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Thursday 13 November 2025
Tomato potato psyllid
Pest detection prompts market access requirements
Agriculture Victoria has fast-tracked new accreditation processes to help horticultural businesses with market access requirements after a new detection of tomato potato psyllid (TPP).
Victoria’s Chief Plant Health Officer Dr Rosa Crnov confirmed that TPP was recently detected in a home garden in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, and outside of the current restricted area on the Bellarine Peninsula.
‘The new detection occurred outside the restricted area, indicating that the pest may be present beyond the previously identified area.
‘We’ve worked with industry to develop a new arrangement, helping businesses to maintain interstate market access,’ Dr Crnov said.
Agriculture Victoria co-hosted a webinar with Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria on 12 November at 2 pm to help guide businesses through the changes.
The webinar, along with information and resources, is available on the Agriculture Victoria website for businesses to access.
TPP is a small insect that feeds on solanaceous hosts such as tomato, potato, eggplant, chilli and capsicum, and was detected in Victoria for the first time on 12 November 2024 on the Bellarine Peninsula.
A restricted area has been in place since the initial detection in November 2024 to contain the pest from spreading further into other areas of Victoria.
TPP is established around Perth in Western Australia.
TPP can spread a serious plant disease known as ‘zebra chip’ in potatoes when it is infected with the Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLso) bacterium. CLso has not been detected in Victoria, or anywhere in Australia.
Report any unusual plant pest or disease immediately using our online reporting form or by calling the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline on 1800 084 881. Early reporting increases the chance of effective control and eradication.
For more information on TPP, visit https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/pest-insects-and-mites/priority-pest-insects-and-mites/tomato-potato-psyllid
Drought support available now
Farmers can access financial assistance and support today to help manage during drought.
Our website provides information on available support, including financial counselling, mental health and wellbeing services and links to other organisations that can help.
You’ll also find practical tools, resources and information to help you plan and manage your feed, water and livestock needs.
Duties and fees support
The Duties and Fees relief package is helping to reduce the cost of doing business for drought affected primary producers.
Food safety registration fees waived for horticulture and regulated crop producers in the 12 LGAs in south west Victoria experiencing the most challenging drought conditions in the state.
Food safety registration fees for 2025–26 remain at the same rate as 2024–25 for all primary producers outside of these LGAs.
Food safety registration fees are currently charged at a 50% reduction. No audit fees charged until February 2027.
Find more information on our website: https://go.vic.gov.au/48FF4bG
For further drought support visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
Farm Drought Support Grants
Apply today for a Farm Drought Support Grant to support drought management activities including:
- Stock Containment Areas (SCA)
- reticulated water systems
- irrigation system upgrades
- grain and fodder storage
- internal re-fencing
- feed system upgrades
- pasture/crop restoration
- water carting for livestock and essential business activities.
Eligible primary producers across the state can access up to $5,000 (ex-GST) as a co-contribution grant, while south west Victorian producers can access up to $10,000 (ex-GST).
For program guidelines, a list of eligible drought management activities and to apply visit https://www.ruralfinance.com.au/grants/
What can you do about an evaporating dam?
Kerri Goschnick, Land Management Extension Officer
As we head into the warmer months, it's essential to monitor your water storage regularly. This helps you understand how much water stock is drinking and what you may be losing through evaporation or leakage.
See if you can identify which is having the greatest impact – water used through stock consumption or water lost through evaporation or leakage. Have you simply run out of water because there has not been sufficient rainfall to produce the required runoff?
To generate runoff into storages, rainfall events typically need to exceed 20mm. If your grass height is over 50 mm, you may need 60 mm or more per event. Many regions have not had these types of events for some time.
Identifying and managing leakage
Leakage from dams often shows up as wet spots or clumps of green grass in a small area during the drier part of the year. This can occur when dry dams fill quickly but dam walls haven’t fully re-saturated. If you suspect leakage, consider using treatment products but choose carefully, as many are soil-type specific. You will get the best value when you take this into account.
If you treat your dam, ensure the dam is properly fenced to exclude all stock. Storage treatment products can range from $1,000–$10,000 and should only be used when you are certain that your storage is leaking.
Also, consider safety by adding steps or structures to the inside batters to help animals or people exit safely without damaging the treated batter or liner.
Regular check urged to monitor for eye cancer
Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer
This week I’m drawing attention and urging cattle producers to regularly check their livestock for signs of eye cancer, a condition that can cause significant animal suffering and financial loss if left untreated.
