davsab, Do we need cotton? At the moment the cotton industry is down to 30% of "normal" production and without rain will be practically nothing next year. Price increases in food may even divert water earmarked for cotton to grow vegies etc.

Effectively cotton as an annual crop gives a high economic return when water is available. It isn't grown and doesn't need to be maintained when the water is scarce, unlike orchards and vineyards.

When we have average rainfall there are enough fruit and vegetables on the market and using cotton country for these crops will literally flood the market. When water supplies are low there is virtually no cotton anyway.

paleif, the only real shame is that you have used this poem for your own agenda and whilst chastising others for not sticking to commenting on "helping farmers" you still take some free kicks toward intensive farming. You are a little too frugal with the truth , especially with comments like "All diseases are caused by intensive farming" What absolute nonsense.

"Feedlots cause foot and mouth". Not in Australia, last case here was in 1872. Wasn't aware of 30,000 head feedlots in those days.

Why would I know whether or not pig producers use anti-biotics?

Why even mention Amanda Vanstone?

"The simply fact is if we want to ask the Government to faze out live exports we must have an alternative."

If the alternative proves as valuable as live exports then why would govt intervention be necessary. Won't supply and demand be adequate

rojo

Exactly my point - cotton farming requires a-lot-a-lot-a H2O.

Cotton farmers really do it tough when there ain't any.

We have to find a better way because cots are not top of the food chain.

And yes, I agree.

The poem was sent to me by a Farmer.

You dont mind if we do something a farmer asked us to do - Surley.?

Perhaps you might like to exchange your views with him if you like?

Tell him how awful he is asking us to put it up to try to help his fellow neighbours.

I prefer he never see your comments.

The blokes got enough on his mind.

We have never taken one cent of any donations and totally self fund along with RSPCA QLD
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So I dont see how we are so shameful.

Its a lovely poem and I think it would do every Australian good to read it.

As for discusing intensive farmers it was not myself who first raised intensive farming- I simply replied with the "facts".

As Global Warming was mentioned. I pointed out Intensive cruelty is a major factor of Global Warming.

Why would I mention Amanda?- because somebody mentioned intensive pig farming.

Everybody now relates to Amanda as a intensive pig farmer - or share holder- Which ever you prefer.

Surley you saw the currents affairs and newspapers covering the story Australia wide after the wonderful work done by Animal liberation.

Everybody is talking now about Government reps being involved in such cruelty.

As for anti biotics- if every single Aussie doesnt know by now that these cruel places where they stuff animals in pens so small they cant stand or turn around must also stuff them with anti biotics they must be living on another plannet.

value adding and jobs are what any country looks for.
Thats why the countries overseas buy live animals in the first place.
Considering especially the drought it is shameful that WA have blocked people trying to open abattoirs there.
Did You know the only skilled workers not allowed into Australia are abattoir workers in WA.
Every other trade is fine.
Its pretty clear that they are blocking us from being able to compete which takes our rights away.
Perhaps you know of another poem you could post for the Aussie Farmers.

paleif,
Have I actually critisised the poem, or that you posted it? Absolutely not. My issue is when you sprout some lame comments about intensive farming and then try to hide behind the poem, and helping farmers, when anyone addresses those comments.

I am aware of Amanda's involvemnt in a piggery, I was asking why it is relevent with regards to this poem. Incidently you are the only one who has mentioned pigs in this thread.

And now you relate intensive cruelty with global warming! It's becoming hard to take you seriously.

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