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Disasters Leave a Long Shadow: Rural Aid Stands Shoulder to Shoulder with Farmers

Posted on 30 March 202630 March 2026

For farmers and rural communities, the impacts of disasters do not end when the floodwaters recede or the fires are extinguished. The recent summer of cyclones, floods, and fires has left many communities struggling to rebuild homes, repair infrastructure, and restore livelihoods, all while carrying the heavy emotional burden of loss and uncertainty. The long road to recovery can be isolating, exhausting, and overwhelming.

Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said:

“Disasters strike quickly, but the recovery is a long, unforeseen battle that can take months or even years. Farmers face sleepless nights worrying about lost livestock, endless days repairing what nature has destroyed, and the relentless mental strain of pushing through each day to rebuild their farms and protect their families’ futures.”

Rural Aid maintains a continued presence in disaster-affected communities, providing long-term support to farmers and rural towns. This includes Farm Recovery Events (FREs), which provide hands-on help to farmers, financial assistance and emergency hay and water deliveries, dedicated counselling to support mental health, and community development initiatives that build resilient, connected communities.

Farmers say this ongoing support makes all the difference. Rob Littlewood, a farmer from Peak Hill who received help through an FRE and water delivery, said: “It’s nice to know there are people out there who understand it’s tough… we definitely appreciate the support from Rural Aid.“

This month also marks one year since the devastating Western Queensland floods. Rural Aid continues to support the region with a dedicated counsellor and community-focused recovery programs, helping farmers and towns rebuild connections, strengthen resilience, and manage the ongoing emotional toll. These efforts highlight the organisation’s commitment to standing with communities for the long term.

It is only through donations from the public that Rural Aid can continue providing vital support to farmers and their families. Australians are being urged to support the Together With Farmers: Every Step of the Way appeal, which helps ensure farmers and rural communities receive the ongoing assistance they need long after disasters strike.

This summer saw more than its fair share of challenges – fires, floods, cyclones, and drought – and farmers are now facing added pressure with the rising cost and scarcity of diesel and fertiliser. The impact of disasters only increases the need for fuel, whether it’s running generators, moving livestock, or repairing and maintaining farms, while also trying to recover from the physical and emotional toll of these events.

Donations helps fund counselling, community initiatives, and volunteer FREs, providing practical support and giving farmers the strength to keep going. By supporting the appeal, Australians can help Rural Aid stay alongside farming families throughout the long road of recovery – every step of the way.

“Disaster recovery doesn’t end when the news moves on,” Mr Warlters said.

“The Together with Farmers: Every Step of the Way appeal ensures Rural Aid can continue to walk shoulder to shoulder with farmers, giving them the support they need to get back on their feet. Your contribution can make the difference between struggling alone and rebuilding with confidence.”

Australians can donate or learn more at: https://www.everystep.ruralaid.org.au/

About Rural Aid:
Rural Aid is Australia’s leading charity supporting farmers, their families and rural communities. We deliver practical assistance during drought, fire, flood and other disasters, helping farming families stay on the land and protect their livelihoods. Through disaster relief, mental health support and community development programs, Rural Aid works with partners, supporters and volunteers to strengthen rural communities and ensure farmers have the support they need to recover, rebuild and remain connected.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Daniel Brown
Media and Communications Officer
0447 116 757
daniel.brown@ruralaid.org.au

Cyclone Narelle Threatens Already-Flooded Rural Communities Across Australia’s North

Posted on 19 March 202619 March 2026

Rural Aid is encouraging primary producers across Far North Queensland, the Northern Territory and the Kimberley region of Western Australia to take urgent precautions and seek support as Tropical Cyclone Narelle tracks towards northern Australia.

The developing system is expected to intensify into a category 5 cyclone and bring heavy rainfall, destructive winds and potential flooding – conditions that can have devastating and long-lasting impacts on agricultural operations across the north.

