Message from Rural Aid’s CEO, John Warlters

They say, “If you eat, you’re a partner in farming.”

Australian farmers not only feed all of us, but also millions worldwide. They work tirelessly, facing unpredictable challenges like droughts, fires, floods, pests, labour shortages, red tape, and market fluctuations.

There’s no job in the world quite so unpredictable and volatile as farming, yet farmers are the backbone of our nation, feeding us day in and day out.

With that in mind, we believe that it’s our collective duty as consumers who enjoy the food and fibre that farmers provide, to support and strengthen our farming and rural communities into the future.

We believe that the health and sustainability of our nation depends on it.

If it wasn’t for you, as part of our wide community of supporters and followers, we simply couldn’t provide the support we need to when our farmers need it. Last year, your generosity delivered so much for our mates in the bush:

• In the past 12 months, Rural Aid has provided $3.5million to better the lives of Australian farmers. 
• This equates to more than 4000 bales of hay, 105 water tank deliveries, and almost 5,000 hours of volunteer support.
• We also provided more than $400,000 to support community development in more than 60 small, rural towns, right across Australia. 
• And, our Mental Health and Wellbeing team hosted more than 1800 counselling sessions in the past year.  

There’s no way we can predict precisely what challenges our farmers will face and when those challenges might occur. Our country is large, and when some areas are in drought, others may face life-threatening flood.

What we do know for sure, is that with more unpredictability of severe weather events, it becomes all the more important to help safeguard our farmers to cope with whatever is thrown at them.

We will always be there to provide for the essential materials that farmers need when faced with disaster – hay, water, financial assistance and mental health support.

Looking ahead we recognise how important it is to provide future-proofing strategies for communities – strengthening them; fortifying them into the future.

Our support needs to extend beyond immediate relief; to empower farmers and rural communities through sustainable farming practices and agricultural education programs.

Since 2015 we’ve been on a journey to help safeguard our mates in the bush. Back then, long periods of drought caused crippling damage to many farmers, with some never able to recover.

Sadly, based on current weather patterns, we’re likely to be heading back to those dry times.

This is all the more reason for us to focus our efforts in helping our farmers prepare as best they can to face these challenging times ahead.

Thank you for the very important part you’ve played in this journey. Your donations, messages of encouragement and sharing of our stories all play a vital role in sustaining Aussie farmers.

I hope you’ll continue to stand with us as we look ahead. The future may be uncertain. What is certain is that we will always be there to support our farmers and the communities they live in.