An Australian manufacturer, bowled over by farmers' support for its pink silage wrap has raised $10,000 this season from the initiative.
Australian farmers have contributed $10,000 to a fund for breast cancer nurses, through opting to use pink silage wrap this season.
The wraps were an initiative of Melbourne-based agricultural supply manufacturer Tapex, raising five dollars from every roll of pink silage wrap sold, to help place McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities across Australia.
Tasmanian contractor, Scott Auton from Auton Agricultural, said pink bales had proven a hit with farmers in the north-east of the state, since he first spotted photos on Facebook.
"I made inquiries and we were told there were only 10 pallets made this year," he said.
"Scottsdale got half a palette which wasn't a real lot, considering how much people use, but it was a start."
Mr Auton said he had a personal motivation for raising money for cancer treatment support.
"We've had some close family friends and family who've been affected by breast cancer," he said.
"Most of them are beating it and still beating it.
"It's a great thing to see them around the countryside, knowing that money raised from pink bales is going back into breast cancer research and nursing.
"They look like a big marshmallow."
Farmers enthusiastic about the cause
Mr Auton said farmers had been eager to have the eye-catching bales on their properties.
"We've tried to share it around and we're down to our last roll," he said.
"Every farmer gets three or four pink ones to keep the ladies happy.
"It's the ladies that request the bales. 'You better bring some pink wrap with you', that's what you get told.
"It's sold out. We were told there was only enough for 20,000 bales in the whole country, which isn't a lot in the grand scheme of things.
"I reckon you'll see a lot more next year."
Tapex National Sales Manager Jason Amos confirmed that the initiative, which started last year with New Zealand sister company Agpec, has gone global, with pink silage wrap being released in Scandinavia, Germany, England and Ireland.
"We only did a very limited amount this year; we weren't sure how well it was going to go," he said.
"We wanted to highlight how women play an integral role in contracting and farming, and really seldom get the recognition they deserve.
"And rural women don't get the access to health care that those in our towns and cities do, so it's our way of showing them our support."
Mr Amos said Tapex will release blue plastic wrap to raise awareness of prostate cancer next year, along with the pink.
"So, get you orders in early."
