A MEETING on Monday night organised by the Victorian Farmers’ Federation (VFF) discussed how rainfall deficits continue to impact local farmers despite improved rainfall during July.

The meeting also looked at courses of action open to producers.

Held at the Hamilton Golf Club and attended by over 80 farmers, the meeting heard from five keynote speakers as well as several significant contributions from the attendees.

Hamilton-based Malcolm Rowe of the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) outlined the services which he and his colleagues provide.

A federally-funded autonomous and free service, the RFCS services farmers and local businesses such as retailers and service providers.

While it does not offer financial advice it works closely with farmers to enable them to draw up and implement a plan.

In particular, Mr Rowe told the meeting of a number of specific aids which could be of benefit in the current conditions.

The Farm Household Allowance is a Centrelink facility where up to $720 per fortnight can be provided per household to, quite literally, put bread on the table.

On the loan front, reduced interest lines of credit can be sourced from the Regional Investment Corporation (RIC).

There are three types of RIC Loan; the Drought Loan, the Farm Investment Loan and the Agri-Starter Loan.

While the latter is aimed at new entrants and farm succession situations, the Drought Loan is of immediate relevance and the Farm Investment facility can be used for the installation of drought protection infrastructure.

Interest rates are well below commercial market levels.

He also stressed that now there was compulsory independent mediation in the event of a loan default.

Malcolm Rowe also spoke of RFCS wellbeing councillors who can help farmers and business owners with the stress induced, directly or indirectly, by the dry conditions.

He concluded by urging farmers to be tough but not bullet-proof, to focus on the positives in their lives and to get off the farm regularly.

Agriculture Victoria’s Kate Linden, referred to her colleague, weather agronomist, Dale Gray, who scrutinises twelve meteorological models from around the world.

His findings are that the consensus outlook is improving although some of the models remain somewhat negative regarding the outlook for the ‘Green Triangle’ of south-west Victoria and the Lower South-East of South Australia.

“In other words, we don’t know,” she said.

She also urged farmers to look at the Soil Moisture Network website which shows that soil moisture is rising.

On the banking front, Sam Dohle of Rabobank and Daniel Knight of ANZ Banking Group gave insights to the problems that they saw.

Mr Dohle said that there was a clear increase in the demand for working capital with some 50 per cent of their portfolio now accessing funds.

Mr Knight reported a similar situation.

Sam Dohle emphasised that it was absolutely necessary for banks to ask detailed questions of their clients which could be annoying but was essential, particularly in view of the measures introduced by the Banking Royal Commission.

From the Warrnambool district, United Dairyfarmers of Victoria president, Bernie Free spoke of the difficulties faced with regard to both feed and, in the long term, possible stock water deficiencies.

The meeting was expertly facilitated by Hamilton district farmer, Todd Venning who demonstrated a profound understanding of the issues involved.

An interesting point made by Mr Venning was that the two worst droughts in the Hamilton District (1914 & 1967) both followed similar patterns to those unfolding at present, with high rainfall on the east coast and abnormally low precipitation in the Green Triangle.

Two themes were widely discussed, being firstly, the difficulties in accessing and possibly carting stock water in a drought, and secondly, the problems with increasing kangaroo numbers and red-tape delays associated with the now urgent need for culling.

Gringegalgona district grazier, John Dundon captured the frustrated mood of the meeting when, towards the end of proceedings, he spoke of the need for both farmers and all local people to recognise that they were in the same boat.

He referenced the Livestock Collective, a Perth (WA) based pro-active farmer interest group, who are organising a protest to Canberra.

They have a stand at the upcoming Sheepvention.