Fodder subsidies like those announced for New South Wales are not on the Victorian Minister for Agriculture’s agenda for this drought.
“We’re not mad for fodder and freight subsidies because of the adverse effect on costs,” Minister Jaala Pulford said to a group of local farmers last Tuesday.
“We don’t want to push fodder prices higher.”
Minister Pulford visited farms in Bengworden and Goon Nure at the invitation of Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull.
“I felt our area was being overlooked and I wanted to put our plight on the map,” Mr Bull said.
“It was pleasing to hear the Minister get a first-hand experience of some of the on-ground problems.”
Ms Pulford and Mr Bull met local farmers on Anthony and Sarah Snow’s property at Bengworden.
“It’s great they’re listening and they’ve realised how dire the situation is,” Mr Snow said.
“Keeping our business afloat is my priority, we’ll do whatever we can do to stay afloat, though I’d prefer a break than a handout.”
As part of the paddock discussion, the group suggested practical ways to help drought-affected farmers including concessional loans, decreasing the length of application processes and sourcing feed options further afield, particularly as Victorian farmers were competing for feed against New South Wales buyers who have access to subsidies.
Trent Anderson, of St Katharines, Darriman, spoke of the need to help young farmers like the Snows through such a tough time.
“We have to foster these young people, it’s not their fault, these are exceptional circumstances,” Mr Anderson said. As part of the discussion Mr Bull asked why people weren’t applying for the household allowance. Mr Anderson’s reply was frank.
“To be honest, it’s not the $500 to feed the family, we’re doing that, it’s the $15,000 we need to feed the stock,” he said.
The gathered farmers also warned of a four to five-week fodder gap as good quality stores were finishing and areas like South Gippsland may cut silage but it would take at least five weeks to cure.
Trevor Caithness said using funding to build capability for the next drought to better prepare whole businesses was important.
“We need to educate farmers to be able to become more self-sufficient for the next one with hay sheds and silage pits,” Mr Caithness said.
Minister Pulford agreed, saying building resilience for the next drought was a good investment.
She also said she would urge the Federal Government to streamline application processes and that the State Government would work constructively with the Feds and council regarding the latest funding.
PICTURED: Minister for Agriculture, Jaala Pulford, met with drought-affected East Gippsland farmers last Tuesday. PICTURED: Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, with Trent Anderson, of Darriman, Trevor Caithness, Jeanette Severs, Minister Pulford and Anthony Snow. K1135–3464
