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Thursday 16 April 2026
Ballarat BetterBeef on-farm pasture walk coming up in May
Pictured: Beef producers can discuss pasture and weed management at the Ballarat BetterBeef Group's on-farm pasture walk next month
The Ballarat BetterBeef Group is hosting an on-farm pasture walk for beef producers to explore practical approaches to pasture and weed management. The session will take place on Wednesday 6 May from 9:30 am, on 2 properties at Mount Mercer and Mount Wallace, and includes lunch.
In addition to pasture and weed management, industry specialists Lisa Warn (Lisa Warn Ag Consulting) and Neil James (Agriculture Victoria) will also discuss how to interpret soil test results and pasture recovery strategies, including soil testing and fertiliser requirements.
Burn piles can be a risk to stock
Pictured: Contaminants in burn piles, such as ash and debris from treated pine posts, can pose a risk to livestock
Farmers looking to ignite burn piles when fire restrictions are lifted are being urged to be cautious with stock.
Of particular concern are contaminants left in ash and debris from treated pine posts, which landholders may be burning after replacing fences damaged in recent fires.
Agriculture Victoria veterinary officer Dr Lydia Nicholson said a case near Wangaratta served as a sobering reminder of how well-intentioned actions can pose serious risks to livestock.
The Very Fast Break - April edition out now!
Here is the Very Fast Break seasonal climate update video clip for April. Click below to watch the short Victorian YouTube video (4:37 mins).
We would love to receive your feedback. If you have comments, questions or feedback, please contact Dale Grey at the.break@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Support for farmers and workers in the south west
Drought impacted farming families and workers in the south west are encouraged to access financial support to ease cost-of-living pressures caused by prolonged drought conditions.
Up to $1,000 is available for farmers, farm employees and farm dependent contractors in 11 south west local government areas and parts of the West Wimmera Shire through Household Financial Relief Payments coordinated by the Country Women's Association (CWA).
Get along to GROUNDED Festival
GROUNDED is for farmers, growers, soil lovers, food systems thinkers, nutritionists, school garden enthusiasts, and their friends. How to grow food better is important for ecosystems, food systems, health systems, financial systems, and communities.
Each year the festival is held on a different farm, in a new region, showcasing the landscapes, people and ideas that make Australian agriculture so unique. This year it will be in the Otway Ranges at Yan Yan Gurt West Farm on 23 - 24 April.
Major boost for Victoria's animal care services
The Victorian Government is helping Victorian animal services get the support they need to rehome more pets into loving homes.
Minister Spence joined Member for Greenvale Iwan Walters at Second Chance Animal Rescue (SCAR) in Craigieburn to award a $17,620 grant to the shelter as part of Round 13 of the Animal Welfare Fund Grants.
They are delivering $1.61 million to 36 not-for-profit animal care organisations, foster networks, and low-cost veterinary clinics across Victoria to expand services, improve veterinary care, and help more pets find loving homes.
Corangamite Shire Environmental Support Grants open
Are you working on a project that protects or restores the environment?
Environmental Grants provide financial assistance to incorporated community groups, organisations, and individuals to undertake environmental and sustainability projects on public and private land within Corangamite Shire.
Environment Support Grants offer up to $3,000 (matched funding) for sustainability, conservation and climate focused initiatives. Perfect for projects that improve biodiversity, build climate resilience, reduce waste, or support healthier land and water across the Shire.
Applications close Monday 4 May.
For further enquiries, please contact the Shire on (03) 5593 7100 or email grants@corangamite.vic.gov.au
GRDC publishes interim NVT harvest reports
The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) has published the 2026 Interim Wimmera and Upper South-East South Australia NVT Harvest Report.
The report provides information to support growers and advisers with decisions on variety selection for Wimmera and Upper South-East South Australia. The information has been generated from the GRDC's National Variety Trials (NVT) database.
This publication provides a summary of the 2025 and long-term yield performance of varieties of crop species suitable for production in Wimmera and Upper South-East South Australia together with their quality and disease responses.
Bushfire information
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
Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Grants and Concessional Loans
Has your farm been impacted by bushfires?
The Victorian Government has measures to support Victorian primary producers affected by the January 2026 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.
When applying for a grant or loan, it’s important that you don’t self-assess and if you’re unsure of your eligibility, contact Rural Finance with any questions.
