Behind the farm gate: Rural Aid shines light on hidden burden

THEY feed the nation, battle the elements and keep going when times get tough, but behind the farm gate, many Australian farming families are carrying a burden few ever see.

Now Rural Aid is calling on Australians to stand alongside those who work the land, launching a national appeal to help farming families facing the often relentless pressures of keeping their livestock, livelihoods and families going.

From natural disasters and rising costs to financial strain and the uncertainty of what the next season might bring, the charity says the pressures of farming can take a heavy toll.

Image: Supplied/Rural Aid Australia

And while farmers are renowned for rolling up their sleeves and getting on with the job, Rural Aid says they shouldn’t have to face their toughest times alone.

The organisation’s new Carry the Weight appeal aims to ensure farming families have someone in their corner when adversity strikes, providing everything from hay and financial assistance to disaster recovery and mental health support.

The scale of that assistance was laid bare in new figures provided by Rural Aid, which show more than 300 farming families received financial support during the first six months of 2026 alone.

Between January 1 and June 30, the charity also delivered more than 4000 bales of hay to help farmers feed livestock, supplied 114 water tanks to improve water resilience and provided almost 10 million litres of drinking water to 437 farming families.

Image: Supplied/Rural Aid Australia

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters said the need for support often continued long after the immediate danger of a natural disaster had passed.

“Natural disasters can change a farming family’s life in a matter of hours, but recovery takes much longer,” Mr Warlters said.

“Once the initial response is over, farmers are often left repairing fences, replacing damaged infrastructure, caring for livestock and working to get their businesses back on track.

“The reality is that many farmers can feel isolated when they are facing these challenges.

“Rural Aid is there to remind them they are not alone, providing practical assistance, wellbeing support and a connection to people who understand what they are going through.”

Rural Aid CEO John Warlters | Image: Supplied/Rural Aid Australia

For fourth-generation NSW dairy farmer Jason Cousins, that support became a lifeline after flooding struck his property near Singleton in 2022.

Rural Aid contacted Mr Cousins in the aftermath and connected him with counselling support, a relationship that has continued years later.

“I still talk to them today. This is from back in 2022,” Mr Cousins said.

“I don’t know where I’d be today if it wasn’t for that lifeline of the Rural Aid lady ringing me up that day.”

He said having someone to talk to had helped him navigate the challenges that continued long after the floodwaters receded.

“Talking to the Rural Aid counsellors helps you work through things and work out how to cope,” he said.

“It helps you get through those tough times.”

Image: Supplied/Rural Aid Australia

Further north, Tenterfield farmer Nancy Pitkin has also experienced the difference Rural Aid’s practical and wellbeing support can make when times become difficult.

“Rural Aid assisted us with fencing materials and hay, which was so appreciated, and they also provided mental health counselling,” Ms Pitkin said.

“When times are tough and someone like Rural Aid reaches out, they’re the little things that keep you above ground.”

Mr Warlters said those experiences demonstrated why Rural Aid’s work extended well beyond the initial response to a disaster.

“Recovery is not measured in days or weeks. For many farmers, it is a journey that takes months and years,” he said.

“Our commitment is to be there for farmers throughout that journey, providing support when they need it most and helping rural communities remain strong.”

Image: Supplied/Rural Aid Australia

The Carry the Weight campaign is calling on Australians to help ensure that support remains available to farming families when they need it.

“Farmers do so much for all of us, and when dealing with adversity, they need Australians in their corner too,” Mr Warlters said.

“A donation can help provide hay when there is no feed for livestock, financial assistance when a family is under pressure, help after a disaster or mental health support when someone needs it.

“Please stand with our farming families and help carry the weight.”

Rural Aid supports farmers, their families and rural communities through natural disasters and other periods of adversity, delivering practical assistance, financial help, mental health services and community development programs.

Farmers needing support, or Australians wanting to contribute to the appeal, can visit Rural Aid’s website or call 1300 327 624.

Donations to Rural Aid are tax deductible.