APRA is proud to support Need for Feed Australia, with 20% of all 2025 merchandise sales through to the end of April going directly toward helping farmers and rural communities when they need it most. Through drought, flood, or fire, Need for Feed delivers vital fodder for livestock to keep families afloat during some of their toughest moments.
We chose to support Need for Feed because of their unwavering commitment to rural Australia. The organisation is managed entirely by volunteers, ensuring that 100% of donations go into communities where help is urgently needed.
Need for Feed began as a Lions Club project in 2006–07, during what was then the driest period on record—the Millennium Drought. As bushfires ravaged rural regions, the need for support became overwhelming. The idea was sparked by Lions Club member Graham Cockerell, who wanted to spare other farming families the heartbreak he had experienced himself. After witnessing the devastation of bushfires in East Gippsland while donating his own hay, Graham returned home determined to do more. With the backing of his Lions Club and a group of like‑minded mates, Need for Feed was born.
From those humble beginnings, Need for Feed Australia has grown into the leading provider of emergency fodder at both state and national levels, recognised by governments and agencies alike. Now in their 20th year, they have delivered over $45 million in aid, reaching farmers from King Island to Western Queensland, and from the Northern Rivers of New South Wales to South Australia’s Riverland. Their work is driven by the hard work and dedication of the network of Lions members and volunteers who move quickly when disaster strikes—and stay for the long haul until communities are back on their feet.
Most recently, Need for Feed has been supporting Victorian communities impacted by January’s bushfires and Queenslanders affected by flooding. The Victorian fires and QLD flooding hit close to home for many APRA members. One of the impacted communities was Alexandra, with the rodeo being postponed due to the Longwood fire. The Alexandra Rodeo Committee partnered with Need for Feed to coordinate fodder deliveries across the Murrindindi Shire and their rodeo grounds became a hay depot, to help impacted farmers across the area. Just shows how important the work of Need for Feed Australia is.
So if you’re thinking about kitting yourself out with some APRA merch, now is the perfect time to shop and help support our mates across Australia with Need for Feed Australia.
