Farmers in the north-west seek government assistance

Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes visited the Millewa - between Mildura and the South Australian border - earlier this week.

The region has reported its second failed harvest, having received less than a third of its average annual rainfall.

Werrimul mixed farmer Ian Arney said he was hopeful the government would act.

"We didn't ask for a grant," Mr Arney said.

"We asked for some financial assistance that could be paid back and used by others, who find themselves in a similar situation to ours, down the track," Mr Arney said.

Loans would help farmers to start to prepare for next year's crop.

"Knowing there is potential for credit to enable us to do that would give a sense of hope for the future," Mr Arney said.

"Rates are not the biggest cost we have to face, but (relief) would have a huge social effect and improve the state of people's mental health."

Mr Arney said the Millewa was "definitely gone", this season.

"Carwarp is on a knife-edge and will probably be cooked this week."

He said he'd put more barley this season, as it could be used for livestock fodder, but didn't plant chickpeas or field peas.

Mr Arney said he'd started to reduce his 2200 strong sheep flock, planning to keep only 500.

"It was certainly worthwhile; it was productive in regards to getting the message across," he said.

"In terms of a response, we'll just have to wait and see."

Ron Hards, Werrimull, said while he didn't attend the meeting, he believed it went well.

"She came with an open mind, which was good, and listened and understood the plight of farmers in the Millewa," Mr Hards said.

"It's disappointing it took so long to get to this point, but we are there now."

He agreed that the main assistance should come in the form of low-interest loans.

"Many people have exhausted all their resources, and their capital base is at risk, so it might be an opportune time to make repayable loans available," Mr Hards said.

He said the region had experienced two incredibly low rainfall years.

"One we can handle, one is built into the system, but we've had two stinkers."

He said he had backed off on sowing, after an "ordinary" weather forecast.

"We'll have some livestock feed for a while, but as soon as it's down to the point where it gets dangerous, we'll lock the sheep up and hand-feed them," Mr Hards said.

"We can't afford to let the topsoil blow away; it's our biggest asset."

Stock would be lightened off to a minimum, with lambs and older mothers set to go to market.

"There's nothing substantial in the forecast period, so we are just going to have to take it as it comes and protect our topsoil," Mr Hards said.

"If we can get out gaol on that, and get another crop on, there's a very good chance we will survive."

He said growers in the area had great faith in their plant breeders and agronomists.

"It's an area where you can grow a reasonable crop on a little bit of rain," he said.

Opposition Agriculture spokesman Peter Walsh said farmers must now get genuine action from the government.

He said the visit was long overdue, with farmers seeking relief on shire rates and water charges.

"The Premier and Agriculture minister claim they are open to more assistance, so it beggars belief that they aren't delivering on the very things farmers are saying would help," Mr Walsh said.

"Daniel Andrew has found extra billions to pay for cost blowouts on his Melbourne infrastructure projects, but now that our farmers need help his cheque book's gone missing."

Ms Symes said assistance remained available as part of the government's $50 million support package.

Many farmers in the region had already gained access through an On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Support Grant or attended one of the Agriculture Victoria technical support workshops.

"This assistance remains available to those who are eligible,"Ms Symes said.

Agriculture Victoria is currently planning more farmer-focused events and is consulting with local farmers on key issues and needs, including more technical workshops in the region.

Millewa farm businesses would continue to be offered one-on-one consultation sessions with Agriculture Victoria staff to help them manage the current dry seasonal conditions.

"We know the Millewa is experiencing its second year of very difficult seasonal conditions - it was important to see the dry conditions first-hand and talk to farmers about the support we've provided so far and what more we may be able to do in the future," Ms Symes said.

"We're investigating what further support we could provide, but as we do that important work I would urge everyone who is eligible to apply for the assistance that's available now."