By Matthew Sims
Beaconsfield Upper’s Graham Cockerell has been far and wide across Australia for about 18 years, delivering hay bales to farmers struggling through drought as the chairman and co-founder of the Lions Clubs’ initiative Need for Feed.
The Cardinia branch of the Victorian Farmers Federation has recognised his achievements with its Agricultural Achievement Award for 2024, bestowing the honour during the branch’s annual dinner on Friday 23 August.
Originating from the Lions Club of Pakenham, Mr Cockerell came up with the idea after losing his own father to farm-related suicide years earlier.
Starting with one small truckload of his own hay sent to East Gippsland, he knew more needed to be done.
Since then, Need for Feed has grown to be recognised as the leading provider of emergency fodder at a state and national level, with the total value of aid delivered to date exceeding $45 million, providing aid in the wake of fires, floods and droughts.
In 2020, Need for Feed became a registered charity in its own right, while remaining a Lions Club project and fully managed by volunteers.
VFF Cardinia branch vice president Ian Anderson said Need for Feed was a key supporter of farmers across Australia.
“Need for Feed have made an absolutely exceptional effort to get fodder to farmers,“ he said.
“The need for organisations like Need for Feed is more relevant than ever.
“There will always be a need for more fodder.“
Mr Cockerell said he was honoured to receive the award.
“It was a big surprise,“ he said.
Mr Cockerell said he was proud of what Need for Feed had been able to achieve over the past 18 years.
“It’s pretty amazing to start with something so small and grow with the support of people,“ he said.
Mr Cockerell said with volunteers leading and running the charity, more support was always needed from farmers far and wide.
“If you do support us, you know where your dollars are going,“ he said.
“It’s really just farmers supporting farmers.“
“You never really know what’s next.“
For more information or to donate funds or fodder, visit www.needforfeed.org
