A recent CFA survey has revealed that while most Victorians living in bushfire-prone areas understand leaving early is the safest option, many would still wait until a fire was threatening before leaving.

ABARES’ latest agricultural outlook is forecasting that the value of Australian agricultural production will fall by 5% to $99.4 billion in 2026-27, with agricultural export value also expected to fall 5% to $76.3 billion.

Australian wool production is forecast to fall slightly in the coming season, despite improving seasonal conditions and a strong rebound in producer confidence.

Targeted vaccinations have begun in New South Wales to help protect vulnerable native birds from the threat of H5 avian influenza. The program includes captive insurance populations and selected wild populations, with Little Penguins at Manly and Barunguba Montague Island among those being considered.

The South Australian Government is stepping up preparations for a potential plague locust outbreak, delivering a $6.5 million package to help farmers monitor and control the pest. The investment includes $1.9 million for planning, procurement and surveillance, including up to six weeks of targeted monitoring in high-risk areas. A further $4.6 million will fund a chemical rebate scheme, with eligible landholders able to claim up to $35 per hectare for chemicals used to con

Australia’s red meat industry is being urged to monitor and report signs of bird flu as the H5N1 strain of avian influenza continues to spread across the country.

The results of the Victorian Farmers Federation’s 2026 State of the State Farmer Priorities Survey have been released, revealing the condition of regional roads is now the number one issue facing rural and regional Victorians.

South Australian grain producers are being urged to check paddocks for signs of mice after monitoring across two major grain-growing zones shifted from “low” to “high” activity last week.

Landholders in north-west Victoria are being urged to prepare for a higher risk of Australian plague locust activity this spring.