A recovery team has been established to support Victorian farm businesses as they recover from last month's floods and storms.
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The recovery efforts, which will include one-on-one technical advice and support, will be delivered by Agriculture Victoria specialists, led by recovery manager Darren Hickey.
Mr Hickey, a Gippsland local with more than 20 years' experience in farm production systems and emergency management, said the team was contacting producers affected by the recent severe weather to provide practical assistance and support in recovery.
"The impact of the floods and storms in June have been far reaching and impact assessment information is continuing to be collated," he said.
"Across Gippsland, the Central Highlands and Yarra Valley approximately 2000 head of livestock were lost, and more than 500 hectares of crops and over 10,000 hectares of pasture have been impacted.
"Over 2000 kilometres of fences were also destroyed and hundreds of items of farm infrastructure such as buildings, sheds, pumps, vehicles and farm machinery were also damaged or destroyed."
Mr Hickey said specialists could provide primary producers with information and advice through workshops, webinars and in one-on-one consultations, on topics such as feed budgeting, livestock health, pasture recovery, pugging of pastures, soil and gully erosion, fencing repair and replacement, land classing and sediment removal from farm dams and water quality, and horticulture.
"The recent floods and storms have been a key focus in recent weeks," he said
"However, we are also mindful that there are many farmers, particularly those in East Gippsland and the north-east, who are still navigating their recovery from bushfires."
Farmers and landholders can phone 0427 694 185 during business hours to speak to a member of the Agriculture Recovery team or email recovery@agriculture.vic.gov.au.
