Having grown up on a farm for 17 years and having my Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather (and probably more before that) having been farmers and many, many friends who are currently still on the land I know how tough it is. I reckon farmers deserve any handout that they can get. It is a constant battle against drought, disease, overseas import competition etc. and one of the greatest battles today is keeping young people on the land as well because many of them move to the city for schooling or other job opportunities and a great deal of them think that working on a farm is too much hard work for the potential benefits and, in many ways, they are right. Farming is really hard work. Incredibly rewarding but incredibly taxing and often stressful as well.
I don't think you can draw a fair and accurate comparison between farmers and many other small businesses. This country would be stuffed without it's farmers and I will support any government who has the best interests of farmers at heart.