We're friends of farmers
FarmHand:
A worker on a farm.
Heroes:
People admired for their courage, achievements, or noble qualities.
FarmHand Heroes
Selfless and willing volunteer farm workers, celebrated for their positive impact on farmers and farming communities.
Our FarmHand Heroes provide direct and practical assistance to farmers and farming communities facing the challenges of disasters, including floods, fires, cyclones and drought.
Be part of the movement to help Aussie farmers
Farmers are the backbone of our country. They produce the food that sustains us, contribute to our economy, and preserve our culture and environment. Their raising livestock and growing crops is symbolic of our country of vast space, abundant resources, and steadfast settlers.
Around two percent of Australia's population are involved with farming, yet we all consume what farmers produce. But do we remove ourselves from the everyday grind to think about the importance of farming and life on the land? We should, and here's why.
In basic terms, farmers use soil and water to raise animals and grow crops. They manage up to 60% of Australia's land mass and account for around 70% of fresh water extractions. As such, we all have an interest in farm management.
Farming can also contribute to and is endangered by some of the greatest threats known to mankind: the production of energy, soil loss and degradation, climate change, diseases, geopolitical trade wars, population placement and displacement, water shortages and natural disasters.
The skills, care and resources required to operate a farming system play a crucial role in the social infrastructure of rural communities - and beyond.
Consider this: When you reflect on the days at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, you may recall how shelves were stripped of basic supplies, including pasta, rice, canned foods, bread, and poultry and meat. Even small producers were overwhelmed. Demand led to supply chains drying up, and prices rose.
Globally, food security became a hot topic, and countries began concentrating on natural resources and farming to be in their strategic interests.
Whilst demands of farmers often contradict between governments and consumers, virtually everyone agrees on a couple of points - we need food, and we need farmers and farms.
However, with a lack of a well-designed approach to farming for our future, life as we know it could be very different for all of us soon.
Adding to the challenge is the impact of disasters on farming. Australia's exposure to disasters has been increasing, and the severity of these disasters has intensified. Farmers consistently deal with the challenges of cyclones, floods, fires, and droughts - each of which can affect the supply, quality, and cost of what we consume, and any of which can "break" a farmer.
If we want to avoid reliving times like at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, we need to help and support our farmers - it's in everyone's interests.
Our farmers need your backing - be a Hero
FarmHand Heroes invites you to be part of our directed support and practical help for farmers and farming communities.
This is your opportunity to show farmers what they mean to you, and to acknowledge their importance to all Australians.
Join us, and get behind backing our farmers.
Read on to find out how you can become involved.
We're so passionate about FarmHand Heroes, we've produced a music video to raise awareness
Our current directed focus
Farmers and drought
Victoria
Farmers in Victoria are experiencing some of the worst drought conditions in history. The effects are being felt across the state.
The Victorian State Government has announced that support is being offered to twenty four local government areas (LGA's), including with on-farm infrastructure grants.
We commend the offer of support and will work in all identified affected areas to further enhance it by providing farmers with practical support on their farms, as well as enhancing community resilience, providing access to needed help on the land, and giving hope to those in need.
South Australia
South Australia, similar to Victoria, has endured drought for an extended period.
We'll be making an announcement shortly about how we're getting involved to help farmers and communities.
Flooded farmers
Queensland
With floods wreaking havoc in south-western Queensland, farmers have been struck with incredible losses and damage.
FarmHand Heroes are on their way to help farmers and farming communities repair, rebuild and recover.
From helping to restore land, replace and rebuild fencing, clear debris, and assist with livestock, our help will be instrumental in securing properties and restoring livelihoods as quickly as possible.
New South Wales
New South Wales presents challenges both in the west and on the mid-north coast. The west is dealing with flood waters travelling from Queensland, and the mid-north coast has just gone through extensive storms and rainfall.
Many farmers are dealing with devastation and need our help to recover and rebuild their lives.
The importance of backing our farmers during times of drought
At disaster.org.au, we believe that drought affects farmers, economies, and communities in numerous disastrous ways. When drought strikes, we all feel its impact. Whether it's the prices we pay at the checkout, the scarcity or quality of food, or the care we share for animals, and the mental health of those on the front line of farming, drought has significant ramifications.
FarmHand Heroes brings people together to help drought-affected farmers and communities become more resilient through practical and supported assistance on the farm and beyond, filling voids and offering hope to those struggling through drought-induced challenges.
