The Soaring Need For Hay Amidst Drought And Bushfires

With a dryer and hotter summer than normal looming on the horizon, farmers are urgently seeking donated hay.

In the past month alone, Rural Aid has been inundated with requests for over $1 million worth of hay from farmers.

As devastating bushfires continue to ravage more than 100 locations in Queensland and New South Wales, Rural Aid is preparing for an imminent surge in requests.

Drawing from their experience during the previous drought and the catastrophic Black Summer bushfires of 2019, it's expected that the demand for hay will escalate swiftly as conditions worsen.

“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,” Chief Executive Officer 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.”

Mr Warlters said Rural Aid will need another huge and generous outpouring of support from the Australian community and business sector to meet the rapidly escalating demand for its services.

Rural Aid is asking Australians to dig deep and rally together to help meet the significant challenge ahead.  You can buy a bale by visiting www.buyabale.com.au or calling 1300 327 624.

Queensland cattle producer Betty Johnson, Biggenden, this month received hay from Rural Aid.

“It’s a great service, it really is,” the 84-year-old said.

“It’s wonderful to get a bit of help when I really do need it. 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.”

Mr 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.”