While the media covers fires and floods in the eastern states, there’s not much being said about the ongoing drought here in WA. After repeated calls for help, Farmers Across Borders is gearing up to support pastoralists and livestock owners across the Gascoyne / Mid West Region.

Two Runs

Due to the high number of applications and the trucks available, we’ll be delivering fodder from Grass Path and Beverley across two runs:

• Run 1 (Australia Day Weekend): delivering to Gascoyne Junction
• Run 2 (planned for the week of 2 February): delivering to Meekatharra, Cue and the Mid West

We’re working hard to make sure everyone who has applied receives feed, as quickly and safely as we can.

Why this matters

The messages coming in have been consistent and confronting. Long-term pastoralists are telling us these are the worst conditions they’ve ever experienced.
We’re hearing reports of:

• Early musters, including separating calves from cows to give both a better chance of survival.
• Forced destocking due to feed and water shortages.

“Over the past few weeks we have received 21 applications for assistance,” Farmers Across Borders Chairperson Sam Starcevich said. “These pastoralists care for about 20,000 head of livestock. This run is about animal welfare, and about standing beside people and communities carrying the mental load of prolonged hardship.”

“When seasons are this relentless, it impacts wellbeing and no one should feel like they’re facing it alone.”

Hay run schedule (Run 1)

• Loading: Friday 23 January
• Departure: Saturday 24 January
• Arrival: 25–26 January to the Gascogne Junction Depot

Farmers Across Borders is working through permits and logistics with Main Roads WA to make sure the convoy is safe, compliant, and efficient.

How you can help

Like all feed runs, this takes a big volunteering effort and significant resourcing behind the scenes (especially fuel).

“All the feed, trucks and trailers are donated, and our drivers are volunteers,” said Sam. “Our biggest need right now is donations to help cover fuel costs.”

Every contribution helps. Whether it’s a dollar, a share, or a business stepping up with support (check out our Sponsorship Packages).

With thanks

A huge thank you to the people and organisations helping make this run possible:
Fuel Sponsors

• Blue Dog Mechanical
• Aussie Hay Runners

Depot Coordination

• Gascoyne Junction depot for local coordination support

Practical Funding

• Department Primary Industries & Regional Development: In 2024, Farmers Across Borders received $150,000 from DPIRD. This helped pay for the baling and stacking of the straw we’re using for this run. (Side note: baling and stacking is one of our biggest costs, so this support helped us restock without dipping into community donations.)

If you’re able to help in any way – donation, sponsorship, logistics support, or simply sharing the message – it genuinely makes a difference.

Visit our website: Farmers Across Borders