Mentors to help SA's drought-hit farmers

Eight family and business mentors have been appointed across drought-affected areas of South Australia to help local farmers and their families.

Primary Industries Minister Tim Whetstone says those impacted by the drought are encouraged to reach out and seek assistance.

"These mentors are well-known people in their communities and are able to identify farmers who are crying out for help but reluctant to admit they need it," Mr Whetstone said on Tuesday.

"They are available to meet, listen and, if needed, connect people to appropriate services and programs, often travelling down a farming family's driveway or meeting them around the kitchen table or in the shed."

Drought-affected areas of SA include the upper Eyre Peninsula, the Murray-Mallee, the mid-north and the upper north.

Dry conditions, frost and wind recently forced a cut in SA's estimated grain crop this year to 6.9 million tonnes, down from the long-term average of 7.9 million.