Farmers whose properties have been affected by the Bees Nest fire near Dorrigo are able to collect free fodder from the Local Land Services depot at Ebor Sports Ground from 8am until 4.30pm daily.
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General manager of the Northern Tablelands LLS Paul Hutchings said because of the drought they have been trucking in bulk loads of 600-700kg bales of hay from as far away as Victoria and South Australia.
"We'll help producers on any size property, but what we're mobilising is large scale," he said.
"Ebor is the pickup point and they'll get free fodder there based on the number of animals they have."
Paul said they have a list of all fire-affected properties that they will be checking.
"In past fires, we have had people come and try it on to get free hay, " he said. "But we know where the fire has burnt - we've got details of those properties."
Veterinary assessment teams are currently visiting properties in the fire zones where access is possible.
Local Land Services and the Department of Primary Industries also have an Ag and Animal Services Hotline - 1800 814 647. that primary producers can call to report damage and livestock losses, as well as to request assistance.
Available help includes:
- Emergency fodder
- Emergency stock water
- Veterinary assistance
- Livestock euthanasia and burial
- Livestock feeding and management advice
The Agriculture and Animal Services Functional Area also works with local wildlife groups to provide specialist care to injured native animals.
On her Facebook page, @OnwardMurrayGreys, Sue Francis notes that two local produce stores in Dorrigo are accepting orders from community members who would like to donate to farmers.
"Properties burnt out. Stock loss numbers climbing with no chance of a full assessment whilst ever the fire still needs confronting," Sue wrote.
"Any pasture gone. No feed. Yards, fences, pumps, sheds, stored fodder, gone. The remaining stock need help. And as we know, not everyone will ask. Many owners are still actively defending their and others turf and simply cannot access any feed or their stock themselves. And that my friends, is when local communities shine."
People who would like to buy a bale of hay, a bag of chook feed, dog biscuits, or cow pellets to be donated to farmers can call Beaumont's Produce Rural Store on (02) 6657 2389 or Northern AgriServices - Dorrigo on (02) 6657 2068 and they will deliver it for free where it is needed.
Beaumont's Facebook page reports that so far donations have reached $8500, from as far as Melbourne, Queensland and Newcastle as well as very generous locals.