Drought

It's been great to have deputy leader of the National Party Senator Perin Davey in SA the last two days to get an on the ground perspective of the drought affecting most of the state's farmers. Heading up through the Clare Valley to Jamestown with Peter Borda - Nationals for Grey and then on to Laura and the Laura Ag Bureau, the Senator had an opportunity to talk to farmers and small business owners affected by the dry.

The seat of Grey is facing two droughts - a rainfall drought and a childcare drought with locals telling the Senator that the lack of childcare is compounding the issue as farm incomes tighten and the ability to supplement that with off farm income is limited by childcare options.

The drought has not only impacted the immediate productivity of farms but has also created a ripple effect throughout the entire supply chain, influencing everything from grain pricing to employment rates in rural communities.

Monique Crossling - Nationals for Senate and Perin caught up with Grain Producers SA for a broader industry view of the drought and the economic toll it is causing.