Grim details have now emerged about the shooting death of a missing man in rural northern Victoria.

Richard Wills, 65, was found in a shallow grave on his farm on Tuesday.

He vanished on Easter Sunday, raising concern from his family when he did not show up for lunch that day.

They were unable to find him during a search of his property on the Mallee Hwy at Ouyen.

Will’s wife reported him missing the next morning.

She told police that her husband had gone to work on his farm about 8am, as was his usual routine — Wills was last seen leaving their home.

A post shared by Will’s wife was shared more than 200 times on social media. His disappearance was described as “extremely out of character”.

A police search for Wills ended about 1.30pm on Tuesday when Wills’ was found with a fatal gunshot wound in a shallow grave.

“Sadly, Richard has clearly met with foul play,” Detective Senior Sergeant Steve Trewavas of the Missing Persons Squad said.

“What is still unclear is exactly who was involved, and why.”

Mildura Police Inspector Dave Rowe told the ABC Richard’s ute and phone were found on the property.

There have so far been no arrests.

Investigations are ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.