News Corp newspapers have sent out a May-day distress signal as part of their involvement in Australia's 'Adopt a Farmer' campaign.

It joins joins AGL, NAB, IGA and Qantas in the effort to assist 8,000 struggling drought affected farmers, being supported by schools statewide.

The 'adopt a farmer' day on May 8 is being spearheaded by News' Australian print and digital mastheads the Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun and the Courier-Mail, and kidsnews.com.au with an intense campaign to boost awareness and provide financial relief for farming communities battling drought in NSW and Victoria, and both drought and floods in Queensland. Front pages and editorial coverage will highlight the dire conditions and focus on inspiring readers to take action.

Daily Telegraph editor Ben English says he and deputy editor Gemma Jones knew farming communities needed a stronger voice. "We are listening and we are taking action."

'Adopt a Farmer' is calling on schools to hold a gold coin mufti day on May 8 to support 8,000 farmers registered with Rural Aid. Sponsors AGL and NAB have already kicked in $200,000, Qantas will fly five students and their teacher to a drought affected community to meet the farmers, and IGA is giving away 20 $1,000 gift cards to students in rural communities.

News is also encouraging readers to get involved in their workplace by hosting a mufti day and donating.