In the first half of 2018 Thirsty Cow and Olsson’s join together to deliver $85,000 worth of salt block products to NSW Drought stricken farmers. Chairman Ian Howard says “Livestock, poultry and other farm animals do not receive adequate amounts of sodium and chloride when drought strikes farming regions. We sincerely thank Olsson’s for their continued support in ‘helping Aussie farmers in need’”.
In rural Queensland and New South Wales particularly the “Thirsty Cow” brand and its volunteer network is now very well known and has become an icon for the provision of “in kind” aid to rural farmers and graziers and their families struggling against natural disasters.
But more needs to be done!
In December 2013 the ABC News acknowledged Thirsty Cow’s support in assisting drought-hit graziers and the donations of goods and financial assistance that flowed (refer: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-11/drought-hit-graziers-get-more-donations/5149406)
In November 2013 the ABC News interviewed Thirsty Cow volunteer Greg Douglas who arranged truck loads of cattle supplements to be sent to Western Queensland to help drought-stricken graziers. With Thirsty Cow farmers helped other farmers by donating 40 pallets of lick blocks to be used at around 25 properties
(refer: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-13/more-donations-flow-for-drought-stricken-winton-graziers/5088582)
During the 2009 “Black Saturday” bushfire disaster in Victoria over four semi-trailers of animal first aid products, feed and 30 portable power generators were donated and distributed in the King Lake area which had been very badly affected by fires. All goods and transport were donated by Thirsty Cow supporters and sponsors.
In June 2008 the Queensland Times introduced Thirsty Cow and its mission to lend a helping hand to struggling farmers. A weekend of activity held at the Gatton Showgrounds got results and raised funds for drought and flood-affected farmers (refer: http://www.qt.com.au/news/apn-thirsty-for-farm/79909/ )