More than 200 bales of hay will be delivered to drought-impacted farmers on Kangaroo Island this week in a hay drop, made possible through the state government’s Drought Support Package.

Charity Rural Aid will deliver more than 150 tonnes of hay to 19 Kangaroo Island farmers over two days today, 18 June and next week, on 25 June.

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters says this hay drop represents a significant and much-needed show of support for farmers on Kangaroo Island.

“They’ve battled through some of the toughest seasons on record, and this delivery will help ease the burden during a critical time.

“It’s a privilege to stand alongside these resilient communities and let them know they’re not forgotten.”

The hay run is supported by the state government’s $6 million Drought Donated Fodder Transport Assistance Scheme, which helps charities with their transport costs to deliver donated fodder to farmers who need assistance to feed their livestock.

So far, it has funded the transport costs of charities to deliver more than 9,800 tonnes of donated hay to over 1,200 farmers across South Australia.

It is actively working with Rural Aid, Need for Feed, Rapid Relief Team, Farmers Relief Agency, and the SA Dairyfarmers’ Association, whose participation provides specific support to dairy farmers across South Australia.

Primary producers are encouraged to contact participating organisations directly to understand what types of fodder are available and to register their interest.

For more information about drought assistance visit the PIRSA website.