Demand for Fodder Remains High Despite Recent Rainfall
Recent rainfall across four states has not reduced the high demand for fodder needed to support drought-affected livestock.
Australia’s most trusted rural charity, Rural Aid, reported that farmers were immensely relieved by the recent rains, particularly in south-western Western Australia, which had been experiencing its driest conditions on record.
“This rain could not have come at a better time given the circumstances producers had in front of them,” said Rural Aid CEO John Warlters.
“But we don’t expect the demand for fodder, or the challenge in sourcing it, to change in the short to medium term.”
Many farming families, having received only light relief, still hope for more rain in the coming weeks.
Large areas of Victoria remain exceptionally dry, with autumn rainfall among the lowest 10% on record for the south-west, west, north-east, and East Gippsland. South Australia has seen some relief with average falls between five to 15mm but remains parched.
“Rural Aid continues to be active right across the country at this time, providing hay for livestock, drinking water, and financial relief,” Mr. Warlters added.
“Our counsellors are particularly active, providing one-on-one support and attending various industry events to ensure they are visible and easily accessible to anyone who wants to chat.”
In the past month, Rural Aid coordinated 29 fodder drops across the country.
Western Australia:
Funded in part by the Cook Government, Rural Aid delivered stock feed, hay, water tanks, emergency household drinking water, and counselling support. They connected with farmers and families at drought resilience events in Yornup and Manjimup.
South Australia:
A series of hay drops over multiple weeks have been scheduled, with the most recent drop at Quorn on Monday (June 3). Further drops are planned, pending additional rain and continued access to fodder.
Victoria/NSW:
Rural Aid counsellors continue to provide wellbeing support while discussions with industry stakeholders are ongoing to determine how Rural Aid can best support farmers beyond its traditional service delivery.
Queensland:
Producers impacted by late 2023 bushfires across the Southern and Western Darling Downs are receiving support with hay and counselling. Additionally, 30 volunteers recently spent a week working on nine properties in and around Tara.
Mr. Warlters emphasised that Rural Aid heavily relies on community and corporate support to fund its activities and is encouraging tax-time donations to sustain its efforts.
“With June 30 just around the corner, now is an opportunity to make a tax-deductible donation in support of Rural Aid and ‘our mates in the bush’ – the farming families that need our help.”
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