rural scene
Hopes for milk price increase
Dairy processor Fonterra is the first to declare its opening milk price for the 2025-26 season, an increase from its current season price. But district farmers are still hoping for a higher price amid climbing production costs.
Extreme weather impacts dairy farm profits
Dairy Australia’s recently released Situation and Outlook for mid-year 2025 shows that recovery in Victorian regions for the year ahead is paramount to “reversing the current trends in industry confidence”.
District mayor joins state taskforce
Corangamite Shire’s mayor will sit on a new drought taskforce that will inform further State Government support.
District reaches out with new program
Support for Colac and district farmers to recover from drought must be long-reaching.
That’s why a community committee has established the “Hey Mate, We Have Your Back” initiative to support local primary producers.
Relief a start, more is needed
Corangamite Shire farmers say a new drought relief package is welcome, but not ideal.
Tax is forcing farmer’s hand
A controversial new levy has prompted Barunah Plains farmer and long-serving CFA volunteer Steve Peel to re-evaluate his decades-long commitment to the fire service.
Drought pressures impacting Colac district 50 years apart
A former Colac district farmer has reflected on dry conditions almost 50 years ago and the role he played with weak stock.
Program expanded
The State Government’s recent announcement of expanded drought support to deliver on-farm infrastructure grants has attracted controversy.