With feed running out and prices sky rocketing, Tasmanian farmers are struggling with the impact of dry conditions. Some say they have no choice but to shoot their animals.
Feed is scarce which has pushed prices up across the state, with some farmers are reporting prices upwards of $200 a bale.Rural Alive and Well is urging farmers to seek mental health support, particularly as the challenging times are stretching across months.
Scarcity of feed has pushed prices up across the state, with many farmers reporting prices upwards of $200 a bale. Record low rainfall over spring, summer and autumn reduced the amount of hay Alan Kelley could cut by about a third.Mr Kelley's situation is an extreme version of the challenges facing many farmers across the state, exacerbated by soaring feed costs, low sale prices for livestock and booked-out slaughterhouses.TasFarmers president Ian Sauer said the situation was "serious" with some larger farms bleeding millions of dollars.
He also earned far less than the $50,000 minimum in annual sales required for a one-off payment through the Tasmanian government's Livestock Producers Seasonal Conditions Scheme.Jen Robinson, general manager for agribusiness support network Sprout, said she had heard similar stories of other smaller producers missing out on grants because of their size.
" specific funding at the moment to put some additional resources on the ground to help those farmers where necessary," Mr Whiteley said.Farmers in Tasmania's south-east put development on hold as climate changes and new water is knocked backIs Tasmania in drought? This is the difference a bad year makes
Drought Cattle Beef Livestock Barrington
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