Eye cancer, which typically affects the eyelid or eyeball, is most commonly seen in white-faced breeds such as Herefords.
The disease is associated with prolonged exposure to sunlight and typically begins as a small growth that gradually enlarges, potentially invading surrounding tissue and spreading to other parts of the body.
If undetected, eye cancer can result in animals being condemned at the abattoir, reduced productivity and breaches of animal welfare standards.
Prompt veterinary treatment or culling can significantly reduce the severity of the disease.
Genetic selection also plays a role in prevention. Breeding cattle with pigmentation around the eye, particularly in the sclera and eyelid, can lower the risk of developing tumours.
When a tumour is found, the recommended course of action depends on its size and condition:
- Small tumours (under five-cent piece, clean and not flyblown): Animal may be sold through a saleyard for slaughter only.
- Medium tumours (between five-cent and 20-cent piece, clean and not flyblown): Direct sale to an abattoir is permitted.
- Large or infected tumours (bleeding, flyblown, or larger than a 20-cent piece): Animal must be disposed of on-farm or sent to a knackery.
Failure to act appropriately may result in prosecution under the Livestock Disease Control Act or the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
A photographic guide to assessing eye cancers is available from Agriculture Victoria. For further advice, producers are encouraged to contact their local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria Animal Health Officer.
The science behind hay fires
Andrea Henry, dairy industry development officer, Maffra
Spontaneous combustion in hay occurs when internal heat builds up to the point of ignition, as a result of microbial activity and chemical reactions.
Unlike fires caused by lightning or machinery, spontaneous combustion is insidious: it starts deep within a haystack and can smoulder unnoticed until it erupts into flames.
How do spontaneous combustions happen?
Hay is an organic material rich in sugars, proteins and moisture – ideal conditions for microbial growth. When hay is baled too wet or stored before it has fully cured, bacteria and fungi begin to break down the plant matter. This microbial activity then generates heat.
What are the risk factors?
- High moisture content: Hay baled with more than 20% moisture is at risk. Mould growth and fermentation occur when moisture levels are between 20% and 35%.
- Dense packing: Tightly packed bales trap heat and moisture, accelerating microbial activity.
- Poor ventilation: Lack of airflow prevents heat from dispersing.
- Environmental conditions: Warm, humid weather.
- Storage practices: Storing hay in enclosed barns or sheds without monitoring.
Very Fast Break
The latest The Very Fast Break video is now available.
The Very Fast Break is delivered as short YouTube videos summarising oceanic and atmospheric climate drivers and the summarised model predictions for rainfall and temperature for Victoria.
Birchip Cropping Group survey on fleabane and sowthistle
Birchip Cropping Group (BCG) is inviting local growers and advisors to take part in a short survey on summer weed management.
The survey focuses on the management of fleabane and sowthistle, aiming to benchmark current practices and inform future trials and extension activities.
Your input will help ensure research and extension efforts are targeted, helping improve weed management outcomes across the region.
Access the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ZRCRYX6
What’s in your fire preparedness plan this season?
If you missed our webinar recently, make yourself a cuppa and take some time to listen.
Kylie Macreadie discusses key preparedness activities and the tools and templates you can use to plan ahead.
Farmers who have been impacted by fire also share stories and insights of putting their plans into action.
Hear from:
- Rob Pelletier and Kate Blood, horticulture business owners, Beaufort Victoria
- Doug and Jan James, livestock producers, Bungeet Victoria
Protecting Victorians from mosquito-borne diseases
More Victorians will have protection from the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), with the Victorian Government delivering free vaccines to at-risk regional Victorians this mosquito season.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas encouraged Victorians to understand the risks of mosquito-borne diseases and to take simple steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites while enjoying more time outside over the warmer summer months.
Backed by a $2.3 million investment, the vaccine is now available to people in 24 regional local government areas, primarily inland riverine regions, where there is a higher risk of exposure to the virus.
Examples of high risk local government areas for mosquito-borne diseases near and in the Grampians and Mallee regions and where residents are eligible for the Japanese encephalitis vaccine include:
- Buloke
- Gannawarra
- Greater Bendigo
- Hindmarsh
- Horsham
- Loddon
- Macedon Ranges
- Mildura
- Northern Grampians
- Swan Hill
- West Wimmera
- Yarriambiack
Keeping Victorian farmers safe
The Victorian Government is ensuring Victorian farmers have the tools and tailored support they need to make farms safe places to live, work or visit.
