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Thursday 19 March 2026
Help at hand for farmers recovering after fires
Agriculture Victoria is encouraging bushfire affected farmers to access recovery support as it passes two months since the blazes brought significant impacts to agriculture and communities.
Agriculture Recovery Manager Sarah Wallis said farmers are navigating short, medium and long term recovery, and Agriculture Victoria staff are here every step of the way.
‘We know that all farming businesses are unique and recovery will depend on many factors and occur at different paces. We want to remind farmers that support is available.
‘Our staff are on the ground in local communities, partnering with local shires and other support services, to provide farm management advice, and chat with farmers, their families and the community.
‘Recovery staff are also at events providing farmers with technical advice on a wide range of topics including managing and feeding livestock, pasture.
Following a bushfire there is a lot to consider when it comes to caring for livestock and getting your farm back on track.
To assist in making decisions for your on-farm recovery, a range of practical technical information and advice is available on our website.
You can also speak to an Agriculture Recovery team member on 136 186 or by contacting recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Community events near you
Our staff are here to talk through your bushfire recovery, including feeding livestock, looking after soils and managing farm water at the following farm recovery events:
- Euroa Recovery Hub, 20 March and 26 March, 11 am – 2 pm
For support, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/bushfires or email recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Whole Farm Planning course EOI now open for fire impacted landholders
Expressions of interest for Whole Farm Planning courses 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. We will be in contact when we have enough participants in your area.
Participants meet for up to 6 sessions to cover farm management and recovery topics.
An online format will also be available.
Workshop topics include:
- Farm design and layout
- Setting current and future goals
- Soils and land classing
- Pasture recovery and grazing/feed management
- Farm water supply
- Farm business planning
- Looking after yourself
- Risk management.
A free laminated property map will be provided as part of the course.
Register your interest by 30 April 2026.
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).
Got root knot nematodes in your horticulture crops?
Pictured: guava root knot nematode under the microscope (left) and external signs on fruit and vegetables (right)
Agriculture Victoria is offering free assessments of fruit and vegetable samples for guava root knot nematode (Meloidogyne enterolobii) to horticulture producers in an effort to rule out the presence of this highly pathogenic nematode species in Victoria.
Agriculture Victoria Senior Diagnostician Chantelle Girgan said guava root knot nematode (GRKN), a plant-parasitic roundworm, is a concern for horticulture producers because of its rapid spread globally.
‘GRKN is primarily found in tropical regions and was first detected in Australia in 2022 in the Northern Territory and Queensland; however, we’re trying to work out if it is present elsewhere in Australia,’ Dr Girgan said.
‘It’s important that we establish the status of this pest and where it’s located to support growers with management decisions.’
The pest can infect a wide range of fruit and vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplant and chilli, cabbage, bok choy and pak choy, melons, cucumbers, zucchini and pumpkins, and snake and soy bean.
Signs of a GRKN infection include galling ranging from one or 2 wart-like lumps to extremely lumpy roots and. in tuber vegetables, blemishes or cracks.
If growers suspect they have root knot nematodes in their crops, they should submit a root and soil sample to Agriculture Victoria’s Crop Health Services for a free diagnosis and report, including a basic soil health analysis.
Send root samples in approximately 50 g of surrounding soil in a plastic ziplock bag and cover the sample with an extra bag for protection.
Fill in a Crop Health Services sample submission form at https://go.vic.gov.au/49U9TcD and send the sample to:
AgriBio Specimen Reception
Main Loading Dock
5 Ring Road
La Trobe University
Bundoora 3083
This project has been funded by Hort Innovation, using research and development levies, and contributions from the Australian Government.
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.
Victorian fox bounty resumes
The Victorian Fox Bounty resumes this week.
The bounty is currently funded to 30 June 2026 and reward payments remain at the increased rate of $14 per fox scalp.
To streamline the application process and ensure prompt electronic payment, participants are encouraged to create an online bounty account. Please note that cheque payments are no longer accepted.
The 2026 collection schedule across the state can be viewed on our website.
Please note: The Bendigo Collection centre has moved to a new location for 2026.
Help kick pests out with new grants open
Invasive pests threaten farms and communities, and the Victorian Government is helping farmers protect their land with targeted pest management funding.
Minister Ros Spence announced the opening of the final round of the Partnerships Against Pests program today.
The program will help farmers protect their crops and livestock pasture from invasive pests, and improve the long-term health of their land.
Applicants can apply for grants of between $10,000 and $50,000 to deliver projects over a 12-month period.
Fast Break Newsletter out now
The Fast Break details oceanic and atmospheric climate driver activity over the last month and summarises 3 month model predictions for the Pacific and Indian oceans, rainfall and temperature for Victoria.
Rolling on with wheel cactus management
Agriculture Victoria will be visiting properties in the Maldon and Baringhup area with high infestations of wheel cactus (Opuntia robusta) in a targeted effort to support landholders to reduce the population of the noxious weed.
