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Thursday 2 April 2026
Report rain event loss and damage
There is a range of financial and mental health support available for farmers affected by the Sunraysia rain event.
Growers are encouraged to contact the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) for an independent assessment of their situation, with free, confidential support available. The RFCS can assist with cash flow, business planning, creditor negotiations and grant applications.
RFCS also provides mental health and wellbeing support for farmers, families and workers, with counsellors able to provide support on farm or over the phone. RFCS can be contacted on 1300 735 578 or via www.wswrcs.com.au
Advice on recovery for water damaged orchards and crops can also be obtained by calling 136 186 or emailing recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au
If you’ve had agricultural loss or damage from the rain event earlier this month, please report it to your industry grower group.
Managing pests and weeds from introduced fodder
Fiona Baker, livestock extension officer
If purchasing fodder to see the farm through to the autumn break, or build reserves coming into winter, don’t forget to consider the increased risks of introducing pests and weeds to the property.
There are key steps that farmers should follow to minimise the risk of introducing and spreading unwanted weeds and pests.
To minimise the risk of these weeds and pests establishing across your farm, make sure all purchased fodder is fed in a designated containment area, feedpad or sacrifice paddock that has been sited to mitigate risks.
Feeding out in restricted areas allows for better observation of any new plants geminating. It enables quick eradication and control of any weeds or pests that might emerge, therefore reducing the risk of these becoming established in the area.
If looking to source fodder from interstate, Agriculture Victoria is providing a free and tailored service to suppliers, transporters and farmers to help them to efficiently navigate the permit requirements to bring feed into Victoria while managing biosecurity risks.
Bee Pest Blitz
This April, make a bee-line for your hives to check for pests.
Surveillance is key to the early detection of new pests and provides the best chance for industries and governments to respond before pests become established and widespread.
Whole Farm Planning course EOI now open for fire impacted landholders
Whole Farm Planning course expressions of interest (EOI) are now open for landholders impacted by the recent bushfires.
A Whole Farm Plan can help design a farm that is easier to manage, more productive and offers environmental benefits.
This EOI will be used to identify groups of landholders to run courses when we have enough participants in your area.
Format: Participants meet for up to 6 sessions to cover farm management and recovery topics. An online format will also be available.
A free laminated property map will be provided as part of the course.
Register your interest by 30 April 2026.
Boost pastures using effluent
Rachael Campbell, dairy industry development officer
If you haven’t already done so, now is the time to plan to empty your dairy effluent ponds to gain the best result from both its nutrient content and water.
Utilising effluent effectively could save you money on synthetic fertilisers and boost pasture growth.
As long as the plants are growing, they can get a further kickstart with an effluent application and be ready to take advantage of follow up rain.
Effluent storage ponds are designed to contain effluent over winter, so must be emptied before the start of the wet period.
An effluent test is recommended before application, to ensure appropriate application rates, as nutrient levels vary depending on several factors.
Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Grants and Concessional Loans
Has your farm been impacted by recent bushfires?
You may be eligible for a recovery grant or a concessional loan to help with cleanup, restoration and rebuilding. A full list of eligible activities is included in the program guidelines.
Applications are open and will close at 4 pm on 21 October 2026.
Check your eligibility via Rural Finance www.ruralfinance.com.au or call them on 1800 260 425 with any questions.
If you need help working through what support you can get or how to apply, the Rural Financial Counselling Service is available at:
- Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria North East for farmers and small farm businesses.
- RFCS Victoria West | Home (Mildura and north western).
Partnerships against pests grant applications open
The final round of the Partnerships Against Pests program is closing soon.
The program helps farmers protect their crops, and livestock pasture from invasive pests, and improve the long-term health of their land.
Applicants can apply for grants of between $10,000 and $50,000 to deliver projects over a 12-month period.
Support through prolonged drought: Drought Hardship Loan
The Australian Government has introduced the RIC Drought Hardship Loan to support farm businesses experiencing severe and prolonged drought.
The loan provides up to $250,000 over 5 years, at the RIC’s concessional interest rate (currently 5.18%), with a 2-year repayment holiday, to help farmers manage essential operating costs and improve cash flow during extended dry conditions.
It is available to eligible farm businesses that have managed through at least 24 months of drought and expect further impacts ahead. The loan complements other drought support and can be accessed alongside state programs.
Learn more about the Drought Hardship Loan: ric.gov.au
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.
Landcare Grant applications now open
Applications are now open for Landcare Grants to help fund projects making a difference to enhance and protect Victoria’s great outdoors.
Landcare and environmental volunteer groups can apply for grants of up to $20,000 for projects and $500 for support.
Applications close on 23 April 2026.
Drought Support
What upgrades or improvements do the Farm Drought Support Grants cover?
Use a Farm Drought Support Grant to make on-farm infrastructure upgrades and improvements such as grain feeders, troughs, pasture restoration, stock containment areas, and more.
$5,000 as a co-contribution grant is available statewide, with farmers in south west Victoria able to access $10,000.
Wellbeing counsellors
Wellbeing counsellors can visit you at your property or talk over the phone to assist with:
✔ managing stress
✔ building resilience for tough times
✔ balancing work and life with practical tools
✔ getting support for big decisions and life changes.
To speak to a Wellbeing Counsellor call 1300 771 741.