Far North Queensland’s agricultural sector, one of Australia’s most significant tropical food bowls, is particularly vulnerable. The region produces a substantial share of the nation’s sugarcane, bananas, mangoes and avocados, alongside a strong seafood industry and large beef grazing operations. Cyclonic conditions can isolate livestock, flatten crops, strip fruit from trees, inundate low-lying cane fields, and disrupt harvesting at critical times in the season.

Northern Australia already saturated

Across much of northern Australia, producers are already dealing with widespread flooding and early-season cyclone activity, with successive rain events leaving large areas saturated and difficult to access.

Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said another significant system could place enormous strain on already stretched operations.

“This isn’t a one-off event, many of these producers are already dealing with flood-affected country and limited access,” Mr Warlters said.

“Another round of heavy rain and strong winds doesn’t just add to the damage, it compounds it. It increases the risk of stock losses, puts more pressure on infrastructure, and makes an already difficult situation even harder to manage.”

Additional rainfall threatens to isolate vast cattle properties for days or even weeks, with flooded paddocks and washed-out roads making it difficult to move livestock, access feed, or bring in essential supplies. Damage to fencing, yards and water infrastructure can further slow recovery, particularly across remote operations where repairs take time.

Power and fuel pressures escalate as Cyclone Narelle approaches

Power reliability is a critical concern for farming families facing Tropical Cyclone Narelle. Extended outages during the storm can force producers to rely on generators to keep their homes, water pumps, and other essential infrastructure running. With fuel in high demand, expensive, and proving difficult to source in remote areas, maintaining these systems during a disaster has become increasingly challenging.

Mr Warlters said the approaching cyclone amplifies these risks.

“Even short-term power outages during a cyclone can have serious consequences for livestock and water supplies,” Mr Warlters said.

“With the fuel getting ever more scarce or expensive, running generators becomes not just expensive but difficult to sustain. This makes an already dangerous and stressful situation even harder for producers trying to keep their properties operational and their families and animals safe.”

Rural Aid support services for farmers

Mr Warlters said Rural Aid is ready to support farmers at every stage of the event and is encouraging anyone at risk or impacted to get in touch early.

Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said cyclones can leave a lasting mark on farming communities well beyond the initial impact.

“Cyclones don’t just pass through and leave – it’s the aftermath that can be incredibly tough for farmers,” Mr Warlters said.

“You’re looking at damaged crops, displaced livestock, destroyed infrastructure and, in many cases, weeks or months of recovery. For many producers, it can be both financially and emotionally overwhelming.”

“Our message is simple – don’t wait until things get too difficult. If you’re in the path of this system or dealing with the impacts, reach out to us. We’re here to help ease some of that pressure.”

Rural Aid provides a range of practical and wellbeing support services for farmers at no cost, including:

Financial assistance to help cover urgent or unexpected costs
Counselling and mental health support for farmers and their families
Emergency hay deliveries to support livestock
Water deliveries for essential household use
On-ground help through the Farm Army and Farm Recovery Event programs, assisting with clean-up and rebuilding

The organisation is also encouraging Australians to support farming communities likely to be impacted, with donations helping to deliver critical assistance when and where it is needed most.

“Farmers in these regions are no strangers to tough conditions, but cyclones of this intensity can push even the strongest operations to their limits,” Mr Warlters said.

“Backing them during times like this is essential, not just for those families, but for the future of Australia’s food and fibre supply.”

Farmers seeking support can call 1300 327 624 or visit www.ruralaid.org.au. Rural Aid is ready to help.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Daniel Brown
Media and Communications Officer
0447 116 757
daniel.brown@ruralaid.org.au

Growing Openness, Ongoing Strain: New Rural Aid Survey Reveals State of Farmer Wellbeing

Posted on 16 March 202616 March 2026

Rural Aid has released the third annual Pulse of the Paddock farmer survey report, offering a candid snapshot of how Australian farmers are navigating mental health, uncertainty and the realities of life on the land.

Based on the experiences of nearly 1,400 farmers surveyed during October and November 2025, the report shows a clear cultural shift. Farmers are increasingly recognising that wellbeing is fundamental to the sustainability of their farms and families. Conversations around mental health are becoming more open, and more farmers say they would reach out for professional support if needed.

