Drought-hit farmers grateful for assistance

ABERDEEN NEWS — The drought in the Aberdeen district is causing extreme hardship for many farmers, with one farmer recording less than one-tenth of the normal long-term average rainfall in the last four years.

The areas to the south and west of Aberdeen are particularly hard hit, and for these farmers, the recent 1'' of rain in mid-November was a tremendous blessing. “Without this rain, the situation would be even more critical,” said Louis Lategan, one of those affected. “We would like to thank our Heavenly Father for this rain, and ask those in the district to continue to pray for us”.

The ongoing drought has had a major effect on the wool and mohair industry, with estimates of only 50% of normal production, and an alarming 80% drop in meat production. Many farmers are losing as many as 90% of their lambs. The devastating loss of livestock, as well as impacting on the availability of wool, mohair and meat, has also had severe repercussions on the farmers financially, with many of them struggling to pay off loans and pay their regular bills.

Lategan has been very involved in arranging for donations of fodder from farmers in other provinces, calling on long-term friends who have in turn roped in others. Since the start of his drought project, he has brought in more than 70 loads, with a value in excess of R4m.

Last Friday, about 25 more trucks carrying desperately-needed fodder arrived from Mpumalanga and Gauteng. This included two side tippers of mealies, worth about R100 000 each. One of these loads of mealies went to a hall near BKB in Cathcart Street, where the mealies were made available to the whole community, including the emerging farmers, at no cost.

The second load of mealies, along with the other trucks, was taken to the Aberdeen showgrounds. The premium quality grass in these other trucks was wrapped in white plastic, and on several of the bales, the lettering of DROOGTE HULP ABERDEEN could clearly be seen. In the dry season, these bales are worth about R600 each, and with transport costs included, the value of the grass bales alone is well over R1m.

At the showgrounds, farmers from as far afield as Steytlerville and Rietbron joined those from the Aberdeen district, patiently waiting to collect their share of the donated fodder. The donors who were present found it a very moving experience, to see the gratitude of the recipients, with some describing it as “the experience of a lifetime”.

After the fodder was unloaded, the organisers took the donors to the Aberdeen Club, where they were given a meal and met with many local farmers. Many new friendships were formed.

Lategan is very grateful to Christo Lategan, who has not only provided a tractor and manpower to help offload and load every donation but has also helped with the administrative work involved. “We need to be accountable to the donors,” said Louis, “and try to make sure that the feed goes to those who need it the most”.

According to records from the Kendrew district, the drought is the worst that has been experienced since 1820.

Louis would like to thank all the donors for their generosity towards those in need, and to those locally who have helped with the distribution. “The challenge now will be to come out of the drought and move forward, and we have faith that our Heavenly Father will see us through this” he concluded.