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Thursday 9 April 2026
Cool weather still driving hay fire danger
Pictured: The risk of haystack fires continues despite the weather beginning to cool
Cooler conditions across Victoria may suggest reduced haystack fire risk, but moist hay continues to heat internally and remains a significant hazard.
Producers are urged to maintain regular monitoring of baled and stacked hay, as no current technology reliably tracks internal hay temperatures.
Drone operator fined following spray-drift incident
A south-west drone spraying business was convicted and fined $15,000 in the Colac Magistrates’ Court recently, as a result of charges being served relating to spray drift from aerial spraying via a drone.
Agriculture Victoria Manager of Regulatory Operations, Daniel Bode said remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) technology was becoming an increasingly important part of chemical users’ toolkits.
‘As use of these chemical application technologies increase, it’s important for people to understand they carry similar risks to other application methods.
‘The regulatory frameworks that are in place, including licencing requirements and restrictions on when and how these sprayers can be used, are there to help operators manage that risk,’ he said.
Surveillance for significant animal diseases in Victoria
Victoria is fortunate to be free of most of the serious diseases that affect animals in other parts of the world.
Despite this, continuous surveillance is crucial to enable early detection of animal diseases that could affect trade, regional or national productivity, animal welfare, public health or biodiversity.
The Victorian Significant Disease Investigation (SDI) Program aims to improve Victoria’s ability to identify significant diseases in livestock and wildlife by boosting veterinary practitioner involvement and subsidising investigation costs.
New faces for climate action
New leadership and new members have been appointed to the Victorian Agriculture and Climate Change Council to help the state’s agriculture sector prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change.
Since it was established in November 2020, the council has supported the Victorian Government’s commitment to deliver strong and lasting action on climate change in partnership with the agriculture sector.
Jack Holden will serve as the council’s new chairperson, with Catherine Jenkins appointed the new deputy chair, following the open, competitive recruitment process for the council’s new term.
Pictured: Jack Holden has been appointed Chairperson of the Victorian Agriculture and Climate Change Council
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.
The festival was founded in 2024 by Matthew Evans. It is a cross between a roaming farming conference, field days and a food festival, with multiple talks, demonstrations, food vans, a bar, and plenty of chance for social interactions.
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 - 23 April.
Expect 2 days of exceptional speakers and workshops on a multitude of topics, with stalls, great food, the Lazy Springtail bar, live music, and on-farm camping.
Livestock Biosecurity Fund Grant Program applications close soon
A reminder that applications for the 2026 Livestock Biosecurity Fund Grant Program close on Tuesday 14 April.
Funding is available for projects that help prevent, monitor, and control animal diseases – supporting better animal health and ensuring strong biosecurity.
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 $3000 (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
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
Upskilling agribusinesses for the future: managing bills and cashflow
When: Tuesday 14 April, 11 am – 1 pm
Where: Warrnambool Golf Club, Younger St Warrnambool
Cost: free
Come along and hear from McLaren Hunt about what you need to think of when using software to track and pay bills, prepare for payday super, creating budgets and monitoring overdrafts. Session snapshot:
- Using Xero and other software to track and pay creditors
- Are you utilising your software such as xero to its maximum potential?
- Creating budgets using Figured and other cashflow tools
- When will I exceed my overdraft?
- Are you prepared for payday super?
This event is being delivered by McLaren Hunt on behalf of Agriculture Victoria as part of the Victorian Government’s statewide Drought Support Package.
Feed Efficiency Workshop
When: Wednesday 15 April, 9 am - 12 pm
Where: 1660 Colac–Ballarat Road, Beeac
Cost: free
Getting more from your feed this season? Join us for a free Feed Efficiency Workshop and learn how to turn feed data into better on-farm decisions. Topics covered include:
- Match feed supply with livestock demand
- Identify and manage feed gaps
- Lift productivity while reducing emissions intensity
- Understand genetics and NFI EBVs in practical terms
Morning tea provided. Register by Friday 10 April.
Succession Planning and Business Growth - Warracknabeal
When: Thursday 16 April, 9 am – 4 pm
Where: Warracknabeal (details provided on registration)
Cost: free
Participants will gain awareness of key success factors and principles related to succession planning and wealth creation that will support them in pursuing their goals.
This one-day workshop is designed for all farming families, no matter your size or enterprise type.
The workshop will equip participants with clarity on:
- the value and approach to adopting business systems that will enable growth
- the required mindset
- value of
personal development to support emerging generations.
Farm Financials for Future Decisions - Longerenong
When: 16-17 April, 8:30 am – 4 pm
Where: Longerenong College Skills Hub, Longerenong Rd, Longerenong
Cost: free
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.
Boost your Sub Clover
When: Wednesday 22 April, 9:30 am - 1 pm
Where: Rokewood Recreation Reserve, 14 McMillan St 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 St 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 two 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 Rd 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 St 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 Rd 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.
AgCelerate financial literacy workshops
When: Thursday 30 April (Casterton) and Friday 1 May (Macarthur)
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.
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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