Flood-affected NSW farmers receive hay bale lifeline through Hay Runners Australia

When the floods hit, farmers across the Mid-North Coast were hit hardest, left to fight for not only their own lives but the lives of their animals. But a helping hand is on the way.

When the floods hit, farmers across the Mid-North Coast were hit hardest, left to fight for not only their own lives but the lives of their animals.

Wingham dairy farmer Chris Butler, 34, has sacrificed everything for his cows. During the floods his home was left without power for four days but lights were kept running at the dairy as he worked through the deluge.

Mr Butler, his wife Jo and their three young children Mia, Holly and Jack look after more than 120 dairy cows on the property where his family have lived and milked cattle for 65 years.

Less than a month after the flood waters receded, Mr Butler faces the unthinkable prospect of sending some of his cows to the abattoir due to the lack of feed, as he stares across hectares of bare muddy paddocks.

But the delivery of 30 hay bales on Saturday by Aussie Hay Runners will help his animals live to see another sunrise.

Aussie Hay Runners have delivered 250 truckloads of hay to flood-affected farmers so far. Picture: Chris Little.

“It’s been pretty tough on some days, especially when this flood hit … we have to re-plant all the paddocks and will probably have to spend $25,000 just in seed and fertiliser,” Mr Butler said.

“(Receiving) 30 bales today is a big help, it might even save cows’ lives in the long run … and means a lot to everyone, it’s really just Aussies helping out Aussies.”

Chris Butler, his wife Jo, and their children Mia, Holly, and Jack. Picture: Chris Little.,

As part of our News in the Community program, The Sunday and Daily Telegraphs are donating $50,000 to Aussie Hay Runners to support flood-affected farmers through our Emergency Relief Fund.

In the last month about 250 truckloads of fodder donated by Aussie Hay Runners – a project of Heyfield Lions Club in Victoria – has been delivered for free to farms in the Clarence Valley, Kempsey, Richmond Valley, Lismore City and Kyogle areas.

Founder Linda Widdup said the donation will help buy more than 40 truckloads of high-quality feed from Queensland, describing the support as “life-changing”.

“It’s been a horrendous couple of weeks and hearing everyone’s stories and being a farmer myself … it’s been breaking my heart,” Ms Widdup said.

The Butler family has lived on their property running dairy cows for 65 years. Picture: Chris Little.,

“Until you’re there and you see that look on a farmer’s face when that truck is coming up the driveway with fodder on it (you can’t understand) … it’s sheer relief, tears and hugs.

“A truckload of hay is like winning the lotto for these farmers.”

News Corp Community Ambassador, Penny Fowler said News Corp Australia was honoured to help support hardworking farmers in their recovery from the floods.

“We know Aussie Hay Runners make a big difference in farmers’ lives and we want to do our part to support the communities that usually look after us,” Ms Fowler said.

“At the Sunday Telegraph we’ve been paying close attention to the stories of flood-affected people trying to get back on their feet,” Editor Anna Caldwell said.

“We are thrilled to be able to support farmers in this way”.

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Originally published as Flood-affected NSW farmers receive hay bale lifeline through Hay Runners Australia