AN epic act of generosity lifted the spirits of drought-stricken farmers in far-west NSW at the weekend.

On Saturday, a truck carrying 720 bales of much-needed hay reached Pooncarie and Menindee from Yalca, 50km east of Echuca.

The donation, which provided temporary relief of 40 small bales to 18 families with horses, was made by hay growers Garry and Jocelyn Broadwood,

Mr Broadwood said while ...