About 60 people travelled in two new coaches and a convoy of a dozen cars to inspect eight teams on their owners’ properties.

Teams came from Dunkeld, Vittoria, Millthorpe and Euchareena and were judged by Frank Kaveney and Nigel Kerin.

Much discussion centred on judging criteria as it is obvious that spectators are now seeing dual purpose traits deciding these types of competition.

The use of Australian Sheep Breeding Value data as being essential for merino breeders was strongly supported by one judge at every opportunity.

Winners of the prestigious Jack Seaman Memorial Trophy were the Wykes family “Mount Top”, Euchareena with their Kerin Poll blood ewes.

This is a real family result as Peter, Margie, Murray and Brett Wykes are hands on involved in the farm operation on a daily basis.

Second place and the Bob Bryden Memorial Trophy went to Brian and Lynne Seaman with their last team of Roseville Park ewes.  The Seamans have retired to live on the outskirts of Bathurst.

Third place and the Landmark Trophy was awarded to Duncan Clowes, Millthorpe, and his team of heavy cutting Nerstane Blood ewes. 

The Elders Encouragement Award was won by Steve Messner, Rock Forest, and his ram source is our local Blink Bonnie Stud at Tarana.

THE early autumn season in Bathurst is seeing leaves falling from many trees and pastoral conditions starting to look pretty serious.

Grain and hay feeding is becoming obvious and producers are adding some lupins to the mix as all classes of sheep and lambs have a real liking for shiny, white lupins.

A break in the season would be welcome at this stage as pastures will become green again if soils are wet for several days.

Some oat crops have been down dry but sub soil moisture is almost non existent.

LANDHOLDERS with more than 10 hectares of land in catchment areas of the Fish, Campbells and Macquarie rivers above the Bathurst water filtration plant are urged to apply for two Bathurst Regional Council grants of $10,000 each.

Previous years grants have been awarded to producers who protected creeks, sowed wildlife corridors and set up alternate stock watering points.

Applications close March 22 and forms can be downloaded from Environment/Natural Environment/Land Improvements page at www.bathurst.nsw.gov.au.

CONGRATULATIONS to new mayor Graeme Hanger and deputy Michael Coote on your election to these positions.

Thanks to the Western Advocate for the live filming of these elections which showed the potential for television appearances that Councillor Bobby Bourke obviously has.

The work that former mayor Gary Rush performed for Bathurst and its environs must be acknowledged and his efforts in this role are completely separate from his business and private life.

Thank you Gary for your commitment to our lovely city and district.

DAD took his son to the local for their first drink together. He tried a Toohey’s, XXXX, VB, Reschs, White Horse, De Bortoli’s and Irish Dew but his son didn’t want any of them. So dad didn’t let any of them go to waste.  He said his shoes were almost too wobbly to push his son home in his pram. (Thanks MH).

OUR well retired sheep cockie came into a village pub in his pyjamas, slippers and with a walking stick. He asked for three double scotch and sodas and gulped the first two down. He looked at the third glass and muttered: “I shouldn’t touch this stuff with what I’ve got, love.” The bar girl held her breath and asked what he had. The cockie replied: “28 cents, love.”

THE wool market took another big rise this week with all wool types seeing good gains.

The16.5 to 18 microns saw rise of around 90c/kg while the 19 to 21 microns saw rises of around 70c/kg.

The cross-bred wools also went in a positive direction, all rising around 30 to 40c/kg.

The northern market indicator finished the week on 1582c/kg, up 52c/kg. The indicator is now at record levels.

The 14 to 17 micron fleece prices did get to higher levels in 2011 but the 18 to 21 micron are all breaking records. How high this market can go has everyone guessing.

Sales next week will see 47,548 bales on offer.

Mark Horsburgh, TWG Landmark