Farmers in South Australia are urging for increased assistance as they face what is believed to be the worst drought in the region’s history. Cassie Oster, who has operated her family farm in Peake for over four decades, reports that the drought has persisted for around 18 months, leading to extreme hardship for her and many others in the agricultural community. Despite some financial aid being announced, she insists that government officials need to engage directly with farmers to better understand their challenges and improve support.
Oster highlights that South Australia has never encountered a drought of this duration or severity before, stressing the dire implications for livestock farming. Recently, her family made the difficult decision to sell 1,000 ewes, a choice that will have long-term repercussions, including a significant reduction in lamb sales for the upcoming year.
The Bureau of Meteorology corroborates these claims, noting that certain areas in South Australia have experienced record low rainfall since 2021. In response to the looming crisis, the state government announced a $55 million support package, along with $14 million earmarked for November 2024. While some farmers have received grants, they contend that further consultations with the farming community are crucial for effective solutions.
Calls for action have also been made through a petition aimed at prompting the state government to declare a drought formally, which would facilitate access to cash support. However, current protocols under the National Drought Agreement focus on responding to need rather than simply declaring drought conditions.
Wade Boughen, who operates the Kamora Park Poll Merinos sheep farm, echoes Oster’s sentiments, expressing that the financial assistance provided is insufficient. He warned that without timely and substantial intervention, the consequences could become irreparable.
Critics, including opposition politicians, assert that the existing relief package is inadequate and burdened by excessive bureaucracy, which hampers timely access to help. Such challenges have heightened the emotional toll within the farming community, with tragic outcomes reported among those overwhelmed by drought stress.
In response, Clare Scriven, the South Australian minister for primary industries, stated that the drought support package was created with input from farmers and industry bodies, underscoring the importance of accessing available assistance. She emphasised that declarations of drought are no longer a standard practice and urged those in need to reach out for help.
Overall, the ongoing drought has placed immense pressure on farmers in South Australia, highlighting the urgent need for supportive measures that directly address their needs and challenges.