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Thursday 17 September 2026
Increased knowledge for land managers responding to H5 Bird Flu
Pictured: recent H5 bird flu training covered a range of topics including response, risks and protections, personal protective equipment (PPE) and sampling procedures.
More than 500 public land management staff and volunteers have increased their knowledge of H5 bird flu to help strengthen the response across Victoria.
Surveillance and sampling training for public land managers has been delivered to land managers involved in detecting, reporting and collecting samples from deceased wildlife, particularly marine mammals and seabirds. This will enable individuals across more areas of Victoria to contribute to sampling requirements as surveillance efforts increase.
Agriculture Victoria delivered information on a range of topics including response, risks and protections, personal protective equipment (PPE) and sampling procedures during 10 sessions across metropolitan and regional locations including Colac, Anglesea, Tidal River, Orbost, Benalla, Knox and Horsham.
Plan ahead for the fire season
Hear practical lessons from farmers affected by the January fires and pick up tips to help protect your livestock, property and the future operation of your farm business.
Listen to the farm fire preparedness webinar recording and use the Fire Preparedness Toolkit to get started.
Get your free copy of the toolkit today:
- Download it https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/emergency-management/bushfires/fire-toolkit
- Request a hard copy by emailing recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au
One year on – Resources Victoria’s community contact in the Wimmera Mallee
Local conversations are a key part of Resources Victoria’s approach to community engagement and Paul McDonald has now been on the ground for over a year, which makes it a great time to reflect on the role and what he has heard during a busy period.
Since his appointment as the local engagement advisor in mid-2025, Paul has been listening to people and helping them to better understand local mining developments. His presence is designed to build trust, improve access to information and ensure community concerns are heard.
Paul is a respected geoscientist and former head of the Geological Survey of Victoria and the earth resources regulator. He has worked on a range of projects and has great insight into how discoveries are made and mining is regulated.
Living on a farm in the western districts, he has a unique insight into exploration and mining along with a strong appreciation of farming and local community values.
Paul regularly meets with people one-on-one to hear their views and answer their questions about exploration and mining in the region.
During the past year, Paul heard from farmers who are apprehensive about how soil productivity would be reliably restored after mining. This insight led the Resources Victoria team to drive the formation of the Mineral Sands Agricultural Land Restoration Working Group.
Meeting monthly, the group brings together farmers, agricultural experts and the industry to address concerns about mining’s impact on farmland. Its broad membership is ensuring robust, practical and regionally relevant advice is provided to Resources Victoria.
Paul’s genuine engagement approach is about transparency, building trust and ensuring mining can and will coexist alongside farming. As several projects progress toward mining over the coming years, Paul will continue to be a reliable and local source of information.
Paul can be contacted by phone on 0457 796 903 or through email resources@deeca.vic.gov.au.
Growing global demand for Victorian dairy
Victoria remains Australia’s leading dairy exporter, and we’re ensuring that continues through a new partnership.
We’re partnering with Dairy Australia to help more dairy businesses access new trades and markets.
Minister for Agriculture Michaela Settle announced $250,000 in funding for the Growing Demand for Victorian Dairy Exports Program.
Victoria’s duck abundance survey about to begin
Pictured: the 2026 aerial duck survey flight path
The Game Management Authority (GMA) will begin its annual Victorian game duck abundance survey on Monday, 5 October 2026.
The survey will be conducted by wildlife biologists who will record the presence, species and number of game ducks at more than 860 waterbodies across Victoria, including wetlands, farm dams, sewerage treatment plants, streams and rivers. Most sites will be surveyed by helicopter. Ground counts will be used where the helicopter is unable to operate.
Satellite imaging will be used to determine how much water is in game duck habitats in Victoria, which, together with the survey data, will be used to estimate the total abundance of each game duck species in the state.
H5 bird flu update
H5 bird flu is present in wild birds in Victoria. Bird flu cannot be controlled in the wild.
From 20 August, bird flu reporting in Victoria has changed to align with the national reporting framework.
We now report H5 bird flu events, rather than individual detections. The new number of positive events captures all previously reported individual confirmed detections.
You can explore confirmed events on our interactive map.
Please report clusters of 5 or more sick or dead wild birds of any species, anywhere in Victoria.
Report even 1 sick or dead:
- wild seabird, waterbird, shorebird or bird of prey
- marine mammal (e.g. seal, dolphin).
Your report helps us to understand the spread of H5 bird flu across the state. Accurate reports help us respond quickly where necessary.
Locust response
Seen locusts or signs of locust activity? Report them online. Your report helps us monitor locust populations and support early management efforts across Victoria.
Report via our website form or call 136 186.
On Farm Connectivity Program Round 3
The On Farm Connectivity Program Round 3 assists Primary Producers to take advantage of digital agribusiness solutions to boost productivity and improve safety.
The grant is provided as a rebate to Approved Suppliers following the sale, delivery, installation, and training, where applicable, of eligible equipment to eligible Primary Producers. Eligible Primary Producers must access the program through an Approved Supplier.
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.
Drought Support Package
As we move into the warmer months, support is still available for farmers across Victoria.
