FOLLOWING a bumper day of stock exchange trade dedicated to supporting Aussie farmers in drought, National Australia Bank’s Nabtrade online share trading platform has raised $184,500 to support the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners charity.

With Australia currently experiencing its most severe drought on record, Nabtrade pledged to donate its entire brokerage fees earned on Wednesday, 27 November to drought aid.

The Burrumbuttock Hay Runners, who deliver much needed hay to drought-affected sheep and cattle farmers, was established in 2014 when Brendan Farrell, a local truck driver, heard about a struggling farmer in Bourke. He contacted the farmer and offered to drive a load of hay out to him.

Since then, each year a group of volunteers drive truckloads of hay to help drought-affected farmers. Last year’s hay run involved a world record of 405 trucks delivering over 14,000 large bales of hay – enough to feed over 300,000 animals.

“I couldn’t be prouder of my team and the boost we’ve been able to give the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners’ efforts,” Nabtrade general manager, Adrian Hanley said.

“Our farmers and the agricultural industry of Australia absolutely deserve our support.”

Sunrise host Samantha Armytage, who ‘rang the bell’ to kick off ASX trading in Sydney on Wednesday, said “hay is like gold – it’s just so important to our farmers.”

Brendan ‘Bumper’ Farrell, the founder of the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners said Nabtrade’s donation would be used by his team to continue ‘mates helping mates’ in a time of need.

“Farmers impacted by drought often struggle to ask for help and due to the financial strain of trying to keep the farm afloat many also battle mental health issues,” Mr Farrell said.

“Our program may only provide temporary relief, but it’s also about showing fellow Australian’s that someone cares about them.”

The Nabtrade Charity Trading Day was established as an annual event in response to the growing number of investors wanting to do business with companies that reflect their values and want to give back to the community.

The 2019 charity trading day complements NAB’s long standing position of working with Australian agribusiness for almost 160 years.

NAB’s dedicated agribusiness team has removed default interest for agribusiness customers in government-declared drought areas, launched a drought assistance package and introduced farm management deposit offset accounts.

To contribute to Nabtrade’s Charity Trading Day, click here.

Source: NAB