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Thursday 9 July 2026
Seen sick or dead birds or wildlife? Avoid. Record. Report
H5 bird flu has not been detected in Victoria, but community reports play an important role in helping us monitor for signs of disease.
Each report DEECA receives is reviewed and assessed using information such as the species, number of birds affected, location and disease risk.
Not all reports will lead to an investigation, collection or testing. Where further action is needed, we may contact you for more information or arrange collection and testing.
If you see sick or dead birds or wildlife, avoid contact, record its exact location and report it online or call 1800 675 888.
You can also view reports on our online map and follow surveillance activity across the state.
Webinar recording: Understanding H5 bird flu
If you missed the VFF webinar last Thursday 2 July on 'Understanding H5 bird flu' with presentations from DEECA staff on H5N1 bird flu, catch up on YouTube.
The webinar includes:
- what is H5N1 avian influenza
- animals at risk
- potential impacts for producers
- biosecurity measures.
Don’t bring back more than holiday memories
Jim Moran, Leading Biosecurity Officer - Plants
Hopefully, the challenges of last harvest and this season’s sowing are now behind you, providing the opportunity for you to enjoy a well earnt winter holiday.
If you’re travelling interstate or overseas it is important to remain vigilant with hygiene practices and do your biosecurity checks before returning home.
Trips to other regions, especially grain growing regions, perhaps to attend field days or visit farms, may inadvertently put Victoria at risk to new pests, weeds and diseases.
Very Fast Break
The Very Fast Break seasonal climate update video clip for July is now available.
We love to receive your feedback. If you have comments, questions or feedback, please contact Dale Grey at the.break@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Bushfire recovery grants and concessional loans
Farmers impacted by the January 2026 bushfires: you may be eligible for financial support for recovery.
- Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Grants of up to $75,000 to assist with clean-up and reinstating enterprises.
- Primary Producer Bushfire Recovery Concessional Loans of up to $250,000 for those who have suffered major asset damage or loss of income.
Applications can be made at ruralfinance.com.au/grants
Locust spring update for north-west Victoria
We are asking land managers in north-west Victoria to prepare now for possible locust activity in spring.
The Mallee has a moderate to high chance of high numbers of young locusts hatching in late September onwards.
The Wimmera has a low to moderate chance of high numbers of young locusts hatching in early October onwards.
Land managers are responsible for controlling locusts on their land.
The best time to control locusts is about 2 weeks after hatching, when they are young and can't yet fly.
Land managers can also help by checking paddocks and reporting any signs of locusts.
Reporting helps improve forecasting and supports control decisions.
This advice is for people in Mildura, Swan Hill, Gannawarra, Buloke, Yarriambiack, Hindmarsh and West Wimmera.
Bushfire recovery events
Our team will be on hand for a chat at upcoming fire recovery events and activities.
Here’s what’s coming up:
Euroa Special Sale, Wednesday 5 August
Victorian Landcare Awards
Do you know someone making a difference for our environment?
The 2026 Victorian Landcare Awards shine a spotlight on local champions leading the way in caring for biodiversity.
Nominations are open now to honour individuals, groups and organisations making outstanding contributions in environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture.
For more information and to nominate: https://landcareaustralia.org.au/.../state-territory.../
Nominations close at 11:59 pm on Friday 31 July.
Trees on Farms Utilisation Program
Applications are now open for the Trees on Farms Utilisation Program.
Eligible Victorian landowners can receive a free expert assessment of their timber plantations, including tailored management advice and potential market pathways.
Drought Hardship Loan
The Australian Government RIC Drought Hardship Loan is available 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.
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.
Learn more about the Drought Hardship Loan at ric.gov.au
What's On
Interpreting soil moisture monitoring equipment
Pictured: Green Brain soil moisture monitoring graph image courtesy CropX
When: Wednesday 15 July, 9–11 am
Where: Agriculture Victoria Office Corner Koorlong Avenue and 11th Street, Irymple
When: Thursday 16 July, 9:30–11:30 am
Where: Conference Room, Robinvale District Health Service, Latje Road, Robinvale
Half day workshops for irrigators looking to have a greater understanding of interpreting their soil moisture monitoring data. This workshop has been held regularly for a number of years and has been highly popular with irrigators.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their login details and share their data with the group if appropriate.
Places are limited for this workshop. Please contact Jeremy Giddings, Agriculture Victoria Regional Manager Irrigation Mallee at email irrigation@agriculture.vic.gov.au for further information.
Australian Sheep and Wool Show
When: Friday 17 - Sunday 19 July,9 am to 4 pm each day
Where: Prince of Wales Showgrounds, Bendigo
With only days to go, the showgrounds are transforming as exhibitors arrive, displays are built, and everything starts falling into place for Australia's biggest celebration of sheep, wool, food and rural living.
Haven't got your tickets yet? Purchase them now and join us from 17–19 July for an unforgettable weekend in Bendigo.
GRDC Grains Research Updates
When: Wednesday 22 July, 9 am – 1 pm
Where: Quambatook Bowling Club, 29 River Street, Quambatook
Topics:
- Evolution of clethodim resistance, and what can we do? Peter Boutsalis, University of Adelaide and Plant Science Consulting
- Industry panel – pushing pulses for better crops in the southern Mallee, Audrey Delahunty (Agriculture Victoria), Claire Pickles (BCG) and Matt Bissett (ExceedAg)
- Protect your most perishable asset – latest tips on grain storage Chris Warrick, Primary Business
- Risk and reward of N fertiliser decision-making strategies - insights from a national network of RiskWi$e field experiments Yolanda Plowman, BCG
- Seasonal climate outlook: what is driving this season? Dale Grey, Agriculture Victoria
When: Thursday 23 July, 9 am – 1 pm
Where: Dookie Campus, Bar Lounge, University of Melbourne, 940 Dookie-Nalinga Road, Dookie
Topics:
- Risk and reward of N fertiliser decision-making strategies - insights from a national network of RiskWi$e field experiments James Hunt, University of Melbourne
- Industry panel – pushing pulses for better crops in the north Audrey Delahunty (Agriculture Victoria), Aaron Vague (FAR) and Tom Price (FAR)
- Protect your most perishable asset – latest tips on grain storage Chris Warrick, Primary Business
- Get best bang for buck on canola fungicides Alec McCallum, University of Melbourne
- Profitable yield frontiers James Manson, CSIRO
The update for agronomists, consultants, researchers and growers to see and discuss the latest in research and to network with their peers.
Aboriginal business procurement information session
When: Thursday 30 July, 12 noon – 1 pm
Where: Online
Join Agriculture Victoria and Kinaway Chamber of Commerce for an online information session. Learn how Aboriginal businesses can supply goods and services to Agriculture Victoria.
What you will learn
- What Agriculture Victoria buys
- Where we work across Victoria
- Where procurement opportunities may be available
- How our procurement processes work
- Future opportunities and support available
Why you should attend
- Understand how procurement supports the Victorian Government’s Pupangarli Marnmarnepu – Owning Our Future strategy
- Learn how the strategy creates more opportunities for Aboriginal businesses
- Get practical tips on working with Agriculture Victoria
Who should attend
- Aboriginal-owned businesses
- Traditional Owner Corporations
National Alpaca Show 2026
When: 7-9 August
Where: Bendigo Showgrounds
National auction, fleece show, art and photography competition.
BCG’s Main Field Day 2026
When: Wednesday 9 September, 8:30 am – 4 pm
Where: Main Research Site at Birchip
BCG's Field Day draws growers, advisors, and industry professionals together to explore advances in crop management, weed control, soil nutrition, new varieties, and farming systems.
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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