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Hay there, we’re here to help!

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Emma Pritchard, Clarence Valley Independent

It was a lifeline that stretched more than 8km. 56 trucks transporting over 2000 bales of hay, generously donated by farmers across Victoria, arrived in the Clarence Valley on September 30, bound for local properties owned by hobby farmers and primary producers who are continuing to struggle following months of relentless wet weather which has severely compromised their livelihoods. 

Organised in partnership by Aussie Hay Runners and Feed for Friends, it was the second convoy to arrive in the region from Victoria this year after 31 trucks transported more than 1000 bales of hay and several pallets of hard feed to the Clarence Valley in July.

Describing the arrival of the most recent convoy as “pretty incredible”, Sally Power from Feed for Friends maintains regular contact with local landholders who have been adversely affected by persistent rain, and said the distribution of hay bales to more than 100 farmers over the weekend would provide substantial relief during difficult times.

Ms Power said saturated pastures with low nutritional value and waterlogged fields have prevented seasonal crops from being sown, with many Northern Rivers primary producers and small hobby farmers resorting to supplement feeding.

“With this convoy, we’ve been able to provide a top up for them, which made a huge difference” she explained.

“There are about 150 farmers here in the Clarence Valley that we provided feed to, and we also helped to connect them with support services and other organisations which can offer additional support.

“Local businesses including Action Coaches, the Rotary District 9640 and Clocktower Hotel have also been amazing and incredibly supportive of us every time we have a convoy arrive in the area.

“Everyone just comes together to make it all work, which is great.”

Participating in their second convoy to Northern NSW, father and son duo Rocky and Daniel Princi from Evergreen Agricultural Contractors donated five truckloads, each carrying 41 hay bales, to Clarence Valley hobby farmers and primary producers, and said they were proud to be able to make a contribution to the local rural community.

“It was good to be able to help out farmers in need,” Daniel said.

Ms Power was also instrumental in organising an information seminar for local landholders at McAuley Catholic College on October 1.

Featuring representatives from Resilience NSW, the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and State Government services personnel, Ms Power said the event was hosted to promote networking services available to local farmers.

Related story: Driven to help local farmers

Clarence Valley Independent 5 October 2022

This article appeared in the Clarence Valley Independent, 5 October 2022.

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