IN A spring season that has refused to warm up we are still seeing moderate frosts near the end of October.
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Cattle producers have managed bloat and pulpy kidney threats as their stock grazed on some of the best clover pastures for many years.
Sales of bloat blocks must have set a few records and all the historic bloat remedies have been used.
Quite a number of long-term cattle producers have added diesel or kerosene to water troughs and many are convinced of its effectiveness.
Lamb breeders have marked and mulesed big, shiny lambs without applying any fly repellent but the risk of problems has always been present from about mid-September.
The cost of a repellent product is cheap insurance when hot weather finally arrives.
Early harvest
FARMING contractors are well on the way with production of first cut lucerne, a few standing cereal crops and some early pasture hay.
The paddocks that have been harvested already have obviously produced big volumes of wrapped hay and much more will be made shortly, particularly if periods of warm, dry weather occur into November.
This spring and early summer could be an excellent chance to fill hay sheds and replenish fodder supplies.
Wild dog attacks
LOCAL Land Services officer Alistair Gordon-Smith was interviewed on ABC Rural radio early this week when he discussed the serious problem of attacks on livestock by wild dogs.
The area in question ranged from south of Oberon through Hampton, Tarana, Lowther to Lithgow and beyond.
Landholders in that area have appreciated the assistance of several rangers of the former Rural Lands Protection Board with Josh Parr and Elwyn Wolfenden being highly regarded for their ability and willingness to assist landholders.
Alistair’s work is greatly appreciated by the producers who are experiencing wild dog problems.
Laugh lines
A SHEEP cockie is trying to make friends outside of Facebook, using the same principles.
He strolls down William Street telling everyone what he has eaten, how he feels, what he did last night and what he’ll do today. He gives them photos of his family, his dog, his garden, his lunch.
He listens to their conversations, gives them “thumbs up” and tells them he likes them.
And just like Facebook he now has four followers – two policemen, a psychiatrist and a doctor.
