Rotary Does Make A Difference
Although parts of SA have received rain over Winter with hills and paddocks appearing lush and green, it's misleading. The rains have been patchy and inconsistent – weeds and low grass sprouting aren't enough to feed livestock.
We know of many farmers in the Riverland around Berri who had less than 40mm over this entire period ... barely enough rain to settle the dust! Areas of the Murraylands and Mid-North report similar low falls at their properties.
For farmers who were in a position to sow some seed, the soil was cold that germination has been slow and it's likely to be late in the year before crops are mature and ready for harvest.
Rotary and Farmers Relief Agency know we have a long job ahead to ensure that our Farmers continue to receive the fodder they desperately need. Every day, more farmers register with us desperate for help. We're likely to be receiving requests for help right into January 2026, possibly even February.
FUN FACTS
Matt Eckert (pictured below at rear with Rotarians Bill Marles and Michelle Tink) has himself driven to and from Western Australia 4 Times so far for Rotary.
Each trip is about 2,800km over and 2,800km back. So Matt alone has covered 22,400km in the last 2 or so months.
Just his truck alone has brought in 270 Tonne of Hay.
DON’T BE FOOLED BY THE GREEN DROUGHT !!
You may have driven around the hills and Adelaide surrounds and seen green fields everywhere.
GREEN DROUGHT – is where the fields look pretty, but in fact because the rain came so late, the COLD days and nights mean that if a crop has germinated, it’s growing very slowly.
It’s likely to be November / December before harvest can occur.
Many fields you’re seeing could be just grass or weeds coming through.
Or the crops are simply so small, they have not nutritional value, even if the farmers allow their livestock into the paddocks to graze.
MUCH of our Community do not realise there are many country zones in particular through the Riverland; Murraylands and Mid-North who have NOT received robust rainfalls.
VISIT & PROMOTE : our Project Page please. We update it all the time with our latest deliveries. Have a look at some of the Town Names we’ve been to – Dig out Google Maps for a bit of fun to see how far and wide Rotary has gone.
https://rotaryadelaidecentral.org.au/projects/save-sa-farmers-livestock-giant-hay-bales-appeal
ASK : your friends to consider making a Tax Deductible donation please. Every Dollar we raise goes to buying the fodder! PIRSA (Govt of SA) are currently still funding our Transport Costs.
https://donations.rawcs.com.au/42-2024-25
Bill Marles
Project Manager – S.A. Drought Relief project
0410 523 106 • Hay@RotaryAdelaideCentral.org.au