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Thursday 21 August 2025
Avoid losses from exposure following shearing
Dr Jeff Cave, Agriculture Victoria Senior Veterinary Officer
It is well known that wool is an excellent insulator, therefore imagine the effect when it’s suddenly gone.
A freshly shorn sheep, especially if in light condition, may experience a threefold increase in heat loss and therefore prone to hypothermia. Shorn sheep are at greatest risk of cold stress in the first 3 days (or nights) after shearing, and remain at risk for up to 2 weeks, with mortalities seen in some mobs up to 4 weeks after shearing.
Although there is little wool growth, acclimatisation and considerable skin thickening occurring after shearing. It is therefore essential to closely monitor predicted weather conditions before putting shorn sheep into a paddock after shearing.
The impact of cold weather, particularly when combined with wet and windy conditions, can be severe for sheep.
The impact of the cold weather will depend on its duration, rainfall, wind speed, and temperature.
The type of weather most likely to cause catastrophic sheep losses due to hypothermia is usually associated with the passage of a strong cold front or a rain-bearing depression.
Sheep grazier alerts are issued when a combination of rain, wind, and low temperatures reaches a critical level.
If a sheep grazier alert has been received at the end of shearing, shed as many sheep as possible and provide hay for the duration. Once the bad weather has passed, move the sheep to a paddock with adequate shelter and continue to provide supplementary feed.
In areas prone to winter storms, a 'cover comb' or 'snow comb' can be used, which leaves ½ cm of wool to help protect against hypothermia.
Once freshly shorn sheep get cold, they may become extremely difficult to move, so always put shorn sheep into a protected paddock with plenty of shelter from the cold and wind.
Off-shears paddocks should be small and well protected from cold winds by relatively impermeable shelter belts. Extra feed should be provided to the mob for up to 4 weeks following shearing to meet their increased energy requirements.
Shearing a month before lambing encourages ewes to seek shelter and hence protection for their lambs.
However, pre-lambing shearing must only be considered if ewes are in good condition and have free access to good feed and shelter. Heavily pregnant ewes should not be subject to the handling and feed deprivation that shearing involves.
For further information, please contact your local veterinarian, Agriculture Victoria veterinary or animal health officer, or in NSW, your Local Land Services.
Travellers urged to check luggage for hitchhiking toads
An unexpected guest has been found in a Melbourne motel room – and it wasn’t on the booking list.
Agriculture Victoria is urging travellers to thoroughly check their luggage for unwanted stowaways after an Asian black-spined toad was recently discovered at a city motel.
Meanwhile, accommodation providers are also being asked to remain vigilant and report any unusual sightings, as these invasive pests may escape from travellers’ belongings and pose a threat to local wildlife and the environment.
These toads, along with geckos and other exotic species, are increasingly arriving in Victoria by hiding in shoes, bags and boxes.
‘Asian black-spined toads are not native to Australia and have the potential to carry diseases, compete with native species and become a threat to local biodiversity,’ Agriculture Victoria Director Plants, Chemicals and Invasives Sharyn Williams said.
‘We’re asking travellers and motel staff to be alert. A quick check of your luggage could help stop an invasive species from spreading.’
Travellers can help by checking shoes, bags and boxes before and after travel and reporting any unusual sightings.
If you suspect you’ve found an Asian black-spined toad, do not touch it with your bare hands, contain it safely if possible and report it immediately to Agriculture Victoria by calling 136 186 or at highrisk.invasiveanimals@agriculture.vic.gov.au.
‘Sometimes the Asian black spined toad can be confused with native frog species like the pobblebonk frog. If you’re not sure, head to our website where you can find pictures and detailed descriptions of different frog species,’ Ms Williams said.
For more information visit the Agriculture Victoria website
Strengthening food security in Victoria
The Victorian Government is strengthening planning rules to support and secure food production and protect our agricultural land and green wedge as Melbourne grows.
Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny and Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence recently announced an amendment to the Victorian Planning Provisions to make it easier to establish micro-abattoirs where they are needed most.
Under the amendment, micro-abattoirs will be classified as a Section 1 use in the Farming Zone, Rural Activity Zone and Green Wedge Zone, which means they will no longer require a permit – making it faster and easier for projects to get off the ground and operate if they meet regulatory requirements.
This will make sure farmers and producers have better access to abattoir facilities closer to the farm gate subject to environmental, amenity and human health conditions – helping secure Victoria’s food supply.
Micro-abattoirs play an important role for farmers to secure Victoria’s food supply and enhance rural economies, and with these new planning changes, consumers, food providores and restaurants will have more opportunities to access meat.
