Parma for a Farmer has taken on a life of its own.

In August hotels, clubs, restaurants and eateries across Australia embraced the campaign, which gave $1 for every chicken parmigiana sold to the Buy a Bale Campaign.

Gerogery Hotel raised the stakes by donating $7 for every parma, which amounted to more than $2000 for drought-affected farmers.

Not a bad effort for a little country pub.

About 20 venues in Albury-Wodonga and the North East were among 1000 nationwide to sign up for Let it Pour fundraiser late last month.

The money raised from 1000 kegs donated by Great Northern Brewing Company went to farmers’ drought relief.

Kids around the country have been wearing checked shirts and gumboots to school and all over my Facebook and Insta feeds for weeks on end as part of the Fiver for a Farmer fundraiser.

My own daughters were in a tizz when they realised they didn’t even own a flannelette shirt between them.

“It’s unAustralian,” I goad.

“But you’re not getting a new one from Supré.

“It’s not a Fifteener for a Fashion Outlet; I’d rather give that money to a grazier.”

Even Woolies staff were more than happy to pull out their finest flannies last month to raise awareness about the widespread drought crisis.

All of NSW and about 60 per cent of Queensland is in drought now.

Figures from the Department of Primary Industries show every part of the state is affected by the dry conditions, with almost one-quarter classified as being in “intense drought”.

The NSW government has already announced more than $1 billion in drought relief measures.

The sudden response from community, industry and business to the crippling drought is welcome even at this late stage of the crisis for many.

The farmer’s daughter within me knows we can do more year-round to support the world’s most efficient farmers held to ransom by the climate and big business.

Without them, there would be no wine, beer, food, wool and cotton. (The above-mentioned list is in no particular order of preference!)

With country of origin labelling, it’s not too hard to identify Australian-grown fresh fruit and vegetables in the supermarkets and greengrocers.

We can say no to Californian oranges; we grow perfectly delicious ones right here.

If we want to be in no doubt about the country of origin, we can head to a farmers’ market.

They operate throughout the region more often than ever before and in more locations than ever.

Not only can we buy local produce but we can meet the farmers and producers face-to-face.

I appreciate that price is a factor – particularly for those on a puny pension or student allowance – but we can buy the best Australian produce we can afford. (I’ve been a student in a former life and there was always enough money for Australian rolled oats, apples and malted barley!)

It makes sense to buy fresh produce when it’s in season too – economically and nutritionally.

We can say no to American cherries and grapes; my daughters know they just need to wait for the Australian berry, cherry and grape season over summer. We always freeze some Stanley berries picked over Christmas, which gets us through to mid-year. 

When it comes to updating bedding, we can favour Australian wool and cotton.

Australian wool doonas, blankets and pillows are clearly labelled.

Natural fibres breathe better and don’t burn as quickly; I’m having a flashback to a high school textiles lesson gone awry.

I can’t afford to buy cheap fashion either; I want a decade out of my garments (excluding smalls). I’d rather have fewer clothes – made from natural materials – that hold their shape and go the distance.

Droughts will come and go, but we can have farmers’ backs by supporting them from the ground up every day.