The Victorian Farmers Federation has unveiled seven priority areas it wants addressed in the upcoming Victorian State Budget, arguing strategic investment will strengthen agriculture’s role in the state economy.

Agriculture Victoria is urging farmers across the state to take extra care of livestock as summer temperatures continue to climb. The department says the recent heat has increased the risk of heat stress, which can severely affect both animal welfare and farm productivity.

Federal Agriculture Minister Julie Collins and Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters have met with farmers and producers in central Victoria to see firsthand the damage left by January’s bushfires.

The Victorian Farmers Federation has raised concerns that agriculture has been largely overlooked in the 2026 Basin Plan Review Discussion Paper released by the Murray–Darling Basin Authority.

Agriculture Victoria is inviting farmers to register for a free six-week online farm business program designed to strengthen resilience and risk management skills.

The Victorian Farmers Federation is asking producers to report problems with public standpipes and stock watering points, as ongoing dry conditions and limited water access continue to challenge farm operations across the state.

Victorian farmers recovering from recent bushfires are being encouraged to carefully consider their options before beginning re-fencing works. Agriculture Victoria says the fires have caused widespread damage to farm infrastructure, including fences, sheds and water systems, placing significant strain on affected farming families.  

Regional roads in Victoria are continuing to deteriorate, with new figures reported in the Herald Sun revealing potholes have increased by as much as 178 per cent in western parts of the state. Victorian Farmers Federation President Brett Hosking says the worsening road conditions are a serious safety hazard and a significant economic burden for local communities.

Weeks after Victoria’s Catastrophic Fire Danger Day on January 9, seven major bushfires are continuing to burn across the state. The Country Fire Authority says some of those fires could continue for days or even weeks, as crews manage complex and unpredictable conditions.

Fire-affected landholders in Victoria are being urged to prepare properties for potential flash flooding and erosion following recent bushfires.

Victorian farmers are being urged to make their voices heard as the State Government undertakes a rapid review of Victoria’s firearms laws in the wake of the Bondi tragedy. The review, which commenced earlier this month, is being led by former Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Ken Lay and will examine existing laws, recent changes in New South Wales, and emerging risks such as 3D-printed firearms.

Following the long-awaited release of the 2024‑25 CFA Annual Report, CFA volunteers are saying that despite funding reaching its highest level in five years, there has been no real increase within the organisation on the ground.  

Agriculture Victoria has issued a strong warning to livestock producers following a Gippsland court case involving the unauthorised tail docking of 192 dairy cows on a property near Tinamba in south-east Victoria.

The first contingent of firefighters from New South Wales has returned home after assisting Victorian communities affected by recent bushfires.

Agriculture Victoria teams have been on the ground this week supporting farmers affected by recent bushfires, with a focus on urgent animal welfare and assessing agricultural impacts.  

In the midst of Victoria’s ongoing fire emergency, the Country Fire Authority has rejected claims that its funding has been reduced and that volunteers and brigades were not aptly prepared for this year’s fire season.

As catastrophic bushfires continue across Victoria, the Victorian Farmers Federation has activated its Disaster Relief Fund to provide immediate, farmer-led assistance to producers impacted by the fires.

As hay season rolls on across Victoria, the Country Fire Authority (CFA) is urging farmers to heed vital safety measures to reduce the risk of haystack fires - an ever present concern during peak heat and harvest conditions.

The Country Fire Authority is reminding farmers to prioritise machinery safety following a paddock fire this week in Victoria’s north-east, which burnt approximately 40 hectares.

Agriculture Victoria is urging horse owners to ensure animals are fully included in bushfire and emergency planning as fire danger increases.