Australians are being urged to dig deep and help out farmers struggling to keep their livestock fed, with demand for hay soaring at a “phenomenal” rate.
Rural Aid said producers around the country had collectively asked for more than $1 million of donated hay in the past month.
And demand is expected to increase further as bushfires continue to burn across Queensland and New South Wales.
Rural Aid said it anticipated demand would “accelerate rapidly” as conditions worsen through an El Nino summer.
“Rural Aid delivered $56 million of hay and other services over a two-year period between 2018-19 when drought and bushfire were ravaging the country,” CEO John Warlters said.
“The drought has already arrived for thousands of farming families.
“Lower than average rainfall and higher than average temperatures and have plunged families back into financial and emotional turmoil.
“We are seeing that every day through the huge demand for our services and that’s ahead of the hot and dry summer forecast by the bureau.”
Australians who can afford it are asked to help out by buying a hay bale that would go to a farmer in need, either online or by calling 1300 327 624.
(9 NEWS)
