WITH the region’s dry conditions taking a toll there is some help on the way for a group of Goolhi farmers.
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The help comes in the form of not for profit drought relief organisation Aussie Helpers, who is set to deliver much needed fodder to seven Goolhi farmers in the coming weeks.
Among those farmers are Les and Laura Jones who are grateful for the assistance.
“The stuff we have received from Aussie Helpers already and the stuff we are about to receive are really a gift from God,” Mrs Jones told Fairfax Media.
“We are expecting a truck load of rice-straw in the coming weeks and for that we are so grateful.”
Aussie Helpers announced they would provide assistance to the Goolhi Road farmers last month, but have already come through with much needed supplies.
“The organisation founder, Bryan Egan came to see us a couple of weeks back and brought some toiletries and stuff with him,” Mr Jones said.
“Those small things make a big difference and really help to ease the pressure on farmers who are doing it tough just a little bit.”
Mr Jones said the drought was taking a significant toll on their Danlow Farm stock.
“Many people have been talking about the drought back in the 1960’s but mate I’m telling you, this one is 100-times worse,” he said.
“I can remember my father having to try some different things to feed the stock back then and I’m now finding I’m having to do similar stuff.
“At the moment it really is just a case of our cattle, sheep and goats eating whatever they can find.”
Mrs Jones said the drought may be impacting the birthing cycle of some of their stock.
“We have seen some of the goats having trouble birthing and having to abort and things like that,” she said.
“I’m pretty sure it is due to the conditions but we will continue to look at that and ensure we do whatever we can to limit the impact that has.”
The Goolhi mother and wife said the help the family had received from Aussie Helpers was immeasurable.
“Honestly we cannot thank Bryan and Aussie Helpers enough,” she said.
“We will be forever indebted to them for their help and hopefully people in the cities and metro areas will see the impact this is having and will do what they can to help.”
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Mrs Jones encouraged everyone to donate what they could to help struggling farmers.
“It doesn’t have to just be feed and water,” she said.
“It can be as easy as just cleaning out your pantry and passing on anything you no longer need.
“Those simple things make a huge difference and help keep farmers going, so please anyone thinking of donating to Aussie Helpers or anything like that please do it.”
Drought relief donation drop-off points have been set up around the state including Chaffey’s Mower Clinic in Gunnedah and at the Tamworth United Church.
For more information about getting assistance from Aussie Helpers or to donate call 1300 665 232.