Applications are now open and will close at 4 pm on 21 October 2026.
You can check your eligibility via Rural Finance www.ruralfinance.com.au or call them on 1800 260 425 with any questions.
Farm Drought Support Grants
Pictured: The grant covers activities like constructing new or upgrading existing feed systems - feed pads or feed troughs
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 work hand in hand with experienced financial counsellors to ensure that your mental health receives as much attention as your bottom line.
Providing practical strategies and helping you to tailor them to your specific circumstances, across the north and south west.
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 735 578.
Find out more at wswrcs.com.au/
For further drought support visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
Farm Advisory Service
Farmers from across the state have access to 2 one-on-one 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.
Support through prolonged drought: Drought Hardship Loan
Pictured: RIC Drought Hardship Loans are available for farm businesses that have managed through at least 24 months of drought and expect further impacts.
The Australian Government has introduced the RIC Drought Hardship Loan 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.
It is 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.
Australian Government drought support: drought.gov.au
Boost your Sub Clover
When: Wednesday 22 April, 9:30 am - 1 pm
Where: Rokewood Recreation Reserve, 14 McMillan Street Rokewood
Cost: free
Producers and industry stakeholders are invited to participate in a free workshop that will help you assess and improve the sub-clover content in your pastures with Lisa Miller and Jessie Wettenhall, SFS. The session will cover:
- best methods of establishment - oversowing and/or broadcasting
- grazing management - when and how to graze to favour sub clover production
- diagnosing why your sub clover may be poor - tools and diagnostic pathways
- identify the cultivars you have.
Morning tea and lunch provided. Register by Friday 17 April.
Upskilling agribusinesses for the future: understanding opportunities
When: Wednesday 22 April, 11 am – 1 pm
Where: Warrnambool Golf Club, Younger Street Warrnambool
Cost: free
Come and hear from McLaren Hunt about what you need to think of when negotiating your milk price. Session snapshot:
- what is my breakeven milk price
- milk price negotiations coming up, what milk price do you need?
- how do I know if I am paying the right price for inputs?
with my debt levels am I producing enough to cover costs, drawings, chattel mortgages?
This event is being delivered by McLaren Hunt on behalf of Agriculture Victoria as part of the Victorian Government’s statewide Drought Support Package.
Climate webinar: Cutting methane in grazing systems
When: Thursday 23 April, 12 pm
Where: online
Cost: free
Join our webinar with Professor Joe Jacobs, who will share insights from nearly 2 decades of methane mitigation research undertaken by our scientists.
The session will cover strategies that work within pasture-based operations - where feed additives can only be delivered at specific times such as during milking.
Joe will also share findings of recent trials of emerging methane reducing additives, and their potential to reduce enteric methane emissions in dairy cows and other ruminants.
Irrigation masterclass
When: Thursday 23 April, 2-5 pm
Where: Fresh Select, 610 Duncans Road Werribee South
This hands-on training will provide practical and theoretical training on how to get the most value out of your irrigation system.
Jeremy Giddings has more than 3 decades of irrigation experience and has developed tools to assist farmers understand their sprinkler heads and irrigation efficiency. Jeremy will also addressing related topics such as salinity, cleaning, and wind.
Afternoon tea will be provided. Registration is required for catering purposes.
Upskilling agribusinesses for the future - Planning for the next generation and future you
When: Tuesday 28 April, 11 am - 1 pm
Where: Warrnambool Golf Club, Younger Street Warrnambool
Cost: free
Come along and hear from McLaren Hunt about what you need to think of thinking of stepping back. Session snapshot:
- are you wanting to take a step back and reduce your workload on the farm?
- small business roll-over
- is the pie big enough to split
- superannuation and off farm investments
- share farming/equity partnership opportunities.
This event is being delivered by McLaren Hunt on behalf of Agriculture Victoria as part of the Victorian Government’s statewide Drought Support Package.
Spending your fertiliser dollars wisely and red meat outlook
When: Tuesday 28 April, 6-8:30 pm
Where: Casterton Golf Club, 11 Casterton-Penola Road Casterton
Cost: free
Join us for an informative and practical industry update presented by Meridian Agriculture. This event will provide valuable insights into current market conditions, livestock outlooks, and key agronomic considerations to help support on-farm decision-making.
