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Thursday 11 June 2026
Support is available for farmers in fire recovery
Farmers impacted by the January 2026 bushfires are encouraged to check what support they may be eligible for to help with recovery.
Victoria’s Rural Assistance Commissioner Peter Tuohey said recovery from fires can take months or years and support is still available.
‘Recovery doesn’t stop when the fires are out. For many farmers, the real work is just beginning,’ Mr Tuohey said.
‘Farmers have been getting on with the job and may not realise what support is available to ease some recovery pressures.
Last days to secure your conference tickets
Pictured: last tickets available for the BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef Conferences in Ballarat
The finishing touches for the BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef Conferences are being made, and we can’t wait to see everyone in Ballarat.
If you haven’t got your tickets yet, it’s now or never.
Join us at the Goods Shed Ballarat on 23-24 June for 2 packed days of learning and networking.
The practical, producer-focussed program will deliver proven strategies and the latest research that you implement on your farm.
View the full program and purchase tickets via the links in the comments section.
Last tickets available now at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1553856
Now open: Look Over the Farm Gate grants
Pictured: Look Over the Farm Gate grants can be used to run activities like this yoga session
Look Over the Farm Gate grants are now open for new applications!
Support from community is an important part of getting back on track for farmers and farming families in drought and bushfire recovery.
Grants of up to $5,000 are available for events and activities that support mental health and wellbeing.
Look Over the Farm Gate is managed by the National Centre for Farmer Health on behalf of the Victorian Government.
Drone spraying in Agricultural Chemical Control Areas
Pictured: there are extra rules in place to spray by drone in Agricultural Chemical Control Areas
Spraying by drone in an Agricultural Chemical Control Area (ACCA)?
Extra rules apply.
There are 9 ACCAs in Victoria, established to protect high-value and herbicide-sensitive crops, with restrictions on how and when certain chemicals can be used.
The standard requirements for spraying via remotely piloted aircraft still apply, but check these extra steps:
- check if the land is inside an ACCA
- check for any restriction dates
- check the chemical label and approved spray methods.
After doing these checks and confirming you need an ACCA permit, make sure you apply at least 4 weeks before you plan to spray.
Guide how we care for Victorian waterways
Pictured: the Barwon River at Barwon Valley Park in Geelong
Consultation has just opened for the new Victorian Waterway Management Strategy, which guides how we will sustain Victoria’s waterways, while balancing the many ways we use and value them.
Waterways are the lifeblood of communities, supporting our health, wellbeing and productivity, as well as providing critical habitat for Victoria’s native wildlife and plants.
This will be the third iteration of the 10-year waterway management strategy and will build on more than 20 years of learnings and achievements in waterway and catchment management across Victoria.
Don't forget to nominate
Nominate a biosecurity champion for the 2026 Australian Biosecurity Awards.
With 9 categories, the awards recognise significant biosecurity contributions across industry, science, community, education and more.
If you know someone whose leadership, collaboration or innovation is enhancing Australia’s biosecurity, consider nominating them.
Nominations close 5 pm, Tuesday 16 June.
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
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.
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
- Vet Talk - Don't let your dog roam
- Black field crickets active in south west
- Varroa mite chemical resistance in Victoria
- Locust alert. Report activity now
- Is your PIC up-to-date?
- Winter road and track closures across public land
- More productive trees on farms to benefit landowners
- Securing Victoria's Farming Future
- Did you know? Maintain full control of drones at all times
Business cashflow – Mortlake
When: Thursday 18 June, 5:30-7 pm
Where: Mortlake Recreation Reserve
Cost: free
These free workshops will provide practical cashflow strategies and business support for local operators during challenging economic conditions. By the end of the session, participants will:
- understand the fundamentals of cash flow management
- learn to forecast income and expenses realistically
- gain practical tools to improve cash flow immediately
- identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising operations
- know what financial tools and support are available locally and online.
Delivered by Shane Annett, a Rural Financial Counsellor with Rural Financial Counselling Service Victoria West and Finwell Support. Shane works closely with regional and rural businesses to navigate financial challenges and build long-term resilience.
ISCC Market Readiness and Risk Awareness – Horsham
When: Friday 19 June, 9 am - 12 pm
Where: Wimmera Business Centre, 62 Darlot Street Horsham
Cost: free
The workshop series is designed to provide all the information and training that a grain producer would require in becoming ISCC ready across three half-day workshops. Each workshop addresses a different aspect to ISCC certification:
- Workshop 1 addresses ISCC Foundations, market context and what "Audit‑Ready" looks like on-farm
- Workshop 2 deep dives into the farm office - bring your laptop and set up your systems
- Workshop 3 covers supply chain field trip (e.g. brewery, feedlot, or suitable location with trade rep).
Grain producers are welcome to attend the workshop(s) that are most relevant to them or attend all three to gain a complete and thorough understanding of the ISCC certification process.
Attendance is free, but registrations are essential for catering as morning tea and lunch is provided at each workshop.
BestWool/BestLamb and BetterBeef Conferences
When: Tuesday 23 – Wednesday 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 ticket sales end this Sunday: 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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