Micro-abattoirs will be required to remain small, operationally contained, located on the same land as the animal production and away from neighbouring homes and other sensitive uses.
A responsible authority, usually the local council, will continue to manage abattoirs through planning and building permit approvals and enforcement, and their environmental health officers will continue to manage public health matters under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008.
This will protect Victoria’s farmland and the city’s green wedges from urban encroachment, and is critical for existing communities and generations to come, while also supporting our strong and diverse livestock sector.
The Minister for Planning has released a Ministerial Direction to guide local councils to develop strategies to protect the most important values of their green wedges and consult with Traditional Owners, the community and stakeholders.
Apply now for Summer of Cyber Program
Summer of Cyber is a government program being delivered in partnership with the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN).
The program is boosting the cyber capabilities and competitiveness of small and medium-sized businesses and startups across all sectors, including technology.
It aims to bridge the cyber skills gap by connecting businesses with skilled women and gender-diverse tertiary cyber students and recent graduates.
The program works by matching businesses with women and gender-diverse tertiary cyber students and recent graduates to solve cyber-related challenges over 10-12 weeks, at no financial cost to the business.
To participate, businesses will need a cyber-related problem or project that needs solving. Businesses are also expected to provide in-kind support including:
mentoring and guidance to students
holding meetings with the project team and being involved in the process
providing a desk and equipment for the student (if permitted).
Applications for the Victorian Government’s Summer of Cyber Program are now open and closing on 15 September 2025.
For more information and to apply, please visit the AWSN webpage.
For all enquiries, please contact summerofcyber@awsn.org.au
Ag Vic Talk season 10
We are joined by Jason Letchford from the Shearing Contractors Association of Australia and Craig French from Australian Wool Innovation (AWI).
In this Farming Safe and Well episode, they discuss the key safety issues in the shearing industry, including musculoskeletal injuries, exposure to viruses, and the importance of improved shearing shed safety.
Learn about the SafeSheds program and practical strategies for enhancing safety and productivity in shearing sheds.
Listen to this inspiring episode to gain valuable insights from industry experts on enhancing safety and productivity in shearing sheds:
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.
Plus, find out about upcoming events in your region and online.
Check it out today at www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought
What's On
Details about these events and more can be found our website.
LPA, NLIS, eNVD and eID update for Victoria: ISC State Partner webinar
Join us and ISC to learn more about:
- Livestock Production Assurance (LPA) including:
- how to use a new mapping tool to share your geolocation to support European market access for beef and beef products after EUDR rules begin in December
- how to create an Animal Welfare Management Plan when seeking LPA accreditation/reaccreditation or at any time
- new Dairy QA voluntary module: what this means for dairy producers
- harvested Rangeland Goats: NVD updates and reminders. - sheep and goat electronic identification - update and reminders.
- latest eNVD web-based system improvements.
- NLIS Database Uplift Project - receive an update on this significant project to uplift the NLIS database.
Virtual drought smokos with Dr Jillian Kelly
26 August from 9–10 am
Online - register button below.
Drought smokos are an hour a fortnight to get away from the paddock and catch up with a group of farmers who are all in the same boat!
We will talk about the science of feeding, how much, which commodities, pros and cons, cost, different options, trigger points and planning.
Dr Jillian Kelly is a vet and nutritionist from Coonamble, in north-west NSW. She ran drought smokos every fortnight through the 2018–20 drought and it made a difference to hundreds of farmers and thousands of livestock.
While you don't get to taste her scones, you do get to learn all that she knows about feeding livestock in tough conditions, and to enjoy an hour of mateship away from the feed cart.
Lilydale – Irrigating berries technical workshop
27 August from 11 am to 2 pm.
Where: Lilydale Lakeside Conference Centre, 1 Jarlo Drive, Lilydale
Agriculture Victoria irrigation agronomist and designer Jeremy Giddings will present a session focused on berry irrigation systems and design, including:
- how to test for drip application uniformity
- designing and maintaining optimum system drainage, avoiding ‘wet patches’
- chlorination, flushing and system maintenance checks
- pressure and discharge maintenance.
The event also includes an on-farm practical irrigation demonstration at a berry farm in the Yarra Valley.
Intro to lean and drought support business planning
27 August from 12.30 to 2.30 pm
Running a farm business in a challenging climate is no small task, but you don’t have to do it alone.
This free webinar is designed for business owners and management teams seeking practical tools, fresh perspective, and support to begin planning for a stronger, more sustainable future for their business.
