Help Requested For Farmers Coping With Drought
AUSTRALIA - The President of the Victoria Farmers Federation has urged the Agriculture Minister, Peter Walsh to help farmers with forage shortages in the south west.
9 July 2013
1 minute read
Currently the most pressing issue is fodder, which VFF President Peter Tuohey is running low.
“As we said early last month – many farmers have got little or no fodder in reserve and are battling to find good quality feed. While we’ve had rain, the cold has slowed pasture growth.
“This is why we’ve established a register, so these farmers can source fodder. But more needs to be done,” he urged.
In addition to lobbying efforts, the VFF is continuing to press for the AUS$ 60 million Federal Farm Finance Package to be passed.
If approved, the package will offer up to $650,000 to aid farmers in debt or in dire need of on-farm improvements.
However, this represents a long term solution which Mr Tuohey has warned that drought stricken farmers need a short term solution now.
“I’ve spoken to Joel Fitzgibbon, who’s told me he spoke with Minister Walsh this morning, and he’s hopeful of resolving the impasse and getting the loans rolled out ASAP,” said Mr Tuohey.
“In the short term we need action now to ensure we support our farmers and their livestock through the next six weeks.”
TheCattleSite News Desk
