With drought biting nearly all of NSW, many have been left wondering what they can do to help reduce the horrific toll the ordeal has taken on the farmers of this land.
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Many are struggling under what has been called the worst drought in decades and as far as weather predictions go the end is still not in sight.
In its latest climate outlook, the Bureau of Meteorology stated September to November were expected to have drier than average conditions in southern Australia extending up through NSW, and spring days were likely to be warmer than average.
It states this would bring an “intensification of the existing drought conditions”.
It is not only farmers affected either, with a survey by the NSW Business Chamber finding 84 per cent of regional businesses had been negatively impacted by the drought.
In Australia we know hot, dry weather and no rain is a hurdle of life, one that has to be fought against and endured. But due to increasing temperatures around the globe, the Climate Council stated the time spent in drought was expected increase in the future across southern Australia.
For now, despite the adversity of time and costs faced in this wide, sun-burnt land, individuals and organisations are pulling together to help those who are doing it tough.
The Bega District News, for instance, is one of a number of Fairfax Media publications that joined forces to promote the charity Rural Aid and its Buy A Bale campaign with the aim to assist southern NSW farmers as they fight to survive the challenging conditions.
On September 8, three truckloads of fodder and a generous financial donation arrived in the Bega Valley donated by farmers and families from Mitta Valley, in north-eastern Victoria, after they saw the plight of local farmers struggling in the drought conditions.
This month it was announced Milton IGA – near Ulladulla – would sell its two litre Perfection milk for $2.19, up from just $1 a litre. The 19 cents per unit increase will go directly to local farmers and will be matched by Milton IGA.
These are some examples of efforts so far, but there are many different ways you can assist farmers beat the big dry. Organisations you can donate to include the Salvation Army, Australian Red Cross and Drought Angels.