Stories of life during drought shared during Premier Steven Marshall’s visit to some of the state’s driest areas

Eyre Peninsula sheep farmer Peter Rehn’s family decided to halve their flock this season after one of the driest years they had experienced in 60 years.

Peter Rehn of Arno Bay says he has sold about 1000 sheep this season due to dry conditions. AAP Image/ROY VANDERVEGT

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Eyre Peninsula sheep farmer Peter Rehn’s family decided to halve their flock after one of the driest years they had experienced in 60 years.

The Arno Bay man – father of former Adelaide Crows player Shaun Rehn – said the family would usually run about 2000 sheep at Arno Bay, but they had sold about 1000 to prevent further damage to paddocks from the animals’ hoofs.

Mr Rehn was among about 100 people who met with Premier Steven Marshall and Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Tim Whetstone yesterday, to share their experiences on the land.

Mr Marshall and Mr Whetstone were on a two-day visit to the Upper Eyre Peninsula, Northern Pastoral District and Murray Mallee, among the regions hit hard by drought.

Mr Rehn could remember only about five years in his six decades in farming, when there had been such little rainfall.

“Until August we had only had about three inches of rain for the whole year,” Mr Rehn said.

“That’s what killed the season for us. We thought we’d cut our stock back and try and rehabilitate the farm.”

Cowell locals, including Franklin Harbour Council chief executive Chris Smith, said while the agricultural sector was hit hard by the drought, retailers were also suffering and a lack of local doctors meant money was being spent out of town.

But in Manna Hill in the state’s Northern Pastoral District, the drought was simply adding another blow to the already tough conditions created by kangaroos swamping properties and wild dogs attacking lambs.

“There’s no simple solution to the complex problems the drought is causing, not only here in SA but right across the nation,” Mr Marshall said.

“But the best chance we have is listening and working together.”

Mr Marshall said Cabinet would discuss the issues raised during his trip tomorrow.

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