Facing tough conditions? Don’t go through it alone

TIMES can be tough for farmers when climatic and market conditions don’t pan out as expected.

This past colder winter and the start of spring has seen a critical lack of substantial rainfall, leading to the exhausting of fodder reserves, slower pasture and crop growth, and livestock water supplies drying up, putting increased stress on farmers.

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 continued 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 explained what support was 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.

These free resources are available online 24 hours a day, or you can speak with department staff at your local office.

For more information plus details of events coming up in your region or online, head to agriculture.vic.gov.au