Vic Farmers Resort to Drastic Measures Amidst Worsening Drought
Source: dairynews.today
In the face of a debilitating drought, Victorian farmers are sending thousands of dairy cows to slaughter and beef cattle interstate, causing potential price surges in dairy and meat products.
Drought-stricken farmers in Victoria are taking extreme actions as they contend with a severe lack of resources. With hay supplies dwindling and prices soaring, many farmers are forced to send tens of thousands of dairy cows to the slaughterhouse and relocate beef cattle to greener pastures interstate.
This situation raises alarm about potential increases in dairy and meat prices in the region. Livestock agents report a significant backlog at abattoirs as they struggle to keep up with the demand, processing thousands of animals each day with delays extending up to three weeks. Farmers express frustration over the insufficient drought support from the government and the increased financial burden from an expanded emergency services tax, which has hiked taxes by 189% on average. Despite some government assistance, many in the agricultural sector, including leaders like Clarke Roycroft and Bernie Free, warn that current measures are inadequate.
The drought's impact stretches across multiple regions in Australia, with the National Farmers’ Federation President David Jochinke highlighting the unprecedented nature of this drought. As the crisis continues with an absence of rain on the horizon, the outlook for Victoria's agricultural output remains grim.
This situation raises alarm about potential increases in dairy and meat prices in the region. Livestock agents report a significant backlog at abattoirs as they struggle to keep up with the demand, processing thousands of animals each day with delays extending up to three weeks. Farmers express frustration over the insufficient drought support from the government and the increased financial burden from an expanded emergency services tax, which has hiked taxes by 189% on average. Despite some government assistance, many in the agricultural sector, including leaders like Clarke Roycroft and Bernie Free, warn that current measures are inadequate.
The drought's impact stretches across multiple regions in Australia, with the National Farmers’ Federation President David Jochinke highlighting the unprecedented nature of this drought. As the crisis continues with an absence of rain on the horizon, the outlook for Victoria's agricultural output remains grim.
