A children's book is helping to support Mid North Coast farming families after floods in March caused devastation across the region.
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Holly the Holstein was officially launched at the Hastings Co-op's Wauchope IGA on Tuesday, October 26.
The book will be sold at the Hastings Co-op's four IGAs at Wauchope, Timbertown, Port Macquarie and Sovereign Place IGAs and all proceeds will help support the Mid Coast Dairy Advancement Group (DAGs).
Read more: Russell Smith's book Holly the Holstein
Taree dairy farmer Rachel Nicholson and her sons Albert and Joey are big fans of the book.
"We've been lucky enough to talk to the author Russell Smith a few times and he gifted us some books," Mrs Nicholson said.
"It's great he's donated the proceeds from the book to help people impacted by the floods."
In March the Nicholsons' Jones Island farm, inland from Harrington, went completely underwater due to flooding.
"We didn't have a single blade of grass above the water," Mrs Nicholson said.
"We lost a lot including cows, calves and machinery.
"It's been a long road back."
The Mid Coast DAG aims to fundraise $10,000 by Christmas.
Luke Cleary is a Brombin dairy farmer and the chairperson of the Mid Coast DAGs.
"We thought it would be great to have some social events for people to come to," he said.
"That's the plan, when coronavirus restrictions allow, to get the community spirit going again."
Redbank dairy Ann Eggert also attended the launch and said farmers have faced many challenges over the past few years with drought, fires, floods and the coronavirus pandemic impacting production.
Mrs Eggert said the community's support, both locally and on a national level, has helped farms rebuild.
She thanked Holly the Holstein's author Russell Smith, who is based in Queensland, spread the book's significant educational message about the importance of the dairy industry.
Hastings Co-op chief executive officer Allan Gordon said the organisation has a long and proud history with dairy farmers, dating back to the late 1800s.
"We know our customers will love supporting the book, and in turn dairy farmers, as well," he said.
Since its release in May 2021, Holly the Holstein book proceeds have raised more than $7000 for the Mid Coast DAGs.
Copies can be purchased at Wauchope, Timbertown, Port Macquarie and Sovereign Place IGAs for $15.
