The aim of the day’s discussion is to help land managers identify and control weeds that occur in our district with particular focus on Chilean needle grass.

The weeds officers from Upper Macquarie County Council will conduct the field day with co-operation from Oberon Council, Central West Councils Alliance and Central Tablelands Local Land Services. 

If you need a particular weed identified, please bring it with you. 

The day will start at 10.30am and run until about 12.30pm at Hassall Park, O’Connell, just on the Oberon side of the Fish River Bridge.

Inquiries to Jill O’Grady on 0437 766 626 or Gillian Salmon on 6329 8145

MY apologies for being late with details of Farm Safety Week, but attention is drawn to several really important issues that can affect each of us.

Children who grow up on farms are usually aware of dangers, but visiting youngsters need extra care.

City children and yarded livestock are an awkward mix and youngsters on motorbikes can experience unseen problems.

I like to see tractors and farm vehicles backed into sheds and garages.

Older people should remember that they are getting slower reflexes, that their eyesight and balance aren’t new models; and that climbing ladders and using chainsaws need great care.

Tony Lower supplies media material on the farm safety matter that is valuable to each of us.  The release is available at www.farmsafe.org.au.

THREE cheers for Bathurst Regional Council, major sponsor McDonald’s and all involved with this year’s Winter Festival in the heart of our city.

Lots of citizens from both town and country enjoyed the skating rink and ferris wheel and tourists must have been impressed by how vibrant our lovely city can be in the midst of a midwinter cold change.

The everyday involvement of Mayor Gary Rush was really obvious and he is leading a very progressive council.

JACK and Ashton Seaman have a brand new little sister, Teila Anne, and parents Amanda and John are very proud of the little miss.

Customers at Newham Rural supplies have an opportunity to offer congratulations to the proud father and perhaps receive some hefty discounts on their purchases.

CENTRAL Tablelands Local Land Services chairman Ian Rogan and general manager Peter Sparkes launched a $1.7 million grants assistance scheme for land managers who intend to carry out environmental works within the CT region.

Many staff members and landholders as well as several board members attended the launch at last week’s Mudgee Field Days.

Details available on 6333 2300.

LOCAL Land Services, the Department of Primary Industries, NSW Farmers and the Bathurst Merino Association are openly discussing strategies to attract a school leaving generation to be trained and involved in agriculture in its many and varied forms. 

Borrowing a lot of funds to purchase a property, livestock and farming plant is probably way out of reach for most young people, so long-term leasing could be attractive.

People with trade or tertiary qualifications could have the world as their oyster if they are interested in full-time or contract arrangements with absentee farm owners.

A wise man suggests to me that the time spent attracting a young generation to agriculture would be better spent in convincing the older farmers to exit their industry.

FURTHER to the exit issue: If a farm couple of retiring age moves to a coastal town for a warmer climate and a peaceful life, will it be a dream retirement? 

The wife may have a dope for a mate if Dad doesn’t read, follow football or cricket, horse or dog races, doesn’t play bowls or golf, doesn’t like service clubs, or having a walk round the shops.

Please think carefully before deciding to leave our friends, churches and town that we know and love.

At least we know where all the light switches are at home, and someone might listen if we talk about cattle or sheep.

THE priest was with the happy couple at the altar and asked Ïf anyone has a reason why this man and woman should not be joined in holy matrimony, let them speak now or forever hold their peace”.

A beautiful young lady, carrying a tiny baby in a pink shawl walked slowly up the aisle. 

The stunned congregation heard Father ask: And what do you wish to say?”

The young lady smiled sweetly and replied: “I couldn’t hear down the back Father.” (Thanks MH)

***

HE said: “You haven’t nagged me for a week. Is there someone else?”

***

THE counsellor asked: “Is there any insanity in the family?”

Mum replied: Oh yes, there is. My husband thinks he’s the boss.”