News Archives - Page 5 of 68

Rural Aid Stands Strong for Australian Farmers Amidst Ongoing Challenges in 2025

Posted on 14 January 202514 January 2025

The summer of 2025 has brought continued hardship to drought-stricken farmers across much of South Australia. Despite hopes that the festive season might bring a change in weather and fortunes, those hopes have been unfulfilled, and the situation has only worsened for the hundreds of farmers, their families, and communities already facing severe challenges.

Rural Aid, however, remains steadfast in its mission to support these producers during their toughest times. CEO John Warlters expressed deep concern for farming communities, who are still enduring immense pressure with no reprieve in sight. “For many farmers, the Christmas period wasn’t a time of joy or respite. The drought didn’t take a holiday, and neither did the stress and hardship it brings,” he said. “Rural Aid is here to ensure that when farmers need help, they know they can count on us.”

As part of its ongoing efforts, Rural Aid has four hay drops scheduled towards the end of January in South Australia to assist farmers struggling with the devastating drought conditions. Additionally, the organisation stands ready to provide support to bushfire-affected farmers in Victoria’s Grampians region, as well as those in Western Australia, ensuring help is available where it’s needed most.

Since its establishment in 2015, Rural Aid has been there to provide crucial resources—such as hay, water, and financial assistance—and to offer mental health support to help farmers manage the emotional and physical toll these challenges take. As the organisation enters its 10th year, it remains focused on providing these vital services, recognising the ongoing and evolving needs of farmers.

“Our mission is to be there for farmers in their greatest times of need,” said Mr Warlters. “We understand the immense pressures they face, and we’re here to provide both immediate assistance and long-term support to help them rebuild and adapt.”

While much has been achieved in the past decade, the work is far from over. Rural Aid’s commitment to Australian farmers remains stronger than ever. Whether it’s through emergency relief, financial aid, or mental health services, Rural Aid continues to offer a helping hand to those in need.

“Our focus for 2025 and beyond is to provide ongoing support to farmers, addressing both the practical and emotional challenges they face. As we’ve seen over the past 10 years, no two years are the same, but our commitment to standing with farmers has never wavered. We will continue to be a reliable source of support as they navigate these tough times,” said Mr Warlters.

Through every season and every hardship, Rural Aid remains a trusted ally for Australian farmers, offering practical solutions and compassionate care to help them overcome the challenges ahead.

For more information on Rural Aid’s programs or to make a donation, visit www.ruralaid.org.au.

About Rural Aid
Rural Aid is Australia’s most trusted rural charity. We stand with our farmers when they need us most. Rural Aid provides critical support to farmers affected by natural disaster through financial, wellbeing and fodder assistance. Rural Aid’s community programs help create more sustainable communities by building stronger futures for all Australian farmers. Find out more at www.ruralaid.org.au

For more information or interviews, please contact Rural Aid Media and Communications Officer Daniel Brown on 0447 116 757 or at daniel.brown@ruralaid.org.au.

Last Chance to Support South Australian Farmers – Christmas Appeal Closing Soon

Posted on 17 December 202420 December 2024

As Rural Aid’s annual Christmas Appeal draws to a close this week, it is the final opportunity to support South Australian farmers who are still grappling with the severe impacts of ongoing drought.

The need for assistance remains critical, with farming families and rural communities continuing to face devastating challenges. Every donation helps provide much-needed relief, from food and water supplies to essential services and support for long-term recovery.

Rural Aid urges Australians to make their contribution before the appeal concludes, ensuring that those in need can receive vital assistance to help them navigate these difficult times.

Funds raised through the Christmas Appeal are providing essential emergency supplies, including fodder for livestock, fresh drinking water for families, and critical mental health services. In 2024 alone, Rural Aid has delivered over 1,500 bales of hay to South Australian farmers, as well as 374,000 litres of fresh drinking water. Recent hay drops have provided much-needed relief to farmers in the Mid-North of South Australia, but the situation remains dire and the need for donations continues.

John Warlters, CEO of Rural Aid, expressed his gratitude for the generosity shown so far. “We are deeply thankful for the response to this year’s Christmas Appeal, but the reality is that the need is still great. Together, we can continue to provide hope and relief during what has been an incredibly difficult year.”

Mr Warlters said every farmer’s journey was unique and support was being directed to multiple states. “In Queensland, this has included delivering hay to bushfire-affected farmers at Forsayth in Etheridge Shire and financial assistance to grain growers at Jandowae who lost crops to severe storms, while in drought-parched western Victoria, Rural Aid continues to offer a ‘hand up’. This week’s heat wave conditions would only add to the hardship for producers where ever they were.”

Leon Hams, a farmer from Canowie Belt in South Australia, shared how Rural Aid’s assistance has been a lifeline. “Rural Aid has provided vital relief, especially with the rising cost of hay. Without their support, I would have had no choice but to heavily destock. This donation has been a huge help, not just for farmers, but for the local communities who depend on agriculture. Thank you to everyone who has donated.”

Mr Hams also urged his fellow farmers to reach out for help. “Don’t try to do this alone. Connect with other farmers, and if you’re in need, register with Rural Aid. There’s support available, and it’s important to ask for it.”