Deputy Premier and Minister for WorkSafe and the TAC Ben Carroll announced a $2.6 million funding agreement between WorkSafe and the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) to deliver the next phase of the Making Our Farms Safer project.
The funding will expand the project’s dedicated safety advisory service, which delivers on-farm, in-person support to identify and help manage key risks.
Celebrating a sparkling year for Victoria’s wine industry
The Victorian Government is backing Victoria’s wine industry and the thousands of jobs it supports by celebrating its winners at the Melbourne Royal Wine Awards this year.
Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence presented the Yarra Valley’s Oakridge Wines with the Champion Victorian Winery award at the event.
Oakridge has now claimed the top honour in three of the past four years – 2022, 2024, and 2025 – cementing its reputation as a leader in Victorian winemaking since its founding in 1978.
VFF asking truck transporters to register for emergency fodder delivery
Victoria is starting to dry out and that means more risk of bushfires.
With the support of the Victorian Government and as part of the Emergency Fodder Support Program, the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is reminding truck transport operators to pre-register their details with them.
In the event of a bushfire or other significant emergency, the VFF may call on those registered to help deliver fodder to where it’s needed most.
Water planning webinars
When: Every Tuesday from 10 am up to and including 16 December
Join this series of informal presentation led by Clem Sturmfels, a land management extension officer with Agriculture Victoria.
Participants will also have access to a range of other recordings, videos and associated resources.
Topics
- Water self-assessment
- Water planning
- Farm dams
- Pipeline layout and design
- Installation and construction.
Irrigation management course
When: Thursday 20 November, 9 am - 5 pm
Where: 308-390 Koorlong Ave, Irymple
We invite you to a free, 2-day course providing information on irrigation management aimed at maximising farm profitability and efficiency.
Topics
- soil water principles
- irrigation of Mallee soils
- readily available water (RAW) holding capacity
- irrigation system performance
- leaching efficiency and nutrient management
- irrigation scheduling
- water outlook.
Places are limited, please register via email irrigation@agriculture.vic.gov.au
StockSense Goat Essentials Workshop
When: Friday 21 November, 9:30 am to 1:30 pm
Where: Wattle Flat (location will be provided after registration)
Hosted by StockSense, this workshop is a great opportunity to connect with other goat owners and gain some hands-on knowledge.
Presenters:
- Berwyn Squire, Agriculture Victoria Goat Health Veterinary Officer
- Ellie Mowle, Agriculture Victoria Animal Health Officer
Topics:
- foot paring
- vaccinations
- faecal egg counts
- general biosecurity
- body condition scoring
- FAMACHA® for effective worm control.
The event is free and catered.
Trees on farm – Boosting productivity and cutting net emissions
Join our climate webinar to hear about how integrating trees into livestock systems can deliver real productivity gains and help reduce farm emissions.
Date and time: Monday 24 November from 12 -1 pm
Register here:
MultiMix Field Day
When: Monday 1 December, 10 am to 1 pm
Where: Hamilton Smart Farm, 12 Research Station Rd, Hamilton
Join us to hear about how multispecies pasture have the potential to improve sheep production, reduce methane emissions and extend the resilience of pastures in the Southern regions of Australia.
The field day will showcase the trial platform with presentations from research scientists explaining the aims of the MultiMix project.
The event will conclude with a free BBQ lunch.
Interpreting soil moisture monitoring equipment
When: Wednesday 8 December, 9-11 am
Where: Agriculture Victoria, 308–390 Koorlong Avenue, Irymple
Irrigators, join us for a free half-day workshop on interpreting soil moisture monitoring data.
Gain a better understanding of soil water principles, interpreting graph responses and more.
Bring your login and data to discuss soil moisture for your property.
Limited places, RSVP by email to irrigation@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Drip monitoring and maintenance course – Mildura
When: Wednesday 10 December, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
Where: Agriculture Victoria, 308–390 Koorlong Avenue, Irymple
Join us for a free half-day workshop on drip irrigation monitoring and maintenance to help you maximise on-farm profitability and water use efficiency!
Led by Jeremy Giddings from Ag Vic and Peter Henry from Netafim, topics covered include:
- understanding design and specification sheets
- monitoring, measuring pressures and discharges
- flushing, chlorination and acid injection
Email irrigation@agriculture.vic.gov.au to register and for further information.
GRDC events
24-25 February, GRDC Grains Research Update – Bendigo
26 February, GRDC Grains Research Update – Lake Bolac
Visit grdc.com.au/events to learn more.
Birchip Cropping Group events
Visit www.bcg.org.au/events
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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