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Thursday 17 July 2025
Australian Government – support in drought
The Australian Government has support programs to help manage the impacts caused by drought. Programs are open all the time with no drought declarations needed to apply.
You may be eligible for more than you realise - know your options and apply early.
Farm Household Allowance: call the Farmer Assistance Hotline on 132 316 or visit Services Australia to see if you are eligible for up to four years of support.
Rural Financial Counselling Service: call 1300 771 741 to access free, confidential and independent financial counselling if you’re an eligible primary producer or small business experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship.
Concessional loans: call 1800 875 675 to find out about a low-cost RIC loan if you’re an eligible farmer or farm-related small business in financial need.
Farm Management Deposits: talk to your accountant about drawing down on any farm management deposit account you may have.
Tax support: call 1800 806 218 to ask the ATO for more time to lodge and pay tax or talk to a registered tax professional about other concessions.
Social support and wellbeing: call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 for immediate support or visit Head to Health for a list of other services that can help.
Visit drought.gov.au for more information.
On-Farm Kangaroo Control Rebate Program
Farmers who have livestock competing with kangaroos for fodder can apply for the On-Farm Kangaroo Control Rebate now.
Farmers can access up to 3 rebates of $450 each (ex-GST) with a 25% co-contribution.
Rebates are to be used to engage professional harvesters (authorised by the Game Management Authority) to control eastern and western grey kangaroos under an Authority To Control Wildlife.
Find more information about drought support: www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
You may be asking, when will my dam fill?
While some good rain has fallen across much of the state, many dams are unlikely to fill unless they are in the path of a thunderstorm.
Agriculture Victoria Land Management Officer Clem Sturmfels said the hot, dry summer and lack of autumn rainfall has left soil moisture levels well below average for this time of the year.
Improved farm water calculator now available
Agriculture Victoria’s online farm water calculator has been a reliable tool for land managers to keep an eye on their farm water supplies.
It has now been upgraded and offers an even more user-friendly and accessible experience.
Seeking request for quotations
We need your help to support drought-affected farmers across the state.
We’re seeking quotes from consultants, agricultural service agencies and other suitably experienced providers, to deliver technical decision-making support through:
One-on-one consultations, and
Group-based events.
Round 2 Request for Quotations is open until Thursday 31 July.
The Gippsland Soil School
The Gippsland Soil School is a new, region-wide farmer education initiative co-led by Gippsland Agricultural Group (GAgG) and the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, designed to break down the silos between different soil management approaches. Drawing on the best of conventional, regenerative, precision, and biological soil management systems to equipe our farmer to manage soil better in their unique farming and soil systems.
The Gippsland Soil School is delivered in 8 modules across 4 x 2-day training blocks over 12 months. The program includes practical, paddock-based learning, interactive workshops, and expert guest speakers.
Topics include:
- Soils 101 – Geology, Soil Types, Maps and Classification
- Soils 101 – Physics and Chemistry Foundations
- Soil Biology 101 – Soil Life and Nutrient Cycling
- Soil and Plant Tissue Test Interpretation
- Inputs – Granular, Foliar, Compost, Manures and Biofertilisers
- Livestock, Grazing, Plant Diversity and Biofertilisers
- Soil Carbon – Science vs Hype, Fact and Fiction
- Measuring What Matters – Linking Soil Health with Financials and Wellbeing
EOI for Climate Smart Whole Farm Planning Course
When: weekly, beginning on Wednesday 13 August.
This whole farm planning course is perfect for those new to farming or anyone wanting to elevate their knowledge in climate smart farming and how to improve their natural capital for a more sustainable future.
This course will be made up of 7 workshops. There will be 5 farm visits to see how experienced local farmers are managing their natural assets. The VFF will deliver the sixth practical session, and the course will finish with a session completing participants' whole farm plans.
Please note places are limited and submission of an EOI does not guarantee participation. EOIs will be assessed and participants selected by the organisers whose decision will be final.
For further information contact Kirby, kirby@sgln.net.au or 0480 749 731.
Webinar recording available: Sheep Emissions Update
In this webinar we heard from Sam Henty (Farm Business Economist, Agriculture Victoria) presenting on the 2023/24 Livestock Farm Monitor Greenhouse Gas Results and Dr Ralph Behrendt (Senior Specialist, Climate Change, Agriculture Victoria) discussing the outcomes of the On Farm Emissions Action Plan Pilot for sheep enterprises.
Footy's Favourite Farmer
Do you know a Victorian farmer who works hard, looks out for others, and backs their local footy and netball club like no other?
In collaboration with AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria, WorkSafe is on the hunt for the 2025 Footy’s Favourite Farmer.
Nominate someone from your local club at footysfavouritefarmer.com.au
Entries close Monday 21 July.
EOI: Sheep and beef cattle producer members of SALRC Regional Committees
EOIs are invited from livestock producers to assist in directing the RD&A agenda for the livestock industries in south-eastern Australia through membership of the SALRC regional committees.
For more information, including selection criteria and roles and responsibilities, visit the SALRC website or contact SALRC Executive Officer Mike Stephens on (03) 5341 6100 or info@salrc.com.au.
