Farmers in the drought-ravaged town were offered a symbol of hope as the second Burrumbuttock to Bourke Hay Run rolled in.

Ironically, the 50 hay-laden trucks – more than half from Western Australia – made the journey in the rain.

Organiser Brendan Farrell expanded the second hay run to cater for up to 500 farmers.

John Beer, a Bourke rural financial counsellor with the Department of Agriculture, said the drought in Bourke had been amplified by remoteness of the town.

Mr Beer said many farmers had spent in excess of $200,000 purchasing feed for their remaining livestock.

“We live in such an isolated area – the transport cost of getting it here is phenomenal,” he said.

Up to 130 farmers have requested bales of hay in the past month, but the supply is under stress.

“This drought is certainly not over so it helps them a great deal,” Mr Beer said.

“Just the emotional benefit of the Hay Run – that there is someone out there thinking of them – will be enough.”