The NSW government recently announced it would provide $20,000 in low-interest loans, with a two-year interest and repayment-free period, to help farmers pay for increased farming freight costs, including water and fodder cartage and in shifting stock. 

However, some farmers, such as Yeoval’s John Haycock, said the $20,000 on offer won’t last a month. 

“To get feed in for our stock costs about $10,000 per week. A $20,000 loan isn’t nearly enough,” he said.

“You just have to have a look at these properties to see that there’s nothing left.

“It’s just bare as can be. It’s as bad as the 1982 drought.”

Mr Haycock’s farm had one of the largest Red Angus cattle studs in Australia until six weeks ago, when they had to offload half their stock.

Now their farm, like much of the surrounding countryside, resembles a dust bowl. 

“We haven’t had good rain since December 2016, and had no crop last year,” he said.

Mr Donato said the Nationals had let farmers down.   

“They’re just ignoring farmers who are struggling with the drought,” the State member fired.

"This is a natural disaster and all that's on offer as support are Government loans. People don’t need more debt when they're already struggling.

"After fires and floods people whose livelihoods are affected are given immediate cash grants, and this drought is no different.”

Shooters Fishers and Farmers upper house member Robert Brown said the Coalition Government is too city-focused.