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Thursday 28 May 2026
Locust alert. Report activity now
Agriculture Victoria is urging landholders and land managers to report locust activity to support reducing the risk of damaging infestations this spring.
Adult locusts are active in north-west Victoria following favourable conditions, with numbers above usual levels for this time of year.
Dr Kyla Finlay, Victoria’s Plague Locust Commissioner, said high numbers are also seen in New South Wales and South Australia and have likely contributed to migrations entering Victoria
Know the rules when spraying with drones
Drones, also known as remotely piloted aircraft, are increasingly being used for aerial spraying of agricultural chemicals, but operators need to be aware of the rules to keep people, animals and crops safe.
Agriculture Victoria’s Alex Perera said operators and pilots are required to be appropriately authorised by Agriculture Victoria and comply with Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) requirements.
Vet Talk - twin lamb disease
Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer
As we move further into winter, sheep producers may begin to see cases of pregnancy toxaemia or twin lamb disease in their ewes.
Twin lamb disease occurs because of an inadequate energy intake during the last 4 to 6 weeks of pregnancy.
During this final period of pregnancy, a ewe’s energy needs increase substantially, as she has to provide energy for both herself and her rapidly growing lamb.
To clean or not to clean? Managing dam sediment
Farmers in south west Victoria may be considering cleaning out sediment from their dams after prolonged dry weather.
However, Agriculture Victoria Land Management Extension Officer Clem Sturmfels is urging farmers to carefully assess the risks, timing, and likely benefits before starting any works.
Varroa mite chemical resistance in Victoria
Testing of an apiary in north east Victoria has confirmed Varroa mites with resistance to pyrethroid miticide treatments.
The likely pathway of the pyrethroid resistant mites into Victoria was in hives moved from interstate last year and subsequently sold to a Victorian beekeeper.
Executive Director Biosecurity Charlotte Austin said the detection of pyrethroid resistance in Victoria highlights the importance of beekeepers maintaining a close watch on miticide treatment results.
Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Grants and Concessional Loans
Bushfire support is available for impacted farmers.
Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Grants: up to $75,000 is available to primary producers impacted by the January 2026 bushfires, to help cover the costs of clean-up and reinstating their enterprises. You don’t need to contribute any funds to apply for this grant.
Primary Producers Bushfire Recovery Concessional Loans: up to $250,000 is available for producers who have suffered significant damage to assets, while loans of up to $100,000 can support those experiencing a major loss of income due to the bushfires.
Applications will close at 4 pm on 21 October.
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).
Access to fertilisers during global supply disruption
Image credit: Fertilizer Australia
Farmers are finding it harder to get enough fertiliser. Conflict overseas has disrupted production and supply chains, reducing availability and driving up prices in Australia.
When supply is disrupted overseas, the impacts are felt locally. It is important to plan ahead, understand Victorian regulations before purchasing, and avoid compromising on fertiliser quality.
Victoria regulates fertilisers to reduce risks that harm soils, animals and people. The rules apply to fertilisers sold in packaging and in bulk. They focus on managing heavy metal contamination and making sure buyers receive clear product information.
Information you must receive for bulk fertiliser
When you buy fertiliser in bulk, the supplier must give you a written advice note. This helps you understand what you are buying before you use it.
The advice note must include:
the name of the fertiliser
the quantity of the fertiliser
the name and address of the wholesale dealer or the seller of the fertiliser
any required warning statements.
Additional requirements are put on bulk fertilisers:
if a person is collecting the fertiliser, the advice note must be given to the person at the time the fertiliser is collected.
if the fertiliser is being delivered, the advice note accompanying the fertiliser must be given to a person at the time of delivery.
if the fertiliser is delivered to a premises where no one is there, the seller must take reasonable steps to ensure that the advice note is given to the buyer within 24 hours of the delivery date.
This information supports safe use and long-term soil health.
Know what you are buying when ordering in bulk
Buying fertiliser in bulk can save time and money, especially when supply is tight. However, bulk orders also carry higher risk if the product is not suitable for your land or crops.
Getting advice notes before you order helps you:
- check the fertiliser meets Victorian requirements
- avoid excess heavy metal build up in soil
- match nutrients to crop and pasture needs
- reduce the risk of wasted product and cost.
Planning early reduces risk
Early planning gives you more options when supply is limited. It also gives you time to review advice notes and seek technical guidance if needed.
We recommend speaking with your supplier or an agronomy adviser before placing large orders – and to do this as early as possible. This helps you make informed decisions during uncertain supply periods.
For more information on what fertiliser regulations are in Victorian, visit the Agriculture Victoria fertiliser regulation page.
Drought Hardship Loan
The Australian Government RIC Drought Hardship Loan is available 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.
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 at ric.gov.au
Drought Support
Farm Drought Support Grants
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.
Farmers in south west Victoria can 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.
Almost 160,000 deer harvested by recreational hunters in 2025
The Game Management Authority has released the Estimates of the 2025 deer harvest in Victoria report. Results show an estimated 158,500 deer were harvested in 2025. This is similar to the 167,600 deer harvested in 2024 and 66% above the long-term average of 95,400 since 2009.
