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Thursday 3 September 2026
Backing Victorian farmers through drought
Victorian farmers and regional communities will have better tools to manage future drought conditions.
The Federal and Victorian Governments are investing more than $66.8 million to continue the Victorian Farm Business Resilience Program and Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program through to 2029.
This funding is in addition to the Victorian Government's $146.5 million Drought Support Package for Victorian farmers.
The Farm Business Resilience Program gives farmers practical skills to make informed decisions on their farms.
Farmers can learn more about profitable decision-making, drought preparedness, farm management, and a range of other topics through a mix of short courses, workshops, webinars, field days and farm walks.
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.
Community information session: Torquay
Have questions about H5 bird flu?
Join us for a community information session in Torquay.
Our wildlife and agriculture staff will share the latest information about H5 bird flu, provide local updates, explain what to do if you see sick or dead birds or wildlife, and answer your questions.
- Monday 7 September, 5:30 – 7 pm
- Surf Coast Civic Centre, 1 Merrijig Drive, Torquay.
Come along to learn more and ask questions.
Webinar recording: H5 bird flu update for backyard poultry and pet birds
Agriculture Victoria delivered a H5 bird flu webinar for people with backyard poultry and pet birds on 28 August.
The session provided an update on H5N1 bird flu, Victoria's preparedness efforts, and practical steps backyard poultry and pet bird owners can take to protect their birds.
We appreciate the questions, experiences and insights shared during the webinar. Community awareness and preparedness play an important role in supporting Victoria's response to animal disease emergencies.
The webinar was recorded for anyone unable to attend, or wanting to revisit the information presented.
Update your farm fire preparedness plan
Agriculture Victoria’s Fire Preparedness Toolkit can help you develop or review your pre-season planning.
Use the 8 checklists and templates in the toolkit to update your planning:
- Business preparedness
- Family/staff briefing
- Farm preparedness
- Building/vegetation maintenance
- Equipment and asset maintenance
- Water supply
- Livestock management
- High risk day ratings plan.
Click the button below to get your free copy of the toolkit today or request a hard copy by emailing recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Biosecurity Reference Group applications close this Sunday
Applications for the third term of Victoria's Biosecurity Reference Group close this Sunday.
If you'd like to help shape biosecurity policy, programs and priorities in Victoria, now is the time to apply.
We're seeking people from a range of industries, communities and sectors who can bring different perspectives to the table.
Applications close on Sunday 6 September at 11:59 pm.
Prepare now for spring plague locust hatchings
Pictured: Australian Plague Locust lifecycle indicating recommended stages for insecticide application.
The risk of plague locusts has increased across Victoria due to favourable autumn and winter conditions, more egg laying, and high locust numbers in New South Wales and South Australia. Egg hatching is expected to occur sooner than originally predicted.
Wimmera: low to moderate chance of high locust numbers in spring, with hatching expected from late September.
Mallee: moderate to high chance of high locust numbers in spring, with hatching expected from mid-September.
Now is the time to prepare:
- check paddocks, roadsides and bare or lightly grassed areas for egg beds
- learn what young locusts look like
- get your chemical and management plans ready.
Spraying is most effective about 2 weeks after hatching, when young locusts can’t fly and start to band together.
See locusts? Report them to us. Early reporting helps track locust movements and supports timely management responses.
Kangaroo population survey
DEECA's biennial kangaroo population surveys are happening 5 to 30 September across Victoria.
The surveys are done from the air so helicopters will be flying at low altitudes and slow speeds to count kangaroos. Flights are carefully planned to avoid houses and livestock.
These surveys improve our understanding of Victoria's kangaroo population and help inform wildlife management decisions.
For further information, call 131 186.
Dairy producer makes Footy’s Favourite Farmer history
A Cudgewa dairy farmer and dedicated community volunteer has become the first ever woman to be crowned Footy's Favourite Farmer.