However, the findings also reveal that more farmers reported a decline in their mental health over the past 12 months than an improvement.

The findings show that while conversations about mental health are becoming more common, the underlying pressures facing farming families remain persistent and complex. Financial strain and climate uncertainty are not short-term disruptions – they are structural realities shaping daily life and long-term decision-making on farms across the country.

Awareness is growing, but awareness alone does not ease cumulative stress. For many families, the strain is layered and ongoing.

Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said the results reflect both progress and sustained pressure across the sector.

“We are seeing real change in how farmers talk about mental health. There is greater openness and a stronger willingness to seek support,” Mr Warlters said.

“But the pressures they are facing are significant and ongoing. Drought, rising costs and uncertainty don’t switch off at the end of a season. They compound over time, and that takes a toll.”

The report also highlights the broader impact on families. Many farmers expressed concern about their children’s futures, including financial stability, access to education and long-term employment opportunities. Mental health challenges are not experienced in isolation – they affect entire households and influence decisions about the future of the farm.

Community remains a cornerstone of rural life and farmer wellbeing. Farmers consistently describe local networks as essential during difficult seasons, providing practical support and shared understanding. However, connection is not guaranteed. Distance, service gaps and ongoing pressure are placing strain on local networks, reinforcing the need for accessible and trusted support.

Mr Warlters said timely assistance can ease both practical and emotional strain.

“Practical help matters, but just as important is knowing someone understands the realities of farming life,” he said.

“No farmer should feel they have to carry that weight alone.”

Rural Aid is encouraging any farmer or farming family experiencing stress or hardship to seek support early. Farmers seeking assistance can call Rural Aid’s confidential counselling intake line on 1300 175 594.

To donate and stand with farming families, visit www.everystep.ruralaid.org.au.

“Reaching out is a practical step,” Mr Warlters said.

“If you need support, call 1300 175 594. If you’re able to help, your donation ensures we can continue standing alongside Australia’s farming families when it matters most.”

View the full report here

For media inquiries, please contact:
Daniel Brown
Media and Communications Officer
0447 116 757
daniel.brown@ruralaid.org.au

Global Conflicts Push Up Farm Costs, Threatening Higher Grocery Prices for Australians

Posted on 13 March 202613 March 2026

Australian farmers are experiencing renewed cost and supply pressures as global events, most notably the war in Iran, continue to affect prices and availability of essential farming inputs such as diesel fuel and fertiliser.

Recent developments in the Middle East have disrupted vital shipping routes and heightened volatility in international markets, contributing to rising fuel and agricultural input costs that flow through to farming operations across rural Australia.

Farmers are worried about securing fertiliser in time for sowing, and with fuel shortages already emerging, there’s growing concern about keeping essential farm operations running,” said John Warlter, Chief Executive Officer of Rural Aid.

Diesel: Prices High, Supplies Tight

Diesel is indispensable for modern farming, powering tractors, harvesters, irrigation systems and freight. Farmers are reporting that in several regions the availability of diesel, particularly bulk supply for farm use is constrained, creating operational challenges during critical seasonal periods. Elevated global crude prices, driven by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, are contributing to ongoing price pressures at the pump and at bulk supply points.

“Diesel is the lifeblood of farm operations. Without reliable supply and predictable prices, sowing and harvest become much harder to plan and manage,” said Mr Warlters.

Fertiliser Costs & Supply Risks

Australia relies heavily on imported fertiliser, including nitrogen and phosphate-based products. Without sufficient fertiliser, crop yields can decline, reducing production and adding further pressure to food supply and grocery prices. Global disruptions linked to the wars in Iran and Ukraine – including reduced output and shipping delays through major transit routes – are tightening supply and putting upward pressure on prices. The Middle East is a key supplier of fertiliser, exporting around 45 per cent of global supply. Disruptions to production and shipping routes are driving renewed volatility in global fertiliser markets, increasing costs for farmers who rely on imported supply.

“Fertiliser is a key input for cropping and pasture growth. When prices push higher and deliveries become uncertain, it directly affects farm budgets and the decisions growers must make for the season ahead,” Mr Warlters said.

