106 loads of hay bound for SA
It’s the most Aussie thing you’ll see this Australia Day long weekend. A record number of big rugs, loaded with much needed hay for hungry stock, bound for drought stricken South Australia.
That’s right, while many of us have been putting our feet up and recharging our batteries for another year ahead, the dry conditions that have plagued much of the state for months have continued to cause anguish for livestock owners.
This weekend, as many of us load up the car with eskies and beach umbrellas, our interstate mates from Aussie Hay Runners have loaded 3,630 bales of premium quality donated hay valued at $400,000 and they’re headed our way.
With welcome assistance from the South Australian Government’s $2 million commitment to assist with freight costs to transport donated fodder, Aussie Hay Runners are thrilled to hit the road on their biggest mercy mission yet.
One hundred and six trucks (60 in the first convoy) will cover an incredible 218,770 kilometres, delivering stockfeed to 130 struggling South Aussie farmers over an astounding 11 council areas including the Adelaide Plains, Ceduna, Ellison, Goyder, Mid Murray, Mount Remarkable, Murray Bridge, Northern Areas, Orroroo/Carrieton, Peterborough and Wakefield.
Another generous 33 truck haul of hay was delivered across the state by Aussie Hay Runners in November.
The “dream maker” behind Aussie Hay Runners
Linda Widdup, the passionate founder behind Aussie Hay runners said her team couldn’t be prouder to be working alongside the SA Government to help make their first run for 2025 happen.
“Belive me, there’s been a lot involved,” she said. “As always, our reputation is of utmost importance to us and every single bale is top quality oaten or wheaten hay with the highest nutritional value possible, it’s so fresh, it’s just been baled!”
Linda, who has spent her life driving trucks and working in the transport industry, was the worthy recipient of a 2024 Transport Women Australia Dream Maker Award.
Dedicated to sourcing quality hay donations and trucks and drivers to get feed where it’s needed most, she always tells farmers “it’s not a hand out – it’s a hand up”. She knows that helping farmers and their families during their time of need also eases pressure on wider communities.
The first convoy will leave Bridgewater, Victoria, early Saturday morning via the Calder Highway bound for Peterborough, travelling via Sea Lake, Mildura, Renmark, Morgan and Burra, arriving at the Peterborough Rodeo Grounds, where a farmers meet and greet dinner will be held.
Donations to Aussie Hay Runners are very welcome, and Linda’s team guarantees that 100 per cent of all donations will be used to purchase hay for Aussies facing natural disaster. You’ll find the details for donations here.