Popular irrigation incentive program set to benefit even more Gippsland farmers
West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority and Agriculture Victoria are pleased to open a new round of farm plan incentives, and for the first time, farmers in Warragul, Thorpdale, Noojee and Perry Bridge and across the entire Lake Wellington Catchment are eligible to apply.
Up to $10,000 per farm is available through the Lake Wellington Irrigation Efficiency Incentive Program to help with the cost of a professionally designed irrigation plan.
What's On
Webinar - From feed test to feed budget
When: Wednesday 23 July, 12:30 pm.
Agriculture Victoria is inviting livestock farmers to a webinar on working out your additional supplement to get the most of the feed you have.
Register and receive a free feed test.
Agriculture Victoria Livestock Extension Officer Nick Linden will discuss feed quality, livestock requirements and how to make the most of what you have. Nick brings extensive expertise in feed management and will offer valuable guidance for farmers feeding and managing livestock.
Livestock Extension Officer Chris Blore will also talk about the current drought support available.
Tough Times and Tasty Meals – drought support dinner for dairy families – Drouin, Leongatha and Yarram
When: Wednesday 23 July, 6 to 9 pm.
Where: The Royal Hotel, Event Room, 2/4 Main South Road, Drouin.
When: Monday 28 July, 6 to 9 pm.
Where: Leongatha RSL, Corner of Smith Street and Michael Place, Leongatha.
When: Wednesday 30 July, 6 to 9 pm.
Where: Yarram Country Club, 322-340 Commercial Road, Yarram.
Enjoy dinner with the family (provided), catch up with locals and take home some handy information. Hear tips from the experts and book free 1-on-1 sessions.
Short sessions by:
- Dan Armstrong, Ag Consultant – Triggers and planning for next 3 months
- David Huggins, Nutritionist – Total mixed rations for pregnancy and early lactation
- Nick Dudley from NEX Business, Farming, Wellness – Budgeting and grants available
- Lely team – Reports and information to monitor cow health and production
Take the opportunity to book a 1-on-1 session with Gerard, Dave or Nick.
This event is supported by Agriculture Victoria’s Drought Support Package.
Virtual Drought Smokos
When: Tuesday 29 July, 9 to 10 am. Every fortnight on a Tuesday through to 23 September.
Where: Online.
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.
Seasonal forecast for horticulture producers
Seasonal Risk Agronomist Dale Grey and Bureau of Meteorology’s Agricultural Lead Rachel Davis are joining us to present on upcoming forecasts and Bureau updates.
When: Wednesday 30 July, 12 to 1 pm.
Where: online
Horticulture producers will hear about:
- Understanding climate influences and model forecasts
- What is the predictability barrier?
- Rainfall, temperature and deep soil moisture levels across the state
- Getting the most out of long-range forecasts
- Brown rot advice changes
- Forecast improvement projects
- Decision making tools.
Calculating on-farm emissions webinar
When: Wednesday 30 July, 5:30 to 7 pm.
Where: Online.
Nationally and internationally, governments and companies are making net zero commitments, driving demand for low emissions agricultural products. Understanding your on-farm emissions can help you access emerging markets, understand on-farm opportunities and increase your productivity, all while improving the environment.
In our webinar, agronomist and farmer Cam Nicholson will take you through a new, simple calculator from Agricultural Innovation Australia (AIA) and will give you a step-by-step guide to calculating your on-farm emissions. Cam will be joined by land carers and farmers, who will share their experience and tips for calculating their on-farm emissions. Their learnings and productivity gains may surprise you.
Calculating your on-farm emissions can seem daunting. But knowing your number is the first step in considering how your farm can be sustainable in years to come. Whether you want to inset or offset, knowing your number will help you understand your power in the supply chain.
This webinar is part of an ongoing series of events, including free, sector relevant local training – see what’s available near you here.
Submit your questions for the webinar here.
Decisions that drive drought recovery – Meeniyan
When: Wednesday 27 August, 9 am to 3:30 pm.
Where: Meeniyan Community Hub, 95 Whitelaw St, Meeniyan.
A powerful and practical 1-day workshop on how to build resilience, navigate crisis and adapt to change.
Feel confident and equipped to make the decisions necessary to navigate your farm business through the current seasonal crisis/challenges by:
- learning how to navigate competing priorities for limited resources (family, farm and business)
- identifying key resource issues, stressors, risks and opportunities for your farm business
- learning improved decision-making skills and how to manage key priorities – especially when under pressure and stress
- learning skills to rebuild capacity after battling personal/health and business challenges
- connecting to networks that support recovery and resilience.
Morning tea and a light lunch provided.
Youth Agritech Jobs Expo
When: Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 September
Where: Gippsland Agriculture Centre.
Head along to the Youth Agritech Jobs Expo - showcasing the broad range of careers in agriculture.
For more information, call 0423 205 007.
Keep up to date with GippsDairy's events on their website.
Keep up to date with Gippsland Agricultural Group's events on their website.
Keep up to date with Food & Fibre Gippsland's events on their website.
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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