VICTORIA’S drought-affected farmers are being encouraged to take advantage of one-on-one support from Agriculture Victoria.

Agriculture Victoria said farmers can access free one-on-one consultations with technical specialists to help take stock and develop a tailored drought management plan for their farm business.

More than 1000 farmers from across Victoria have accessed the service since it started in 2025, with over 200 consultations in the Loddon Mallee and Grampians regions.

AV agriculture services director Kate Linden said farmers can choose the focus of the consultation session and nominate their preferred consultant from a list of specialists from across the state.

“All farm businesses are different and require personalised and tailored support, which is why we have made sure that our technical experts cover a wide range of drought management topics.

“Specialists include farm business and financial advisers, livestock nutritionists, soil, water and pasture specialists and veterinarians,” she said.

“Any farm business, anywhere in the state, can access two consultations, up to three hours each (face-to-face or online), followed by a check-in phone call,” Ms Linden said.

Consultant Paige Cross from Cross Country Management has supported a range of farm businesses from across the state through the service, with a focus on business and financial planning.

She said the consultations have helped farmers map out potential scenarios and make confident, data‑informed decisions for whatever might come next.

“We’re here to provide unbiased and practical support, whether that’s working through a cashflow budget, planning for feed and water, or navigating grants and service providers, so farmers can focus on what will make the biggest difference to their business.

“It’s about helping farmers feel supported, reduce decision fatigue, and make choices that set them up for a sustainable path forward,” Ms Cross said.

The program is part of the Victorian Government’s $146.5 million drought support package.

Find out more about the Farm Advisory Service and register on the Agriculture Victoria website or by emailing [email protected].

For more information about available drought support visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.