Another load of hay is ready for delivery to fire-affected Victorian farmers. Image – VFF Facebook.

MORE than 6000 large square and round bales of donated hay have been received for farms in the fire-affected areas of Victoria.

Victorian Farmers Federation chief executive officer Charlie Thomas said 6146 bales have been donated and about 30 consignments have been organised through the VFF’s Emergency Fodder Support Program, but not all have been delivered.

The fodder is going mainly into the Longwood area, he said, with access issues holding up deliveries into the Tallangatta area.

“We’re not getting as much demand from the west at the moment, I think they are self-servicing for that Skipton fire.”

Mr Thomas urged affected producers and carriers to contact top pre-register with the VFF to get the available transport subsidy for longer distance hay deliveries. He said the VFF was working to integrate with other active charities, including Hay Runners, Blaze Aid and Need for Feed, to ensure they were reimbursed for costs through Agriculture Victoria.

“I don’t think enough people are aware of the VFF donation process as well, but there is an easy website form and a 1300 number that people can call.”

Farmers needing fodder support and those wishing to donate fodder are encouraged to register via the VFF Emergency Fodder Program page: https://www.vff.org.au/vff-emergency-fodder-program/ or call us on 1300 882 833. Farmers can also request and offer agistment via the VFF website. Truck drivers are needed to help deliver donated fodder to farmers.

The VFF has also enacted its Disaster Relief Fund to provide immediate, farmer-led support to producers. Financial donations can be made via the VFF website.

VFF president Brett Hosking said the first truckloads of hay were delivered yesterday in the Alexandra area at the southern end of the Longwood fire area.

“Most of the hay is coming into the Longwood area, but we still have challenges with access around Ravenswood, but hopefully that will be resolved soon.”

Mr Hosking said there are still areas still burning and with trees and powerlines across roads.

Mr Hosking said there will be a need for volunteers to support some of the affected farmers with clean-up, before Blaze Aid steps in with assistance, but many are doing preliminary work with trusted neighbours.

“We will need excavators to clear fence lines as quickly as quickly as we can.

“The sooner we can make it ready for organisations like Blaze Aid to come, the sooner they can get on the ground and doing things,” he said.

“Please call 1300 882 833 and register your interest with the VFF.”

Mr Hosking said the response from the State Government for assistance has been good.

Mr Hosking said about 1156 farms with Property Identification Codes have been confirmed as affected by fires, with 978 in the Longwood area.

“Confirmed stock deaths are 16,500, and of that a bit over 1000 are cattle, but most are sheep.