It's also a valuable opportunity to better understand soil fertility and nutrient management, gain an up-to-date overview of livestock and commodity markets, and discuss current challenges and opportunities affecting local farming businesses while connecting with other producers over a meal.
Plan it right: Practical stock containment that works
Date and time: Wednesday 29 April, from 9 am - 2 pm
Location: Modewarre Memorial Hall, 910 Cape Otway Road, Modewarre
Cost: free
Producers are invited to take part in a free, practical workshop focused on planning and designing stock containment areas that suit your business.
The day will start with a tour of 2 local producers’ stock containment areas, where you’ll hear first‑hand:
- how the pens were designed
- what works well in day‑to‐day operation
- what they would change or improve in the future.
Following the farm visits, Jessie Wettenhall (SFS) will step through the key principles of stock containment design and help you think about what a “best‑fit” containment system could look like for your own operation.
Whether you’re planning a new containment area or looking to refine an existing setup, this workshop will provide practical insights, real examples and expert guidance.
This event is being delivered by Southern Farming Systems on behalf of Agriculture Victoria as part of the Victorian Government’s statewide Drought Support Package.
Effluent Management Workshop
When: Wednesday 29 (Koroit) and Thursday 30 April (Simpson)
Time: 11 am - 1:30 pm
Cost: free
Join us for a practical, informative workshop designed to help you manage effluent with confidence. Stay up to date with the latest approaches to effluent management, system design, and environmental best practice. This interactive workshop combines industry insight with practical, on-farm application to support better decision-making and compliance. Topics covered:
Industry expectations
- sustainability frameworks and industry commitments
- turning high-level expectations into practical, on-farm actions
Environmental regulations
- legislative requirements explained
- what to expect during an on-farm inspection
- post-inspection outcomes and how to manage remediation requirements
Effluent systems and nutrient value
- system design principles
- effluent testing and how to interpret results
- understanding the nutrient value of effluent
- best-practice use to maximise nutrient benefits and potential cost savings
Whether you're reviewing your current system or planning for the future, this workshop will provide practical knowledge you can put into action.
AgCelerate financial literacy workshops
When: Wednesday 29 (Macarthur) and Thursday 30 April (Casterton)
Time: 11 am - 3:15 pm
Cost: free
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.
The workshop is open to all farm businesses and, where possible, we encourage 2 members of a farming business to attend together.
2026 seasonal outlook - understanding feed tests and their implications
When: Wednesday 6 May
Where: Casterton 8-10 am; and Coleraine 6-9 pm
Cost: free
Come and learn about hay and silage feed test results of 2025. Learn how producers can:
- incorporate these forages into a variety of feeding systems
- identify nutritional deficiencies in forage
- improve animal performance and profit margins.
Speaker Dale Grey will:
- review 2025 season learnings
- provide guidance of current forecasts for the 2026 season
- explore climate drivers
- soil moisture profiles
- discuss potential weather impacts caused by inland water.
This event is being delivered by Meridian Agriculture on behalf of Agriculture Victoria as part of the Victorian Government’s statewide Drought Support Package.
When: 12 May, 11 am - 1 pm
Where: Warrnambool Golf Club, Younger Street Warrnambool
Cost: free
These sessions are designed to assist agribusinesses to prepare for the unexpected and setting up the business to have the capability and sustainability to navigate challenging situations and prepare for the future.
- are you due for a bank review or applying for a bank overdraft or purchasing a new farm?
- what do you need to prepare and why?
- what information is needed and why?
- how can I influence my interest rate?
This event is being delivered by McLaren Hunt on behalf of Agriculture Victoria as part of the Victorian Government’s statewide Drought Support Package.
2026 VFF Conference
When: Monday 1 - Tuesday 2 June 2026, 8 am - 5 pm
Where: The Goods Shed, Ballarat
The 2026 Victorian Farmers Federation Conference will be held on Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 June at the Goods Shed in Ballarat. Join MC and VFF Member Kirsten Diprose and a very special guest speaker for dinner on Monday 1 June, followed by the conference on Tuesday.
BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef conferences
When: 23-24 June
Where: The Goods Shed, Ballarat
The BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef conferences return to The Goods Shed in Ballarat on 23 and 24 June. There’ll be 2 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.
Early bird tickets are on sale now: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1553856
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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