Thursday 29 October 2026

Weaner management: keeping up the momentum

Ralph Behrendt, Senior Technical Specialist - Sheep and Beef Networks

After 2 tough years, many farmers across the state now have good numbers of lambs on the ground approaching weaning time.

Weaning is a routine job on the calendar. But for lambs, it is one of the biggest changes they will face.

Overnight, they move from relying on mum to find feed and guiding their day, to becoming a member of a new flock with a new hierarchy, where they need to find feed and water, and cope with weather, worms, and other health challenges.

Prolapsed livestock must not be transported

Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer, Northern Region

Livestock with a vaginal, uterine, or rectal prolapse are not fit for transport and must not be loaded under Australian animal welfare standards.

A prolapse occurs when internal tissue protrudes outside the body.

Industry-backed projects boost Victorian livestock biosecurity

Agriculture Victoria has announced $13.78 million in grants through the 2026 Livestock Biosecurity Funds Grant Program to strengthen Victoria’s biosecurity system and help protect livestock industries from pests and diseases.

The program will support 36 projects across the state, investing in practical initiatives that improve livestock health, strengthen biosecurity preparedness and support industry resilience.

H5 bird flu – current situation

If you see sick or dead birds or other wildlife, do not touch them. 

Avoid direct contact. 
Record what you see. 
Report it to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 or using the online form.

Report clusters of 5 or more sick or dead wild birds of any species, anywhere in Victoria.

Report even 1 sick or dead:

• wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird, or bird of prey
• marine mammal (e.g. seal, dolphin).

Looking after your wellbeing during H5 bird flu

H5 bird flu is present in wild birds in Victoria. The risk to the general public remains low. Bird flu rarely spreads to humans.

Many Victorians care deeply about wildlife and may feel upset when they see sick or dead birds or hear reports of the continued impact of bird flu.

Victorians are being encouraged to look after their mental health and wellbeing and seek support if they feel worried or distressed by seeing sick or dead birds in the environment. People can support their wellbeing by:

• getting information from trusted sources
• limiting repeated exposure to distressing news coverage
• talking with family, friends, or colleagues about any concerns
• seeking support early, if they are feeling overwhelmed, from their GP or by getting free support from a Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in their area.

AI bushfire camera boost ahead of summer fire season

Victoria is expanding its network of AI-powered bushfire cameras, using advanced technology to detect fires earlier and help keep communities safer.

Minister Settle announced funding over the next 3 years to expand the bushfire detection camera network.

Backing communities to tackle weeds and pests

The Victorian Government is helping communities tackle invasive weeds and pest animals, protecting local farms, waterways, and native wildlife.

Minister for Agriculture Michaela Settle recently announced 16 community groups will share more than $600,000 through Round 5 of the Partnerships Against Pests Grants Program.

Closing next week: 2027 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award

Could you be Victoria’s next AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award winner?

Through the Rural Women’s Network, we work in partnership with AgriFutures Australia to support the Award in Victoria and help develop and celebrate women leading change across our rural and regional communities.

Earlier this year, Victorian veterinarian Dr Becky Dickinson was named the 2026 Victorian winner for her work supporting early-career veterinarians entering rural practice. Through Veterinary Support Services, Becky is helping build the skills, confidence and long-term retention of vets working in rural communities.

The Victorian winner receives a $15,000 grant to help grow the impact of their project, business or program, along with professional development opportunities and access to a national alumni network.

If you’re a Victorian woman with an established initiative making a difference in agriculture, rural industries or regional communities, now is the time to apply.

Applications close Wednesday 4 November.

Drought support

As we move into the warmer months, support is still available for farmers across Victoria.  

Manage current conditions, access practical advice and plan ahead with more confidence with:  

• Rural Financial Counselling Service Wellbeing Counsellors - free, confidential wellbeing support alongside its usual financial and business counselling support. 

• Drought support events – workshops and events across the state supporting farmers in drought and recovery.  

To view the full range of financial, technical and wellbeing support available, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or phone 136 186.     

On-Farm Energy and Electrification Demonstration Program

The On-Farm Energy and Electrification Demonstration Program is a $5 million initiative that aims to accelerate the uptake of proven and new-to-market energy technologies across Victoria’s agriculture sector.

Grants of $200,000 to $750,000 are available. 

