CLIENTS and supporters of Bathurst farm machinery business Watson Tractors were impressed when Kubota Australia managing director George Koto presented a plaque to acknowledge 35 years of loyal service to the brand.
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Millie and Dale Watson were on hand in Hobart to receive the award and to hear Mr Koto say the company is very proud of its relationship with the Bathurst business and is looking forward to many more years of working together with the team at Watson Tractors serving the Bathurst and Orange farming communities.
What started off as a small family repair business in 1977 branched into sales and distribution of Kubota and Krone products in 1983, making the business a widely regarded agricultural dealership across the Central West.
Must remember this
AS 2018 winds down, it’s an opportune time to list a few highlights:
* The great support that was given to drought-ravaged rural families. This came from school kids, charities, businesses and the general community.
* Carriers who brought many thousands of tonnes of hay and grain to the Central West from as far away as Western Australia.
* Bathurst Panthers’ win in the Group 10 grand final.
* Virtual three-year-old Cross Counter sprinting away to win the Melbourne Cup.
* Rural land sales surging to record levels by spring 2018.
* Craig Lowndes winning the Bathurst 1000 for Holden.
That’ll do it
PROBABLY the last auction of merino rams for 2018 will be Adam Mort’s Hilltop Stud at “Tallawandra”, 176 Yarrabin Road, Mudgee this Friday at 2.30pm.
This is an AWN Helmsman auction of 37 poll and three horned rams and they carry Hazeldean, West Plains and Yarrawonga bloodlines.
Each sale ram is offered with current ABSVs and Hilltop proudly displays the results of its team of wethers in the current Orange wether trial.
Betty’s big day
I KNOW that lots of country people would join me in saying happy 90th birthday to Betty Rheinberger.
The family photos in the Western Advocate were great as Betty and her husband Ted are one of Bathurst’s favourite couples.
Logo a no-go?
THE brand new Herefords Australia logo has been well-received by many stakeholders and roundly criticised by others.
Abstract DNA is used to outline the shape of a Hereford head and the well-recognised breed colours are highlighted.
Selecting a logo has always been an interesting job. Former Bathurst Merino Association secretary Andy Kajons liaised with graphic artist Jan Mann to construct the ram logo in 1992 that still features on BMA property.
In the Herefords Australia instance, we could quote “the dogs will bark but the caravan will move on”.
Alternative offer
OFFERED in Auctions Plus last Tuesday were 950 June/July-drop wether lambs, cryogenic breech treated (alternative mulesing) and AWEX approved as non-mulesed.
These young wethers have all the 2018 requirements including Gudair, grain trained and Vitamin B12.
They are account Jigsaw Farms, Hamilton, who have a further 6400 young wethers for auction during January 2019.
The alternative mulesing option is of real interest as it qualifies as un-mulesed on wool declarations. Cost and method of application should be of public knowledge.
Young talents
ONE of our favourite Bathurst schools is St Philomena’s, South Bathurst, where all the students seem to operate as members of a big family.
We recently attended the school’s Christmas Talent Quest where children volunteered to present their talents on stage.
The most popular acts will go on to entertain residents at some of Bathurst’s aged care facilities.
These residents are in line for some treats from some great young Aussies who are a credit to their school and will bring a real spirit of Christmas.
Ballot battle
BATHURST Regional councillor Jess Jennings will line up for his third attempt to be elected as the federal Member for Calare and his chances in 2019 seem much brighter than before.
The political climate in recent times has become volatile and swings of 10 per cent or so are not uncommon.
Sitting member Andrew Gee has been a fairly active local member and Jess is a high profile Bathurst Regional councillor, so we can look forward to well-organised campaigns from both sides.
Wool market report
MERINO fleece types performed well this week, but an increased supply of inferior wools with poor measurements restricted overall gains.
The superfine types gained around 30c/kg and the 19 microns saw similar gains. The broader merinos were firm to around 5c/kg dearer.
Crossbreds were the big losers for the week with the fine crossbreds dropping 130c/kg. The Northern Market Indicator finished the week on 1897c/kg, down 8c/kg.
With only one more sale of 48,777 bales on offer before the Christmas recess, buyers are saying there is quite a bit of business being done, which should see the market finish on a firm note.
Mark Horsburgh, TWG Landmark
Laugh lines
GEORGE joined Bachelors Anonymous. Whenever he contemplates marriage, they send around a woman in hair rollers to nag him for a while.
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TWO accountants called at the club for a Friday night drink. “Damn,” one said, “I forgot to lock the safe.” “Don’t worry about it,” his mate replied, “we’re both here.”
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AD in a local newspaper: Accommodation; Two girls willing to share room, or young man.