Standing together in drought to support the people who grow our food and care for our land

Many Australian farmers are hurting. The ongoing drought gripping large parts of the country has left a visible mark on the landscape and an invisible weight on the shoulders of farming communities. Beyond the dry fields and empty dams lies a quieter crisis - isolation, stress, and mental health.

Irrespective of your beliefs on climate change, if you consume meat or are a vegetarian/vegan, or if you live in a city or rural/regional area – standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the people who grow our food and care for our land is incredibly important. If you care about where your food comes from, now is the time to act. This article shows how - through listening, buying local, supporting rural charities, and advocating for fair policies.

This article focuses on some of the things that we can do to support Australian farmers. In the coming weeks, we'll hear personal stories of drought directly from farmers, and strategies for increasing drought resilience.

What farmers need most right now

I spoke with a couple of farmers this week to ask what would help them get through. My practical brain went straight to solutions — feed, water tanks, drought reclassification. But what I heard was clear: connection is just as crucial as resources.

Yes, more feed is critical — but sourcing and transporting it is a challenge. Yes, water tanks help — but not if there’s no rain to fill them. When the drought drags on and media attention fades, many farmers feel forgotten. We all have a role to play in reminding farmers they are valued, supported, and not alone.

Weather and climate – they aren’t the same thing

Weather refers to short term, observable weather conditions at a particular place and time. It refers to the temperature, humidity, precipitation (rain and snow), and atmospheric pressure, and is measured in periods of minutes to weeks. Today in the Victorian High Country it is 10 degrees and cloudy with a chance of snow for the rest of the week.

Climate refers to the long-term average of weather conditions over a particular region, typically measured in periods of decades or more. It refers to long-term patterns in temperature, rainfall and extreme weather. Long-term climate projections for the Victorian High Country show decreasing rainfall patterns, decreased snowfall in the mountains during winter, and more extreme weather events such as early freeze conditions affecting crops and livestock. 

Weather triggers drought, while climate determines drought risk and severity.

A long-term pattern of reduced rainfall

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, rainfall deficiency is increasing in severity in south-eastern states, and areas of soil moisture deficiency continue across much of southern Australia. 2024 and 2025 have brought devastatingly low rainfall. Many regions of Victoria and South Australia received just 40% of their normal rainfall, as well as more extreme heat days and warmer nights. In the past year and a half, parts of Western Victoria and South-West Victoria have had their lowest rainfalls on record, dating back to 1900. For Tasmania, rainfall has been 48% below average, the driest start to the year since 1900.

The combination of less rain and more heat dries out soils, limits pasture growth, and drains water supplies, placing unbearable strain on farmers. Many farmers are adapting where possible including changing farming practices and trying new technologies, however, the scale of change needed is significant. And it comes with an emotional toll.

Farmers are the lifeblood of Australia

Australian farmers are the lifeblood of rural communities, the source of the food we eat, the fibre we wear, and a deep part of our national identity. When drought hits farmers, the ripples are felt across Australia in various ways:

• Food supply and prices: Reduced yields and livestock numbers push up grocery prices.

• Regional economies: Towns rely on farm spending; when farms struggle, local businesses do too.

• National resilience: Australia’s food security depends on a healthy agricultural system, especially in a changing climate.

• Environmental stewardship: Farmers manage 55% of the Australian landscape. Their ability to care for soil, water, and biodiversity during drought affects all Australians.

Here are some practical ways communities and individuals can support farmers and show them that we are standing behind them:

• Reach out: A call, message, or visit helps break isolation.

• Shop local: Buy from farm gates, farmers’ markets, or regional co-ops.

• Give back: Donate to Rural Aid, BlazeAid, Country Women's Association or Farm Angels.

• Show up: Host a fundraiser or community event.

• Speak up: Advocate for smart drought policy and fairer systems.

• Listen deeply: Empathy matters more than advice.

The road ahead

This drought is a reminder that we are all connected - city and country, producer and consumer. Over the coming weeks, we’ll explore drought resilience strategies and share more farmer interviews on:

• Personal stories of drought

• Building farm resilience from climate and weather-related risks

• What’s helped — and what hasn’t

• Messages for everyday Australians

• Messages of hope for other farmers

Let’s stand with our farmers - today, and every day.

For more insights, or to learn about how SEAOAK is helping rural communities adapt and thrive, connect with us on LinkedIn or send us an email ebony@seaoakconsulting.com.au