Agricultural
11 June, 2026
Rural Aid: as drought conditions deepen, demand for assistance grows
Charity Rural Aid is seeing demand for support services rise sharply, led by increased need for hay, water, and financial assistance.
Despite recent rainfall in some areas, much of New South Wales and southern Queensland remains in drought, with farming communities continuing to face ongoing feed and water shortages.
Prolonged dry conditions, combined with the lingering impacts of previous drought and fire events and rising operating costs, are placing sustained pressure on rural families and farming operations.
Rising demand for drought support
For the March - May 2026 period compared with March–May 2025, demand for hay assistance has increased by more than 500 per cent. This reflects continued pressure on farmers to secure feed and maintain livestock through extended dry conditions.
Financial assistance to help ease the pressure of other expenses for farmers has also increased by more than 200 per cent, highlighting growing cost pressures across drought-affected regions.
Water support remains essential, with total water delivered increasing by more than 70 per cent over the same comparison period. This reflects sustained demand for critical water deliveries across drought-affected communities.
Taken together, these trends highlight continued and increasing pressure on farming families as dry conditions persist across much of the region.
Farmers say Rural Aid’s support continues to make a meaningful difference in helping them get through prolonged drought conditions.
Nancy Pitkin, a cattle farmer from Tenterfield said Rural Aid has been a consistent source of support through both drought and fire recovery.
“Rural Aid has assisted us in a number of different ways through drought and fire,” Mrs Pitkin said.
“When things have been really tough, they’ve been there with support that actually makes a difference on the ground, but also in how you cope day to day.”
“The mental health support has been just as important as anything else. Knowing someone is there to talk to takes a bit of pressure off when things are really stretched.”
“They don’t just help once and walk away, they stay connected, and that matters when you’re living through something long term.”
Cattle and crop producer Kathy Gleeson from Ashford said Rural Aid’s assistance has been a vital lifeline during ongoing dry conditions.
“The support from Rural Aid has been unbelievable,” Ms Gleeson said.
“It’s not just the practical help, it’s the fact they actually show up when things are really hard and help you keep going.”
“They give you hope when you’re looking at empty paddocks and trying to make hard decisions every day.”
“Knowing there’s someone out there backing farmers through this makes a huge difference.”
Australians urged to make your tax time donation to support farmers as drought pressures continue
Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said continued community support is essential as farming families face ongoing drought conditions across multiple regions.
“Even with some recent rainfall in parts of the state, many farming communities are still very much in drought conditions,” Mr Warlters said.
“The ongoing nature of these conditions continues to place significant pressure on farming families.”
“It is with donations from the public that we can fund and continue delivering hay, water, financial assistance and counselling to those who need it most.”
Across rural Australia, farmers are battling drought, rising costs and relentless pressure. They can’t face these challenges alone. Donate today to help provide the practical and mental health support farmers need to keep going.
Donate today: www.taxtime.ruralaid.org.au.
Farmers seeking assistance can contact Rural Aid on 1300 327 624 or visit www.ruralaid.org.au.
About Rural Aid:
Rural Aid is Australia’s leading charity supporting farmers, their families and rural communities. Rural Aid delivers practical assistance during drought, fire, flood and other disasters, helping farming families stay on the land and protect their livelihoods. Through disaster relief, mental health support and community development programs, Rural Aid works with partners, supporters and volunteers to strengthen rural communities and ensure farmers have the support they need to recover, rebuild and remain connected.
