Renmark provided a rest stop for more than 50 trucks carrying hay to help South Australian farmers impacted by drought.

A convoy of trucks carrying hay to be donated to drought-affected farmers, through organisation Aussie Hay Runners with support of the State Government, last Saturday passed through Renmark.

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven said “assisting our primary producers through some of the driest conditions on record” was a priority”.

“We really appreciate these organisations helping South Australian farmers and are pleased to be able to support the delivery of much-needed fodder to drought-affected farming communities across the state,” Ms Scriven said.

“We have been listening to the feedback from the drought roundtables held across the state with key regional stakeholders and the advice received from the Drought Advisory Group.

“These truckloads of hay will provide some immediate relief and we encourage farmers to explore the assistance available in the drought support package to help upgrade infrastructure and strengthen the ability to tackle the challenges of drought.”

Aussie Hay Runners founder Linda Widdup said “this is more than an act of charity, it’s about people coming together to ensure we all survive this drought with the least possible damage to our farmers and small rural towns”.

“We couldn’t be prouder working alongside the South Australian Government, and we wish to acknowledge and thank everyone who has been involved in making this run happen – and believe me, there’s been a lot involved,” Ms Widdup said.

“As always, our reputation is of utmost importance to us and every single bale is topquality oaten or wheaten hay with the highest nutritional value possible, it’s so fresh, it’s just been baled.

“Aussie Hay Runners are extremely proud to help farmers, it’s not a handout – it’s a hand up.”

For more information regarding drought recovery, call the Recovery Hotline on 1800 931 314 or visit (www.pir.sa.gov.au/drought). 

This article appeared in the Murray Pioneer, 29 January 2025.