Leading animal health company, Elanco, is continuing its support of Australian farmers and rural communities via an ongoing partnership with Rural Aid.
Rural Aid is one of Australia’s most trusted rural charities, providing critical support to farmers affected by natural disaster providing fodder, water and financial assistance. It also offers a professional counselling service to help affected farmers and their families to focus on recovery.
Since 2022, Elanco has provided financial support of over $100K via direct donation, donation matching, sales-based donations and volunteering to Rural Aid while in 2023 it provided funds to support Rural Aid’s well-known ‘Buy A Bale’ campaign.
This year, Elanco will sponsor ‘Mates for Mates Day’ and the ‘Rural Aid Long Lunch’.
Elanco Farm Animal Business unit head, Jamie Dowsley said the partnership demonstrates Elanco’s commitment to rural and regional communities.
“Droughts, floods and bushfires pose a permanent challenge to farmers and the wider community,” Mr Dowsley said.
“The past 12 months has been particularly difficult, with requests to Rural Aid becoming increasingly frequent and urgent.
“The number of counselling sessions conducted by Rural Aid has almost doubled, with floods, bushfires, dry conditions, low water availability, limited fodder supplies, increased interest rates and falling commodity prices featuring prominently in these conversations.”
He said Rural Aid counsellors are professionally trained to support clients through all kinds of challenges and really understand the unique needs of rural people.
“Elanco is proud to do our part in helping farmers to cope with these issues, most of which are beyond their control.
“Choosing to use quality animal health solutions from Elanco means livestock producers are contributing to a bigger picture.”
ANZ country manager Hendrik Van der Walt said Rural Aid aligns with Elanco’s ‘Healthy Purpose’ initiative.
“Healthy Purpose is a framework of defined commitments Elanco is committed to delivering,” Mr Van der Walt said.
“These commitments are focussed around advancing the well-being of animals, people and the planet.
“Helping animals to live healthy, quality lives benefits people’s health by providing companionship and enabling the sustainable production of food.
“Healthy Purpose isn’t just words it’s real actions.”
He said for example every Elanco employee is allowed to commit three days a year volunteering for their chosen charity or community cause.
Elanco is a global leader in the research, development and commercialisation of products that improve the health and well-being of food and companion animals.
Founded in 1954, the company operates in 90 countries and has a global turnover of more than $4 billion.
Some well-known brands in Australia include Acatak Duostar, CLiK Extra, Compudose, Extinosad Pour-On, Piranha, Viper Pour-On and Zolvix Plus.