Raising awareness, FarmHand Heroes brings together volunteers to provide specific and much-needed help to farmers and communities, offering them on-the-ground support to lend a hand on the farm, be a mental health supporter and friend, and alleviate some of the burdens that keep our valuable farmers feeling trapped with no way out.
Droughts can lead farmers to destitution through a combination of factors, including severe crop and livestock losses, increased debt, and difficulty accessing financial support. A prolonged and severe drought can deplete water resources, making it impossible to maintain adequate yields, and farmers may be forced to sell off livestock to survive, leading to significant financial strain. Farmers may also quit farming, lose or sell the farm, or, at worst, take their own life. All of these outcomes are terrible and avoidable.
Let’s break that down a little:
1. Reduced Income and Increased Costs:
• Crop and Livestock Losses: Droughts can cause significant losses in crop yields and pasture, leading to decreased income for farmers.
• Increased Input Costs: Farmers may need to purchase more expensive feed for livestock, rely on water for irrigation, or purchase seed or fertilisers, which can increase operating costs.
• Reduced Revenue: Lower crop yields and livestock losses result in lower revenue, making it harder for farmers to meet their financial obligations.
2. Financial Strain and Debt:
• Increased Debt: Farmers may borrow money to cover increased costs or to weather a drought, leading to higher debt burdens.
• Difficulty Paying Loans: Reduced income due to drought makes it difficult for farmers to pay off loans, potentially leading to foreclosure or bankruptcy.
• Restricted Access to Capital: Banks may be hesitant to lend to farmers struggling with drought, making it difficult to access working capital.
3. Challenges in Accessing Support:
• Eligibility for Support: Farmers may face difficulties accessing government drought relief programs due to strict eligibility criteria or delays in processing applications.
• Limited Financial Resources: Farmers with limited financial resources may find it challenging to cover the costs of implementing drought-resistant measures or accessing financial counselling.
• Social and Psychological Impacts: Drought can lead to stress, anxiety, and even mental health issues for farmers, making it harder to manage their businesses and access support.
4. Loss of Land and Way of Life:
• Forced Off the Land: In severe cases, farmers may be compelled to sell their land or relinquish farming altogether due to financial hardship.
• Long-Term Impacts: The loss of land and the disruption to farming practices can have long-term impacts on rural communities and economies.
5. Mental Health:
Not all Heroes wear capes
A simple act of kindness to help farmers in need by supporting FarmHand Heroes will make you a hero.
Your help will be appreciated, and will go a long way.
Of course, if you want to wear a cape and feel like a superhero, we encourage it.
Ways you can support
Because we know the help farmers need, and the value of your support, there are a few ways you can get involved:
Volunteer your time
There are many roles available for volunteers, including working on the land, feeding animals, tending to crops, repairing land, fencing, clearing debris, and managing trees, among others. Or you can help with cleaning, cooking, tool management, or admin. Almost anyone can get involved with volunteering.
Head to our "Volunteer" page and register with us today.
Corporate volunteer
Businesses can get involved in volunteering at one of our camps or working bees too.
By engaging with work colleagues away from the everyday work environment is a great way to boost team spirit and work morale.
Corporate volunteering is a great way to gain new skills, a fresh way of thinking, and the best way to engage with communities and markets.
Our corporate volunteering program is fully customisable to every business, so why not try something different?
Get in touch with us to discuss corporate volunteering.
Farm experience
A farm experience allows people to spend a weekend or few days living on a real farm, doing farm work, and getting to fully appreciate the way of farming life.
With spots becoming available every day, a Farm Experience can be suited to individuals, couples, families or work colleagues and friendship groups to tick off an experiential bucket-list item.
Please have a chat with one of our friendly team members to find out what experiences are currently, or soon to be, available.
Donate or sponsor
As with all charities, the services and help we provide to those in need are only possible with the generous help of donations and sponsorships.
If you can help with a financial or in-kind donation, please head to our "Donate" page where we provide a number of options to donate.
We encourage businesses interested in sponsoring our activities to reach out to us to discuss available options.
As a registered charity with DGR endorsement, donations are tax-deductible.
We're hitting the road, visiting in-need communities
To boost awareness and be accessible in person to affected farmers, communities, and supporters, our FarmHand Heroes volunteers will be visiting flood- and drought-affected towns over the coming weeks.
Our Roadshow includes community hubs and meeting points where locals can reach out to us to discuss how our assistance can help them get back on their feet and secure, repair, and improve their properties, land and farms.
Stay tuned to local media and follow our socials to keep updated and learn when we'll be near you.
We welcome anyone to attend our roadshow hubs.