Thursday 26 March 2026

Report rain event loss and damage

Following recent rainfall in the Sunraysia area that delivered more than two thirds of the region’s annual total in just 48 hours, Agriculture Victoria is asking growers to report loss and damage to their industry group so the full impact of the event can be understood.

Almond, grape and melon harvests were disrupted when close to 150 mm of rain fell across the region earlier this month. Water damage and access issues are continuing to impact an already challenging season.

State Agency Commander Wendy Thom said Agriculture Victoria had been working with industry to understand the impacts.

‘Loss and damage information is currently being collated by industry groups, and some impacts will take time to fully understand as harvest operations progress,’ Ms Thom said.

‘This work is critical to building an accurate picture of impacts and will help inform recovery planning, so we urge growers to report their impacts to their industry group as soon as they can.’

Improved testing for anthrax

Anthrax has been a cause of sudden death of livestock in Australia for the past 150 years. Once an animal has died from anthrax, the anthrax spores can survive in the soil for decades, waiting for the right set of environmental conditions to infect another animal.

Most districts in Victoria have experienced livestock deaths due to anthrax.

Anthrax-related livestock deaths mostly occur in the warmer months, although history has shown that they can occur at any time of year. Therefore, anthrax should be considered whenever there is any sudden death of livestock, particularly if blood is seen around the animal’s nose, mouth and anus.

At one time, veterinarians had to carry a microscope and examine a smear of specially stained blood to rapidly diagnose anthrax.

This all changed with the development of pen-side ICT (immunochromatographic test) kits, which provide a quick, safe and accurate means of diagnosing or excluding anthrax when investigating cases of sudden death of livestock.

All private veterinarians who deal with livestock have free access to ICT kits and can investigate sudden deaths through subsidised disease investigations.

There are several reasons why it is advantageous to know whether an animal has died from anthrax.

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).

Growing our food safety standards

Agriculture Victoria is supporting berry, melon and leafy vegetable growers to implement new national food safety standards.

These standards are found in the Food Standards Code (the Code), and each state or territory has an obligation to interpret, implement and enforce them.

Regulations introduced last year aim to meet Victoria’s obligation to implement the Code and to maintain and advance the state’s reputation as a responsible and safe producer of food.

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.

Last chance to have your say on Vic Biosecurity Strategy

Have your say on our state’s biosecurity future. 

Biosecurity is everyone’s business — and the Implementation Plan for Victoria’s Biosecurity Strategy closes on Tuesday, 31 March. 

Built in partnership with industry, community, First Nations and government, this plan sets out how we work together to stop the harm caused by pests and diseases. 

👉 Review the draft and share your feedback now on Engage Victoria: https://go.vic.gov.au/4teKWjf  

Your voice helps protect our environment, our agriculture and our way of life. 

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.  

Click here to find out more.

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.  

What's On

Know your number: calculating and understanding your farm's greenhouse gas emissions

When: Friday 27 March, 10 am – 12 noon
Where: Online

Calculating and understanding your farm's greenhouse gas emissions number may seem complicated and overwhelming.

Join Kiewa Landcare Group for an online workshop where you will be guided through a user friendly calculator by Brady Miell from Agriculture Innovations Australia (AIA).

'Knowing your number' is the crucial first step toward making your farm sustainable for the future.

Topics:

• Why it is important to know your on-farm emissions and carbon profile
• How to identify sources of emissions and carbon on your farm
• The process of measuring, calculating and tracking emissions and carbon over time
• How to navigate online Greenhouse Gas (GHG) accounting framework tools
• How to avoid/reduce on-farm emissions

The webinar link will be sent out in your registration confirmation email and in the event reminder emails

Partnerships Against Pests program Round 5 grants webinar

When: Friday 27 March, 11 am – 12 noon
Where: Online

Have you got an idea to help your community to tackle established invasive species in your area?

The Partnerships Against Pests grants program can help you turn that idea into on-ground action, with grants of up to $50,000 for 12-month projects that build local capacity to manage established weeds and pest animals.

Round 5 is open to groups and organisations working at state, regional and local levels who are ready to make a difference in established invasive species management.

Ready to put your project idea in the strongest position to secure funding? Join Agriculture Victoria’s Partnerships Against Pests grants team for the Round 5 webinar, where you will:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of eligibility requirements, funding priorities, and key criteria assessors will consider for Round 5 applications
• Get guidance on preparing your application and budget
• Hear insights from a previous grant recipient regarding successful strategies
• Receive a detailed walk through of the online application process so you can submit with confidence before 11 May 2026.

Wind erosion webinar

When: Monday 30 March, 12 noon
Where: Online

Presenter Dr John Leys has over 40 years' experience in soil conservation and is the founder of DustWatch Australia.

John will present on the following topics:

• Causes of wind erosion
• Forecasting tools
• Mitigation
• Ripping, roughening and ridging and other actions to take when erosion begins

BCG travelling trials review day

When: Monday 30 March, 10 am – 12 noon
Where: Kaniva Community Hub

Join BCG staff to hear the latest on BCG’s Wimmera Research and how results can be applied on farm.

Registrations are essential.

Mallee Seeps workshop

When: Tuesday 31 March, 9 am–11.30 am
Where: Speed Golf Club, 2 Golf Course Road, Speed

When: Tuesday 31 March, 1:30–4 pm
Where: Ouyen Golf Club, 33 Cooper Street, Ouyen

Bring your Mallee seeps back into production!

A Mallee seep is an area affected by a localised perched water table that brings water and salt to the surface soil layers that can result in surface ponding and bare saline scalding over time. 

If this is a problem on you farm, join BCG and other local growers for a free workshop to learn more about options for mitigation with guest presenter Dr Chris McDonough, Farming Systems Consultant, Insight Extension for Agriculture.

This project is being delivered by BCG and the Mallee Landcare group. 

For more information, contact BCG at info@bcg.org.au or call 03 5492 2787.  

GRDC Grains Research Update, online – Spreading your fertiliser budget further

When: Wednesday 1 April, 11 am – 12 noon
Where: Online

Join GRDC for a practical session on fertiliser budgeting and allocation covering:

• most relevant soil test measures and what they mean
• rules of thumb for decisions around allocating fertiliser supplies
• refining crop nitrogen strategies
• how paddock history and crop type influence decisions
• the decision-making process and how risk and different outcomes are best accounted.

This session will provide guidance on spreading your fertiliser further this season.

The recording will be uploaded to the GRDC website, past events page to view at a later date.

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: Wednesday 15 April, 9 am to 4 pm
Where: Kerang

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.

Understanding your farm finances

When: Tuesday 14 April, 9 am – 4 pm
Where: Bendigo

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.

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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