A solution for farmers is for governnent to provide innovation for farming.
For example solar energy in Australia's sunny outback could pump a lot of water.
I am not sure about turbines sapping energy from wind currents.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-04/drought-stricken-community-welcomes-renewable-investment/10069890

I am not sure about turbines sapping energy from wind currents.
JF Aus,
To begin with such a project the last thing you'd need is complicated, vulnerable technology.
Simple, mechanical, reliable wind mill driven pumps are the only way to get started. Build the irrigation at the same time & location as the rail line. This would provide a backup system second to none. No roads needed, everything goes by rail even the trucks.
Non union labor would ensure a complete success.
A perfect opportunity to establish a National Service & kiss unemployment goodbye for at least two decades.

Hasbeen might know about bureaucracy at work here.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2018-08-04/north-burnett-farmers-want-action-on-water-crisis/10071992

Sunday drive, down to the central coast of NSW and back very dry we, have zero doubt, are in for the worst bushfires in decades, may even start this month, tin rattlers at the maret day, BUT are they aware while things are terrible it is the live stock not the farmers who need to eat and drink?,windmill, yes a part for sure in pumping water inland,if we have the will, we can use many different ways to get the water/treated sewage there

We have touched on the centuries old unpowered methods of moving water, it can be done, and pipes need not always be massive 100 mm or even half that, pumping 24/7 would move a lot of water in a year

About this drought.

What can be done immediately is that government can provide cash to impacted farmers so they can buy feed and water to keep breeding stock alive and healthy.

The national herd needs to increase, not decrease because of severe drought.

Government should also have impacted farmer interest payments suspended or subsidized via a tax holiday or similar for lenders.

Get the rope off farmers necks.
Prevent the suicide.
Many farmers need financial assistance immediately. Then they can look after themselves and their stock as best as possible