Elise Hill was nominated for her extraordinary contribution to the Upper Murray community, where she balances life as a dairy farmer with extensive charitable work and numerous volunteer roles at the Cudgewa Football Netball Club.
As this year's winner, Elise has secured $10,000 worth of safety improvements for her farm and a further $10,000 in safety upgrades for Cudgewa FNC.
The annual competition, run by WorkSafe in partnership with AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria, recognises Victorian farmers who go above and beyond for their local sporting clubs and communities.
Grass Flat bushfire study
The Grass Flat bushfire study is researching effective emergency information.
If you're in the Grass Flat, Natimuk or Quantong areas, researchers want to hear from you. Your feedback on the information available before, during and after the January 2026 bushfire is important.
Researchers from Queensland University of Technology and RMIT on behalf of CFA will be seeking community to share experiences and challenges that they experienced during the significant fire events.
Researchers will be in the area between 3– 6 September.
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.
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).
Farm Drought Support Grants
Recovery isn’t one size fits all, every farm is different with its own timeline.
Support is available to help farmers manage current conditions, access practical advice and plan ahead with more confidence, including:
- Farm Drought Support Grants – grants of up to $5,000 are available for primary producers across the state.
Applications for Farm Drought Support Grants are open until funds are fully allocated or 30 September 2026, whichever comes first.
To view the full range of financial, technical and wellbeing support available, visit the Agriculture Victoria website or phone 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
WorkSafe Noise Basics workshop
When: Wednesday 9 September, 1–4 pm
Where: Online
Cost: Free
Noise Basics is a free education program helping Victorian employers who manage occupational health and safety (OHS) in small to medium businesses. Get practical tools to prevent noise-related injuries, improve safety and support a more productive workplace.
The online workshop helps you:
- improve your knowledge about the types of occupational noise and what makes it hazardous (e. g. level of noise to which employees are exposed, duration of exposure to the noise, systems of work, plant and other sources of noise at the workplace)
- improve your risk management practices in relation to occupational noise
- understand your OHS responsibilities
- spot early warning signs of an injury from occupational noise
- access free resources and support tools
- keep your workplace safe.
The workshops are designed for Victorian employers, managers and supervisors with OHS responsibilities; and small and medium-sized businesses (1-199 employees), including full-time, part-time and casual workers.
Nitrogen losses trial crop walk – Wallup
When: Thursday 10 September, 8:30 am
Where: J Armstrongs Road, Wallup
Cost: Free
Join Dr Kamal Adhikari for a crop walk at Agriculture Victoria’s ammonia loss trial site. During this session you'll hear the latest results from the 2025 season.
The trial is part of a Grains Research & Development Corporation (GRDC) National Grower Network project. It looks at how rainfall after urea application affects ammonia losses, crop performance and nitrogen use.
The project aims to provide local evidence that helps growers make better nitrogen management decisions.
Registration is not required – meet at the trial site (36°22'44.1"S 142°12'26.8"E). This session will finish at Wallup Hall.
Morning tea and lunch is provided.
Mental health first aid training
Lake Bolac: Monday 14 and Tuesday 15 September, 9 am – 3 pm
Where: Lake Bolac Bush Nursing Centre, 155 Montgomery Street, Lake Bolac
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.
Profitable and resilient farms – Lake Bolac
When: Wednesday 16 September, 9 am – 4 pm
Where: Lake Bolac Golf Club, Lake Bolac Complex Road, Lake Bolac
Cost: Free
This one-day workshop will help Victorian farmers make clear and confident decisions during dry and changing seasonal conditions.
Based on RCS Management principles from the Grazing for Profit school, the workshop focuses on the challenges facing your region. It looks at the practical decisions that affect farm performance, business resilience and wellbeing.
You will learn how to:
- assess feed and pasture availability
- understand the relationship between stocking rates and carrying capacity
- identify financial pressure points
- set clear decision triggers before conditions become more difficult
- make timely decisions to protect land condition and farm cash flow.
The workshop focuses on practical application. You will learn what to look for, what it means and what action to take next.
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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