More than $110,000 was raised to help feed livestock on drought-affected farms, thanks to support from the local community, who attended and donated at the Buy a Bale High Country Ball.
Held in Mansfield on Saturday night, more than 260 people attended the event.
The total figure was bolstered by strong bidding on the charity auction’s lead item, a B-double truck load of SuPerfect fertiliser.
The fertiliser was purchased by Rennie De Maria, Alliance Insurance, and Mick and Ann McCormack, Nenagh Pastoral, Mansfield, for $20,000.
The SuPerfect was part of a massive donation of ten B-double truck loads from Incitec Pivot Fertilisers in conjunction with local Dealer, Benalla Bulk Fertilizers.
But the charity auction had something for everyone, with bull and horse semen donated and offered, to a sapphire and diamond ring, and a golfing holiday in Tasmania.
Organising committee member Leanne Backwell said the ball was a huge success, which drew the local community together.
“Farmers and businesses were quick to show their support through ticket sales, sponsorships and donations towards the night, or items for the charity auction,” Ms Backwell said.
“It’s a rare function in Mansfield that brings together young and old.”
The SuPerfect fertiliser is one of several charity auction items which will be offered in the weeks following the ball to continue raising money for farming families doing it tough.
Benalla Bulk Fertilizers will also donate a further $10 a tonne to Buy a Bale for every tonne of SuPerfect they cart and spread for the charity auction’s winning bidders.
Incitec Pivot Fertilisers marketing manager Will Henzell and regional business manager Matt Robertson attended the country ball.
Mr Henzell told guests that the stories and feedback he had been hearing each week from Incitec Pivot’s field team gave him a clear picture of the depth of the problem, and made it impossible not to get involved in some way.
“We’re pleased to be able to offer help to farming families doing it tough,” Mr Henzell said.
He encouraged farmers to make a bid for the remaining SuPerfect lots, to help out a “fellow farmer”.
“With a semi-trailer load of hay estimated to cost Buy a Bale up to $9000 delivered, the funds raised at the ball have already gone a long way, but we can still raise more,” he said.
