LIVESTOCK losses from the Victorian bushfires are expected to rise further with several blazes not yet under control and access for relief services limited to many areas.

Weather conditions have cooled in some regions; however, there are 27 active fires, with major blazes not yet under control in several areas, including at Carlisle River, Longwood, Walwa, Mt Mercer, Ravenswood, Patchewollock and Underbool.

Victorian Farmers Federation president Brett Hosking said the latest livestock loss figure reported to him was more than 15,500, mainly sheep and cattle, and largely in the Longwood, Skipton and Natimuk, with almost 400,000 hectares burned, but these figures were expected to rise. More than 300 structures have been lost and a man lost his life in the Longwood fire east of Seymour last Friday.

He said the VFF was prioritizing relief for affected farmers and working on getting access into affected areas to deliver fodder, assess impacts and move surviving livestock out onto agistment. Mr Hosking said it is very difficult to access much of the bushfire zone at the moment, but the VFF is working with other agencies such as Agriculture Victoria, the Victorian Government, local government authorities and organisations to get fodder to where it is needed.

“I’ve seen some of the scenes in central Victoria and the level of devastation is horrible.

“Our number one priority is to get emergency fodder as soon as possible to fire impacted farms,” he said.

Impacted farmers seeking fodder and those wishing to donate fodder can register on the VFF website at https://www.vff.org.au/vff-emergency-fodder-program/ or the VFF call 1300 882 833. Farmers can also request and offer agistment via the VFF website.

Mr Hosking said it was important that farmers and landowners with fodder to donate contact the VFF as soon as possible.

“Anyone with good quality fodder to donate should contact the VFF on 1300 882 833 or visit our website to register.”

“We’re asking farmers impacted by these fires to seek help by contacting the VFF as soon as possible,” Mr Hosking said.

The VFF yesterday activated its Disaster Relief Fund to provide immediate, farmer-led support to producers impacted by the catastrophic bushfires burning across Victoria.

With a State of Disaster declared across 18 local government areas and farmers reporting devastating losses of livestock, homes, equipment and fodder, the VFF is calling on all Australians to support the recovery by donating and lending a helping hand to the fund.

VFF vice-president Peter Star, who has been on the ground leading a CFA strike team responding to the Walwa fire in Victoria’s north-west said the impacts being felt by farming communities are enormous.

“I’ve seen firsthand the devastation these fires are causing to farming families across Victoria.

“Farmers have lost everything, from homes, sheds, fencing, livestock, and the fodder they need to keep their animals alive,” he said.

“The scale of what we’re dealing with is devastating and we’re still in the middle of it.

“The VFF Disaster Relief Fund exists precisely for moments like this,” Mr Star said.

“It allows us to get funds directly into the hands of affected farmers quickly, without the red tape.

“Those wishing to lend a helping hand can donate to the VFF’s Disaster Relief Fund,” he said.

“Donations are 100 percent tax deductible and go directly to those impacted by the fires with every dollar donated going towards helping farming families get back on their feet.”

The VFF Disaster Relief Fund is a registered charity and funds raised will provide grants to farmers who have suffered loss, supporting the replacement of fencing, infrastructure, fodder and equipment, as well as meeting basic household needs.

Donations can be made online at www.vff.org.au/donations or by cheque made out to ‘VFF Disaster Relief Fund’ to the Victorian Farmers Federation, 24 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000.

“To those who are in a position to help, please consider donating to the VFF Disaster Relief Fund. No matter how large or small, every single cent will help farmers get through these shocking bushfires,” Mr Star said.