‘Green drought’ hits home as pastures struggle

THE “green drought” is upon us, and most outside the industry think that the paddocks look good.

It’s deceptive, as there’s not much guts to it, with the combination of a cold winter and severe lack of rain leaving many animals hungrier than usual and needing supplementary feeding of hay, silage, and grain.

With hay running out in our region as western district dairy farmers and horse owners hunt for every last scrap, driving the price up to $150 per roll, all heads are turning to Mother Nature for help before it’s too late.

There has been effectively no runoff into dams with many remaining dry, and the pastures and crops are on the verge of turning up their heads as their feet search for a drink.

Some farmers are looking for support, and the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says farmers and regional communities are confused about whether they are eligible for drought assistance or where they can turn to for support as Victoria’s green drought lingers and farmers approach the critical spring growing season.

VFF vice-president Danyel Cucinotta said this confusion was adding to the burden faced by many farmers and was the driving force behind the VFF’s proposed Victorian Drought Resilience Program.

“Farmers are telling us they are either unaware, confused or do not know that drought assistance is currently available or where they can access it.

“For those who do find assistance, it’s not uncommon for them to encounter roadblocks when it comes to asset means testing, which is a huge problem.

“There’s an urgent need for the Victorian Government to better communicate the current assistance available to farmers and explain that a formal drought declaration is not needed to access it.”

The VFF are urging for a centralised resource that clearly outlines the financial and mental health assistance available and the dedicated organisations tasked with helping Victorian farmers.

Ms Cucinotta said the VFF was engaged with the Victorian government to progress the Victorian Drought Resilience Program and streamline information for farmers and communities doing it tough.

“We see a real need for a one-stop-shop for drought information, resources and assistance available for all farmers and regional communities that is available on a permanent basis.

“Farmers are doing it tough right now. We can get this up and running quickly to serve those immediate needs and use it as a permanent resource and hub for the future, we just need the government to get on board.”

“Of course, there remains a number of roadblocks in place when it comes to certain types of assistance and this resource would help inform the VFF’s advocacy in future.”

The proposed hub would help plug the hole in drought information and be a resource where farmers can provide feedback on the issues they are facing.

“Roadblocks such as low asset ceilings preventing farmers from accessing assistance is some of the key feedback we’re hearing and initiatives such as this hub would be invaluable in helping us fix the problems out there,” Ms Cucinotta said.