Farmers across Australia are advocating for a comprehensive review of drought support policies as agricultural leaders convene for a significant drought forum in South Australia. The meeting occurs amid ongoing struggles for farmers in southern regions, who are pinning their hopes on a wet spring to alleviate the dire impacts of prolonged drought.
Many farmers, including Tim Paschke from the Mallee region, report receiving less than a third of their usual rainfall during the growing season. “We’ve fed pretty much for two years straight now, and we were ready for that, but it gets to a point where we just can’t anymore,” Paschke remarked. In a show of solidarity, he declared he would not shave his beard until there is a break in the drought.
The National Drought Forum, relocated from Victoria to South Australia at the request of the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), aims to ensure farmers’ voices are heard in shaping effective drought policies. NFF president David Johinke emphasized the need for clear pathways regarding how drought support measures are activated. “Having a total review of how we actually activate this assistance is essential,” Johinke stated. “The new system lacks transparency and coherence between state and federal responsibilities, which is critical when agriculture and rural communities require timely support.”
While some regions have experienced record winter rainfall, many southern producers are still in urgent need of substantial spring downpours to recover from months of below-average precipitation. The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a wet spring for eastern Australia, offering a glimmer of hope for farmers battling against the odds.
In particular, the Riverina area has been dealing with drought conditions for up to 18 months. Although recent rainfall has greened some paddocks, producers remain reliant on further spring rain to sustain crops and pastures. Nearly half of New South Wales continues to be classified as “in drought” or “drought affected.”
Farmers are cautiously optimistic about the potential for improved conditions. Eyre Peninsula farmer Andrew Polkinghorne reported above-average rainfall this winter, prompting a sense of hope for the upcoming season. “If we can get a reasonable next six weeks, then we will be quite reasonably set up,” Polkinghorne stated, adding that he hopes the drought forum will facilitate meaningful assistance.
Another farmer, Ben Pugsley from Ungarra, expressed similar sentiments, noting the financial pressures that farmers face due to rising costs of land, machinery, and other inputs. “Those regions that are stringing together a couple of poor seasons are feeling the financial strain intensively,” he explained. “It’s becoming tighter and tighter.”
As discussions unfold at the forum, farmers are eager for actionable outcomes that will support their livelihoods and ensure the sustainability of Australian agriculture in the face of ongoing climatic challenges.
