These farmers are really generous, hay?

LORRY loads of KwaZuluNatal hay have been making their way across the Transkei to help farmers on the far side of the Eastern Cape who suffered from the fires that razed areas around Knysna last month.

The 50 bales on each vehicle come from Greytown.

“We’ve had hard time here,”said Dean Brown, chairman of the Umvoti Agricultural Society. “But the two years of drought that we’re still in is not as bad as the devastation they’ve had.”

Brown said he had sent an email to the society’s members after chatting about the situation in the Eastern Cape with another Umvoti farmer. “The response was overwhelming.”

The fodder is destined for Thornhill, which is between Port Elizabeth and Jeffrey’s Bay.

“Six or seven loads have gone down. There’ll be a total of 20,” said Brown.

It all amounts to more than 1 000 bales, which should see the Thornhill farmers through winter.

“Farmers in Umvoti are known for their community spirit … but the level of generosity our members have shown has blown me away and I couldn’t be more proud,” Brown said.

Grant Puttergill, of the Thornhill Farmers’ Association said, the fires had devastated lives and livelihoods.

“Some of us have lost everything. Our situation is desperate and there are no words to express how thankful we are. It is a rare example of how selfless people can be.

Sandy La Marque, the chief executive of KZN Agricultural Union, Kwanalu, said the union was proud of the efforts of its affiliate, the Umvoti Agricultural Society.

“The kindness shown by farmers in KZN to help those in need is never short of inspiring,” she said.