LAST Sunday’s meeting of Turon Wild Dog Control Group was very well attended and producers across their region are united in the attempts to control wild dogs that continue to kill livestock.
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Once again, Local Land Services ranger Paul Medway gave up his Sunday to help the group.
A few key points that were made at the meeting were:
- A deputation from the group will request a meeting with senior management of Central Tablelands LLS in the very near future.
- A training day for users of 1080 baits and/or ejector baiting tools will be held on Friday, April 21.
- This year’s group baiting day will be held in early May.
- The Chemcert accreditation does not enable use of the canine ejector tool.
The Turon meeting heard many reports of sightings and photos of marauding wild dogs on River Hills properties.
All landholders in the area are urged to join the control group. Don’t forget that wild dogs also kill lots of young birds and defenceless baby wallabies.
Please ring Jodie or Mal Healey is you wish to join the community group.
Roo-location
A LANDHOLDER from just west of Bathurst city tells me that in his area there are more kangaroos than rabbits destroying crops and pastures.
He suggests that some kind soul might like to relocate the hundreds of ’roos from his place.
Aerial spray
UPPER Macquarie County Council will be carrying out an aerial weed spraying program during March in the area covering Bathurst Regional Council, Blayney, Lithgow and Oberon areas.
The main target weeds are blackberry and serrated tussock and landholders who wish to register for the spraying program should do so ASAP with the County Council on 6338 2875.
The spread of blackberry bushes is obvious across our district as many landholders are inclined to only operate drive-through management and many don’t seem to own either weed spray equipment or a mattock.
Vale, Wendy
THE recent death of Wendy Stocks took away one of Bathurst’s most valued community volunteers as she has worked tirelessly in that area for decades.
The Stocks family followed dairying pursuits and Wendy and husband Wally were always ready to assist friends and family when the going was tough.
She was a member of the Daymond family at The Lagoon and travelled by bus to Bathurst High School in the early 1950s along with many of us who have remained friends for at least 60 years.
Drying times
EACH day our lovely Central Tablelands looks sadder and drier and it’s really obvious that a big percentage of surface water supplies on farm has evaporated.
A lot of hay and grain feeding is now taking place and some difficult decisions on stock selling or agistment are being made.
There is still a lot of the autumn growing season ahead of us but prospects for general rain are not promising in the medium term.
Staffers at Central Tablelands Local Land Services have arranged a “dry weather planning” workshop at Bathurst LLS on Friday, March 24 from 9.30am to 3pm and some useful advice and opinions should be given.
Bookings with brett.littler@lls.nsw.gov.au.
Poll positions
ONGOING discussions that involve persons who may intend to seek election at Bathurst Regional Council are reaching an interesting stage.
Several ladies’ names have been mentioned as well as a few gentlemen who aren’t usually in the spotlight.
My suggestions are limited but I would like to see the Windradyne Whisperer raise his hand for election as he seems to know much more of the workings of council than any councillor.
Lachlan certainly doesn’t need any encouragement but he has done a lot of bowling at council and 2017 could be a great time to go in to bat.
Diary dates
- Friday, March 24: Stanford poll hereford sale, 50 young bulls and 30 commercial heifers. The sale book has a practical explanation of cattle EBVs. Please collect yours at rural outlets.
- Friday, March 24: Local Land Services dry weather management strategies, Bathurst LLS 9.30am-3pm. Bookings by March 20 to Brett Littler on 6378 1708.
Wool report
THE wool market continued to rise this week with the fine merinos up 50c/kg.
The medium merinos were up around 25c/kg and the 21 to 22 microns were firm to a little cheaper.
Crossbred wools also saw rises of around 25c/kg as the northern market indicator finished the week on 1605c/kg, up 23c/kg.
Merino cardings continue to break all records, finishing the week on 1231c/kg while fine merino locks this week made over 1000c/kg greasy, levels we have never seen before.
Sales next week will see 10,279 bales on offer in Sydney, 22,661 bales on offer in Melbourne and 10,731 bales on offer in Fremantle.
Mark Horsburgh, TWG Landmark
Laugh lines
A WELL-dressed lady on the tourist coach looked down her nose at farmer George and said: “I am surprised that your bull doesn’t have horns.” George told her: “Some bulls don’t have horns lady, and most cows don’t have horns at all.” The lady sniffed: “That is quite interesting, Mr Farmer.” Then George added: “Of course, lady, you’re not lookin’ at a bull at all. That’s me horse.”
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THE cop stopped our farmer friend on the highway and presented the breathalyser. Farmer asked what it was and was told: “It’s a bag that tells you when you’ve had too much to drink.” Our farmer said: “Gawd, eh, I used to be married to one of them.”
