Farmer issues warning as drought leaves families without water
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Parts of Australia often face dry conditions, but what’s unfolding now deeply concerns communities.
In one region, locals say the situation is getting worse by the day.
Water shortages are hitting hard, with some farms nearing breaking point—not just threatening paddocks and animals but also the household supply families depend on.
Metcalfe-based sheep producer Duncan Barber has sounded the alarm, describing the situation as the worst drought he’s seen in over 40 years.
‘Our last good rain was in November last year,’ he shared, his voice heavy with concern.
Since then, the region has received a meagre 40ml of rain for the entire year—a figure that would make even the hardiest farmer shudder.
The impact on the land is devastating. Paddocks that once supported healthy flocks are now little more than dust bowls.
Duncan’s sheep are consuming a staggering 50 tonnes of barley every fortnight just to stay alive, and the stress is taking its toll.
Ewes are struggling to birth lambs, and heartbreakingly, many newborns are being abandoned by mothers too weak to care for them.
But it’s not just the animals who are suffering. For the first time in living memory, Duncan’s family farm has run out of drinking water.
‘It’s a hard thing to say,’ he admitted. ‘This is the first time that we’ve actually run out of drinking water.’
Duncan’s message is clear: farmers need more than just sympathy—they need recognition and real support from the government.
‘We really need the government to stand up and say, yes, Victoria is in a drought. And if they do declare it, then they’re going to have to do something about it. They are going to have to help us.’
The drought drags on despite repeated promises that rain is just around the corner.
‘They keep telling us, 'Yes, it’s going to rain. It’s going to rain next week.' But unfortunately, next week hasn’t happened for the last six months.’
While it’s easy to think of drought as a problem for farmers alone, these crises affect all Australians.
When farms struggle, food prices rise, rural communities suffer, and the nation’s food security is put at risk.
For older Australians, many of whom grew up in rural areas or have family on the land, these stories hit especially close to home.
Drought also puts immense pressure on local water supplies.
Towns across Victoria and beyond are facing water restrictions, and some are relying on emergency water carting just to keep taps running.
Every drop counts for those on tank water, and the anxiety of running dry is all too real.
In the past, both state and federal governments have offered drought relief packages, including financial assistance, mental health support, and subsidies for water carting and feed.
However, many farmers say these measures are not enough or are too slow to reach those in need.
There are also community-led initiatives, such as Buy a Bale and Rural Aid, which provide practical help to struggling families.
However, as Duncan’s story shows, the scale of the current crisis may require a much larger response.
If you’re wondering how to help, there are a few meaningful ways to make a difference.
Supporting rural charities such as Rural Aid, Aussie Helpers, and the Country Women’s Association can provide direct aid to farming families.
Choosing Australian produce also plays a vital role in keeping rural communities going.
And by sharing stories like Duncan’s, you can help raise awareness and pressure governments to take action.
Drought can take a heavy toll on mental health, especially for older Australians who may feel isolated or overwhelmed.
We know many of our members have lived through tough times on the land. Have you or your family been affected by drought? What advice would you give to those doing it tough right now? Share your stories and tips in the comments below—let’s support each other through these challenging times.
In one region, locals say the situation is getting worse by the day.
Water shortages are hitting hard, with some farms nearing breaking point—not just threatening paddocks and animals but also the household supply families depend on.
Metcalfe-based sheep producer Duncan Barber has sounded the alarm, describing the situation as the worst drought he’s seen in over 40 years.
‘Our last good rain was in November last year,’ he shared, his voice heavy with concern.
Since then, the region has received a meagre 40ml of rain for the entire year—a figure that would make even the hardiest farmer shudder.
Victorian farmers are facing a severe drought crisis, with some areas receiving only 40ml of rain this year. Credit: piyaset / iStock
The impact on the land is devastating. Paddocks that once supported healthy flocks are now little more than dust bowls.
Duncan’s sheep are consuming a staggering 50 tonnes of barley every fortnight just to stay alive, and the stress is taking its toll.
Ewes are struggling to birth lambs, and heartbreakingly, many newborns are being abandoned by mothers too weak to care for them.
But it’s not just the animals who are suffering. For the first time in living memory, Duncan’s family farm has run out of drinking water.
‘It’s a hard thing to say,’ he admitted. ‘This is the first time that we’ve actually run out of drinking water.’
Duncan’s message is clear: farmers need more than just sympathy—they need recognition and real support from the government.
‘We really need the government to stand up and say, yes, Victoria is in a drought. And if they do declare it, then they’re going to have to do something about it. They are going to have to help us.’
The drought drags on despite repeated promises that rain is just around the corner.
‘They keep telling us, 'Yes, it’s going to rain. It’s going to rain next week.' But unfortunately, next week hasn’t happened for the last six months.’
When farms struggle, food prices rise, rural communities suffer, and the nation’s food security is put at risk.
For older Australians, many of whom grew up in rural areas or have family on the land, these stories hit especially close to home.
Drought also puts immense pressure on local water supplies.
Towns across Victoria and beyond are facing water restrictions, and some are relying on emergency water carting just to keep taps running.
Every drop counts for those on tank water, and the anxiety of running dry is all too real.
In the past, both state and federal governments have offered drought relief packages, including financial assistance, mental health support, and subsidies for water carting and feed.
However, many farmers say these measures are not enough or are too slow to reach those in need.
There are also community-led initiatives, such as Buy a Bale and Rural Aid, which provide practical help to struggling families.
However, as Duncan’s story shows, the scale of the current crisis may require a much larger response.
If you’re wondering how to help, there are a few meaningful ways to make a difference.
Supporting rural charities such as Rural Aid, Aussie Helpers, and the Country Women’s Association can provide direct aid to farming families.
And by sharing stories like Duncan’s, you can help raise awareness and pressure governments to take action.
Drought can take a heavy toll on mental health, especially for older Australians who may feel isolated or overwhelmed.
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