A GROUP of livestock producers in southern New South Wales is calling for the immediate reinstatement of fodder and freight subsidies amid ‘catastrophic conditions’ that have left families exhausted, financially strained, and deeply concerned for the future.

Over the last two years the Greater Hume region, particularly around Holbrook, Jingellic and neighbouring districts, has received less than half of its long-term average rainfall.

Having faced back-to-back failed spring and autumn seasons no hay has been cut locally and fodder supplies have been exhausted from months of supplement feeding.

A report by a local group of beef, sheep and wool producers described current conditions in the region as catastrophic. It said agents were receiving over 50 calls a day for fodder and noted that unprecedented destocking was occurring that would have long-term impacts on the region.

“Farmers are selling under pressure, including breeding stock, sacrificing years of genetic investment, and creating a long-term productivity lag that will take years to reverse,” the report said.

“This drought will have consequences well beyond the farm gate, affecting regional supply chains, processing industries, transporters, rural communities, and Australia’s food and fibre security.”

Fodder costs table from the Drought on the Ground: The Real Impacts for
Greater Hume Beef, Sheep and Wool Producers.

Since 2023, due to the failed spring seasons, limited hay has been produced and the supply of cereal hay within 250km has been exhausted.

It has forced producers to source feed from northern NSW and Queensland with freight exceeding $2,800 for some loads.

“Of the 8000 large square bales north of Dubbo available last week, all sold within the week, 6000 were destined for South Australian farmers,” the report said.

“Our latest hay load went up $100/tonne in just 14 days, now $420/tonne delivered. Prices are rising fast, and we still have a winter to get through.

“We do not expect to see feed on the ground now until at least spring, that is, if we can achieve some rain when needed, so we are looking at another four months of intensive feeding at the least, with huge cost.”

Feed Central Managing Director, Tim Ford said hay was heading north to south in a rare reversal of supply.

“In historical terms, we would never ship hay from Queensland south, but the vast majority of South Australia and Victoria is totally exhausted of hay supply,” he said.

“Prices continue to climb, with cereal hay pushing $400 per tonne and lucerne up to $500 per tonne.

“There is tension in the marketplace and real anxiety about supply.”

Image Source: Feed Central, South Australia

Immediate drought assistance needed

The Greater Hume region is known for its productive beef, sheep meat, and wool enterprises, which is why immediate intervention is required according to the report.

“This is high reliable rainfall country, we have never seen it like this before, it’s a crisis,” it stated.

Value of agricultural commodities where Greater Hume Shire ranks in the top 10 in NSW, 2020/21.

The report highlighted the severe impact the drought was having on producers’ mental health with all producers involved reporting emotional distress and decision fatigue.

“Back-to-back failed seasons have left farming families exhausted, financially strained, and deeply concerned for the future viability of their operations,” it said.

“Our agent had 54 calls in 3 hours yesterday. They’re not just agents right now – they’re counsellors.

“We’re not broken – but we’re getting close. Just a bit of support could get us through.”

The group is calling for the immediate reinstatement of fodder and freight subsidies, mobile mental health services, and a regionally tailored drought response model that activates before producers reach crisis point.

“Producers in the Greater Hume are some of the most experienced, efficient and resilient in the country. But even the most prepared can only withstand so much.

“After two failed seasons, exhausted feed reserves, surging freight costs, and the forced sale of breeding stock, the sector is facing a tipping point.

“This support is not about handouts—it’s about keeping a vital sector standing through the hardest of times.”

The group of producers are urging the NSW Minister for Agriculture to prioritise visiting the Greater Hume region to understand the severity of the drought.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries said it was providing farmers with a range of tools, cheap loans, services and support for drought affected areas.

“The Government established the $250 million Drought Ready and Resilient Fund to ensure farmers had access to low-cost loans to cover funding for services and goods needed in drought,” said a Department spokesperson.

“This year across southern NSW, our Government Drought Adoption Officers have provided 506 one-on-one advice consultations, 118 farm visits and attended or delivered 116 capacity building events or workshops.