Farmers Doing It Tough
Recent drought conditions in large farming areas of New South Wales, and to a lesser extent, Queensland, have left many farmers struggling to pay for feed for their livestock, let alone produce enough to sell so they can keep themselves afloat.
According to the federal Department of Agriculture, there are 1199 farms in the Greater Sydney region worth more than $40,000, and all of these farms are struggling. With about 60 percent of New South Wales currently on drought watch, there is not enough water for any of the farms.
The Bureau of Meteorology says that averaged across New South Wales, the first three months of 2018 were the driest in over 30 years. Some farmers have stated that the little rainfall there was in December and January fell at the wrong time to grow pasture and has meant that autumn sowing has had to be postponed.
Many are saying that farmers need a miracle weather event, with 100mm to 200mm of rainfall over the next couple of months. Although they cannot control the weather, the State Government has approved $54 million worth of low-interest loans for drought preparedness and capital improvement work through the Farm Innovation Fund.
To accompany the government assistance, many farmers and friends are fundraising the money they need to keep feeding their animals and trying to save their farms. Many people are also crowdfunding for causes like the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners. The Burrumbuttock Hay Runners campaign has raised almost $15,000 so far, which will be used to buy and transport hay to as many of the affected farms as possible.
The Croatian community in New South Wales has even chosen to fundraise for Aussie Farmers Foundation.
IGA Kandos and Baradine are doing a great job in the local community raising money for food vouchers for local farmers.
New South Wales Farmers have also raised a massive $60,000 for the farmers being affected by the drought.
The Coonamble community have organised a rain dance to raise money for the drought affected farmers in their area as well.
Australians are a tough breed, and times like these remind us why, but thankfully we are also being reminded of the generosity and comradery that the people of Australia are showing by raising and donating money to the New South Wales farmers during this difficult time.