Many farmers, their families and staff use these great little machines nearly every day and most riders have never had a problem, but rider mistakes can be deadly.

Col and Ros MacRae conduct regular training courses for ATV riders at their multi training facility at Vittoria, and trainees tell me that the ATV safety course is a real eye opener and should be mandatory for all riders of these machines.

EARLY reports of plans for this year’s Chris Naake Memorial ewe competition in the Mudgee, Rylstone district show us that the naming of this annual event is a fitting tribute to one of the livestock industry’s favourite personalities. 

Chris was a long-time representative for Coopers Animal Health across the Tablelands and passed away when he was at the peak of his career.

In the Bathurst, Oberon, Blayney area Chris was regarded as an animal health specialist and a great friend to many in our industry and we appreciate the Mudgee Show Society in respecting his ongoing memorial event.

ON a property inspection with clients many kilometres to the north west of Bathurst, we had quietly discussed the probability of a wild dog problem in the locality. 

The client’s five-year-old son had travelled with us and after meeting the vendor and his wife, the young son quietly asked the owners: “Where are the dingoes?”

There was much smiling but very little comment.

THE recent death of Mrs Marj Attard, formerly of Raglan and Bathurst, reminded me of a quiet lady who was always a tower of strength to school Parents and Friends Associations and to anyone who needed a helping hand. 

Marj and her husband Jack reared their family in Bathurst and their community involvement has long been appreciated by all who knew them.

CELEBRATIONS are continuing in Cabonne and Oberon councils after their stunning win in the council amalgamation argument. 

This is a real reward for persistence and I wish both councils every success in the future. 

My memories of a similar “win against all odds” victory over a former State Government in the OJD debate are still vivid after almost twenty years. 

I thought that Bathurst Regional Council and Mayor Gary Rush handled the amalgamation issue well, with “whatever the Government decides, we will work with the decision”.

PRODUCERS agree that the livestock and weekly wool market reports on ABC 549 at 6.25am weekdays are a really important service and are much appreciated.

Likewise, readers like to see the larger, clearer print in small advertisements and public notices in the Western Advocate. 

An old mate says that he just could not read the very small print in the former adult services notices.

SIGNIFICANT rises in auction values for superfine wools must be welcome news for producers who have stuck with the product. 

A wool adviser in country that suits that type of production tells me of his dismay that many of these wool clips have been presented to the market unskirted and sometimes unclassed. 

Hopefully a much improved market will revive interest in this important market segment.

AUSTRALIAN Agricultural Training (owned by former TAFE wool expert John Dwyer, in partnership with Phillip Ward) is offering in shed training for Certificate IV in woolclassing which should give participants the eligibility to be registered as a professional woolclasser with AWI. 

The more that you study and are involved in the wool industry, the quicker you can finish the course.

Fees vary from as little as $240 up to $3600, depending on your eligibility for government funding.

A course will commence in Bathurst on February 4 with most of the written work done online. 

Visit the website www.aussieagtraining.com or phone Phillip Ward, 0432 665 331, or John Dwyer, 0427 324 435.

BUYER concern about availability has resulted In another week of large price gains where the fine wools saw rises of around 70-85c/kg .

The medium to stronger merinos were not as bullish, however. The medium merinos saw rises of around 30c/kg and the stronger 21 to 22 microns lost around 20c/kg.

The cross-bred wools continue to struggle.

The fine XBs lost another 15c/kg and the broader and off-style cross-bred wools are getting harder and harder to sell. Coloured and cotted lines are being heavily discounted.

The northern market indicator finished the week on 1506c/kg, up 15c/kg.

Next week’s sales could see the market retract slightly as buyers take stock of wool bought over the past two weeks.

Next week will see 47,159 bales offered nationwide.

Mark Horsburgh, TWG Landmark

THE phone rang in the sister’s station in the hospital. “Mornin’ love, I’m inquiring about Paddy Murphy in men’s surgical, please.” Sister said: “Yes sir, Mr Murphy has come through his surgery very well. He’ll be resting for several days and should go home by Thursday. May I record who asked please?” The caller replied: “OK love, it’s Paddy Murphy in men’s surgical. The beggars won’t tell me nuthin’ in here.”

***

GEORGE was trying to impress a lady friend at an Italian restaurant. He studied the pricey menu and asked for Spinoti Vertimicello. The waitress frowned and asked: “Where did you see that, sir?” George showed her where it was written and she scoffed: “That’s the proprietor, sir.”

***

MASKED raiders raided a Dublin Bank and took 20,000 pounds in notes and a large quantity of gold bullion.  Baffled police are searching for a motive.