South Australian farmers are in crisis, battling one of the driest years to date. With many at breaking point, the national program ‘Give a Farmer a Break’ is helping turn things around.
The initiative, launched by BlazeAid Australia’s Kevin Butler, was created eight years ago in response to the devastating drought and bushfires.
“It was very successful then, and now, by popular demand, we took it off pause,” says Kevin.
In drought conditions, farmers have to supplement the depleted pastures with additional feed, creating more work and greater expense.
“The demand is there because farmers are at breaking point. They’ve been feeding for twelve to eighteen months, and in South Australia, it’s far worse than Victoria. It’s getting towards the straw that breaks the camel’s back,” he explains.
That’s where Give a Farmer a Break steps in. The system works by connecting farmers with volunteers who can assist in any number of ways, from helping out with fencing, feeding, and livestock care to simply offering a break from the farm through a donated holiday house. Kevin even reports that someone offered their yacht last week.
The need is evident. On relaunch day alone, it attracted 45 volunteers and 25 offers.
If you think this isn’t relevant to you, you could be wrong. The initiative works as a matchmaking process. The farmers get a break, but if you’re feeling bogged down by the city and you’re after some time in the country air, or you’d like to help out someone in need, you can put your hand up.
“There’s a range of people who can offer as volunteers, and there’s a range of farmers needing a break, and that’s where Give a Farmer a Break has its power,” he explains.
“We ask you what your needs and what your wants are, and from there it’s a self-matching system, you can link up with someone who can satisfy those needs or wants. As long as you’re fit and healthy, have a positive attitude and want to help others, there’s no problem.”
The program works case by case. Volunteers have the flexibility to stay in accommodation on the farm, or bring a caravan and connect to the on-site power – it’s entirely up to what suits you and your farmer.
While Kevin can’t remember how the idea came about exactly, it went something along the lines of…
“I was talking to a farmer somewhere in Queensland and they said to me “What I need is an f**cking break and I said, “I’m going to look into that. I don’t know who that person is, but it started with a farmer.”
He saw the opportunity to help, but Kevin attributes the success of the program to the Cupids working behind the scenes to help facilitate it – the women.
“Farmers who are out there in the dust, trying to feed the starving sheep, we haven’t got the aptitude to go online,” he says.
“This program really relies on the better half of the world. The daughters, the wives, the partners, the girlfriends. It might well mean that a daughter says, ‘Hey dad, I’m going to do it for you’ and she works with the volunteer until she’s able to see them together.”
As drought conditions persist, so too do the mental health challenges facing farmers. But in the face of it all, Give a Farmer a Break continues to make a powerful impact through practical help and the lasting relationships it creates.
“Volunteers often come back the next year. They send each other Christmas cards. It’s a marriage made in heaven. It’s just wonderful, the greatest thing since sliced bread.”
Kevin’s own commitment is clear. He pulled over at a truck stop just to speak about the program.
“There’s nothing better than what you can do right now in helping a farmer. It will be highly appreciated and long remembered,” he adds.
He encourages anyone interested – whether you’re after a change of pace or want to make a meaningful impact – to get involved.
“Many farmers think people in the city don’t care, but they do. They just need the opportunity. We’ve got a long tunnel to get through before we have decent feed again, and we have to do something.”
The program is simple to access. If you’re unsure where to start, just email Debbie in the BlazeAid office and she’ll help you through the process.
As Kevin puts it, “You always have endorphins when you’re helping others.”
And in a time like this, that’s something we could all use a little more of.
WHAT: ‘Give a Farmer a Break’ program
To register online, click here.
To speak to Debbie, email [email protected]
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