A Morpeth farmer has opened her farm gate to help a drought-stricken farmer – and she’s encouraging others to do the same.
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Sarah-Jane Dunford, who owns Hunter Valley Paddock to Plate, has offered 50 acres of her farm to a farmer – for free – who’s animals have no feed in the paddocks and are living in a dust bowl.
The cattle will stay at her farm on agistment until the drought breaks and the farmer’s land has recovered.
Some of the cattle arrived this week and they were glad to find grassy paddocks.
Ms Dunford shared the news on social media in the hope that it would encourage other landholders to do the same.
“Getting into community spirit we decided to help a farmer struggling with drought,” she wrote on Facebook.
“We have given a large amount of our pastures to a farmer who has no pasture, 40 head arrived today and another 30 head arriving soon.
Read more: Drought is hell on earth for farmers
“They will stay here at no charge until the the drought breaks and they've recovered.”
Ms Dunford encouraged other landholders to follow suit and help a farmer in need.
If you've got a spare paddock with grass or know someone that does consider gifting it to a farmer struggling with drought. Together we can pull together as a community and help those in need,"
- she said.
Parts of the Hunter, North West, Northern Tablelands, Central West, Western District, Central Tablelands, Greater Sydney and South East regions are in drought – according to the state government’s Combined Drought Indicator.