Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in NSW
Well, we all held our breath and patiently waited for Alfred to hit. 10 days’ notice from the BOM was appreciated by all. Seemingly skipping over areas that we assumed would be smashed with wild weather along with areas such as Dorrigo in Northern NSW that were not expected to be hit, certainly copped the feral weather that Alfred brought to town.
With over 1metre of rain having been reported as falling in the week of Alfred, Dorrigo and the producers in the area have a recovery road ahead of them, time frame unknown as we are all too aware.
Land slips posing imminent danger, tanker access limited to farm, with the Waterfall Way being closed for a week and the back road to Grafton not the best track, it was touch and go for the farmers in the region. Naturally milk has been dumped and reports coming from the area of sink holes appearing in driveways. Calf shed rooves disappeared in the storm, along with machinery shed rooves. Causeways and crossings were washed out posing difficulties with cattle crossing, and dams being washed out as well.
With winter planting of ryegrass, oats and the likes normally well underway, this has been postponed for many, saturated paddocks and holding of silt build up. These factors are delaying the winter plant, the feed gap is going to be extended well past the normal for the Dorrigo region.
Like every dairy farmer they clean up, rebuild fences, fix the shed and get on with animal husbandry and milking, ensuring that we will all have fresh milk available for our morning coffee tomorrow.
NSW Governments help – one $15,000 transport subsidy, how far will this go, not touching the tip of the iceberg. EastAUSmilk are working hard at lobbying to have this changed and upgraded for the region.
Abby McMillan – EastAUSmilk – NSW Member Services Officer
Keeping eastAUSmilk Board Members Busy… and Well Informed
August 30th marks the day for the eastAUSmilk AGM. This year it is being held in Wingham, NSW. Wingham lies in the Manning Valley on the Mid North Coast of NSW.
With over 100 dairy families on the Mid North Coast, the industry is ripe in the area, with many young families making their mark in the industry and ‘having a go’.
Board Members will be treated to a very busy and educational three-day tour of the area, beginning with their arrival in Gloucester, a picturesque town inland of Wingham, for two farm tours. The evening will see Board members meeting with local producers and their families over a meal, whilst patronising a local establishment, and appreciating what local farmers are able to provide.
Day Two is jam packed with four producer meetings on farm, leaving Gloucester early and heading to Wingham for the first farm tour, ensuring that board members are seeing the best of the coast. Continuing the focus on local producers and local produce, lunch will be a local fish co-op, situated just down the road from dairy farm tour number three, treating those who are joining eastAUSmilk to the best local fishery and agricultural produce that the area has to offer.
Day Three the final day on the Mid North Coast with breakfast in gorgeous Wingham, followed by guest speakers before morning tea and the AGM, which is to be held at Wingham Golf Club. The AGM will be followed by networking and discussion over lunch before all start making their way to their respective homes.
All members are warmly invited to attend the Annual General Meeting at Wingham Golf Club at 10:15am on 30 August 2024: a more formal meeting notice will be provided shortly.
Abby McMillan, NSW Member Services Officer