Drought relief convoy of 90 trucks bring hay to SA, all the way from Western Australia

A hay convoy has rolled into SA, all the way from WA, providing a record donation of fodder for drought-affected farmers in the Eyre Peninsula.

A convoy of 90 trucks carrying more than 6000 bales of donated hay is making its way onto South Australian farms.

The record donation on Saturday will distributed to more than 400 farmers, bringing much-needed relief to farmers struggling through prolonged drought across the Eyre Peninsula and other parts of the state.

Record-size donated hay run — of 6000 bales — for SA farmers. Picture: Supplied

Backed by a $2 million commitment from the Malinauskas Government, the hay has travelled more than 1,500 kilometres from Norseman in Western Australia to Wudinna, in one of the largest fodder relief efforts South Australia has seen this year.

The donation was a collaborative effort from the state government and charities Need for Feed and Farmers Across Borders, to assist in the state’s ongoing drought relief operations — which have already seen more than 16,000 tonnes of fodder delivered to nearly 2000 farms across South Australia.

A Donated Fodder Transport Assistance Scheme was also introduced through $73 million support package, which helps charities with the cost of transporting fodder to farmers who need assistance to feed their livestock.

Additionally, the state government waived all biosecurity inspection fees for drought-affected producers importing hay from interstate — with inspections still conducted to ensure biosecurity measures are maintained.

Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven said the drought was “far from over” despite the rain in recent weeks. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Minister for Primary Industries Clare Scriven said the convoy was a “great display of government and community working together”.

“Despite the rain in recent weeks in some parts of the state, this drought is far from over and we remain committed to supporting South Australian farmers through this challenging time,” the Minister Scriven said.

“South Australian farmers have experienced some of the toughest seasons on record and we know access to feed remains an ongoing problem, which is why we have been working hard to remove barriers and ensure fodder reaches those in need.”

Wudinna District Council mayor, Eleanor Scholz, said the ‘hay run’ will let their farmers know they’re not alone.

“It’s been a tough season, the rain hasn’t come when we’ve needed it, feed costs are through the roof, and a lot of people are feeling the pressure,” she said.

“This kind of support lifts local spirits.”

Originally published as Drought relief convoy of 90 trucks bring hay to SA, all the way from Western Australia