Donated fodder has begun arriving in areas of flood devastated northern NSW, where hundreds of cows and farm animals are thought to have died in floodwaters last week.
One private run involved 18 trucks and semi-trailers carrying about 550 bales of hay to farms around Lismore and Casino.
Organised nearly 400 kilometres away by Wauchope farmer Andrew Carroll, the private runs were in addition to efforts by government organisations and not-for-profit groups.
Mr Carroll and the truck drivers volunteered their time and vehicles to drop fodder mostly on dairy farms over the weekend to ensure cattle that survived the flood did not die from a lack of food and clean water.
"Dairy and beef cattle are on a high protein diet. They've come off such high-quality rations and pasture, and they've had no food for a week. So, some cattle are just dropping dead," Mr Carroll said.
"Some farmers had their entire dairy and all their infrastructure go under water. So, not only do they not have fresh water, but they've got no pump. Trying to find fresh water for stock is really hard."
Dorrigo farmer David Gibson also organised a private fodder run with a group of other local dairy and beef producers to deliver 180 bales of hay to Lismore, Casino, Coraki and Murwillumbah over the weekend.
"We just thought, there are people worse off than us, so we'll see what we can do to rustle up a few bales, put them on a few trucks and see if we can get them here," he said.
"The wet weather has knocked us all around this year, but it's nothing compared to what you're seeing here, and if it's in your ability to help, then why not."
Mr Gibson said it was an emotional day for many involved in the run.
"It's very sad, particularly in Coraki. That area has been really, really badly hit."
Need For Feed's Hay Run Coordinator Kelly Laffan said they delivered 13 truckloads of hay over the weekend, with larger convoys planned over the next few weekends.
"Because it was so rushed planning, this run was just hay. This time but next weekend, we will also be sending out hampers and dog food," she said.
Ms Laffan said donations were coming from Victoria, NSW and Queensland.
"We have 14 trucks already registered for next weekend's run, so we're hoping to have 30 by the end of the week."
Returning the favour
Andrew Carroll said the response was so swift because the livestock and livelihoods of farmers in the Mid North Coast region relied heavily on fodder drops and donations after the black summer bushfires in 2020 and floods in March last year.
"Out of the goodness of their hearts, people from places we've never heard of helped us out," said Mr Carroll.
Airdrops begin
The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Local Land Services have also commenced aerial fodder drops to isolated properties across the Northern Rivers region.
North Coast Incident Controller Andrew Biddle said the government had purchased around 80,000 kg of fodder to be delivered to distribution points in Grafton, Alstonville and Casino.
Those in need are urged to register for access to these supplies
He said it remained unclear how many properties were still isolated, but aerial surveillance was underway to determine where the assistance was needed.
"We're also looking to use boats and possibly using high clearance vehicles."
