The move, which coincides with the Slow Food Earth Market, aims to raise awareness about the challenging times Hunter farmers are facing on the land as they battle drought conditions.

Shoppers will be able to donate to the Buy A Bale barrel between 2pm and 7pm. Every cent raised will be used to buy hay to feed hungry cattle across the region. 

The campaign was launched on February 14 as a partnership between the Mercury, Newcastle Herald, Dungog Chronicle, Scone Advocate, Hunter Valley News and charity Rural Aid. 

Read more: How to help Hunter farmers battle the drought

Read more: Grant and Chezzi Denyer join the fight to help farmers

Slow Food Hunter Valley leader Amorelle Dempster said the not-for-profit group wanted to do what it could to help protect the region’s food bowl.

She urged the community to donate to the campaign and have their photo taken with the hay bale.

Farmers who supply the earth market have been hit hard by the lack of rain.

Vegetable grower Austin Breiner had been carting water to his Oakhampton farm to nourish his crops until rain fell on Sunday. 

Backyard grower Felicia Nyugen, who specialises in Vietnamese vegetables, will hold a 20-minute cooking demonstration at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm.

Her recipes will include mixed stir-fried vegetables and a Vietnamese salad with steamed rice.

The dish will be available to buy for $10 from the Market Kitchen.

Proceeds from the sale will go to improving the market.