The drought situation is so desperate in some parts of Tasmania that farmers are allowing cattle to feed on roadside verges, while others are selling livestock that will take years to recoup.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association is urgently calling for feed and fodder donations to give to farmers for their animals across the East Coast and Northern Midlands.
Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association officer Hayley Stepchuk said the call comes at a time when the mental health of farmers is also suffering.
"It is a dire, dire situation," she said.
"People in some areas have forgotten what grass looks like. There is no feed for the animals and they are suffering ... We are calling out for any donations of feed, and also for transport so we can get the donations to where they need to go."
East Coast farmer Ian Madsen, 76, of Douglas River, had just 13 bales of hay left to feed 60 cows with calves when they received a much needed donation of hay.
His family has already reduced their cattle herd from 80 to 60.
They sold their lambs early as they were unable to afford to fatten them, and are now thinking about selling their calves too, which would also mean selling their precious future breeding stock.
"We don't want to sell them but we think think it might make it easier, for us to keep the cows alive," he said.
"The calves are still small so they're not going to raise anywhere the money that we would normally get, but the cows are feeding so it will take the stress off them to a degree and give them a fighting chance."
There is no feed for the animals and they are suffering ... We are calling out for donations of feed and also for transport.
- TFGA officer Hayley Stepchuk
Mr Madsen said he believed most livestock farmers would be hand-feeding at this stage.
"I'm very grateful that the other farmers have decided to help us. There are a lot of other farmers on the East Coast who are also suffering, and I'm told in the Northern Midlands and Derwent Valley too," he said.
"You sort of adopt the attitude, as every day goes past, that you are closer to rain, and that sort of keeps you going."
For North West coaster Leon Batchelor, who has helped deliver donations, said the drought conditions that he has seen during transportation have been an eye-opener.
"It is not until you get off the highways that you see how bad it is and see just how little feed there is."
To make donations of feed or transport, and for those needing assistnace, call Kylie Donaghy: 0459020231