Last week I attended meetings with the Primary Industries and Water Minister Niall Blair, as we got a firsthand account of the effects of the major flood event along the Lachlan River around Forbes. 

Cropping farmers painted the picture of some of the best crops they have had for many years being completely submersed by the waters and destroying any return from these crops. More than one million hectares of crops have been destroyed.

Meantime, dairy farmers conveyed the hardship of having to continue to milk and then dump the milk because trucks have had no access to their properties, while some farmers are dealing with limited machinery mobility and dwindling fodder stocks.

The Primary Industries Department estimates crop damage to be about $680 million dollars and total agricultural damage at $700 million, but these are early estimates.

There are also towns and rural properties downstream of the Lachlan River that have not yet flooded but are soon expected to.

This becomes a difficult waiting game.

The upcoming harvest could also pose problems for some farmers who are waiting for road and bridge infrastructure damage to be fixed. NSW Farmers has raised concerns about flood-affected road infrastructure with the Roads and Transport Minister.

NSW Farmers is encouraging farmers to report early and update information later once you know more.

For information about personal hardship and distress assistance, phone the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444. To apply for a concessional loan, grant or freight subsidy, phone the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593.

Farmers experiencing mental health difficulties as a result of the flooding are encouraged to seek assistance. Lifeline is always there to help on 13 11 14.

Images of local flood damage here.