NSW Farmers has commenced a Bushfire Appeal Fund for farmers in NSW and is collecting information on fodder donations.
Farmers that are in the position to donate fodder to fellow farmers can call the NSW Farmers Member Service Centre on 1300794000 or head online to www.nswfarmers.org.au/ndrf. Information on donations will be sent to Rural Aid to arrange distribution to farmers in need
The Bushfire Appeal Fund has been established under the NSW Farmers Natural Disaster Relief Fund, which is used to support farmers in NSW affected bushfires, floods, or drought.
NSW Farmers President James Jackson said the large span of bushfires in NSW has further depleted pasture and fodder resources already stretched by a prolonged drought.
"These fires have burned almost five million hectares in NSW alone. That is larger than the size of the Netherlands. The impact on our wildlife, vegetation and animals has been devastating," Mr Jackson said.
"On top of all that, many farmers have lost pastures and stored forage and are in urgent need of fodder to help keep animals alive."
"We also need to be mindful that the impact on horticultural operations will be extensive as well. The fires have impacted a wide variety of agricultural enterprises in NSW, from oyster sheds on the South Coast to apple orchards in Batlow and Bilpin."
NSW Farmers is working with government agencies and rural charities including Rural Aid to start to plan the transition from emergency assistance to recovery support.
Farmers can report stock losses and infrastructure damage, and request animal assessment or emergency fodder or water for stock, by calling the Agricultural and Animal Services Hotline on 1800 814 647. People without phone access can send a direct message via the NSW DPI Facebook page.
