Saving our farming future.

The lead letter to the editor in Friday's Sydney Morning Herald raised an important point. Writer Deborah Cansdell commented that it is easier to sponsor an African child than it is to assist our drought stricken farmers. Simply pick up the phone, have a credit card handy - agree to contribute thirty dollars a month and this will provide food, clean water, health care and the chance of schooling for a deprived child in Africa.
Well over a year ago the public was asked to help farmers by way of a scheme named " Farm Hand ". Donations poured in and substantial sums were raised, but this was a short campaign and when the advertisments ceased the public realised it was over.
More recently, food giant Woolworths donated a days profits from their store chain to farmer relief - and this amounted to several million dollars.
The problem has moved somewhat in recent times. Drought stricken farmers are now entitled to the dole so at least they can feed their wives and children, but most have been desperately trying to hang on to their breeding stock. Lacking the money to provide food and water many are sending their future to market for a mere pittance - and others are mercifully putting them down with a bullet.
Good breeding stock is the future of Australian farming. Farmers have carefully nurtured their flocks and herds to attain excellence. Should this be sacrificed there will be no future in farming.
Deborah Cansdell is asking why we have no means for ordinary Australians - the ones who can afford to donate anything from a few dollars to about the monthly cost of African relief to keep this vital breeding stock alive. Is it because nobody has thought of it ? Or is it because no sponsor has come forward with such a scheme ?
Hopefully this letter may spark action. If it doesnt, the future for Australian farming looks bleak !