Dry season support
Agriculture Victoria continues to monitor seasonal conditions across the state.
Below average rainfall has occurred across most of the state during autumn and winter. Autumn and winter are a critical time for adequate rainfall for cropping, livestock and dairy production.
Agriculture Victoria is continuing to monitor and assess seasonal conditions with a focus on south-west Victoria and is delivering tailored services to support farmers.
The Victorian Government supports farmers to prepare for and respond to dry seasonal conditions and drought.
The following ongoing services are available to support farmers.
Farm business support
Technical support, resources and events
Agriculture Victoria is working with Victorian farmers to deliver technical information and decision-making support to plan ahead and make informed decisions for managing dry seasonal conditions. Topics include:
- drought planning
- assessing pasture resources
- measuring feed on offer
- stock containment areas
- tools for making rations.
For information on technical support, contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or email recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Find our upcoming technical events.
Rural Financial Counselling Service
The Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) offers free, confidential and independent financial information, options, decision-making support and referral services to farmers and small, related rural businesses who are in, or at risk of, financial hardship.
A Rural Financial Counsellor can visit farmers at their place of business and can assist with business planning, creditor negotiation, cash flow management, accessing government and industry support programs and referrals to other professional services.
To connect with your closest service call 1300 771 774.
Farm Household Allowance
Farmers in financial hardship may be eligible for the Commonwealth Government’s Farm Household Allowance (FHA), a fortnightly payment available for up to four years in a specific 10-year period. A rural financial counsellor can help farmers to understand eligibility and apply for the FHA.
Regional Investment Corporation
Farmers may be able to access low-interest loans through the Commonwealth Government’s Regional Investment Corporation (RIC). A RIC loan is a partnership between the farm business, a commercial lender and the Regional Investment Corporation. Available loans include:
- the Farm Investment Loan is used to ‘recover from severe business impact and prepare for future financial disruptions’; it can be used to refinance your debt, pay your operating expenses and enhance your productivity.
- the Drought Loan is used to ‘help prepare for, manage through, and recover from drought’; it can be used to refinance certain debt, pay outstanding bills, pay for fodder or carting water, and contribute to the cost of drought recovery.
Loan terms
Loan terms for both the Farm Investment Loan and the Drought Loan cover a maximum amount of $2 million at a variable rate of 4.99% (effective from February 2024 to July 2024). Loans are available for a 10-year term with interest only repayments in the first 5 years.
Full information about low interest RIC loans, the application process, eligibility, and terms and conditions are available from the Regional Investment Corporation. Call 1800 875 675, email info@ric.gov.au or visit their website.
Farmer Assistance Hotline
Contact the Farmer Assistance Hotline on 132 316 to find out about Australian Government support services available to farmers and rural communities.
Business Victoria
Business Victoria's website has information and resources to support businesses including currently available grants and programs.
Personal wellbeing support
National Centre for Farmer Health
The National Centre for Farmer Health is supporting primary producers through the delivery of initiatives to boost farmer mental health and wellbeing, including:
- Distribution of mental health resources and support information
- The 'Managing Stress on the Farm’ book explores the common causes of stressors on farms and offers practical ways to deal with them. It also includes the Steering Straight plan, to help individuals manage their mental health with practical, useful steps.
More information is available from the National Centre for Farmer Health.
GPs and community health care providers
If in need of support during difficult times, visit your local Doctor (GP).
Community health services also provide a range of primary health care services that could include acute hospital care, medical centre, home and community care, district nursing, women’s health, allied health services (podiatry, occupational therapy etc.), counselling, pharmacy, referrals. Contact your GP or local Community Health service.