Southwest farmers’ plea for drought declaration

Wannon MP Dan Tehan is calling on Ag Minister Murray Watt to issue a drought declaration for his area, as farmers call for further support.

Southwest Victorian farmers are pleading for a drought declaration, after receiving significant drops in fodder reserves and sharing concerns for local businesses.

Paschendale farmer Bill Lambert was one of about 100 farmers who received bales from Lions Club initiative Need for Feed on Sunday, which brought more than 1000 bales to affected farmers.

He said he had bought hay earlier in the year for $260 a bale, but the same quality had since risen to $360.

“We’ve been suckered a bit but we’re in the job to keep our cows alive,” he said.

He said he hoped the state and federal governments could provide further support.

Bill Lambert, Taronga Herefords, Paschendale at Casterton weaner sale.

Merino farmer Shirley Menz said the state and federal governments had failed to communicate or initiate support for the farmers.

“We’re all busy feeding the stock ourselves without chasing [the government],” she said.

She said they hoped to receive funding or subsidies to help cover fodder and transport costs.

“I’m not up with all the rules and regulations on drought because we aren’t normally a drought-affected area,” Ms Menz said.

Mr Lambert recorded 140 millimetres of rain this year to date, in a region which averages 660mm annually.

“I’ve never seen our paddocks and hills as bare as what they are,” he said.

“If there was another two millimetres of length in the grass I reckon we’d be able to play a game of lawn bowls.”

Paschendale farmer Bill Lambert's paddocks in autumn. Picture: Supplied

Glenfern Poll Herefords stud principal James Humphries received 16 bales of hay from Need for Feed on Sunday.

He manages 500-head of cattle and said he only cut about 25 per cent of fodder reserves in spring.

He believed the dry conditions and financial strain would have a flow-on effect to all local traders and retailers.

“The whole community is feeling it without saying anything,” he said.

“The biggest thing is to have [the drought] recognised, two months ago was when alarm bells should’ve started to ring,” he said.

Tahara farmer David Pepper manages 2500 sheep and 150-head of cattle, and said feed availability was “no good at all”.

“It’s the worst drought I’ve seen and it hasn’t been declared a drought,” he said.

“A declaration might mean the banks can adjust their interest rates, that would be the key.”

The Weekly Times reported on Wednesday that the Australian Dairy Farmers and United Dairyfarmers of Victoria had lobbied the state government for a drought declaration.

Services Australia offers payments and allowances for people directly affected by a “declared disaster”.

The federal government stopped declaring droughts in 2021, citing a “consistent approach” for communities in the Drought Preparedness and Response Framework.

Wannon MP Dan Tehan wrote a letter to Agriculture Minister Murray Watt on the current conditions.

He said he had not received a response, which would be “vital”.

“Absolutely what we need is a drought declaration, or the equivalent, which would provide much-needed support for our farmers at this time,” he said.

Mr Tehan said a current cost-of-living crisis and business crisis placed an “enormous pressure” on farmers.

“Farmers aren’t concerned about the bureaucratic niceties, they’re concerned about the support they can get in this time of need,” he said.

“Let’s not wrap them in red tape, let’s just work out how we can provide them with some assistance.”

A state government spokesperson said they understood the importance of Victoria’s agriculture sector, and they were supporting impacted farmers.

“The Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements set out the cost-sharing arrangements between the Commonwealth and state governments for natural disaster events. These arrangements do not apply to the current seasonal challenges,” they said.