With limited losses at Sutton, around 20 animals killed, Tarago farmers were not as fortunate.

Local Land Service assessment found around 230 animals deceased, 110 animals destroyed on welfare grounds and 150 animals unaccounted for.

With over 10,000 kilometers burnt since the fires began on Tuesday, January 17, farmers are faced now with feeding the thousands of stock who survived the fires.

In response, Local Land Services, in conjunction with the Department of Primary Industries, is facilitating the provision of emergency fodder for all livestock on substantially fire affected properties in the Mount Fairy/Tarago and Sutton regions.

“The main aim of providing emergency fodder to affected landholders is to support a positive animal welfare outcome. The emergency provision is the equivalent to livestock requirements for three days.” Annelies McGaw from Local Land Services said.

While the loss has been devastating to residents who were victims of the recent fires, the support across the region has been overwhelming. 

“We have also been contacted by landholders wanting to donate emergency fodder and transport it to those affected, once again demonstrating the resilience of rural communities and how we join together in difficult times,” she said.

To access provisions, affected landholders need to contact Local Land Services in Goulburn, with their name; contact details; address of affected property; size; an indication of the areas burnt and the number and type of stock requiring fodder.