Find out more at Rural Financial Counselling Network.
For further drought support visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
Drought Farm Advisory Service
Farmers from across the state have access to 2 Farm 1-on-1 consultations with a technical specialist.
Specialist consultants include agronomists, veterinarians, animal nutritionists, business advisors and farm planners, with expertise across dairy, beef, sheep and wool, horticulture and cropping.
For further drought support visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
What can I use a Farm Drought Support Grant for?
Use a Farm Drought Support Grant to make on-farm infrastructure upgrades and improvements such as grain feeders, troughs, pasture restoration, stock containment areas, and more.
$5,000 as a co-contribution grant is available state wide.
In case you missed it...
- Murray-Darling Basin Plan review submissions close 1 May. Go to 2026 Basin Plan Review: Have Your Say - MDBA to lodge yours.
- Conditions are ideal for flystrike
- Help at hand for farmers recovering after fires
- Growing our food safety standards
- Improved testing for anthrax
Early bird tickets now available
When: 23–24 June
Where: The Goods Shed, Ballarat
After last year’s successful roadshow, the BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef conferences return to The Goods Shed on 23 and 24 June.
There’ll be two full days of insights, innovations and practical take home messages for sheep and cattle producers across Victoria – and a combined industry dinner at the end of day 1.
Early bird tickets now on sale.
What's On
Southern Murray Darling Basin update
When: Thursday 9 April, 12 noon
Where: Online
Join us for the next Irrigation Webinar Series session. Hear the latest findings on water availability and irrigation demand for permanent horticulture in the Southern Murray Darling Basin.
Consultants from WSP will present updated modelling for permanent horticulture on projected future water demands, how demand compares with likely supply and what the findings mean for water markets and future risk planning.
The webinar will also cover new analysis on the 450GL Restoring Our Rivers purchase program under a range of climate scenarios.
Farm financials for future decisions
When: 14–15 April, from 8:30 am
Where: Birchip Recreation Reserve, Corner of Morrison Street and Johnson Street, Birchip
Build the confidence to make long term, strategic decisions about your farm business to manage the impacts of drought, seasonal conditions, and market variabilities.
This two-day workshop incorporates interactive sessions, discussions and practical sessions using your farm financial statements - so you can identify, plan for and manage risks that are relevant to your farm business.
This event is being delivered by Partners in Ag and Hudson Facilitation on behalf of Agriculture Victoria
Succession planning and business growth
When: Thursday 16 April, 9 am to 4 pm
Where: Warracknabeal
When: Wednesday 6 May, 9 am to 4 pm
Where: Robinvale
Succession is a critical milestone for all farming families. Join this free workshop for families pursuing clarity and future growth.
Tallangatta Expo
When: Wednesday 15 April, 9 am to 4 pm
Where: Tallangatta Showgrounds, Coorilla Street, Tallangatta
Come along to the Tallangatta Expo, where Ag Recovery Officers will be on hand to discuss issues including bushfire recovery.
You’ll find us in the Towong Shire Recovery Hub Marquee and the Landcare Shed.
Information available includes:
- Fire recovery
- Drought programs
- Land management
- Animal health
- Farm water and irrigation management
- Invasive species.
Understanding your farm finances
When: Wednesday 13 May, 9 am – 4 pm
Where: Wangaratta
When: Thursday 14 May, 9 am – 4 pm
Where: Seymour
This one-day workshop is designed for all farming businesses, no matter your size or enterprise type. It is an excellent workshop for those at the start of their farm management career, looking to boost their financial literacy.
Delivered by Pinion Advisory on behalf of Agriculture Victoria this workshop will equip participants with clarity on:
- financial budgeting
- key financial reports and KPI
- approaching the bank and what it means to be ‘bank ready’
- farm debt management.
Stock handling workshop
When: Friday 8 May, 9:30 am – 13:30 pm
Where: Bendigo
When: Friday 15 May, 10 am – 2 pm
Where: Kyabram
Join experts Mark Bennett and Jack Briscoe as they discuss stockyard design, stock handling techniques and overall livestock safety. The Stock Sense team will also lead a discussion on biosecurity.
Decisions that drive success – Proven techniques for effective on-farm decision-making
When: Tuesday 19 May, 9 am – 3 pm
Where: Greater Shepparton Business Centre, 70 New Dookie Road, Shepparton
Success depends on sound decision-making. This is especially so in times of crisis and change.
This ION Group workshop offers a practical, proven approach to managing competing priorities, helping participants make better decisions, rebuild resilience and adapt their business to recover from drought and other challenges.
Participants learn to identify key trigger points, stressors and strategic priorities for their farm business, optimise resources, manage costs, mitigate risks and seize opportunities.
The workshop builds confidence and capability to respond quickly to change, implement timely decisions with clear checkpoints, and strengthen adaptability through contingency planning.
GRDC Farm Business Update
When: Thursday 25 June, 9:30 am – 3:15 pm
Where: Shamrock Hotel, 5 - 13 Melville Street, Numurkah
The GRDC Farm Business Update events drive innovation and adoption of improved farm business management practices across the grains industry.
Free but please register for catering purposes.
Speakers and topics and free workbook coming soon.
Contact Jane Foster 03 5441 6175 or email admin@orm.com.au
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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