Farmhand Heroes
We're friends of farmers
When fires burn. When floods rise. When drought refuses to break.
Farmhand Heroes stands beside Australian farmers to provide practical help, skilled volunteers and genuine community support.
Because backing farmers means backing Australia.
No Farmer Should Face Disaster Alone
We're Friends of Farmers
Being a friend means turning up. It means lending a hand without being asked twice.
It means repairing fences. Clearing debris. Checking livestock. Milking cows. Sharing a meal. Listening when someone needs to talk.
Farmhand Heroes isn't just a volunteer program. We're mates helping mates.
Our Brand
Farmhand:
A worker on a farm.
Heroes:
People admired for their courage, achievements, or noble qualities.
Farmhand Heroes
Selfless and willing volunteer farm workers, celebrated for their positive impact on farmers and farming communities.
Our Farmhand Heroes provide direct and practical assistance to farmers and farming communities facing the challenges of disasters, including floods, fires, cyclones and drought.
How We Help
A Day With Farmhand Heroes
Our Farmers Need Your Backing - Be a Hero
Farmhand Heroes invites you to be part of our directed support and practical help for farmers and farming communities.
This is your opportunity to show farmers what they mean to you, and to acknowledge their importance to all Australians.
Join us, and get behind backing our farmers.
Read on to find out how you can become involved.
The Farmhand Heroes Music Video
We're so passionate about our Farmhand Heroes and raising awareness of the need to help Aussie farmers in their time of need, we've created a music video for all to enjoy. Hit the play button to see it.
Our Current & Recent Deployments
Fire Recovery
Drought Relief
Flood Recovery
The Importance of Backing our Farmers During Times of Drought
At disaster.org.au, we believe that drought affects farmers, economies, and communities in numerous disastrous ways. When drought strikes, we all feel its impact. Whether it's the prices we pay at the checkout, the scarcity or quality of food, or the care we share for animals, and the mental health of those on the front line of farming, drought has significant ramifications.
Farmhand Heroes brings people together to help drought-affected farmers and communities become more resilient through practical and supported assistance on the farm and beyond. It fills voids and offers hope to those struggling through drought-induced challenges.
Raising awareness, Farmhand Heroes brings together volunteers to provide specific and much-needed help to farmers and communities, offering them on-the-ground support to lend a hand on the farm, be a mental health supporter and friend, and alleviate some of the burdens that keep our valuable farmers feeling trapped with no way out.
Droughts can lead farmers to destitution through a combination of factors, including severe crop and livestock losses, increased debt, and difficulty accessing financial support. A prolonged and severe drought can deplete water resources, making it impossible to maintain adequate yields, and farmers may be forced to sell off livestock to survive, leading to significant financial strain. Farmers may also quit farming, lose or sell the farm, or, at worst, take their own life. All of these outcomes are terrible and avoidable.
Let’s break that down a little:
Reduced Income and Increased Costs:
• Crop and Livestock Losses: Droughts can cause significant losses in crop yields and pasture, leading to decreased income for farmers.
• Increased Input Costs: Farmers may need to purchase more expensive feed for livestock, rely on water for irrigation, or purchase seed or fertilisers, which can increase operating costs.
• Reduced Revenue: Lower crop yields and livestock losses result in lower revenue, making it harder for farmers to meet their financial obligations.
Financial Strain and Debt:
• Increased Debt: Farmers may borrow money to cover increased costs or to weather a drought, leading to higher debt burdens.
• Difficulty Paying Loans: Reduced income due to drought makes it difficult for farmers to pay off loans, potentially leading to foreclosure or bankruptcy.
• Restricted Access to Capital: Banks may be hesitant to lend to farmers struggling with drought, making it difficult to access working capital.
Challenges in Accessing Support:
• Eligibility for Support: Farmers may face difficulties accessing government drought relief programs due to strict eligibility criteria or delays in processing applications.
• Limited Financial Resources: Farmers with limited financial resources may find it challenging to cover the costs of implementing drought-resistant measures or accessing financial counselling.
• Social and Psychological Impacts: Drought can lead to stress, anxiety, and even mental health issues for farmers, making it harder to manage their businesses and access support.
Loss of Land and Way of Life:
• Forced Off the Land: In severe cases, farmers may be compelled to sell their land or relinquish farming altogether due to financial hardship.
• Long-Term Impacts: The loss of land and the disruption to farming practices can have long-term impacts on rural communities and economies.
Mental Health:
Ways You Can Help Us Support Farmers
You can help us back our farmers by getting involved in our core Farmhand Heroes focused support areas:
Practical support
Our volunteers help farmers with on-farm activities like fencing, hay stacking, planting, animal care, farm chores, water and crop management, and assisting with donations of feed, fodder and supplies.
Implementing drought resilience measures
We help farmers implement measures that support drought resilience, such as on-farm infrastructure, including stock containment, fodder storage, and reticulated water systems.
Emotional Support
By providing farmers with a supportive presence and providing a listening ear, we're checking in to combat isolation and encourage connection.
Social events and activities are also a great way we help provide emotional support to our farming communities.
Diversify Farming Businesses
To help farmers become more resilient, we love getting involved in supporting them in diversifying their farming businesses, particularly with water-efficient irrigation systems, crops, and drought-resistant varieties.
Corporate Volunteer
Corporate volunteering is a great way to gain new skills, a fresh way of thinking, and a great way to engage with farmers and farming communities, whilst also boosting your workplace spirit and morale.
Farm Experience
Our Farm Experience Program is a great way for people, families, groups and workplaces to learn what living on the land is all about. They provide skill development, appreciation, community connection and a unique experience to tick off your bucket list.
Raising Awareness
By raising awareness, we help reduce stigma and educate people about the challenges faced by farmers during droughts.
Donate or Sponsor
Helping support us with a financial or in-kind donation will help us achieve our Farmhand Heroes objectives. As a registered charity with deductible gift recipient (DGR) status, all donations over $2 are tax deductible. Please head to our "Donate" page where we provide a number of options to donate.