Flood hit farmers to receive Christmas relief

Rural Aid have stepped in to assist flood ravaged farmers in the NSW Central West after walls of water hit towns like Forbes and Eugowra in November.

Some farmers lost approximately a third of their hay or the equivalent of 100 tonnes. Others also lost herds of sheep and thousands of acres of crop.

Last Friday, 10 road trains carrying more than 700 bales of hay rolled in to the Forbes livestock sale yards providing the best of Christmas presents to producers who had registered to collect much needed relief.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said flood-affected farmers are facing a difficult recovery that will last well after Christmas.

“Rural Aid predicts at least a two- to three-year recovery for communities, with the funds required to adequately support farmers and families estimated to be in excess of $50 million,” he told Channel 9.

In addition to hay, Rural Aid has also been providing flood-affected farmers with financial support, counselling, drinking water deliveries and volunteer assistance.

“Every dollar makes a difference to the lives of the farmers who put the Christmas food on our table and the clothes on our backs,” Warlters finished.

To support Rural Aid or make a donation you can visit their web site.