DELUNGRA farmers were given a helping hand on Tuesday when a fodder drop was made at the Delungra Silo Complex.

One hundred and forty large round bales of hay were dropped thanks to a combined effort from Hands Across NSW, Industry and Investment, Country Energy and North West Livestock Health and Pest Authority (LHPA).

John O’Carrigan was one of the farmers lucky enough to receive some hay.

“I got a small amount of hay from the drop and it is much appreciated.

“Not everybody knows about these things.

“It’s a spirit of co-operation that’s great for Australia,” John said.

Work to co-ordinate the drop began a couple of months ago following an Exceptional Circumstances (EC) meeting held in Delungra.

Country Energy paid for the hay and Industry and Investment paid for the transportation.

Livestock Health and Pest Authority ranger Andrew Phillips said it was a successful day and more hay would be dropped in Delungra today.

“About 80 or 90 percent was dropped on Tuesday and the rest will be there on Friday.

“New England Estate Wines donated a tractor and a man for both days to unload.

“We could not have done it without them,” Mr Phillips said.

Thirty-four landholders were involved in the pick up and although conditions are improving every little bit helped.

“Quite a few people were embarrassed but all in all there was a very good response,” Mr Phillips said.

The fodder drop comes as the people of Delungra anxiously wait for a response to their submission for Exceptional Circumstances.

The application was sent to Canberra last week to the office of Tony Burke, the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

The data included in the application relates to the 12 month period from May 2009 to April 2010.

It details the severe shortage of ground water due to the prolonged drought and the impact it had on farm production and finance.

The finalised submission covers an area of 270,200 hectares in 30 parishes, taking in between 250 and 400 farming families.

© 2010 Inverell Times

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