At drought forums held across the State last week, rural communities were adamant that adverse social impacts caused by drought were far from over. They said further government assistance was vital for the survival of SA farming.

Farmers, business operators and social support providers said the exodus of youth from rural towns, depression and the stress of paperwork were some of the chief social impacts of the drought. Forums held at Keith, Gawler, Orroroo and Wudinna were a part of a national tour by an expert panel examining the social effects of drought.

* Extract from a full report in Stock Journal, September 8 issue.