A local campaign to help look after farmers in the Mid-Western Regional Council area and their stock during the drought, has gained incredible momentum, raising tens of thousands of dollars in under a week.
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200BALES gives people or businesses the opportunity to give a bale of hay to one of the farmers in the local area who is struggling during the on-going dry conditions.
People pledge $200 or increments of $200, then the group attaches the donors’ name to the individual bales on the truck when they’re sent out.
One of the organisers, Glenn Box, said that from the initial plan of getting a small group to fund one truck it’s snowballed, with 11 loads heading out over last weekend.
“It’s been one of those things which has taken off unexpectedly,” he said.
“And it’s just a matter of trying to keep up with it now.
Growing and growing
“So far we’ve just about finished selling truck number 26 - we started off just wanting to sell one truck – and that’s 156 bales and over $31,000.
“On Wednesday night is when I had a bit of a thought about trying to get myself and five friends together to try and buy a bail each and it’s just gone from there.
“We delivered 11 trucks on the weekend and we’ve had some farmers who’ve contacted us that we’re ready to get it out to as soon as we can.
“The hay is earmarked and on its way from Victoria now and we’ll just have to coordinate the drops when people are available to give up their time and their truck.”
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Glenn credited the generosity of the local region – who regularly support campaigns such as 200BALES – for its success.
“Like we do so well in Mudgee, we get the numbers together and it just happens,” he said.
“I was surprised that it was done so quickly, but not surprised that Mudgee has done it.”
Glenn said that the figure of $200 is a significant amount, but for a farmer doing it tough it can make life a little easier.
And that getting together as a group to shoulder the cost is also an option.
“It’s just an easy way that the community can be involved in trying to get their local farmers through the drought,” he said.
“And for anyone who has a regular income $200 is a chunk of money, but it’s not a heap if you know it’s going to help someone who would otherwise have to euthanase their stock.
“If you want to deposit small amounts you can or you can crowd fund by getting a group together and between them purchase a bale.”
A dry outlook
A large proportion of the state is affected by the current dry spell, with the small amount of rainfall over the last few weeks has had little to no impact on these deficiencies at all with dry conditions continuing over most of NSW.
As of Monday, just 2mm of rain has been recorded at the Mudgee Airport weather station for the month so far. The location averages over 50mm during July.
And the shortfall becomes even more stark when it comes to the 2018 total, which is 154.5mm short of the normal January-July amount.
Looking further ahead the outlook remains grim, with below average rainfall expected into August and the chance of an El Niño looming.
The lack of rain across inland NSW during the first half of 2018 occurred in the absence of El Nino.
You can find the group on Facebook by searching for ‘200BALES’.
And help by depositing $200 into the following bank account; WE CARE INC; BSB – 112879; ACC – 478201590; Reference - ‘200BALES’ and your name, this is critical for the paper trail.
Donors are asked to please deposit in increments of $200 to avoid a paperwork nightmare for the group’s volunteers.
You can also donate at the We Care Community Shop in Byron Place, Mudgee.