Victorian authorities have confirmed the detection of Varroa mites resistant to pyrethroid chemical treatments in the state’s north-east, raising further concerns for Australia’s beekeeping sector.

The Victorian Farmers Federation has welcomed the State Government’s decision not to cap firearm ownership by primary producers as part of a broader overhaul of the state’s gun laws. The changes follow the Rapid Review into Victoria’s Firearm Laws, which led the Government to accept 15 of 16 recommendations aimed at strengthening regulation and community safety.

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.

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.

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has expressed concerns about the Victorian Government’s planning priorities, following the announcement of a proposed $300 million hot chip processing facility near Horsham - VFF President Brett Hosking told FlowFM in their most recent catch-up.