Burrumbuttock Hay Runners gearing up for 'monster' April 1 trip to drought-stricken Ilfracombe, with 100km-long convoy expected

More than 200 truck drivers have volunteered to deliver hay to drought-affected farmers in the Queensland country town of Ilfracombe on April 1, as part of the "monster" eleventh journey being organised by the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners.

The man behind the charity hay-running group, Brendan Farrell, explained the plans for the massive run and has appealed for more donations in a Facebook video posted this afternoon.

Trucks from five states – Queensland, NSW, Victoria, South Australia and even Tasmania – have volunteered for the 1860km run, he said.

They will gather in the NSW Riverina town of Burrumbuttock on Wednesday, March 30, and arrive at Ilfracombe on Friday, April 1.

"We've got 220 prime movers, we have 318 or 328 trailers of donated hay," he said.

"This is seriously going to blow some undies off a lot of people."

Mr Farrell said the convoy could span more than 104km.

"For example, Ilfracombe to Barcaldine is 84km, so when I get into Ilfracombe the last truck will still be 20km south of Barcaldine, so that's how long it's going to be," he said.

"This is huge, I've created a monster. But it's good, because it's getting hay to farmers – this drought hasn't gone away."

Almost 100 more trucks have volunteered for this run compared to the January event, when 125 trucks participated.

However, Mr Farrell said the fundraising tally was under target.

"I think we've hit $330,000, so we're still $180,000 short of my target of half a million to cover the fuel costs," he said.

"There's still a lot of fundraising to be done, and there's a lot of people doing different things.

"It's showing the nation that if everyone chips in it's amazing what can happen and what can be done."

"Let's get into it."

Anyone who wishes to find out more about the event or donate can do so via the Burrumbuttock Hay Runners Facebook page.

The Rotary Club of Sydney manages donations on behalf of the group, via the following bank details: BSB: 062 438, account number: 10211156, description: Drought Appeal.

Alternatively, cheques can be made out to The Rotary Club of Sydney Drought Appeal and posted to Rotary Club of Sydney, GPO Box 1523, Sydney NSW 2001.