Rural & Agriculture
7 November, 2024
Ararat hay convoys to SA deliver 2000 bales to drought-stricken farmers
Nearly 60 trucks are delivering more than 2000 bales.
Nearly 60 trucks delivered more than 2000 hay bales to drought-stricken farmers across the border to South Australia over the weekend.
The Aussie Hay Runners, consisting of 30 trucks and two utes, carried 1100 bales across from Ararat on Saturday, November 2, assisting 66 farming families.
A separate 23-truck convoy carting 1000 bales, organised by Need For Feed Australia, left Cobram, also on Saturday, making their deliveries on Sunday.
Aussie Hay Runners organiser Linda Widdup said the convoy of truck drivers and support crew had donated the hay, their time and fuel off their own backs, motivated by the simple reward of helping others.
"We're delivering to farmers from 30-90 years of age and a lot have said to me that they've done all they can to prepare for drought and stocked up on hay, but they've got to a point where the season just hasn't come good and they've got nowhere else to turn," she said.
Ms Widdup said there had been an outpouring of gratitude from farmers on the receiving end of the run, while the convoy had received a warm reception as it trucked the five hours from Ararat.
"People in the towns were amazing as we drove through. They were along the road waving and air pumping - it has been awesome," she said.
Among the grateful farmers were Mannum, SA, mixed farmers Brett Klose and Aliesha Richards.
The family had received just 72 millimetres of rain for the year until October 13.
When the rain did arrive, it was too late for their crops.
Some have been containment fed for an extended period, while others have been put on failed crops.
"This hay is going to feed the sheep until after summer and keep them alive," Ms Richards said.
"It's a saviour for us."
Need for Feed chair Graham Cockerell said it was their fifth trip to SA this year.
Mr Cockerell said this trip was focused on areas within 80-100 kilometres of Murray Bridge, SA, but another trip servicing northern areas was likely before Christmas and they were investigating the possibility of a run to the Eyre Peninsula in the New Year.
Like the Aussie Hay Runners, he said the Need for Feed drivers were motivated by the simple satisfaction that came from helping others.
Hay wasn't the only thing delivered to drought-stricken farming families.
The Aussie Hay Runners convoy was loaded up with essentials like dog food and personal hygiene care packs from generous donors and sponsors.
Shoeboxes of Love chief executive Kimberley Cepon had organised personal hygiene packs thanks to donations from SA communities and businesses.