The $1m a month problem facing Aussie farmers

Rural Aid said producers around the country had collectively asked for more than $1 million of donated hay in the past month.

And demand is expected to increase further as bushfires continue to burn across Queensland and New South Wales.

Rural Aid said it anticipated demand would “accelerate rapidly” as conditions worsen through an El Nino summer.

“Rural Aid delivered $56 million of hay and other services over a two-year period between 2018-19 when drought and bushfire were ravaging the country,” CEO John Warlters said.

“The drought has already arrived for thousands of farming families.

“Lower than average rainfall and higher than average temperatures and have plunged families back into financial and emotional turmoil.

“We are seeing that every day through the huge demand for our services and that’s ahead of the hot and dry summer forecast by the bureau.”

Queensland cattle producer Betty Johnson, Biggenden, is one of Rural Aid’s recent beneficiaries.

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“It’s wonderful to get a bit of help when I really do need it,” the 84-year-old said.

“If you have a look at my property, there’s not a green speck anywhere.

“We’ve had no rain at all since about January which means that I’ve been feeding stock for ages. If you’re feeding stock, it costs money.”

Warlters said Rural Aid was hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.

“If the current dry is just the beginning – and that is what the experts are suggesting, then it is going to be an extraordinarily difficult time for our farmers,” he said.

“Aside from the physical hardships of running a farm through drought and bushfire, we know the toll on mental health can be even greater.”