Rural Aid is encouraging farmers across Australia to make use of available support services as biosecurity threats and pest pressures continue to place strain on primary producers already managing difficult seasonal conditions.
The organisation says a range of assistance is currently available at no cost to farming families, including financial relief, hay and water deliveries, and mental health counselling. The support is designed to assist farmers dealing with hardship and recovery across drought, fire, flood and other disruptions.
Concerns are growing across multiple sectors of agriculture. In the poultry industry, attention has turned to H5N1 avian influenza, which has been detected in migratory shorebirds and is considered a serious risk to poultry operations in Western Australia. Authorities and industry groups have also raised concerns about potential wider impacts on dairy and meat production if the situation evolves, with biosecurity monitoring in place across livestock sectors.
Beekeepers are continuing to deal with the spread of varroa mite, which has added pressure to pollination services and related industries. At the same time, farmers in parts of Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria are reporting ongoing damage from mice and locust activity, affecting crops, pasture and stored feed.
Rural Aid chief executive officer John Warlters said farmers are managing several challenges at once, with pressure building in different regions and industries.
“We are seeing farmers across the country facing a combination of biosecurity threats, pest pressures and seasonal challenges at the same time. These situations can escalate quickly and place real pressure on farming families and rural communities,” he said.
He added that access to support remains a priority. “It is important farmers know they are not alone. Rural Aid is here to help, and support is available when it is needed most.”
“Whether it’s emerging concerns like H5N1, the continued spread of varroa mite, or the ongoing impact of mouse and locust activity, we are seeing real stress being placed on primary producers right across the country,” he said.
“Accessing support is simple. Farmers can call or go online in just a few minutes, and we’ll guide them through the process from there.”
Farmers who have used the service say timely assistance can make a practical difference during periods of pressure. Ashford cattle farmer Kathy Gleeson, who recently received hay support, said the process was straightforward.
“It was really easy to register with Rural Aid. One phone call and they took care of everything. The hay arrived quickly and it made a huge difference at a really stressful time,” she said.
Rural Aid says feedback from farming communities consistently highlights the importance of fast and uncomplicated access to help, particularly when conditions are difficult on the ground.
Assistance is available now by calling 1300 327 624 or visiting Rural Aid.
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