Around 40 trucks have now hit the road as part of Need For Feed’s Queen’s Birthday weekend hay run, to offer a helping hand to flood-affected farmers still doing it tough.
The truckies taking part have banded together and donated their time, to deliver generously donated fodder to NSW’s mid-north coast.
They’ve picked up hay from Victoria and southern NSW, with many already leaving from Victoria last night, after wild weather resulted in some road closures.
When we spoke with Need For Feed founder Graham Cockerell today, he was on the road and said the trucks were due to arrive in the town of Wauchope tomorrow night. Other towns they will visit include Stroud, Taree, Kempsey and Port Macquarie.
“Some of these farmers have gone through to fires as well as floods and drought in the space of around 18-24 months. This is about helping them out and letting them know that other people care, which is really important for their mental health too,” said Cockerell.
“As a result of the floods, many had their fodder washed away or it got wet and has been ruined. And it’s not the right time of year for re-establishing pastures.”
Already, Need For Feed has sent about 70 truck loads and helped in excess of 90 families affected by the recent floods, but says there are at least 400 flood-affected farming families in some form of need – and many will need support until spring.
The 40 truck loads currently on the way to these affected areas are sure to bring a welcome sign of relief to those who’ve already been through so much.
For more information on donating to Need For Feed or taking part in an upcoming hay run, please click here.