SIXTY dairy farmers in drought declared areas of South East Queensland will get a share in $1 million raised after the price of two popular brands of milk was increased 10c a litre.
The grassroots campaign was spearheaded by open letters to the public from dairy farmers, who told of their struggles during the drought.
Among those to get involved was fourth-generation dairy farmer Scott Brown, from Rayglen Farm, Upper Pinelands, near Toowoomba.
”We had hay stored and I thought we had enough, but how much is enough for a drought like this?” he wrote.
Yes, it is full on.
The drought has made things hard financially and you really have to watch the bills coming in.
“You need money for feed for the next couple of months too, as well as money to buy seed and fertiliser for next year’s crop.” Despite the hardship, Mr Brown said it was a good life and that he had always enjoyed dairy farming.
“The reward for us is producing quality milk that’s recognised and appreciated by people who buy Dairy Farmers, the brand that our milk supplies.” Mr Brown said the public’s generosity and support in paying an extra 10 cents a litre gave hope that people out there were thinking of dairy farmers and were willing to lend a hand when times were tough.
In total, 60 dairy farmers in Queensland, 80 in NSW and 41 in Northern Victoria will get a share in the funds.
Funds will be distributed among suppliers in the drought-affected regions on a cents-per-litre basis.