AS the financial year winds down we hear evidence of a profitable 2017-2018 for agriculture, solid purchasing orders, sound markets for most primary products and strong confidence for the coming year.
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So what are the risks of farming businesses?
- Long-term weather forecasts are dubious, with little confidence in expected patterns.
- Survival of meat processors if red meat products remain at current levels much longer.
- Interest rate rises both here and abroad.
- The constant “sleeper”: an outbreak of an imported exotic disease.
All businesses must monitor the risks and get on with their operation.
Stressing out
PRODUCERS across much of the state are looking for clouds as an old-fashioned dry winter has set in.
Some talk of re-sowing fodder crops has been heard and “catch crops” that were sown early with no fallow are showing serious moisture stress.
Lightly stocked properties have 100 per cent ground cover and paddocks that aren’t being flogged are keeping sheep flocks in forward condition.
They’ll be missed
RESIDENTS across the district were saddened by the fatal crash of a local aerial agriculture operator while at work in the Upper Turon area.
Also, the recent death of Philomena Reedy of Napoleon Reef took away a member of one of our district’s long-time families.
Philomena and her late husband Gordon were involved in Bathurst’s business and rural scene for all of their married life, and Philomena remained very active on the family farm until her sudden death.
She will be greatly missed by her many friends.
Moral to the story
TANGALOOMA Resort, Moreton Island, Queensland provides a workplace chart that makes several strong points.
In 2005, the resort used 30 quad bikes for its 8000 patrons and had 130 accidents for the year; 30 riders required first-aid, there were three serious crashes requiring helicopter rescue and 90 rollovers caused 60 injuries.
After fitting rollbars and using mandatory helmets in 2016, 25,000 patrons used 300 quad bikes and had 130 accidents; two patrons required first-aid, no helicopter rescues were needed and 90 rollovers caused no injuries.
Please read these figures again as they really tell us a story.
Paying its way
PARKING problems at Bathurst hospital are now squarely in the spotlight and country people are affected equally with their city friends.
Older people hobbling several uphill blocks or young mothers getting to hospital appointments in similar circumstances must long for the day when car parking is improved.
Authorities have to work with what is available and the prospect of a pay-for-use, multi-level parking station will be tempting.
We all baulk at this prospect, but a country city with an expected 50,000 residents must have adequate parking available at its hospital.
Political rewards
THIS column is being finalised before the State Treasurer presents the NSW budget for the coming financial year.
Bathurst is fortunate to have a state minister as its local member and financial sweeteners for his electorate are hoped for.
In our adjoining electorate of Orange, their Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party representative Phil Donato should attract solid funding for projects in his area.
A healthy increase in funding for Local Land Services in all 11 regions would give a much-needed hand-up for the statutory service delivery provider.
Mark the calendar
AN important diary date: The AGM of the Bathurst Merino Association will be held on Monday, July 3 at 7.30pm at the Bridge Hotel, Perthville. All positions will be declared vacant.
Please come along, enjoy the friendship and put your ideas forward.
Wool market report
THE wool market lifted strongly this week with all merino categories gaining ground.
The 17 microns saw rises of around 15c/kg while the 18 to 21 microns saw rises around 45c/kg.
The crossbreds gained around 5c/kg as the northern market indicator finished the week on 1575c/kg, up 30c/kg.
Even though the market is a little volatile from week-to-week, strong demand is holding it a very good levels with all merino wools being between 500 to 700c/kg above their 10-year average.
Next week will see 24,376 bales on offer nationwide.
Mark Horsburgh, TWG Landmark
Laugh lines
SHE said: “Oh doctor, I’m so worried about my son; every day he makes mud pies.” Doctor assured her that all of us once made mud pies and that he’ll stop as he gets older. She replied: “I doubt that, doctor, and so does his wife.”
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SIGN in a barber’s shop: Don’t worry about losing your hair; think of it as gaining face.
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Why is 8am Sunday the best time to supermarket shop in Bathurst?
* The Catholics are all at Mass.
* The Protestants are having breakfast.
* The Chinese are getting lunchtime cafe menus ready.
* The schoolteachers are enjoying a sleep in.
* The cockies can’t get their utes started.
