Agriculture Resources

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Murrindindi Shire is home to prime grazing land, award winning cattle farms, and a thriving aquaculture industry. The agriculture sector is the highest contributing sector to the Murrindindi Shire economy. The region boasts a well-established, high quality output of 388M (24%), a testament to the Shire's excellent suitability with highly productive land, favourable climate and optimal conditions for freshwater fish farming. This is bolstered by comprehensive infrastructure and land-use planning that safeguards agribusiness against urban encroachment.

Helpful resources:

Farming in dry conditions:

Are you feeling the heat from this summer's longer-than-average dry season? We understand that the recent dry weather has been especially tough for farmers in Victoria. The bureau of meteorology has reported severe rainfall deficiencies across the state, with some areas seeing rainfall totals in the lowest 5% since 1900. This ongoing dryness, along with decreasing soil moisture, reduced runoff, and lower water storage levels, has made it even harder to manage land and livestock.

Below is some valuable information and resources designed to help you navigate the current dry weather.

Drought Support Package

On 30 May 2025, the Victorian Government announced additional drought support of $37.7 million. This is in addition to the $15.9 million package announced in mid-May that extended the $13.5 million drought support package announced in September 2024.

On Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants Program - Now open for appllications!

Apply here

Farmers across the state can access grants of up to $5,000 to support on-farm drought management improvements. The program supports on-farm upgrades that provide immediate support in managing drought and builds future resilience. A dollar-for-dollar co-contribution is required from the grant recipient.

Updated program guidelines are now available. This grant is being administered through Rural Finance and you can reach out to them on 1800 260 425 or email  admin@ruralfinance.com.au

Need help with your application? Free and confidential assistance is available to primary producers through a Small Business Financial Counsellor available at AgBizAssist. Contact 1300 834 775, if unavailable please leave a message and you will receive a return call promptly regarding an appointment.

Statewide technical decision-making support

Technical support is available to farmers to help manage the impacts of increasingly difficult conditions.
The one-on-one support service offers farmers the opportunity to sit down with a consultant to assess where their business is at, identify key risks and plan the best way forward for their business. It includes a 3-hour session (face to face or online) and a follow up call to take stock and develop a drought management plan.

While this service is now available!  Register here

Statewide Mental Health and Well Being Support

'Look Over the Farm Gate' mental health and wellbeing community grant program is now open and includes funding for eligible events and activities which support individuals and bring communities together.

  • Grants of up to $5,000 for eligible community organisations and groups in Victoria. (Please refer to the Terms & Conditions for full details.)
  •  In addition, successful applicants will receive an event resource pack from NCFH to support the delivery of their event. This pack includes digital and printed mental health and wellbeing resources tailored to farming communities.

Activities must be conducted before 31 October 2025.

Apply now

Helping Victorian farmers access interstate fodder

Importers looking to bring fodder into Victoria from interstate can go through Agriculture Victoria to apply for a Plant Biosecurity Permit (PBP) to ensure biosecurity risks are properly managed.

Agriculture Victoria is providing a free service to suppliers, transporters and farmers to navigate permit requirements and expedite access to fodder.

Find more information and to apply for a plant health permit or email your permit application directly to market.access@agriculture.vic.gov.au

 

Farm Business Resilience Program (FBR)

Farm Business Resilience Program (FBR) - The FBR Program supports farmers to develop the knowledge and skills they need to improve their farm business and be better equipped to manage the impacts of drought and a changing climate.

Technical support and resources for farmers

Agriculture Victoria provides Victorian farmers with technical support and resources in a variety of focus areas.

For information on technical support, contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or email recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au

All upcoming technical events are listed on the Agriculture Victoria events page.

Tools and calculators

Agriculture Victoria have a range of helpful tools and calculators to assist farmers with calculating and managing grain, fodder and water levels.

Dry season support

To view a comprehensive list of the supports and services available to support farmers during the dry season, visit the Agriculture Victoria website.

  • Support for farmers during hard times - A list of support services and programs available to farmers and people living in the land. 
  • 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 771 741.
  • Farmers in financial hardship may be eligible for the Commonwealth Government’s Farm Household Allowance (FHA), a fortnightly payment. 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). For more information contact Regional Investment Corporation or your financial counsellor.
  • The National Centre for Farmer Health has a range of resources and services for emotional and social wellbeing and farm business support. Call (03) 55518533 for support or visit the website.
  • Support Hub – Resources for managing tough times - where you will find a range of mental health resources and information tailored for Australian farmers and agricultural communities. Farming can be both rewarding and challenging, with unique pressures tied to the seasons and unexpected events like natural disasters.
  •  National Debt Helpline - This is a free service available to Australians to assist them in getting their finances back on track. They can assist with assessment your current situation, setting up payment plans and more. More information is available from the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 or visit National Debt Helpline.
  •  Contact the Farmer Assistance Hotline on 132 316 to find out about Australian Government support services available to farmers and rural communities.
  •  Council rates, hardship assistance - if you are experiencing hardship, call Council on (03) 5772 0333 and request to speak with a Rates Officer who can discuss what assistance is available to you.

Subscribe to the Recovery and Resilience newsletter and receive updates from Agriculture Victoria about the Farm Business Resilience Program and other resources and information to help you respond to natural disasters.

Key documents and strategies

Find more general business support and advice.

If you would like more information, please contact Council by emailing businesssupport@murrindindi.vic.gov.au or phone (03) 5772 0333.

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