Queensland farmers' kind gesture to drought-stricken colleagues
A Queensland sweet potato growing business has donated a whopping 22 tonnes of produce to struggling farmers in New South Wales.
Mortimers Farms, based in Bundaberg in the state’s southeast, made the touching gesture in recognition of the drought-affected farmers doing it tough down south.
The rejected supermarket stock will feed hungry cattle on farms in Gunnedah.
“Today Mortimers Farms Pty Ltd and Rosie Produce have worked with Aussies Helpers and the Australian Sweet Potato Growers Association to send our reject sweet potatoes to our drought-stricken farmers in NSW,” Mortimers posted on its Facebook page on Thursday.
“Farmers helping farmers!”
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The sweet potatoes are rejected by supermarkets due to blemishes or splits in the produce.
But hungry cattle in drought-stricken areas are not too fussy about the cosmetic appearance of their fodder.
“As a farmer, why wouldn’t we help where we can?” Shana Mortimer, who runs the potato farm with husband Russell, told Yahoo 7.
“What our fellow farmers are going through is almost unfathomable to most Australians and heartbreaking.
“These potatoes are not acceptable for market standards and cattle absolutely love them.
“We have an excess in stock and our fellow farmers are struggling to keep breeding stock alive.
“It’s an absolute no-brainer.”
The Australian Sweet Potato Growers Association is banding together to provide further relief and trucks to the worst-affected areas, she said.
