Lifeline for Drought-Hit Farmers: Need for Feed Charity Steps Up

Strategic Insights -

The Need for Feed charity, set to deliver a vital lifeline to drought-stricken farmers in the south-west of Australia, has been working tirelessly for almost two decades. Established in 2006, the organization has been providing crucial support to primary producers affected by natural disasters, with over $45 million worth of hay delivered to disaster-hit farmers across the country. As the charity prepares to deliver 30 trucks of hay to farmers in the Moyne, Corangamite, and Colac Otway shires, its chair, Graham Cockerell, emphasizes the need for continued support to meet growing demands.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Need for Feed charity will deliver at least 30 trucks of hay to drought-hit farmers in the Moyne, Corangamite, and Colac Otway shires on July 11 and 12.
  • The charity has been operating for almost two decades, established in 2006 in response to the driest period on record.
  • Need for Feed chair Graham Cockerell stated that primary producers from the affected area have sought help, citing the area's lowest rainfall on record over the past 18 months to two years.
  • Volunteer drivers will travel from Tamworth, NSW, to collect hay and deliver it to Camperdown, with the support of the Simpson Lions Club.
  • The charity is calling on the state government to step up support, following successful partnerships with the South Australian government.
  • Without more funds, the charity may not be able to meet calls for support from other shires, including East Gippsland, Pyrenees, and Southern Grampians.
  • Need for Feed has delivered well in excess of $45 million worth of hay to disaster-hit farmers across Australia in its 19-year history.
  • The charity's founder, Graham Cockerell, has a personal connection with the farming community, as his father died by suicide when he was young, motivating him to help prevent similar tragedies.

Statistics:

  • Need for Feed will deliver at least 30 trucks of hay to farmers in the Moyne, Corangamite, and Colac Otway shires.
  • The charity operates for almost two decades, established in 2006.
  • Over $45 million worth of hay has been delivered to disaster-hit farmers across Australia by the Need for Feed charity.
  • The area being served by the charity has experienced the lowest rainfall on record over the past 18 months to two years.
  • The state government is being called upon to step up support for the charity.

Sources:

  • Byline: Monique Patterson
  • Need for Feed (exact citation as provided: no date or details added)