FARMERS from the New England to Nyngan are making it clear to government this drought has gone beyond preparation.
Producers have also made it clear they are fed up waiting for adequate drought support.
“We keep hearing about the new drought preparation stuff (the National Drought Program Reform), but nothing is coming in the meantime,” said Simon Fagan, “Leeholme”, Coonamble.
Even though the Regional Assistance Advisory Committee (RAAC) visited the area last month to prepare a report on possible drought support measures from the State government, Mr Fagan said producers needed help months ago.
“A lot of people have already got rid of their stock. Others are hanging back, waiting to see if we get any transport subsidies (to cart feed).”
Mr Fagan said the most pressing concern was lack of water.
“Most dams are dry – I spoke with someone the other day who was cleaning out a dam that hadn’t been dry in 40 years.”
Peter Knight, “Coonamon”, Coonabarabran, agreed conditions were terrible, but said drought support measures could still have a positive impact for farmers.
“Transport subsidies would put the hay down south within reach of us,” Mr Knight said.
He suggested either the State or federal governments could buy fodder for drought-stricken producers, rather than provide a subsidy.
Low-interest loans could allow producers to buy fodder.
“The most important thing is it (any drought support measures) has to be implemented now,” he said.
“We’ve got about two weeks of feed reserves left, and then the cattle start dying.
“The emphasis has to be on keeping the good breeding stock alive.”
Mr Knight met Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce on his drought tour last weekend, and said he appreciated the difficult job Mr Joyce had in convincing other Cabinet members to implement immediate drought support.
NSW Farmers’ Western Division spokesman Wayne Newton said many producers were destocking heavily, while others were trying to send stock on agistment.
With the area becoming increasingly dry, however, agistment properties were difficult to find.
He said farmers in cropping areas were also affected by the dry, as many had taken the decision not to sow crops or to sow less than normal this summer.
“For those who did sow, many have grazed their crops to help sustain livestock,” Mr Newton said.
The feed and water shortage extended well into the New England.
Ray White livestock agent Ben Sharpe, Tenterfield, said the prospect of the drought lasting until spring was now a real possibility.
He said many in the Northern Tablelands were worried about potential frosts next month and the effect on winter feed.
Mr Sharpe said many producers were carting in fodder, and subsidies could help keep core breeding herds alive through winter.
A drought meeting will be held at Narrabri RSL at 11am on Friday, February 14. Former New England MP Tony Windsor will attend.
