrnambool.
Join local and national speakers to discuss practical and tangible tools for planning your forage base going forward.
While farming in our region experiences seasonal variability that has challenged most of us; we continue to work towards mitigating risk.
Workshop 1 organised by Aggies without Borders.
Presenters: Jane Bunn, Phil White, Laura Tweddle, and CropX.
Planning your feedbase, water and nutrient value – Colac and Warrnambool
When: Tuesday 29 July, 10:30 am to 1 pm.
Where: COPACC - Colac Otway Performing Arts & Cultural Centre, 95-97 Gellibrand Street, Colac.
When: Thursday 21 August, 10 am to 1 pm
Where: The Flying Horse, 10691 Princes Hwy, Warrnambool.
Join local and national speakers to discuss practical and tangible tools for planning your forage base going forward.
While farming in our region experiences seasonal variability that has challenged most of us; we continue to work towards mitigating risk.
Join consultant Laura Tweddle and a team of speakers who are passionate to share their knowledge on future planning your feed base and profitability.
Virtual Drought Smokos
When: Tuesday 29 July, 9 -10 am. Every fortnight on a Tuesday through to 23 September.
Where: Online
Drought Smokos are an hour a fortnight to get away from the paddock and catch up with a group of farmers who are all in the same boat!
We will talk about the science of feeding, how much, which commodities, pros and cons, cost, different options, trigger points and planning.
Statewide seasonal forecast for horticulture producers
Seasonal Risk Agronomist Dale Grey and Bureau of Meteorology’s Agricultural Lead Rachel Davis are joining us to present on upcoming forecasts and Bureau updates.
When: Wednesday 30 July, 12 to 1 pm.
Where: Online
Horticulture producers will hear about:
- Understanding climate influences and model forecasts
- What is the predictability barrier?
- Rainfall, temperature and deep soil moisture levels across the state
- Getting the most out of long-range forecasts
- Brown rot advice changes
- Forecast improvement projects
- Decision making tools.
Webinar – Calculating on-farm emissions
When: Wednesday 30 July, 5:30 - 7 pm
Agronomist and farmer Cam Nicholson will take you through a new, simple calculator from Agricultural Innovation Australia (AIA). Cam will give you a step-by-step guide to calculating your on-farm emissions.
Cam will be joined by land carers and farmers, who will share their experience and tips for calculating their on-farm emissions. Their learnings and productivity gains may surprise you.
Submit your questions for the webinar here.
Decisions that drive drought recovery
When: Wednesday 30 July, 9 am - 3:30 pm
Where: Darley Civic and Community Hub Pavilion
A powerful and practical 1-day workshop on how to build resilience, navigate crisis and adapt to change.
Topics:
- 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.
Enquiries: Leigh Crocker, ION Group 0419 359 409.
GHCMA Scheduling workshops for irrigators
When: Wednesday 13 August and Thursday 14 August 10 am - 3 pm
Where: Deakin University campus Warrnambool and South West TAFE campus, Hamilton.
Irrigation scheduling is planning when and how much water to apply to a crop to achieve maximum crop production or a particular crop quality.
Hosted by Glenelg Hopkins CMA and presented by Peter Smith from Sapphire Irrigation Consulting, you'll learn:
- when to irrigate and when to stop
- how much water to apply
- tools for irrigation management
- evapotranspiration and crop water use
- water stress thresholds for different crop types
- soil moisture probes and where to locate them.
Email Noni Brislin for more information.
In good times and in bad: adaptive skills for your farming future – Wonwondah and Dunkeld
When: Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 August, 8:30 am - 3 pm
Where: Wonwondah Hall, Wonwondah Hall Road, Wonwondah
When: Thursday 28 and Friday 29 August, 8:30 am - 3 pm
Where: Dunkeld Bowling Club, 77 Parker Street, Dunkeld.
Livestock and grain farmers are invited to participate in a 2-day workshop to help future proof your farm. Develop practical strategies to manage climate risk, build resilience and shape a stronger, more adaptable business.
Events include morning tea and lunch. Numbers are limited. Registration is essential.
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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