FODDER donations continue to roll in for those affected by the recent fires at Pinery, but more will be needed in coming months as lambing begins.
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Roseworthy hay donations depot supervisor John Sharp said the upcoming lambing season in the Lower North was a major concern, with fodder stocks dwindling.
“We have about 20 landholders registered for assistance, with about 12 on the high priority list,” he said.
“We still have fodder here to distribute, but just last week a semi-load went out to someone in need – we definitely need more donations.
“There are a lot of sheep away on agistment, but many will be transported back in March-April for lambing, or when stubbles run out.
“They will need to be hand fed and we will need fodder donations for that.”
Mr Sharp said the depot had enough fodder on-site to assist farmers through to the autumn break, if it was early.
“If the break is late, there will be significant demand until it arrives,” he said.
“Thankfully there was a lot of hay cut last year. Plus some farmers have offered to bale their barley stubbles, if we transported it. So far we have collected about 150 large bales of barley stubble from one property, with another 140 tonnes to come.
“There has been tremendous farmer generosity.”
Mr Sharp said donations of livestock licks had also been appreciated, along with fencing material, which was passed on to BlazeAid.
BlazeAid SA coordinator Wendy Cope said the volunteer fencing organisation were on the ground ready to go, but that holidays and other on-farm tasks were taking priority and causing delays.
“We know the fires have come at a bad time, and emotionally and financially it takes a while to adjust, but more farmers need to get on board,” she said.
“We have about 62 properties registered for fencing assistance (at the Roseworthy camp) but so far only 18 have given us permission to clear their burnt fences. The BlazeAid camp at Hamley Bridge is experiencing the same problem.
“We have so many volunteers ready to go but we are getting to the point where we can’t keep them busy enough and we run the risk of losing them. We need more farmers to activate their registrations now.”
Mr Sharp said those needing fodder assistance should call him on 0419 610 904 or Livestock SA on 8297 2299, while BlazeAid is always seeking fencing donations.
- Details: www.blazeaid.com
