WHEN we discuss the prospect of attracting young farmers into agriculture, all concerned must take care that both sides of the proposals are outlined.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In early August 2016 we are experiencing record cattle prices, lamb and mutton are selling at profitable levels and bread and butter wool prices are at quite satisfactory levels.
Add to this the prospect of a really good spring season and life on the land has a rosy glow.
To attempt to present both sides of the debate, we must consider that average farm costs have risen by almost one-third during the past 20 years and that rural land prices in our district are at high levels.
No one can make an accurate estimate of future interest rates or future seasonal conditions, but young farmers need to be aware of the many reasons why mental health and depression were rampant concerns in the very recent past.
Please look before you leap and don’t leap too high.
Quality matters
THE Australian sheep industry has been breeding sheep towards the type of wool shown above during the last few decades and end products are available at quality outlets.
The photo shows a section of elite quality wool being opened on the sheep’s shoulder.
It measured 17.2 micron and would produce garments that could be worn next to the skin without irritation.
To flash back to the 1960s we find that Merino sheep that were primarily bred for quality wool were the backbone of rural industry across the Bathurst district and only small herds of cattle were run on grazing country.
Most of the specialist wool producers have either left the industry or changed enterprises but those who have stayed are enjoying the lifestyle and adequate returns.
Expo and dog auction
PLANS are now in place for Saturday week’s annual Bathurst Ram Expo and Working Dog Auction at Bathurst Showground, and the event will go ahead, rain, hail or shine.
In a previous year the expo was held in the cattle pavilion and this was a comfortable, weather proof venue.
A junior sheep classing competition will also be held during the day’s program as well as a Super Six event for merino ewes.
An auction of working dogs will also take place shortly after lunch with dogs of varying abilities.
Sellers should contact Kirby McPhee at colonsaystud@hotmail.com.
Wet planning
NEVER-ENDING climate change has brought us waterlogged paddocks and rivers and streams carrying lots of flowing water into major storages.
Long-term landholders are comparing present conditions to the early 1970s and I’m told that sales of feet-hardening chemicals for sheep and cattle have increased dramatically.
Products such as Formalin and zinc sulphate are regarded as valuable in controlling foot abscess and benign footrot during very wet and muddy conditions.
During the really muddy conditions in the early to mid 1950s and during 1974, livestock producers only yarded their animals when really necessary and shearing operations caused unusual difficulties.
The upside of this wet winter is the immediate prospect of a great spring season.
ATV safety
CONCERNS for the safety of operators of ATV machines have prompted two state governments to offer subsidies to owners of these workhorses to fit rollover protection and for the purchase of rider helmets.
In NSW, these subsidies come to about 33 to 50 per cent of the purchase price.
Users of these machines know how versatile they are, especially as they paddle across boggy paddocks and slippery tracks.
We also realise these vehicles can be absolutely deadly if rolled or overturned as their weight can crush or pin the rider under the machine.
Inquiries regarding the safety gear on offer should be made to your motorcycle agent or NSW Farmers Association.
Forum success
THE Local Land Services-sponsored Producers Forum held over two days at Blayney last week was a sellout with many positive comments afterwards.
This event clashed with a sheep-classing workshop at Bella Land stud, Wellington and attendees from our district were really impressed by the presentation at that venue.
Diary dates
- The Annual Burraga Sheep Show will be held on Saturday, August 27 and entries are invited for teams of five commercial ewes to compete in the Hi 5 event. Full details will be included in the show booklet that will be available at rural outlets and village shops very soon.
- The Perthville Village Fair takes place in the village hall on Saturday, September 10. This is now an appealing social event with lots of stalls, good food and drinks and lots of happy families from Perthville and district. Stallholders are asked to reserve a site by emailing perthvillevillagefair@gmail.com or phoning 6337 2049.
Just for laughs
- THE usher at the wedding reception door asked: “Are you a friend of the groom, madam?” She bristled and answered: “Indeed I am not; I’m the bride’s mother.”
- He said: “Is it possible for a man to make a fool of himself without knowing it?” His friend answered: “Not if he has a wife.”
- She was really annoyed when hubby rolled in from the local at midnight. She yelled: “I could forgive you if it was the first time, but you came home in the same condition on 16th of March 1968.”