The Macleay Hay Run delivered the first truck load of feed to a farm just outside Tamworth yesterday.
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The bales donated and money raised by the Macleay community will help to feed a herd of 80 cows.
Organiser of the Macleay Hay Run, Josh Ball, said the devastation out west is far worse than he was expecting.
“It was terrible. I didn’t expect it to be that bad, the ground is just dirt and not even the weeds are growing,” Mr Ball said.
The generosity shown by the local community over the past few weeks has gone above and beyond and has put a smile on the face of a farmer who had no feed for her cattle.
“The smile on her face was priceless, she was so appreciative of what we had done. I’ll never forget it.”
On the farm next to the property where the hay was delivered there were deceased livestock.
“Farmers are keeping their livestock and hoping for rain. They can’t sell them because they’re in poor condition and they have no money for feed,” Mr Ball said.
Seeing the devastating conditions on this farmers property, Josh has organised, through Aussie Helpers, to send a truck of hay to be delivered to his farm on Thursday.
“He also needs drench for his sheep, they’re sick and he doesn’t have the money to treat them.”
Josh spoke to the farmer and he said over the course of the drought he has lost 1000 lambs due to the mothers abandoning them and lack of food and water.
“Farmers don’t ask for help because they’re too proud, but they need it,” Mr Ball said.
The Macleay community has now raised $40,000 for the farmers out west which will go towards more feed and water.
“They live in hope that tomorrow it’s going to rain.”
The Macleay Hay Run is working with Aussie Helpers, to find out how you can help visit https://aussiehelpers.org.au/
Keep up to date with the Macleay Hay Run through their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/macleayhayrun/
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