The challenge supports the Rural Aid-led Buy a Bale initiative.

Rural Aid is supplying emergency hay to farmers, particularly in NSW, who are struggling to keep livestock alive during the drought. 

Gift Hotel in Stawell is one of the pubs raising money for the initiative.

Manager Mattie Jones said $2 from every full-priced parma would go towards the fundraiser. The venue will also have a donation box at the main bar and a meat tray raffle on Friday nights.

“In Stawell and the surrounding areas, there are lots of farmers and they are struggling,” Mr Jones said. 

“The fundraiser helps out the guys who help us put food on the plate. Hopefully people will get behind it, including other pubs, restaurants and cafes.”

The Great Western Hotel started the challenge on Friday with the introduction of a ‘Farmer Parma’ to their menu.

With every Farmer Parma sold for the remainder of the year, the hotel will donate $5 to the Lions Club of Australia’s “Need for Feed” program, which supplies emergency fodder and transport.

Great Western Hotel publican Bruce Ahchow said no-one liked to see anyone struggle – especially farmers.

“Farmers can control so much of their operations, but the most important ingredient of farming they can’t. It must be devastating,” he said.

“We were absolutely floored with the amount of support this has already received. Over 70 of the Farmer Parmas were ordered over the weekend with people travelling from Ballarat and Horsham just to show their support. The donation jar on the bar also had over $100 in it over the weekend.

“In just three days we already have a tally of almost $500.” 

The Farmer’s Arms Hotel in St Arnaud will also raise money through Parma for a Farmer. They will donate $1 from every parma sold to the fundraiser.