The Local Impact of Global Conflicts

Global conflicts are continuing to push up the cost of producing food in Australia. The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, two of the world’s largest fertiliser producers, has already driven prices higher, and now, with the added pressure of the war against Iran, diesel and fertiliser costs have surged sharply, placing further strain on farmers across the country. Rising fuel and fertiliser costs directly increase the cost of producing food and fibre, and these pressures ripple through the supply chain – from planting and harvesting to transport and processing – ultimately contributing to higher grocery prices for Australian households and adding pressure to household budgets.

“Rising diesel and fertiliser costs increase the cost of producing food, and those higher costs will flow through to grocery prices for Australian households,” said Mr Warlters.

Mental Health & Community Wellbeing

Growing input costs and supply uncertainties place not only financial strain on farming families but also emotional and mental health pressures. Rural communities, already reeling from a harsh summer of disasters, are now experiencing heightened stress and anxiety as they navigate unpredictable costs while planning for seasonal work and managing tight cash flow. Rural Aid continues to emphasise that mental wellbeing is as important as financial resilience. Support services are available to farmers and their families who feel overwhelmed by these compounding pressures.

“Farmers are facing pressures that are largely outside their control – that can be very hard on individuals and families,” said Mr Warlters. “We want farmers to know that support, both practical and emotional, is available.”

Any farmers in need of assistance are encouraged to contact Rural Aid by calling 1300 327 624 or visit www.ruralaid.org.au. Australians who wish to help farming families can make a donation through the website to provide vital support to rural communities through times of adversity.

About Rural Aid:
Rural Aid is Australia’s leading charity supporting farmers, their families and rural communities. We deliver practical assistance during drought, fire, flood and other natural disasters, helping farming families stay on the land and protect their livelihoods. Through disaster relief, mental health support and community development programs, Rural Aid works with partners, supporters and volunteers to strengthen rural communities and ensure farmers have the support they need to recover, rebuild and remain connected.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Daniel Brown
Media and Communications Officer
0447 116 757
daniel.brown@ruralaid.org.au

NT Farmers Impacted by Flooding Can Access Support from Rural Aid

Posted on 13 March 202613 March 2026

Rural Aid is urging farmers across the Northern Territory affected by recent flooding to reach out for support as heavy rainfall and rising waters continue to impact rural communities.

Flooding along river systems, including the Katherine and Daly Rivers, has left properties isolated, made roads impassable, and created challenges for farmers trying to access paddocks, move livestock, and inspect damage to fencing, sheds, and other farm infrastructure. Other regions across the Top End are also experiencing significant rainfall, and the situation remains unpredictable in some areas.

For farmers dealing with these conditions, assessing the impact on farms and planning recovery can be overwhelming. Rural Aid encourages anyone affected to contact us as soon as possible. The charity provides practical support to help farmers manage the immediate challenges of flooding and begin recovery, including:

Financial assistance for urgent or unexpected expenses
Professional counselling and wellbeing support for farmers and their families
Hay deliveries for livestock during recovery periods
Water deliveries for drinking and household needs
Volunteer assistance through the Farm Army and Farm Recovery Event programs

Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said the organisation is ready to support farmers across the Northern Territory as the floodwaters continue.

“Flooding can make access to farms difficult and disrupt daily operations, while also placing real pressure on farming families,” Mr Warlters said.

“Many farmers are facing the task of checking livestock, assessing damage to essential infrastructure, and planning clean-up, all while conditions are still changing. We want farmers to know that help is available. If your farm has been affected, please get in touch. Our team is ready to provide practical support and advice.”

Farmers seeking assistance can call 1300 327 624 or visit www.ruralaid.org.au to connect with Rural Aid and access available services.

About Rural Aid:
Rural Aid is Australia’s leading charity supporting farmers, their families and rural communities. Across the country, we provide practical, timely and meaningful assistance through a team of passionate, committed professionals who understand the unique pressures of rural life.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Daniel Brown
Media and Communications Officer
0447 116 757
daniel.brown@ruralaid.org.au