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Thursday 28 May 2026
Know the rules when spraying with drones
Drones, also known as remotely piloted aircraft, are increasingly being used for aerial spraying of agricultural chemicals, but operators need to be aware of the rules to keep people, animals and crops safe.
Agriculture Victoria’s Alex Perera said operators and pilots are required to be appropriately authorised by Agriculture Victoria and comply with Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) requirements.
Vet Talk - twin lamb disease
Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer
As we move further into winter, sheep producers may begin to see cases of pregnancy toxaemia or twin lamb disease in their ewes.
Twin lamb disease occurs because of an inadequate energy intake during the last 4 to 6 weeks of pregnancy.
During this final period of pregnancy, a ewe’s energy needs increase substantially, as she has to provide energy for both herself and her rapidly growing lamb.
Varroa mite chemical resistance in Victoria
Testing of an apiary in north east Victoria has confirmed Varroa mites with resistance to pyrethroid miticide treatments.
The likely pathway of the pyrethroid resistant mites into Victoria was in hives moved from interstate last year and subsequently sold to a Victorian beekeeper.
Executive Director Biosecurity Charlotte Austin said the detection of pyrethroid resistance in Victoria highlights the importance of beekeepers maintaining a close watch on miticide treatment results.
Young Farmers Advisory Council EOI closing soon!
Image: members of the current Young Farmers Advisory Council meeting
Emerging leaders from across Victoria’s agriculture industry are invited to help shape the industry’s future, with expressions of interest now open for the next 2-year term of the Young Farmers Advisory Council.
Expressions of Interest (EOIs) close at 11:59 pm on Sunday 14 June.
158,500 deer harvested by recreational hunters in 2025
The Game Management Authority has released the Estimates of the 2025 deer harvest in Victoria report.
Results show an estimated 158,500 deer were harvested in 2025. This is similar to the 167,600 deer harvested in 2024 and 66% above the long-term average of 95,400 since 2009.
Sambar Deer were the most harvested species with an estimated harvest of 118,400 deer, of which 54% were female. Fallow Deer were the second most harvested species, with an estimated harvest of 38,000 deer, of which 55% were female.
Locust alert. Report activity now
Agriculture Victoria is urging landholders and land managers to report locust activity to support reducing the risk of damaging infestations this spring.
Adult locusts are active in north-west Victoria following favourable conditions, with numbers above usual levels for this time of year.
Dr Kyla Finlay, Victoria’s Plague Locust Commissioner, said high numbers are also seen in New South Wales and South Australia and have likely contributed to migrations entering Victoria.
‘Agriculture Victoria is encouraging all landholders and land managers to report locust activity to us using the report locusts form,’ Dr Finlay said.
‘Early reporting allows for locust activity to be monitored and supports collaborative action to reduce the risk of widespread crop and pasture damage in spring.’
Access to fertilisers during global supply disruption
Farmers are finding it harder to get enough fertiliser. Conflict overseas has disrupted production and supply chains, reducing availability and driving up prices in Australia.
When supply is disrupted overseas, the impacts are felt locally. It is important to plan ahead, understand Victorian regulations before purchasing, and avoid compromising on fertiliser quality.
Victoria regulates fertilisers to reduce risks that harm soils, animals and people. The rules apply to fertilisers sold in packaging and in bulk. They focus on managing heavy metal contamination and making sure buyers receive clear product information.
Information you must receive for bulk fertiliser
When you buy fertiliser in bulk, the supplier must give you a written advice note. This helps you understand what you are buying before you use it.
The advice note must include:
- the name of the fertiliser
- the quantity of the fertiliser
- the name and address of the wholesale dealer or the seller of the fertiliser
- any required warning statements
Additional requirements are put on bulk fertilisers:
- if a person is collecting the fertiliser, the advice note must be given to the person at the time the fertiliser is collected
- if the fertiliser is being delivered, the advice note accompanying the fertiliser must be given to a person at the time of delivery
- if the fertiliser is delivered to a premises where no one is there, the seller must take reasonable steps to ensure that the advice note is given to the buyer within 24 hours of the delivery date.
This information supports safe use and long-term soil health.
Know what you are buying when ordering in bulk
Buying fertiliser in bulk can save time and money, especially when supply is tight. However, bulk orders also carry higher risk if the product is not suitable for your land or crops.
Getting advice notes before you order helps you:
- check the fertiliser meets Victorian requirements
- avoid excess heavy metal build up in soil
- match nutrients to crop and pasture needs
- reduce the risk of wasted product and cost
Planning early reduces risk
Early planning gives you more options when supply is limited. It also gives you time to review advice notes and seek technical guidance if needed.
Agriculture Victoria recommends speaking with your supplier or an agronomy adviser before placing large orders – and to do this as early as possible. This helps you make informed decisions during uncertain supply periods.
For more information on what fertiliser regulations are in Victorian, visit the Agriculture Victoria fertiliser regulation page.
BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef program out now
We’ve just dropped the full program for this year’s BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef Conferences.
In Ballarat on 23 and 24 June, you can hear from speakers across the sheep and beef industries, providing insights that will both inform and challenge attendees.
Concurrent sessions in the morning and afternoon allow you to choose who you listen to, ensuring you get the most out of your day.
Tickets are available at trybooking.com
Drought Hardship Loans
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 information can be found here: drought.gov.au
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 Gippsland.
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 045 747.
Find out more at: www.nexsolutions.org.au
For further drought support visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
Be work ready - jobs on farms
When: 9 June to 19 June. 9.30 am – 2.30pm
Where: Heyfield Community Resource Centre 5 George Street, Heyfield
Looking to start a rewarding career in agriculture? With strong industry connections, farm visits and support to make the first steps into employment, this course will make you better prepared to secure real job opportunities in your community.
This course runs over 5 sessions: Tuesday 9 June, Wednesday 10 June, Wednesday 17 June, Thursday 18 June, Friday 19 June.
Cost is $20.
Get ready for VFF Conference
When: 1 – 2 June
Where: The Goods Shed, Ballarat
Held at Ballarat's Goods Shed the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) Conference will provide attendees with a chance to connect with farmers, industry leaders and innovators from across the country.
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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