Firsthand account of the devastating drought in Australia

Totally unreported across the Ditch.

‘Help us, please’: Farmer breaks down on-air pleading for any kind of help

2GB,

23 July, 2018

Farms across New South Wales are being crippled by drought and it’s leaving farmers with no other option but to shoot their stock and sell their homes.

Some coastal areas have received plenty of rain lately but inland Australia has seen next to none, leaving many farming families on their knees, both financially and emotionally.

Laura Jones and her husband Les are among those struggling, with their farm in the northwestern New South Wales town of Goolhi reflecting a barren wasteland.

There’s only enough water for Laura to shower twice a week. She says she can’t even remember the last time she washed her hair.

Fighting back tears, Laura tells Chris Smith they can no longer grow crops and may now have to shoot over a thousand sheep to survive.

She says the sheep are simply too weak to walk and are dying where they fall.

“My family and I are no different than our next door neighbours. We are all facing the same outcome.

“We try and feed our stock the best way we can. Some are saying that they can only last until the end of this month before they shut up shop and sell what stock they can.

“The stock they can’t, they’re starting to shoot them now.”

Laura is pleading for the public’s help, telling Chris many farmers have reached breaking point.

“Help us, please. We need your help. In any way shape or form.”

Macquarie Media, Fairfax Media and Buy A Bale have joined forces to launch The Big Dry Drought Appeal, to help ease the burden on farming families.

By making a cash donation to Buy A Bale, you’ll be helping farmers, like Laura and Les, in a direct and immediate way.

Every cent donated goes towards the purchase of feed and water for animals and for groceries to keep farming families going.

Donate to The Big Dry Drought Appeal HERE

Rural Aid CEO Charles Alder says tragically Les and Laura’s story isn’t unusual, telling Chris a severe and long summer has left our farmers in serious trouble.

“It’s not just one farming family like this.

“There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, across New South Wales and Queensland that are going through this week in, week out at the moment.”