Sambar Deer were the most harvested species with an estimated harvest of 118,400 deer, of which 54% were female. Fallow Deer were the second most harvested species, with an estimated harvest of 38,000 deer, of which 55% were female.
Reminder - Young Farmers Advisory Council EOI closing soon!
Image: members of the current Young Farmers Advisory Council meeting
Emerging leaders from across Victoria’s agriculture industry are invited to help shape the industry’s future, with expressions of interest now open for the next 2-year term of the Young Farmers Advisory Council.
EOIs close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 14 June. To register an expression of interest, visit the Join a public board website
What's On
When: Saturday 30 May, 9 am – 3:30 pm
Where: WildRidge Farm in Badger Creek
Join ECOSS for a practical, hands-on learning experience. Designed to support farmers and landholders to build resilience in a changing climate.
Delivered by Yarra Valley ECOSS on behalf of Agriculture Victora as part of the Victorian Government’s statewide Drought Support Package.
Winton Wetlands fox control information session
When: 4 June, 1–3 pm
Where: Mokoan Café and Events, 652 Lake Mokoan Road, Winton North
A community information session to provide an overview of the fox control program at Winton Wetlands, for adjoining landholders, local land managers and Landcare groups.
Hear from Fraser Harrison, Agriculture Victoria’s vertebrate pest engagement officer, about practical fox control techniques for landholders, how coordinating with neighbours can help improve results, and funding and support options for community-led fox control programs.
RSVP by Wednesday 3 June to hume.engagement@deeca.vic.gov.au
Protecting Mallee soils
When: 4 June, 12–1:15 pm
Where: Online
Victorian Mallee farmers register now for our Protecting Mallee Soils webinar touching on the seasonal outlook, land management and monitoring wind erosion.
Hear from:
- Dr Stuart Gordon (CSIRO)
- Sherri Symons (WoolGrow Australia)
- Dale Grey and the Monitoring Wind Erosion team (Agriculture Victoria)
Topics include:
- Climate observations from the 2025 season and outlook for 2026
- Insights from Mallee ground cover surveys from last spring and this autumn.
- Satellite assessments of ground cover
- Farm demonstration insights
- Reducing erosion and retaining soil moisture using wool pellets
- Using sprayable mulch film to improve soil moisture retention
👉 Register on Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZWigBVMUR_6LLlC4hffyTw
Decisions under pressure with Kate Burke - Maryborough
Sheep production for tomorrow: feed, health and market opportunities
Date and time: Thursday 11 June from 9:30 am - 3 pm
Location: Elmore Netball Club, 2 Elmore-Mitiamo Rd, Elmore
Cost: free. Please RSVP.
Join industry specialists for a practical and informative day focused on improving lamb survival through effective ewe health and nutrition management.
Event program
Ewe health and pre-lambing management
- Key ewe health interventions during the pre-lambing period, presented by Zoetis.
Nutrition strategies to support lamb survival
- Benefits and cost implications of replacing wheat and barley with maize grain.
Feed management before lambing and throughout lactation to improve lamb survival
- Impacts of maize feeding on colostrum quality.
- Practical, on-farm feed-out strategies.
Understanding rumen function
- Use of maize silage in sheep production systems.
- Hands-on rumen dissection and discussion on rumen function.
Industry and market insights
- Current red meat supply dynamics and Australia’s positioning in the market.
Speakers include:
- Frankie Collett
- Collett Veterinary and Consultancy Services
- Michael Savli, Lallemand Animal Nutrition
- Mark Inglis, Thomas Foods International
- Representatives from Zoetis
Women in agriculture forum
When: 18 June, 9:15 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Henley’s Wine Bar & Kitchen, 1597 Snow Road, Milawa
Hosted by North East CMA, women working in agriculture are invited to an energising forum designed to help you reconnect, recharge, and refocus.
What to expect
- a hands-on workshop with Cynthia Mahoney, sharing practical tools used by top performers — helping you sustain energy, manage stress, and optimise your business, even during challenging seasons.
- dedicated time to reflect, reset, and refocus on what matters most
- a delicious networking lunch with trade displays, offering the chance to connect with other rural women and local support organisations.
- after lunch, choose ONE of three concurrent recharge sessions: restorative yoga, resilient garden design, or nature journaling.
Walk away feeling supported, refreshed, and better equipped — for both farm and life.
Cost: $20 per person Includes lunch, workshop sessions, and take-home resources.
Australian Sheep and Wool Show
When: Friday 17 June to Sunday 19 June, 9 am to 4 pm
Where: Bendigo Prince of Wales Showgrounds, North Bendigo
Visit Bendigo, July 17–19, 2026, for a weekend celebrating Australia’s finest sheep, wool, and country life. From livestock and wool craft to fashion, food, and family fun.
Get your tickets today at The Australian Sheep and Wool Show Highlights — Sheep Show
BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef conferences - program out now
We’ve just dropped the full program for this year’s BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef Conferences.
In Ballarat on 23 and 24 June, you can hear from speakers across the sheep and beef industries, providing insights that will both inform and challenge attendees.
Concurrent sessions in the morning and afternoon allow you to choose who you listen to, ensuring you get the most out of your day.
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.
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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