Many people have reached out to offer support for farmers affected by the drought, however, confusion still exists surrounding where exactly that support goes.
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The Bowral Co-op recently set up a drought appeal and CEO Craig Perkins said he and the co-op board would ensure that funds raised went directly to struggling producers in the Highlands.
"We don't want that money to go into another organisation that absorbs some of the funds in administrative costs and fees," Mr Perkins said.
"100 per cent of what we're receiving through the drought appeal is going to a bank account we've set up especially for this and at the next board meeting in three weeks, we as a board will decide what to do with that pool of money," he said.
Mr Perkins said the co-op would use the same eligibility criteria as the Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) which was responsible for adjudicating the $500 million drought assistance package announced by the state government on July 30.
Applications have already been received by the RAA, however the eligibility criteria will not be finalised until Monday, August 6.
"I have been advised that the eligibiity stands that the farm must be your sole income stream and no off-farm assets can be worth more than $1 million (excluding superannuation). Additional criteria could be added and will be finalised by August 6 and we'll be using those same guidelines," Mr Perkins said.
Much of drought support has been focused around drives for hay and fodder. However, rapidly diminishing supplies have placed increasing difficulty on these initiatives.
"Our local demand for feed is three to four times what it would normally be. We'll get 960 bales today, but that might last us a week. Normally, that would last us a month," Mr Perkins said.
"It's now really about goods and cash. It's really got to be a financial contribution,” he said.
In addition to financial support, the Bowral Co-op has facilitated a 'drought hub', offering assistance and advice to farmers about what services and support are available.
“We’ve also been approached by Ray White Rural which is offering free advice and counsel to farmers about how they can look at getting their property revalued, refinancing their loans, going out to market. Ray White [representatives] came to us and said: we’re here, we want to help,” Mr Perkins said.
"I'm the son of a farmer, who's the son of a farmer. I'm fourth generation. The resilience of farmers is incredible, hopefully they can make it through to the rain that's projected for October."
