‘Pretty Dire’: Victorian Farmer Says It’s the Worst Drought He’s Seen in 30 Years

Bernie Free says government support may not be enough.

Thousands of farmers and volunteer firefighters gather outside Victoria's State Parliament to protest against the new levy, in Melbourne, Australia, on May 20, 2025. William West/AFP via Getty Images

In his 30 years in the industry, Bernie Free has not experienced a drought like the one that is currently gripping Victoria.

The president of United Dairy Farmers of Victoria is based in Winslow, just north of Warrnambool. He says the subsequent shortage of hay has crippled dairy and beef farmers.