One of the problems all charities have is who do we help first?
Since we started receiving registrations we have received over 500 registrations and the
number will exceed 600 once Hay Runners Registrations are taken into account.
Farmers Relief have been working with Rotary (84 clubs in SA) to raise funds to give these
farmers a chop out. We have a contract with PIRSA, who subsidizes the transport costs for our
fodder deliveries, but we have to buy the hay or pellets to feed the animals. In the past many
farmers would donate excess hay to other farmers in need. Not this year long term drought in
SA, drought taking hold in Western Victoria, floods in Queensland and NSW have meant that
what supplies of hay were available, are no longer available or are so expensive to make it
literally unaffordable. A large 600 kg bale normally sells for $60 per bale; we secured 800
bales in February for $110 per bale, now it is $190 to $300 per bale if and where you can find
them.
So how do we decide?
Is it in order based on who has registered first?
Should we work by area?
Should we exclude or include farmers based on their stock numbers?
Should we service those that are closer to the source of the fodder to save on transport costs?
The answer is a piece of fruit, because what every system we use there will be many
disappointed. The table at the end of this article gives you our guide in terms of numbers. For
those that have been patiently waiting bear with us. If your neighbour receives a delivery, and
you miss out; my apologies. In the end it`s all about money and the fodder availability.
If you have the ability to collect from one of our 3 depots let us know. If you have some spare
capacity to deliver in your area, please tell us on your registration. The more we can save on
costs, the more we can help overall.
We are now focusing on feed pellets for sheep and cattle; from WA. Transporting them to
depots in SA, and then on to the farmers.
To date we have purchased 120 ton of pellets enough to help 24 farmers.
Our goal is to purchase 750 ton this month to help another 150 farmers. This will bring our total
number of farmers helped to 244 since we started in February. That’s the good news. The bad
news is that we have twice that number registered, in desperate need of fodder for their stock.
We need to raise $500,000 to purchase the fodder at $721 per ton. Another $500,000 will help
us supply another 150 farmers. For those who like numbers.
70 farmers helped out of 500 equals 1 in 7
244 farmers to be helped out of 500 nearly 1in 2
394 farmers to be helped out of 500 nearly 3 in 4
Visit the Rotary Club of Central Adelaide for up to date information.