Eligible organisations include: 

• Agriculture Industry Associations
• Farming Systems and Landcare groups
• Research and Development Corporations
• Catchment Management Authorities
• First Nations, Traditional Owner organisations or Aboriginal businesses involved in primary production
• Partnerships or consortiums involving eligible organisations
• Companies with proven or new-to-market ready solutions

Applications close 5 pm Friday 11 December. 

• Are your bulls ready for joining?

• Applications sought for key livestock and biosecurity advisory roles

• Stay ahead of flystrike

• Good biosecurity helps protect Victorian livestock

• Biosecurity remains essential as temporary poultry confinement requirement ends

• Victorian dairy farmers rebound in milestone year

• Helping Victorian farmers bring down energy bills

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training – Dargo 

When: Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 November, 9 am to 3 pm. Morning tea and lunch provided.
Where: Bush Nursing Centre, 72 Lind Ave, Dargo.

Who is this for?

• Individuals: Equip yourself with practical skills to recognise and safely respond to mental health concerns
• Businesses and Organisations: Supports organisations in meeting Psychosocial Hazards obligations under Australian WHS legislation
• Community groups and Clubs: Increased capability in providing support.

Includes:

• Official MHFA Manual to each participant
• MHFA Training by a Licenced Instructor
• MHFA Certificate of Completion upon meeting requirements. 

Mitey Varroa update - webinar 

Join the Mitey Varroa Update webinar on Tuesday 10 November, 7 to 8 pm.  

Varroa mite is changing the pollination industry. If your business relies on European honeybees, find out what you can do to prepare. 

Hear from Joe Riordan of Bee Sure and Matt Lorenz of Lorenz Apiaries about how Varroa mite is affecting pollination-dependent businesses and the steps you can take to prepare for industry changes. 

From drone to decision

Maffra: Wednesday 11 November, 9 am to 12:30 pm  

Devon Meadows: Thursday 12 November, 9 am to 12:30 pm

Collect, process and utilise drone crop data on your farm.  

Vegetable growers are invited to join a training workshop to learn how to:   

• Capture quality drone imagery and generate plant count, density, size, and health maps 
• Monitor crop performance over time 
• Use data to support decisions. 

GippsDairy industry update lunch – Orbost

When: Thursday 12 November, 6:30–8:30 pm 
Where: Orbost Football Club, Lochiel St, Orbost

Tom Youl, Dairy Australia

Tom will present Dairy Australia's latest Situation and Outlook Report, providing expert analysis and unbiased insights into current domestic and international dairy market trends, industry drivers, and what they mean for Victorian dairy farmers.

20 Years of Dairy Farm Monitor Project Insights

Natalie Nelson, Farm Business Economist, Agriculture Victoria

Natalie will share findings from the project's landmark 20th year, highlighting the key trends, challenges, and opportunities that have shaped Victorian dairy farming over the past 2 decades.

The DFMP provides comprehensive physical and financial analysis of approximately 250 dairy farms across Australia, representing a broad range of farm sizes, herd sizes, and geographical locations. The project supports decision-making and investment priorities for Dairy Australia, Agriculture Victoria, and other key industry stakeholders.

Natalie will also discuss:

• The challenges dairy farms faced during the 2024-26 period due to difficult weather conditions.
• The impact on home-grown feed consumption and fodder reserves.
• How some businesses have successfully rebuilt fodder reserves and strengthened resilience.
• Recent improvements in farm profitability, with average returns on assets approximately doubling between 2024/25 and 2025/26.

Biosecurity: For a Better Bass Coast

When: Friday 20 November, 11 am - 2 pm
Where: The Gurdies Winery, 215 Gurdies-st Helier Road, The Gurdies.

Protect your livestock, your farm and your business with practical biosecurity measures that make a difference.

Join Bass Coast Shire Council, Bass Coast Landcare Network and Agriculture Victoria for an informative and practical workshop designed to help local farmers, livestock producers and agricultural businesses strengthen their biosecurity practices and protect their livelihoods.

Topics covered will include:

• Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) requirements
• Managing the risks associated with H5N1 Avian Influenza
• Reducing biosecurity risks when purchasing feed and livestock
• Safe disposal of deceased livestock
• Practical on-farm biosecurity measures
• Essential items to include in your biosecurity kit

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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