A severe drought is currently affecting farming communities in south-west Victoria, resulting in what has been described as an “unprecedented crisis”. After a difficult spring and almost no rainfall over the summer, the situation has quickly escalated, pushing farmers to their limits. Brett Hosking, the president of the Victorian Farmers Federation, highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating that the region is facing an extraordinary fodder crisis unlike anything seen before in Australia.
For many farmers, the dire circumstances are all too real. James Knight, a cattle farmer, noted that his supplies of fodder were depleted weeks ago. With 1,350 pregnant cows and 1,250 young cattle to care for, Knight is contemplating the sale of his livestock, admitting that the future doesn’t look promising.
The challenge of sourcing feed has become monumental, with some farmers struggling to find affordable options. Bernie Free, another farmer, shared that even his usual supplier is having difficulty obtaining fodder, forcing him to consider selling an additional 50 cattle in the upcoming weeks. This reflects a broader trend, where farmers are increasingly making the tough decision to offload livestock due to the extreme shortages of feed.
This crisis not only threatens farmers but may also result in rising beef prices for consumers. The Victorian government has been approached for comments regarding the ongoing situation, as farmers continue to grapple with the severe impacts of the drought.