It has announced former NSW Farmers president Derek Schoen will work with the Department of Primary Industries [DPI] to tackle unscrupulous operators trying to benefit from the shortage of hay and feed in the drought.

There have been anecdotal reports of over-pricing of farmers desperately seeking hay.

Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair said they wanted to ensure the government’s $500 million drought assistance and transport subsidy scheme was not abused.

“Every dollar rorted is a dollar that doesn’t help a farmer and I won’t accept anyone gaming the system,” he said.

“He [Mr Schoen] will work closely with the DPI Market Insights and Analytics branch to monitor prices of freight and fodder during the Drought Transport Subsidy program, ensuring consumers and producers are not left vulnerable.”

A DPI spokesman said the Market Insights and Analytics team was based in Orange, in the Central West.

He urged people to report concerns regarding the cost of freight and fodder by emailing freightwatch@dpi.nsw.gov.au.

The spokesman also said the increased workload for the DPI to handle drought assistance had led to 22 more people being employed at the Orange office.

“The NSW Rural Assistance Authority currently have more than 50 staff following the recruitment of 22 extra officers to assist with processing drought related applications, meaning we are resourced to process applications as soon as possible,” he said.

The state government has also increased the amount of hay that can be carried on trucks.

Have you or someone you know been ripped off with the price of hay? 

Let us know by emailing zaakarcha.marlan@fairfaxmedia.com.au