South Australian farmers battling the ongoing effects of drought are receiving support, with thousands of tonnes of fodder already delivered and more to come
The South Australian government has included additional hay runs in an expanded Drought Support Package.
A new $2 million investment in charity hay runs has enabled more than 4,200 tonnes of hay to be delivered to 436 primary producers across drought-affected regions of the state.
The program has been delivered in close partnership with five charitable organisations – Rural Aid, Rapid Relief Team, Aussie Hay Runners, Need for Feed, and Farmers Relief Agency – each working to get fodder to those most in need.
This investment is in addition to the state government’s recent announcement of a further $4 million in funding for the SA Donated Fodder Transport Drought Assistance Scheme – taking the total to $6 million – to assist with the cost of transporting donated fodder across South Australia.
Currently, Rural Aid and Farmers Relief Agency are continuing to deliver fodder regularly to small groups of farmers, and Rapid Relief Team is preparing a major delivery to the mid-north scheduled for early June.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regions, South Australia is actively working with the charities to enable feedback gathered from producers to help finalise the next phase of the scheme.
This includes targeting support across geographical areas and streamlining administrative requirements to focus on delivery.
Primary producers are encouraged to contact participating organisations directly to understand what types of fodder are available and to register their interest.
For more information about the SA Donated Fodder Transport Drought Assistance Scheme, visit pir.sa.gov.au/drought