FARMERS need to prepare for severe fire conditions today and decide which animals would need to be evacuated in an emergency, Agriculture Victoria says.

The reminder comes after a fortnight of livestock deaths as Victoria and New South Wales battle out of control fires.

A total fire ban is in place across central Victoria today, though rain and a cool change is expected late in the afternoon.

State agriculture relief commander Sharyn Williams said livestock owners need to locate evacuation routes, decide which animals to evacuate, have an emergency medical kit and identify emergency accommodation for animals.

"Let's do all we can to safeguard ourselves and our animals," she said.

Part of a fire plan should be moving animals to designated low risk paddocks early in the day, Ms Williams said.

"Don't let livestock or horses onto roads as they cause a huge risk to public safety and to themselves, particularly in smoky conditions," she said.

The Victorian Farmers Federation, working with Agriculture Victoria, is leading the drive to provide fodder to affected farmers.

Depots have been established at the Corryong Saleyards and Bairnsdale Aerodrome where fodder can be delivered and collected.

Thursday, 2pm

A Total Fire Ban has been put in place for Friday, January 10.

The ban affects the Mallee, Northern Country, North East, East Gippsland, West & South Gippsland and North Central areas.

The CFA advises people living in areas at risk of fire to activate their bush fire plan.

No fires can be lit in the open air at any time on January 10.

The weather in Bendigo is expected to reach 33 degrees with smoke haze in the morning. Light winds from the northwest will increase in the afternoon and turn to southwesterly breezes. There is also a 50 per cent chance of rain in the evening.

Echuca is expected to top 40 degrees while Swan Hill could reach up to 37.

Castlemaine will have similar conditions with a top of 31 forecast while Maryborough will reach 32.