Join Moshie for an engaging and practical business management session where they will guide you through simple yet effective ways to reduce waste, manage resources more efficiently and make informed decisions that improve business efficiency and profitability, even through climate and economic uncertainty.
You’ll be introduced to Moshie’s tailored suite of tools and templates for green-industry businesses, including:
- business planning templates and self-assessment tools
- resources to help identify waste and opportunities for improvement
- labour costing and overhead calculators
- strategies for building drought resilience and long-term business sustainability.
These tools are designed to help you gain clarity, take control of your operations and build confidence in your decision-making, whether you’re navigating day-to-day challenges or planning ahead.
As an added benefit, you’ll receive 12 months of access to Moshie’s exclusive online resource portal containing downloadable templates and support materials.
You'll also learn how to access further assistance, including:
- free one-on-one specialist business support through Moshie
- current on-farm infrastructure grants
- mental health and wellbeing support.
Jingellic – Winter warm-up event
Walwa and Tumbarumba Veterinary Practice brings to the upper Murray a night for the local farming community to come together to unwind amidst what has been a pretty gruelling winter.
Be inspired and uplifted by Warren's story, which centres on resilience, persistence, determination, leadership and wellbeing. This is a night for the whole community, so pop the date in your calendar and bring along a mate.
Attendance is free and there will be a bar and food provided. Please register in advance.
When and where: Jingellic Hub, Jingellic Showgrounds on Thursday 28 August 6 pm.
Food and refreshments provided.
Cobden – Talk the talk
10 September from 10 am to 2 pm
Cobden Junior Football Club function room, Parrott Street, Cobden
Talking about mental health isn’t always easy, especially when you’re not sure what to say. If you’re a supplier or service provider working in a rural setting, you may have noticed when a customer or client isn’t themselves, but knowing how to start that conversation can feel overwhelming.
At a time when mental health challenges in farming communities are at an all-time high, RFCS Victoria West and Finwell Support have developed Talk the talk, a practical workshop designed to equip rural service providers with the confidence and skills to have meaningful conversations about mental health.
Anyone with an investment in their rural community – whether you’re an agronomist, vet, contractor, field officer, financial service provider, health professional or work in the supply chain. These workshops have already been delivered to a broad cross-section of rural industries.
The Talk the talk workshop covers:
- awareness – understanding mental health challenges in farming communities and who farmers are most likely to talk to
- observation – recognising signs that something isn’t right
- strategies and tools – how to have a conversation, what to say, and how to say it
- responding to crisis – what to do if the worst happens
- grief and loss cycle – understanding the emotional impact of crisis and change
- protective factors – practical ways to check in and offer support
Corryong, Benalla and Mansfield – From vision to action: building your farm business strategy
Corryong - 16 September from 9 am to 4.30 pm at RSL Hall, 42 Donaldson Street
- Benalla - 17 September from 9 am to 4:30 pm at Lakeside Community Centre, 2A Bridge Street
- Mansfield - 18 September from 9 am to 4:30 pm at Delatite Hotel, 95 High Street.
Join Pinion Advisory consultants Esmée de Looff and Nathaniel Modra as they guide you through the process of developing a strategic plan tailored to your business.
You’ll leave with a renewed sense of clarity, practical tools and a roadmap to move forward with confidence. Whether you’re planning for growth, succession, or simply want to run a more streamlined operation, this workshop is designed to help you take action.
Bring your business partner(s) along to make the most of the opportunity of going through the process, and collaborate, reflect and plan together.
Topics of the workshop:
- Business strategy and culture
- Identifying strategic priorities
- Action planning for key initiatives
- Systems for business efficiency
- Risk management
- Team roles and responsibilities.
Leneva – Herbaceous weed control workshop
20 September at 10 am to 1 pm at Leneva Hall, 3081 Beechworth-Wodonga Road.
Herbaceous weeds are more than just a nuisance; they pose serious threats to our landscapes. These invasive plants can take over pastures, outcompete native species, shelter pest
animals, and reduce the productivity of both farmland and natural areas.
Join us to learn how to identify priority species and apply proven control techniques as part of a broader, collaborative approach to weed management across the region.
What you’ll learn:
how herbaceous weeds impact biodiversity, agriculture, and waterways
how to identify common and priority weeds in our region, including:
- Paterson’s curse
- St Barnaby’s thistle
- Wild watsonia
- Chilean needle grass
- African lovegrass
- St John's wort.
- best practice control methods: manual, mechanical, chemical, and biological
- importance of safe and effective herbicide use
- ideas for the most effective control strategies on your property
- local case studies and success stories
- hands-on guidance in identifying herbaceous weeds in the field.
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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