Manage current conditions, access practical advice and plan ahead with more confidence with:
- Farm Drought Support Grants
- Farm Advisory Service - 1:1 consultations
- Look Over the Farm Gate grants
- Rural Financial Counselling Service Wellbeing Counsellors
Household Financial Relief Payments for south west Victorian farmers.
To view the full range of financial, technical and wellbeing support available, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or phone 136 186.
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).
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
Mental health first aid training
Woomelang: Monday 21 and Tuesday 22 September, 9 am – 3 pm
Where: Woomelang and District Bush Nursing Centre, 16 Proctor Street, Woomelang
Harrow: Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 September, 9 am – 3 pm
Where: Bush Nursing Centre, 24 Blair Street, Harrow
Balmoral: Thursday 1 and 2 October, 9 am – 3 pm
Where: Bush Nursing Centre, 26-28 Bell Street, Balmoral
Cost: Free
Do you know how to safely respond when someone says they are struggling?
This free course equips participants with skills to recognise and safely respond to mental health concerns. Participants will receive an accredited Certificate of Completion upon meeting requirements.
Mental health first aid is the help you give to someone developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis. This Mental Health First Aid International course will teach you the resources and competence to safely provide support.
Morning tea and lunch provided.
Stepping into Spring – Camperdown
When: Wednesday 23 September, 6:30–9 pm
Where: Commercial Hotel, 115 Manifold Street, Camperdown
Cost: Free
Hear the latest seasonal outlook from Agriculture Victoria, along with current livestock market insights from a local stock agent and practical agronomy advice for the months ahead.
The evening will help farmers:
- understand what the season may bring
- consider emerging risks and opportunities
- make timely decisions for your farm business.
Dinner is provided, with plenty of opportunity for questions and local discussion. Registrations are essential. All local farmers and farm businesses are welcome.
H5 bird flu information session – Glenelg Shire
When: Wednesday 23 September, 7–8:30 pm
Where: Portland Civic Hall, 30 Bentinck Street, Portland
Join wildlife and agriculture staff for the latest information about H5 bird flu in your local area. Hear the latest updates, learn what to do if you find sick or dead birds or wildlife, and have your questions answered.
No registration required. A livestream link will be posted on this event page ahead of the event.
Wimmera Faba Bean Crop Walk
When: Tuesday 6 October, 8–10 am
Where: Smiley Meyer's, Polkemmet East School Road (north of Polkemmet Road),
Vectis
Cost: Free
Come along to the final crop walk in a 3-year GRDC NGN investment exploring ways to grow more consistent beans in the Wimmera. This crop walk moves to a new demonstration site, with paddock-scale strip trials testing fungicide and trace element strategies for disease and nutrition management.
Facilitated by Matthew Sparke, Sparke Agricultural & Associates, with expertise from:
- Dr Jason Brand, Director, Gem Agronomy
- Dr Josh Fanning, Research Leader, Plant Pathology, Agriculture Victoria
- Stuart Ockerby, Territory Manager, South Eastern Australia, Seednet.
We'll discuss: Disease management, nutrition & trace element performance, soil amelioration, yield potential for the season, new varieties FBA Barmah (PBR) & FBA Coorong (PBR).
Your legacy, their future: success with succession planning – Elmhurst
When: Tuesday 6 October, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Elmhurst Golf Club, Golf Course Road, Elmhurst
Cost: Free
Join this 1-day workshop in Elmhurst to learn how to plan for the future of your farm business.
The workshop is presented by Dr Kate Burke, an independent consultant who works with farm families on business planning and succession. Kate has extensive experience helping people identify what matters most to them and plan for the future.
During the workshop, Kate will help participants:
- understand the key factors that support successful farm succession
- identify common challenges and how to avoid them
- discuss ways to keep the farm business strong and viable
- explore how to support family relationships through the succession process
- plan for the long-term future of the farm and the people involved.
This workshop is suitable for farm business owners and family members who want to start thinking about succession or are already planning for a transition.
Maximising Livestock Productivity: drench resistance, worm management, and on-farm investment decisions
Save the date: Wimmera Pulse Field Day
When: Wednesday 28 October, from 8:30 am
Cost: Free
The Wimmera Pulse Field Day is an annual regional showcase hosted by Agriculture Victoria and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). This year's field day will cover:
- pulse crop trials and agronomy
- maximising N-fixation in pulses
- nutrition management - how Phosphorus can improve yield
- the release of 2 faba beans.
More details to come soon!
Farm office efficiencies workshops
Colac: Tuesday 27 October, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Where: DEECA Office, 83-85 Gellibrand Street, Colac
Skipton: Wednesday 28 October, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Skipton Golf and Bowls Club, Geelong Road, Skipton
Goroke: Thursday 29 October, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Goroke Community Complex, 85 Main Street, Goroke
Cost: Free
This workshop will help you improve your farm office systems and make better use of your accounting software. Bring your laptop and work through practical examples using your own records or a demonstration program. This workshop covers accounting software skills, including:
- emailing invoices
- attaching statements to line items
- using Hubdoc and Dext
- processing batch payments
- using rules and knowing when they are appropriate
- reconciling accounts
- tracking inventory such as fuel, grain and livestock
- creating and using custom reports.
You will also learn practical ways to better manage emails, receipts, paper records and cloud-based storage.
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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