HAILEY Graham wants to be the fifth generation of her family to dairy farm on the Atherton Tablelands but worries the latest dairy crisis may be the nail in the coffin.
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The 14-year-old Malanda High School student works with her father Jason and stepmother Kelly, four younger siblings, and grandparents Ray and Donna, on Cheelonga Farming, Millaa Millaa, where they milk close to 1000 cows.
“I want to keep the tradition going but I think our chances are fairly slim,” Hailey told Fairfax Media.
“No-one understands the pain of dairy farmers.
“No-one gets the insight into a dairy farmers life. They think it (the milk) just comes off the shelf.”
Hailey, who hopes to study veterinary science, took to social media to raise awareness, posting an impassioned plea for community support.
“I no longer am angry or frustrated with the issue at hand, the issue of the lack of support for your local dairy farmers that is,” Hailey wrote.
“Instead I shed a tear and wipe it away in disappointment.
“I stand proud and tall on the land I live on. For as long as the sun sets over the mountains I will have hope. Stand with me on this land we call home and support the people who provide for you.
“Let me assure you, if within the next 10-20 years Australia is becoming a totally imported country with no local produce I will stand back and watch in horror yet say......it was only a matter of time.
“Please don't let dairy farmers be made to leave behind there home as they have no where else to go.
“We will be left with nothing but broken hearts if you do not stand strong with us. Support dairy farmers as we support you.”
Hailey was astounded with the response to her post - 40 shares and more than 2000 views – and hopes the support for local dairy farmers continues to grow.