THE Victorian Farmers' Federation has called for unity among the state's farmers.

As more than 500 people began making their way home from another packed Farmer Power organised rally, this time in Tongala, the VFF issued a media statement asking farmers to stick together.

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"Just like Farmer Power we're grass-roots farmers trying to get a better deal for our members and ultimately all farmers and their communities,'' VFF president Peter Tuohey said.

He said attacking the federation "gets us nowhere''.

Mr Tuohey said it was the VFF's 10,000 grass-roots farmers and staff who were battling for farmer rights, forcing governments to deliver on their promises and protecting access to water and land.

The release listed what Mr Tuohey said was the federation's accomplishments including co-ordinating fodder delivery after the state's floods and lobbying politicians to deliver financial aid.

"The VFF and its dairy arm the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria have been at the front-line in the battle to curb the supermarkets power.

"We've won and continue to fight a vast array of battles. But none of this happens overnight. It takes time, involves consulting our members, strategy, political arm twisting as well as shouting out on the air waves and in print.

"It's great that Farmer Power has packed 600 people into their recent meetings and weve already started working with them on some strategies to help those dairy farmers who need support.

"But just remember at the end of the day we need evidence, strong arguments and practical solutions to the problems farmers face. Attacking your own gets us nowhere.''