THE first loads of hay distributed into SA through the Buy a Bale charity arrived earlier this week, with nine landholders in the Robertstown region the recipients.
Rural Aid general manager Wayne Thomson, coordinator of the Buy a Bale program, said he was planning a trip to SA next week to meet with Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey and find out first-hand about the need on the ground.
A load of 12,000 tonnes of hay was bought from southern Eyre Peninsula, with most headed to NSW, but some had been delivered to the Mid North to those farmers who had registered.
He said there had been about 30 farmers register in SA so far, with two more hay drops planned in the next few days.
Mr Thomson said those in need should register online at the Buy a Bale website and answer a few questions.
“We try and get a picture of what’s going on with the farm, with the bank balance and in their head,” he said.
“We want to make sure their head is in a good space and they haven’t run out of hope.”
He said the organisation had a team of counsellors who could speak to the farmers and assess their needs, with support available in forms other than just fodder, such as fuel or food vouchers.
“Everything we do is about easing the mental strain and anguish,” he said.
“Registering is the first step, but we’re in SA for the long haul.”
- Details: Register or donate at buyabale.com.au