Farmer thanks community for support as drought battle continues

CRAIG Williams has tended his small Menangle farm since 1991. But after an extended dry period, the couple are worried they may lose the farm and they are among dozens of farmers in the Macarthur region struggling. They are asking for your help.

Menangle farmer Craig Williams in one of his dried up dams. Picture: Robert Pozo

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Craig Williams has tended his small Menangle farm since he bought the property in 1991.

Along with wife Elly Bonnet, they run 40 head of cattle.

But after an extended dry period, the couple are worried they may lose the farm.

They are among dozens of farmers in the Macarthur region struggling as drought hits more than 98 per cent of NSW, according to the NSW Government Combined Drought Indicator.

The Government’s data lists Wollondilly shire as being in a period of “intense drought” while the latest Bureau of Meteorology report showed Australia has just experienced the driest July since the Millennium Drought 16 years ago.

Mr Williams has had to lighten his stock. Picture: Robert Pozo

Mr Williams said farmers across the shire were doing it tough as the price of feed for their cattle continued to rise.

“It’s through the Dilly Drought Drive and their support, and the support of the community in Wollondilly which is fantastic, that I’ve been able to keep things going,” Mr Williams said.

“I’ve spent quite a lot of money buying feed and water. Last year the cost of feed was about $90 a tonne, it’s now about $400 a tonne if you want good feed.”

The drought drive has helped with funding for Mr William’s past three hay loads.

He has been forced to sell some of his stock already and anticipated will have to be sold by the end of August

“You have to look at the best way of managing these situations, so you lighten your stock to reduce your costs,” Mr Williams said.

Craig Williams and Elly Bonnet have run the farm since 1991. Picture: Robert Pozo

But Ms Bonnet said the market had depressed and prices were low for stock.

“The problem is with the market the way it is they’re not going to fetch a great price,” she said.

“And if the cattle are a bit skinny, which most tend to be at the moment because they’re not getting good quality feed, then you’re not going to get a great price.”

Mr Williams said if the drought conditions continued long-term he would be forced to consider selling up.

“It’s not something I want to consider any time soon,” he said. “But you look at the pictures of those starving animals on the news and I will never let my stock get to that point. I’m 66 and quite lucky to not be in any debt but that’s not something I am willing to take on at my age.”

Dilly Drought Drive founder Sharon Robertson said there were 19 local farms receiving donations from the charity.

To help our local farmers, visit https://www.facebook.com/DillyDroughtDrive/