LAST week’s schedule included a visit to a few merino studs that held quiet open days. Grandson Hamish Wood came with me as he is keen to see what changes are being made in some parts of our industry.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A sum-up of the day:
- There is overwhelming support for Australian Wool Innovation chairman Wal Merriman and the wool industry credits him and his board with much of wool’s current revival.
- The noxious Scotch Thistle has a stronghold on a lot of open country in Harden, Boorowa and Yass areas.
- Faith in wool production is strong but every finger is crossed.
- New drenching races on a stud property are 2 ft 6 in. wide and operators must get in with the sheep. People have been jailed for less serious mistakes.
- Some have switched to eight monthly shearing but all have doubts of continued demand for 60-70mm staple lengths.
- A veteran stud breeder said a flock ram and a bale of wool used to have similar values. Are $2500 flock rams good value in 2018?
Looking back
LONG-TIME Bathurst businessman Tony Favero forwarded me a copy of The Australian of July 3, 1971 that records the huge fall in wool auction sales from $652m in season 1969/1970 to $467m in 1970/1971.
The executive director of the Woolgrowers and Graziers council called the slump “a national disaster”.
This awful situation led to the sound wool years when the Reserve Price scheme operated until it also financially crashed, then the industry struggled on to its present quite viable position after many had abandoned the wool game.
Tony and Ann Favero advertised their financial planning business in Bathurst Merino Association’s very first Merino Ewe Competition some 26 years ago and have remained as valued supporters of the association.
Still growing
NOW a tale to warm the coldest hearts.
Georges Plains farmer Ross Burge, who passed away in recent months, was justly proud of his vegetable garden that he worked for 45 years, mostly all by himself.
Much of the garden’s produce was given to family and community members who would have appreciated Ross and his wife Coral’s kindness.
Since his death, his neighbours Andy Lyell and Mark Ryan have nurtured and expanded the garden and are producing 40 varieties of vegetables that are still being distributed to families and friends.
Coral and her extended family must appreciate the ongoing efforts of the two gentlemen who really illustrate the meaning of Australian mateship.
Look how it’s changing
A COUPLE of weeks of mid-summer heat and dusty days has quickly changed the look of our district.
Sales of hay for immediate cattle feed out are not at bargain prices with a small producer tipping $24 small bales of lucerne to cows that may be better suited to the saleyard.
General rain is always welcome, but most Tablelands farmers would select mid-February for the seasonal break if we lived in a perfect world.
Endless summer
THIS succession of hot, dry days revived memories of chasing cricket balls in 100F degrees afternoons when batting helmets were unheard of and a felt cap was our sun protection.
Some of the girls that we admired in their bikinis are now on walking frames and some quick bowlers are in care, but the hot, dry summers haven’t really changed.
Many self-replacing merino flocks have disappeared as seasons are so unreliable and those flocks are hard on pastures. Farmers still rely on a willing workforce and we count on those with a great desire to work and a reputation for reliability.
So, on these dry, hot days, please take extra care when working outdoors. No smoking, don’t drive or ride through grass, put angle grinders, welders and slashers in the shed during daylight hours, and report any fires to 000 immediately.
The worst case scenario would be to burn out our neighbours because we didn’t concentrate on the job at hand.
Recognised
CONGRATULATIONS to Wendy Pratley, “Yarras”, Peel, on being named 2BS citizen of the month. Her involvement with many community organisations is noted and recognised.
Running repairs
A CHEERIO call to valued Local Land Services ranger Paul Medway, who has been having “a bit of repair and maintenance”.
It will be good to see Paul back at the coalface as he is a very valued staff member.
Worth a look
THIS Saturday’s clearing sale at the Messner family property “Illabunda”, Rock Forest should be an interesting destination for country people.
The sale listings cover plant and machinery, workshop, general farm, collectables and household, with plenty of outside entries.
The sale starts at 10am. Details from Landmark Bathurst on 6331 7722 or Marcus Schembri on 0429 032 906.
The property is 20 kilometres from Bathurst on the Ophir Road.
Laugh lines
THE doctor put down his stethoscope and asked: “Mrs Smith, when did you last have a complete physical examination?”
She couldn’t remember, so he suggested: “One year ago, or perhaps five?”
She still couldn’t remember, so he asked loudly: “Mrs Smith, how many doctors have actually treated you?”
“Not one doctor,” she huffed. “I always pay.”
**
Testimonial: I used your soap two years ago and haven’t used another since.
**
Ladies, if you drive by our new laundrette and drop off your clothes, you will receive very swift attention.
**
Bed for sale – four-poster, over 100 years old; perfect for antique lover.
**
Room wanted: Young, sentimental, loving male. Loves to play. Needs room and board with loving female. Can’t pay rent but offers true love, constant company and 24 hour protection. Will keep you warm all night long and allow freedom to date others. Call 0000000; please don’t call unless truly interested in this adorable puppy.