Agriculture Victoria Leading Biosecurity Officer Jessica Seidel says the wheel cactus is classified as a regionally controlled weed, which means landholders must take steps to control the cactus if it exists on their property.
‘The region is very fortunate to have the longstanding Tarrangower Cactus Control Group (TCCG) actively championing and assisting the community with the management of wheel cactus in north central Victoria,’ Ms Seidel said.
‘In partnership with TCCG, we are stepping in to help with a few properties that the group hasn’t been able to contact to advise landholders on the long-term management and compliance requirements for wheel cactus.
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.
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.
In case you missed it...
- Murray-Darling Basin Plan review submissions close 1 May. Go to 2026 Basin Plan Review: Have Your Say - MDBA to lodge yours.
- Conditions are ideal for flystrike
- Victoria cracks down further on aquatic pests
Save the date
When: 23–24 June
Where: The Goods Shed, Ballarat
After last year’s successful roadshow, the BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef conferences return to The Goods Shed on 23 and 24 June.
There’ll be two full days of insights, innovations and practical take home messages for sheep and cattle producers across Victoria – and a combined industry dinner at the end of day 1.
Pop it in your diary now for June.
Stay tuned for more updates.
What's On
Multispecies pastures tutorial series with Jade Killoran
When: Friday 20 March, 4–5 pm
Where: Online
In this series of online tutorials, multispecies pasture specialist Jade Killoran will discuss the establishment and management of your multispecies pastures.
Each tutorial will focus on a topic essential for the success of your multispecies pasture:
Friday 20 March - Paddock Preparation
Monday 23 March - Grazing Management
Thursday 26 March – Monitoring Tools
Ask questions and workshop your paddock plans for an autumn multispecies pasture following the tutorial.
Join any of the sessions relevant to your needs.
Managing water price variability
When: Friday 20 March, 10 am – 2 pm
Where: North East Catchment Management Authority, 1/104 Hovell Street, Wodonga
Join RMCG for this upcoming workshop to gain some insights into the water market for the Murray river system – specifically Zone 6 – the Murray and Mitta rivers. Topics will include a broad overview of the wider system, pricing outlook and importantly – what you can do to help manage your water risk.
Farm for the future - Millewa
When: Monday 23 March, 2–5 pm
Where: Millewa Community Complex (Johansen Reserve), Sturt Highway, Cullulleraine
Mallee soils often face nutrition and constraint issues that can limit productivity and influence how carbon is stored and emissions are managed. Soil scientist Dr Cassie Schefe will lead this practical workshop delivered by Mallee CMA.
Bring some soil test results from your farm to discuss:
- Common constraints in Mallee soils
- How soil condition influences your farm's carbon number, and
- Practical insights to help future-proof your business and profitability.
Topics that will be covered at the workshop:
- Interpreting soil test results
- Improving soil health and nutrition
- Soil carbon and fertility
- Key emission levers, and
- Activities suited to your soil.
Afternoon tea will be provided.
Agcelerate Financial Literacy workshop
When: Tuesday 24 March, 8 am – 1 pm
Where: Ouyen United Football Club
This half-day, face-to-face workshop is designed to support farmers and business partners to strengthen financial literacy and improve how decisions are made within the business. The session is practical, applied and focused on real farm businesses.
Participants will:
- strengthen understanding of their current financial position
- build and use a 12-month cashflow forecast
- identify key decision trigger points
- improve preparedness for finance discussions
- clarify goals for 2026 and beyond.
This workshop is open to all farm businesses and where possible, we encourage 2 members of a farming business to attend together.
Farming Stronger: Look after yourself so you can look after your family and farm
When: Tuesday 24 March, 10:30 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Marong Community Hall, 36 Torrens Street, Marong
Join us for this complimentary Farming Stronger workshop, a practical workshop designed to give farmers and service providers the science-backed tips and tricks to:
- sharpen your decision-making during crucial moments
- improve operational efficiency and productivity
- manage stress effectively to avoid costly mistakes and maintain relationships
- sustain energy levels for demanding work
- enhance personal resilience and business longevity
- lead you team more effectively – motivate, delegate and retain great staff
- create a strong farm culture that supports healthy performance and wellbeing.
This event is being delivered on behalf of Agriculture Victoria by Cynthia Mahoney as part of the Victorian Government’s statewide Drought Support Package.
GRDC Water-use efficiency, guiding management decisions
When: Wednesday 25 March, 1–1:45 pm
Where: Online
In this presentation, James Hunt, The University of Melbourne, will explain how Water-use efficiency (WUE) reflects processes such as transpiration, evaporation, plant-available water and harvest index, all of which influence how effectively crops convert water into biomass and grain.
For agronomists and growers, understanding these components is essential in benchmarking performance, diagnose constraints and guiding management decisions in water-limited environments.
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.
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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