There are only days left to contribute to this vital appeal. To donate and make a real difference, visit: https://buyabale2024.ruralaid.org.au

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

Camm Agricultural partners with Rural Aid to support farmers

Posted on 12 December 202410 January 2025

One of Northern Australia’s most successful and respected beef producing families are throwing their weight behind Rural Aid.

The Camm Agricultural Group is supporting Rural Aid through an exciting initiative that will raise much needed funds for the leading farmer-focused charity.

Rural Aid is well-known for the support it provides farmers and their families before, during and after disaster events, including drought, bushfires and floods.

The national charity works with farming families and their communities to help them recover, rebuild, and thrive in the face of adversity.

The Camm Agricultural Group will donate the proceeds from the sale of 50 custom fed cattle at its Wonga Plains Feedlot at Bowenville on Queensland’s Darling Downs to Rural Aid.

Chief Executive Officer Bryce Camm said the lotfeeding initiative was a “natural extension” of the family’s business and closely aligned with their values.

“As a family we are very aware of the ‘hand up’ that Rural Aid provides through its assistance programs when disaster strikes and similarly the important work of its counsellors – not just during tough times but every day,” Mr Camm said.

The cattle are currently on feed at Wonga Plains where they will remain for approximately 100 days.

The Camm Group turns off about 40,000 cattle annually from its nine properties covering approximately 450,000ha in Southern, Central and North Queensland and recently expanded capacity at Wonga Plains to 21,000.

Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters said the innovative partnership was especially welcomed as it coincided with Rural Aid’s 10th anniversary celebrations in 2025.

“Throughout its brief but impactful history, Rural Aid has forged innovation partnerships with generous supporters, and this is another example of doing so,” Mr Warlters said.

“We are very appreciative of the Camm family’s support and hope that other feedlots see this initiative as way that they too can support Rural Aid,” Mr Warlters said.

Funds raised will go towards Rural Aid’s disaster assistance and community building program.

Source: Queensland Country Life

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

Support our Aussie Farmers this Christmas

Posted on 3 December 202410 January 2025

Rural Aid is calling on Australians to provide a much-needed hand up for our struggling farmers this Christmas. Farmers across South Australia, Victoria, and the southern parts of New South Wales are currently enduring a devastating drought and need our help – so to families in Southwest WA who are recovering from their driest start to a cropping season on record.

Donations to Rural Aid’s Christmas Appeal will fund vital emergency food deliveries for livestock, as well as emotional and wellbeing support to help farmers through these challenging times.

“This year has been the worst conditions I’ve ever seen in all my farming life,” said Mr Kerry Modystach, a farmer from Wilmington, South Australia.

“The dams are dry, there’s no feed, and we’ve only managed to get 200 lambs this year when we’d normally have 1200. I’ve had to sell sheep because there’s no feed for them, but now there’s a surplus of sheep because we’re all in the same boat. This drives the prices down, meaning less money in my pocket.”

Mr Modystach continued, “There’s a great deal of financial strain, and it affects you mentally.”

Rural Aid CEO, Mr John Warlters, echoed the concerns of drought-affected farmers and stressed the urgent need for continued drought assistance.

“Farmers in South Australia are struggling silently. For six months, they’ve been facing drought-like conditions that are devastating crops, harming livestock, and putting immense pressure on their livelihoods,” he said.

“In a country as vast as Australia, some crises slip under the radar. While large-scale fires, droughts, and floods grab the headlines, these ‘quiet’ droughts are causing just as much devastation and heartbreak.”

Mr Warlters added, “the time to act is now. A donation to Rural Aid, will fund vital disaster relief, including financial assistance, fodder and water deliveries, and mental health support. Without this help, affected farmers will face continued suffering this Christmas. Let’s give our farmers—who are the backbone of our communities—the support they need this festive season.

Donations to Rural Aid’s Christmas Appeal can be made at https://buyabale2024.ruralaid.org.au.

Source: Plains Producer

For more information or interviews, please contact Rural Aid Media and Communications Officer Daniel Brown on 0447 116 757 or at daniel.brown@ruralaid.org.au.

Rural Aid Expresses Gratitude for Keno’s $100,000 boost for Aussie Farmers

Posted on 21 November 202421 November 2024

Rural Aid is deeply thankful for the generous funding from Keno to help improve the lives of farming families across Australia.

As an independent charity, Rural Aid relies on the generosity of partners and the public to improve the lives of Australian farmers, their families, and their communities.

Keno’s $100,000 donation will significantly support Rural Aid’s essential services, including financial assistance, disaster relief, and mental health initiatives. We commend Keno for their commitment to funding these vital projects.

Rural Aid is dedicated to supporting the farmers and families who form the backbone of Australia.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters emphasised the impact of Keno’s donation, stating, “Farmers are grappling with the challenges of droughts, storms, and rising living costs. Their struggle goes beyond feeding their own families; it’s about ensuring we all have food on our tables.”

“Rural Aid stands united with our friends in the bush, providing the much-needed support to foster resilient communities,” he said.

“This generous contribution from Keno will greatly enhance our programs and lead to positive outcomes for rural communities across the nation,” Mr. Warlters added.

For more information on the services provided by Rural Aid and how to donate, please visit www.ruralaid.org.au.

For more information or interviews, please contact Rural Aid Media and Communications Officer Daniel Brown on 0447 116 757 or at daniel.brown@ruralaid.org.au.