Paule Crawford from Geraldine and Baz Hill, an Ashburton baling contractor, learned about feed shortages in Tasman from a friend who was evacuated from the fires.
They wanted to help so put the call out for hay with the idea being to get a truck and trailer load to Nelson.
The Nelson Fires Hay Convoy Facebook page by Friday had 14 trucks and trailers from Mid and South Canterbury delivering much-needed feed to Nelson.
“We never thought it would come to this – farmers, hay, contractors, trucking companies, drivers, there’s been just so much support. These guys are all just so amazing,” Crawford said.
“We haven’t had to approach anyone for anything. The offers have just kept pouring in.”
Offers of feed donations are now on hold until the need from Nelson farmers is assessed following the convoy’s delivery.
“This kind of grew a whole lot bigger than we ever imagined at the start and now we’re keen to look at how we can cover some running costs,” Hill said.
He estimates the cost at about $2000 a truck, including fuel and road user charges and there’s also accommodation for the drivers.
Donations towards the running costs of the hay convoy can be made through the group’s Facebook page or into the convoy bank account 12-3151-0245850-00 reference Nel fire.
Any leftover donations will be donated to the Nelson Firefighters’ Fund.
Crawford said many of the drivers and contractors are doing it out of their own pocket.
“It’s a big financial effort so we are very grateful and appreciative of this generosity and if we can help with even a little something towards their costs that would be just fantastic.”
The distribution of the feed in Nelson is being co-ordinated by Federated Farmers and Farmlands.
Into day 12 of the Tasman fires, Nelson farmers were eagerly awaiting the feed.
Desperate to be allowed access to their properties to assess damage they were finally allowed in on Thursday.
“Up until today we have only been allowed back in for a couple, of hours. That’s barely been long enough to feed stock and check water,” Eves Valley farmer Tim King said.
King was evacuated from his farm on day one of the fire.
With the cordon eased most farmers had access to their properties from 8am-2pm.
“I have had the time today to have a good walk and look around. It’s been feelings of relief and disbelief. We have been just so fortunate.
“I’ve lost a lot of fencing and pasture.
“But the house and all the stock are saved and I have enough room on the unburnt part of the farm to keep them, a least for now until we see what happens in the next week or so.”
King is looking forward to the arrival of the hay convoy.
“This feed is going to be absolute gold. We are super appreciative. It’s peace of mind to know we can feed our stock while we get back on our feet.”
King is hugely grateful to the firefighters and helicopter pilots but says the bulldozer and digger drivers working under the radar are the unsung heroes.
“I walked around my property and thought ‘holy shit, in the rest of my life I couldn’t rebuild the landscape they have saved along with our family home’. It really struck home.
“It’s just pretty cool to see what these guys have saved.”
Also evacuated on day one Redwood Valley farmer Graeme Sutton said the adrenalin is turning to frustration for many farmers still off their properties.
“Stress is setting in and while the message is getting through to the authorities it’s tough getting through each day and there’s no word of returning at this stage.”
Sutton also welcomed the feed convoy saying it will be a huge saviour for many in the valley.
“I’m using winter supplies to feed my deer and cattle at the moment so I’ll be looking forward to getting some feed into here.
“It’s humbling to see how supportive and generous other farmers and businesses are with feed volumes like this coming in.
“We are just so grateful. We have a long way to go yet.”
