‘From one Pete to another’: Farmer calls on Premier to open the coffers and lend a hand

It doesn’t matter who you speak to, the drought is everywhere, and farmers are finding it “hard to sleep at night” and in need of a helping hand.

If there’re no farmers, there’ll be no food for Australia, says Peter Manuel.

“And that’s about where we’re at right now,” he says.

For the past year, the cows Mr Manuel has remaining on his 61ha Strathalbyn property have been walking around in a perpetual cloud of dust, kicked up from them simply moving across the dry landscape.

Below-average rainfall and drought conditions have slugged farmers with extra costs just to keep their farms operating. Many have been forced to destock and are now worried about their futures.

Speaking as part of The Advertiser and Sunday Mail’s For Pete’s Sake campaign, Mr Manuel said the drought was severely affecting every farm and household across the state, forcing agricultural communities to the brink.

Strathalbyn farmer Peter Manuel concerned as farmers pushed to the brink during current drought conditions. Picture: Brenton Edwards

“It doesn’t matter who you speak to, the drought is everywhere,” he said.

“It’s hard to sleep at night. It’s on your mind the whole time whether it’s going to rain.

“It’s pressure on your whole family. It’s terrible.”

Cattle and sheep from neighbouring properties have pushed up against Mr Manuel’s fences when he has put out hay for his stock, which has shown “just how bad it is” for everyone.

The Advertiser and Sunday Mail have tracked down farmers named Peter around the state for the campaign to raise awareness of one of the harshest droughts in SA’s history.

It’s the attention of the Peter who runs the state – Premier Peter Malinauskas – they want the most.

The For Pete’s Sake campaign is calling on the government to substantially increase the $18m drought support package announced in November, among other measures including relief from the emergency services levy and vehicle registration fees.

Mr Manuel said the government needed to step in and provide the “much-needed” support producers deserved.

Strathalbyn farmer Peter Manuel concerned as farmers pushed to the brink during current drought conditions. Picture: Brenton Edwards

“They need to act quicker, they need to make sure that we’re not forgotten,” he said.

Mr Manuel said he was out of pocket $45,000 on top of his regular agricultural expenses.

“When it comes to the mum-and-dad farmer, we’re the forgotten breed,” he said.

“It’s simple: no farms, no food, no Australia.” But he said if the government came to the party, “Premier Pete’s name would go up in lights”.

“Give us those grants so we can organise what we need.

“I’d be the first person to shake (Mr Malinauskas’) hand,” he said.

A spokesman for the government said it was “actively preparing for additional support” while the initial drought package “remains open for applications”.

“(It) includes donated fodder transport subsidies for hay runs, critical water infrastructure grants, mental health, and community support,” the spokesman said.

“These programs are broad in nature and have been tailored to cater for ‘mum and dad’ farmers – whether they be property owners and operators, share farmers or lessees.”

Originally published as ‘From one Pete to another’: Farmer calls on Premier to open the coffers and lend a hand