Making sure farmers have support as the drought continues

As the drought continues across the region the challenges continue and evolve. The region is now officially in a state of below average rainfall for a two-year period and in some pockets the driest on record.

While in some areas the springs have started running and water storages are slowly filling, others who are reliant on run off to fill dams are looking to the sky for more rain. Finding fodder is a challenge for almost all farmers and for the first time in many years we are seeing hay moving into the region from as far as Western Australia and Queensland. 

With the record low rainfall, the WestVic Dairy team has pivoted over the last few months from a focus on extension programs for farmers to visiting farms across the region. The team are delivering a drought and dry season resource package and most importantly are checking in to see how the farm team are travelling and signposting to support where we are able.

As we travel around, we are seeing and hearing a broad range of issues and solutions. There is no one solution that fits all. What is a common thread is the empathy and compassion of farmers across the region. So often we visit a farmer in the south of the region that has been pumping water around the farm or from a neighbouring farm for many months – they tell us that they are okay but feeling for those in the north of the region where the paddocks are just dirt. Then, when we visit those in the north we hear the opposite.  If you are able, we encourage you to continue to reach out and catch up with those who you haven’t heard from in a while. A phone call or dropping in for a cuppa and just listening can make a big difference for someone not having a great day.

The grit, determination and resilience of our farming community astounds us every day. However, we know that we all have a breaking point so please reach out for support and help when you need. Dairy Australia and the National Centre for Farmer Health has pulled together straightforward, practical tools and support services focused on mental and physical health, see Farmer Wellbeing on The People in Dairy website.

We encourage you to reach out to the support services that are available. The drought infrastructure grants have now increased to $10,000 (still on a dollar for dollar  contribution). The guidelines have also been extended to include costs involved in pasture renovation (and can be retrospective payments to September 2024) as well as transport for water cartage. 

The Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) provides free and confidential financial counselling. They can assist with everything from applying for support, including the Farm Household Allowance and RIC loans, to gaining a better understanding of your financial position and to be able to negotiate with lenders and creditors. The RFCS also offer a well-being service, with a trained counsellors able to assist with recognising and managing stress.

While it is great to see a tinge of green across our pastures, there is still a long road ahead and we know for many that there is unlikely to be pasture for a month or more.  Give yourself time to plan, talk to others and seek the support that is available to navigate the weeks ahead.

If you haven’t had one of the WestVic Dairy team visit your farm yet, we will be on our way as soon as we are able. If you need support quickly, please reach out and call the WestVic Dairy office on (03) 5557 1000.