Generous truckies will head north on January 7, carting hay to drought-affected farms in central west Queensland.
Founder of Burrumbuttock Hay Runners, Brendan Farrell, says over 100 trucks have already volunteered to cart donated hay from the Riverina, New South Wales, to Aramac in Queensland on January 7, 2016.
He has issued an invitation for other generous truck operators keen to help drought-affected farmers in the north: “If they’ve got a heart of gold and they like thinking they’re helping someone they’ve never met, give us a ring.”
Brendan hopes to set the world record for the longest convoy of trucks carting donated hay. He says 100 trucks could cart 5000 big squares and rolls. And if more trucks take part “we could end up with 7000 squares”.
Brendan is a truck driver, farmer and hay merchant based in the Riverina. He carts general freight, grain and hay in a 1994 Kenworth K100E.
He says most of the trucks taking part in the hay run belong to owner-drivers or small fleet operators.
“It’s all about the heart of the small independent truckies. We don’t see many of the multinationals ever put their hand up for anything like this.”
The drivers are motivated by compassion for farmers suffering consecutive years of drought.
“I’ve seen the toughest, roughest blokes in central Queensland burst into tears with this drought,” Brendan says.
This will be the 10th hay run Brendan has organised. The first nine runs carried a total of about 16,500 big squares and rolls to drought-affected areas.
The Rotary Club of Sydney is collecting public donations which will be distributed between the participating truck companies to reimburse part of their fuel costs. To donate, visit the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners Facebook page for details.
If you are a truck operator keen to take part in the convoy, or if you want to donate quality hay, phone Brendan on 0439 322 605.
Read the full story in the December 2015 issue of Owner//Driver.