FARMERS struggling through drought will now have extra support from a charity, which has accused the state government of simply not caring.
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Fourth-generation Yeoval farmer Krystal Haycock has been appointed NSW co-ordinator for drought charity Aussie Helpers.
Supported by volunteers, she delivers assistance to farmers, from fodder and groceries to emotional support.
Aussie Helpers co-founder Brian Egan made the announcement in Orange on Thursday, saying he hoped to keep breeding stock alive.
“Fifty-two per cent of breeding stock in NSW has gone to slaughter because people can’t pay their bills,” he said.
“Cattle prices are going to go berserk in the next couple of months [and] food prices will be so dear, people will be horrified.”
Mr Egan said the price of hay and oats had risen from $100 a tonne to $400.
“At the moment, we’re giving away about three road trains of hay every week in NSW,” he said.
“It’s a bit of an indictment on this government for not sticking up for these people and keep farmers farming.”
He said low-interest loans on offer did not necessarily help farmers cover feed, but instead to buy silos or water troughs.
“I don’t know what they’re going to put in the silo because there’s no grain, there’s no water,” he said.
“It’s just stupidity and whoever’s making these decisions are just getting the wrong information – out of touch is not the word, they just don’t understand and more importantly than that, I don’t think they care.”
Ms Haycock, who will be based at the charity’s Dubbo headquarters, said farmers were feeling the pressure in Molong, Yeoval and Blayney, and many had not earned a wage in 18 months.
“There’s a lot of farmers out here who are out of water in their house altogether so they’re showering at gyms and using public showers and so are their children, it’s desperate,” she said.
Member for Orange Phil Donato said the state government’s appointed drought co-ordinator, Pip Job, had not resulted in food and fodder to farmers.
“We’ve had a drought co-ordinator on a listening tour for several months now, what’s been delivered? Very little,” he said.
He disagreed with statements from Premier Gladys Berejiklian freight subsidies would distort the market, saying loans only increased farmers’ debt.
“They can set a floor price to control the market and if they’re offering loans for the purpose of purchasing freight, for example, how is that not distorting the market? That’s just a cop out.”
To access assistance or donate, visit https://aussiehelpers.org.au.