As local governments prepare their 2020-21 budgets, VFF president David Jochinke wrote to mayors.

"Victorian agriculture cannot be expected to shoulder an even greater rating burden as we work to help rebuild the state's economy in the wake of COVID-19," Mr Jochinke said.

The state's rating system has created a situation where regional and rural ratepayers pay more in rates as a percentage of the value of their property than ratepayers in metropolitan Melbourne, according to Mr Jochinke.

"Changes must be made to the state's rating strategy in the long-term and we would welcome the opportunity to work with councils to advocate for reform," he said.

The VFF compares budget figures based on the average increase per rates assessment.

This measure takes into account the valuation of a property.

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In Greater Bendigo, the average farm rates per assessment was $2463 in 2019-20 and will increase by 4.5 per cent to $2576.

By contrast, residential assessments will increase by 2.2 per cent.

The average increase across all property types in Greater Bendigo is 2 per cent.

Mr Jochinke said the VFF will be looking closely at all council budgets to catch out those trying to force through unfair rate hikes.

"The VFF constantly monitors and reports on the rates set by all local government councils to promote fair rating strategies," he said.

"Our expectation remains that all councils will put forward a fair and equitable rating strategy this year, particularly in light of recent drought conditions, the bushfires and the Coronavirus pandemic," Mr Jochinke said.

Loddon Shire's farm rates will spike by 1.4 per cent.

In Buloke Shire, farm rates will rise 2.6 per cent, while residential rates will increase by 1 per cent.

Mount Alexander council is yet to release its 2020-21 draft budget.

The Municipal Association Victoria, the state's peak body for local government, declined to comment.