No images? Click here
Thursday 10 September 2026
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 one sick or dead:
- wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey
- marine mammal (e.g. seal, dolphin).
Plan now for the fire season
A farm map is a useful tool when it comes to developing your fire preparedness plan – and it may prove vital in the case of fire.
Use it to highlight where your critical assets are, including:
- assembly areas and evacuation/exit points
- farm gates and internal fences
- water sources, water tanks and pumps
- stock refuge areas and stock yards
- stock disposal sites
- vegetation.
Share it with family and employees.
For more tips on developing a farm map – either online or on paper – download a copy of the Fire Preparedness Toolkit.
Or request a hard copy by emailing recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Watch for bloat as spring pastures take off
Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer, Northern Region
Livestock producers are being urged to remain vigilant for bloat in cattle as spring growth accelerates across the region.
The condition is most commonly seen when cattle rapidly consume lush, immature legume-dominant pastures such as clover and lucerne.
While bloat can occur on any pasture, it is far less common where grasses dominate.
Bloat develops when fermentation in the rumen produces gas that becomes trapped as foam rather than being released through normal belching.
Fox bait misuse results in charges
A property owner from Buffalo has been charged at the Wonthaggi Magistrates Court in relation to the misuse of 1080 fox baits.
Roger Davis was charged and convicted of multiple offences and ordered to donate $3,000 to the RSPCA after he was found to have incorrectly used the regulated chemical on his property.
Agriculture Victoria Program Manager Daniel Bode said the accused did not hold the appropriate authorisation for the use of 1080 in Victoria.
Drought Support Package
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:
- Farm Drought Support Grants
- Farm Advisory Service - 1:1 consultations
- Look Over the Farm Gate grants
- Rural Financial Counselling Service Wellbeing Counsellors
To view the full range of financial, technical and wellbeing support available, visit our website or phone 136 186.
The Very Fast Break
The Very Fast Break seasonal climate update video clip for September is now available.
We love to receive your feedback. If you have comments, questions or feedback, please contact Dale Grey at the.break@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Kangaroo population survey
DEECA's biennial kangaroo population surveys are happening 5 to 30 September across Victoria.
The surveys are done from the air so helicopters will be flying at low altitudes and slow speeds to count kangaroos. Flights are carefully planned to avoid houses and livestock.
These surveys improve our understanding of Victoria's kangaroo population and help inform wildlife management decisions.
For further information, call 131 186.
Have your say - Looking ahead 2026 survey
Help East Gippsland Shire, Wellington Shire and East Gippsland CMA update the 2019 'Looking Ahead' advocacy paper for Gippsland agriculture.
If you live in Wellington Shire Council or East Gippsland Shire Council they need your input on:
- What are the key issues affecting your farm?
- What opportunities do you see?
- What challenges are you facing?
Take 15 minutes to have your say.
Survey closes Saturday 26 September.
Support is available for farmers in fire recovery
Farmers impacted by the January 2026 bushfires: you may be eligible for financial support for recovery.
- Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Grants of up to $75,000 to assist with clean-up and reinstating enterprises.
- Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Concessional Loans of up to $250,000 for those who have suffered major asset damage or loss of income.
- Grants are open until 4 pm on 21 October 2026.
Applications can be made at ruralfinance.com.au/grants
Is your farm business eligible for a RIC loan?
RIC low-interest loans support Australian farm businesses involved in the agricultural, horticultural, pastoral, apicultural (beekeeping) or aquacultural industries.
They have compiled an overview of the eligible industries on their website.
Before you apply, visit the website to check if your farm business is an eligible industry.
Parma for a South Gippsland Farmer
When: Wednesday 16 September, 6:30–9:30 pm
Where: Poowong Hotel, Poowong
- Connect with local farmers and community members
- Support informal conversations around wellbeing
- Strengthen relationships across agriculture and support sectors
- Promote available services and programs in a relaxed environment
Gippsland Soil Symposium
When: Thursday 24 September, 9:30 am–3:30 pm
Where: Gippsland Agricultural Centre, 345 Bengworden Rd, Bairnsdale
Fertiliser prices are rising, margins are tightening, and every input dollar needs to work harder. Join Joel Williams, Teale Simmons and Lachie Barclay for a practical and thought-provoking day focused on one key question: How can farmers maintain productivity and profitability while reducing costs and building more resilient farming systems?
Bringing together leading expertise in soil science, farm business economics, and commercial farming, this symposium will explore nutrient cycling, soil function, fertiliser efficiency, and real-world management strategies that are delivering results on farm. Expect practical examples, honest discussion, and evidence-based insights that you can take home and apply to your own business.
Managing the spring break
When: Wednesday 21 October, 6:30–8:30 pm
Where: The Courthouse Restaurant, 72 Smith St, Warragul
Come and enjoy a night off the farm. Join a farm consultancy presentation and farmer-led discussion focused on preparing for the spring season.
Hear practical insights on:
- knowing your numbers
- managing feed
- navigating the opportunities
- challenges that spring can bring to your business.
Connect with fellow farmers, share experiences, and take home ideas to help set your farm up for a successful season.
A delicious sit down dinner will be provided.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training – Swifts Creek and Ensay, Omeo, Cann River and 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.
9 am to 3 pm. Morning tea and lunch provided.
- Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 October – Swifts Creek and Ensay: Bush Nursing Centre, 17 McMillan St, Swifts Creek
- Thursday 8 and Friday 9 October –Omeo: Community Hall and Hub, 179 Day Ave, Omeo
- Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 October –Cann River: Bush Nursing Centre, 27 Monaro Hwy, Cann River
- Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 November –Dargo: Bush Nursing Centre, 72 Lind Ave, Dargo.
Keep up to date with GippsDairy's events on their website.
Keep up to date with Gippsland Agricultural Group's events on their website.
Keep up to date with Food & Fibre Gippsland's events on their website.
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
This newsletter is distributed by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
Were you forwarded this email? Subscribe now.