Agriculture Victoria is encouraging farmers to take up ongoing support and assistance to help manage current difficult seasonal conditions.
Agriculture Victoria’s Aimee McCutcheon said Agriculture Victoria continues to monitor conditions across the state.
‘We know there’s been below average rainfall across most of Victoria during autumn and winter and that it’s a critical time for cropping, livestock and dairy production.
‘It’s important that farmers know that support is available to them to help make early and informed decisions.
Ms McCutcheon said the Agriculture Victoria website explains what support is available to farmers, including financial support and assistance, mental health and wellbeing support.
‘One example is the Australian Government’s Farm Household Allowance which is a fortnightly payment for eligible farmers.
‘Our website also provides access to other organisations that can help, such as the free services from the Rural Financial Counselling Services and the National Centre for Farmer Health.’
Ms McCutcheon said Agriculture Victoria offers extensive practical information, resources, tools and calculators to help farmers with forward planning, feed budgeting and livestock management.
‘All these free resources are available online 24 hours a day, or you can speak with staff at your local office.’