The bushfires in January 2026 across Australia have had a major impact on several canola growing regions, including the town of Natimuk in the Wimmera region.
To support growers through the recovery, Nufarm has continued its partnership with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR), delivering grants to canola growing communities to fund grassroots projects where they’re needed most. This year, one of those grants made its way to volunteer organisation BlazeAid, which assists rural families after natural disasters.
One family to receive the support was fifth-generation grower Michael Sudholz and his family, who are beginning the long journey of recovery. They lost their entire home within minutes as winds reached 100 km/h and embers ignited the roof before they had any chance to prepare.
Thanks to the support of the FRRR grant and the efforts of volunteer organisation, BlazeAid, the Sudholz family has already begun rebuilding important parts of their farming operation. A team of BlazeAid volunteers restored three kilometres of fencing in just one week.
"Support like this makes a huge difference. It helps us rebuild not just our farm, but our community"
BlazeAid has helped rural communities for many years, and its impact is remarkable.
The organisation has rebuilt enough fencing across its history to go around Australia twice, helping countless families return to farming sooner.
Nufarm is proud to lend a hand in a small way, helping growers continue farming after such a tough start to the year.
Apply for a grant
Applications for the next round of grants are open until 24 Match 2026. For more details and to apply please click here.
