In what has been dubbed a ‘green drought’, the south-west of Victoria is facing some tough times.

A ‘green drought’ is a winter occurrence where paddocks appear green on top, but desirable pastures are suffering from soil moisture stress and stunted growth.

There has been a significant lack of rain this year, anywhere south of Horsham.

Usually a reliable region when it comes to rain, farmers are struggling with the longevity of low rain totals. Some parts of the south-west have experienced in the past six months, their lowest ever rainfall.

Planning is underway in case the low rainfall continues into spring, which is when it will really be felt.

A drought forum in Hamilton last week gathered producers to discuss the challenges and ideas for ways forward, and an opportunity to hear from Agriculture Victoria, the Victorian Farmers Federation and financial services.

Drought is nothing new for Victoria – anyone living in our region across the Wimmera and Mallee knows it all too well.

So it should be no surprise for our governments and knowing how to deal with it.

But here we are.

Shadow Agriculture Minister Emma Kealy, also Member for Lowan, has called on the State Government to provide assistance.

Ms Kealy said livestock and dairy producers in the south west of Victoria who have been financially crippled by the green drought, have been met with complete silence from the government.

The State Government must declare a drought in order to trigger financial support from the Federal Government.

Ms Kealy said producers were facing soaring costs for feed and fodder and being put in a position of having to destroy stock or borrow more money from the bank to feed their stock.

“Without government support, there is no doubt many growers will be facing bank foreclosures in numbers that could in the future devastate Victoria’s growing potential and agricultural contribution to the economy,” she said.

“A simple and quick first step is for the government to produce a simple map of areas affected by extremely low rainfall, then banks have no excuse not to offer interest and repayment relief or waive fees and charges to provide a bit of financial breathing space for our growers.”

Early last month, Aussie Hay Runners delivered 31 trucks carrying 992 bales to farmers in the Colac district. It is always the volunteer and community groups who come to the party first with assistance. Why does it always take our governments so long to act?

After covering stories on many natural disasters, including drought, it’s always the same story.

I feel like I’m suffering déjà vu.

Obviously it is an extra cost governments do not want to fork out for, but we live in Australia – a land where fires, floods, droughts and other weather events are expected.

It is time governments have reserves and processes ready and waiting to assist those in times of need.

The entire August 7, 2024 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!