A LARGE convoy of trucks rolled through Mitchell Shire over the weekend as part of Need For Feed’s latest hay run, delivering critical fodder to drought-stricken farms across south-west Victoria.
The volunteer-led initiative, which began at the Cobram fodder depot, made its way through the shire before reaching its final destination in Camperdown. Along the way, a hoard of truck drivers transported around 2,000 bales of donated hay, helping support more than 80 farming families doing it tough after months of dry conditions.
Mitchell Shire residents turned out to cheer the convoy, offering honks and encouragement as the trucks passed through Mitchell’s towns. Many expressed pride in the region’s role in helping Victorian farmers recover from ongoing drought and financial pressures.
Need For Feed, a project of the Lions Club, has been running hay convoys for nearly two decades, offering emergency relief to farms affected by fire, flood or drought. Last weekend’s effort saw between making the long trip across the state.
Deliveries were carefully allocated according to livestock needs. Some properties received full truckloads, while others were given smaller quantities to help tide them over. In some areas, rain began to fall not long after the hay arrived, offering a welcome double dose of hope and help for the struggling rural communities.
Organisers have confirmed more hay runs are planned for July, with a second convoy heading to south-west Victoria and another bound for South Australia later in the month. Need For Feed continues to seek donations of fodder, funding and volunteer truck drivers to keep the wheels turning.
The success of the latest run highlights the power of community spirit and grassroots support in times of need, and for many Victorian farmers, it couldn’t have come at a better time.
