The Aussie Hay Runners (AHR) are answering the call for help from drought-stricken South Australian farmers this Australia Day long weekend.
Thanks to the support of the SA Government and Heyfield Lions Club, the AHR’s first run of 2025 is going to be its biggest ever with 106 trucks taking part.
“We couldn’t be prouder working alongside the South Australian Government and we wish to acknowledge and thank everyone who has been involved in making this run happen,” said organiser Linda Widdup.
“Believe me, there’s been a lot involved. As always, our reputation is of utmost importance to us and every single bale is top quality oaten or wheaten hay with the highest nutritional value possible; it’s so fresh, it’s just been baled.”
Trucks will traverse a total of 218,770km, loaded with 3630 bales of donated hay valued at over $400,000 helping more than 130 farmers, their families and in turn their communities.
“It’s been a tough year for our South Australian farmers, many experiencing their driest year on record,” Widdup said.
After loading up on Thursday and Friday, the trucks were first scheduled to make their way to Bridgewater, Victoria.
The convoy then heads off early Saturday morning via the Calder Highway bound for Peterborough travelling via Sea Lake, Mildura, Renmark, Morgan and Burra before arriving at the Peterborough Rodeo Grounds where a Farmers Meet and Greet Dinner will be held.
On Saturday morning the trucks will then head in all directions to cover the massive expanse of the 11 Local Government Areas of Adelaide Plains, Ceduna, Elliston’ Goyder, Mid Murray, Mount Remarkable, Murray Bridge, Northern Areas, Orroroo Carrieton, Peterborough and Wakefield.
“AHR are extremely proud to help farmers – it’s not a hand out, it’s a hand up,” Widdup added.
“So, if you can, please make a donation. We guarantee 100 per cent of your donation will be used to purchase hay”.
You can find donation details here.