News

A win for SA farmers fighting drought

By McPherson Media Group

Dec 3, 2024

Charities transporting donated fodder to drought-affected SA farmers will receive funding in a government support package.

Dairy farmers battling drought in South Australia have secured a win, with $18 million in government funding to assist those experiencing their driest season on record.

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Direct farmer representation by the South Australian Dairyfarmers Association helped inform the package, which comprises grants for on-farm drought resilience infrastructure, mental health and community support, and funding to enable donated fodder to reach more communities.

Australian Dairy Farmers welcomed the package and said it was a clear win for SADA and South Australian dairy farmers more broadly.

“Dairy farmers across South Australia and south-west Victoria have been doing it tough this year, so this will be welcome news for primary producers,” ADF president Ben Bennett said.

“These prolonged dry conditions are causing significant challenges for dairy farmers.

“The drought has cut their ability to grow feed and access water for their livestock — essential ingredients in producing the world-class dairy products these regions are known for.

“These challenges place significant stress on the farmers affected, so news SA is willing to help relieve the load with these initiatives is certainly something to celebrate.”

Mr Bennett said while these initiatives were warmly welcomed, more work needed to be done to address long-term solutions for drought preparedness and response.

“Droughts have lasting effects on farming communities, and we need a comprehensive strategy to support our farmers beyond the immediate crisis,” he said.

“We will continue to advocate for policies that provide stability and sustainability for dairy farmers in the face of ongoing climate challenges.”

Key components of the package include:

$5 million for On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants for rebates of up to 75 per cent (to a maximum of $5000 excluding GST) that assist with projects to manage drought conditions and strengthen drought preparedness.
$2 million to assist charities with freight costs to transport donated fodder to assist farmers with feeding livestock.
$1 million for additional health and wellbeing support through the Rural Financial Counselling Service and Family and Business Support Program.
$100,000 for grants of up to $5000 for the Connecting Communities Events Program, for groups to host events that foster social connections and provide support during these challenging times.
$4.4 million budget commitment to provide family and business mentors and rural financial counsellors, who provide free confidential and independent services that link people with the appropriate assistance.
$5.5 million funding provided to the state and federal government’s Future Drought Fund, which includes ongoing programs to help farmers with farm business resilience planning, climate tools and demonstrating more resilient farming practices.