Drought conditions in South Australia and Victoria are worsening, significantly impacting rural communities and farmers.

Travis Tobin, CEO of Livestock SA, highlighted that many farmers are facing unprecedented challenges, leading them to sell stock or purchase additional feed to cope with the drought.

Leonie Mills, a sheep and crop producer, has reduced her flock by 40% and spent $120,000 on hay to sustain her core breeding stock, illustrating the financial strain on farmers.

Sam Neumann, a farmer near Truro, reported extreme dryness on her sheep farm, with only 33.5mm of rain recorded in the first four months of 2025, and noted that the last meaningful rain occurred in November 2022.

Bernie Free, a dairy farmer in Warrnambool, has been forced to rely on purchasing hay and silage, expecting to run out soon, which will further strain his budget.

Cereal hay prices have surged to around $350 per tonne due to lower production and increased demand, presenting additional hurdles for farmers.

Charities like Rural Aid have been active in providing hay and water support to farmers, while also fostering community connections during this crisis.

Farm groups are advocating for more support in the upcoming 2025-26 budget, emphasizing that the impacts of drought extend beyond agriculture to affect entire rural communities.

The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts below-average rainfall from May to July, which will exacerbate conditions for livestock producers in regions facing their driest 14-month period on record.

In response to the crisis, the South Australian government has announced $55 million in drought assistance, complementing an earlier $18 million relief package, while Victoria has introduced a $13.5 million drought package.