LONG-TIME rural producer Ron Glasson, formerly of Tuena, passed away in recent times and will be remembered as a former top flight sportsman, a breeder of quality livestock and a valued friend.

Isabella farmer Ron Stapleton died recently also and was respected as a quiet achiever and a reliable friend and workmate.

Mrs Pat Pollard, formerly of “Ningear” at Evans Plains, passed away last weekend. She will be remembered for her hospitality, her love of lawn bowls and her management of the property with her late husband John.

And also deceased is Marjorie Baines, whose passing revived memories of a community-minded lady as she and her husband Brian were much involved with our city’s activities.

Marjorie’s father-in-law, the late Jack Baines, was widely known as a long-term Elders wool and livestock identity across the state.

ROADKILL of native animals is starkly obvious on most roads at present and kangaroos are at close to plague numbers in many areas.

A local lady was knocked over by a ’roo in her own backyard on a farm in recent days and some big ’roos take a defiant stance when fronted by a human.

Damage to motor vehicles must be really costly and panel repairers must hope that no-one relocates the mobs of ’roos that are in the Peel to Wattle flat area and also on the sides of Mount Panorama that join the Bathurst waste depot.

A lot of the kangaroo population must be very hungry at present as most paddocks are bare.

A LOT of country people have expressed interest in the many possibilities of using drones in agriculture and an update and training day for users is planned for district residents.

The two-hour  courses are scheduled for Tuesday, June 5 June and Tuesday, June 19 on a property close to Bathurst.

Details and registration are available from David McKay on 0414 555470.

THURSDAY’S Local Land Services drought strategy meeting runs from 9.30am to 12.30pm at the Bathurst Rugby Clubhouse on Hereford Street, and every worried producer is keen to attend.

No-one is finding fault with the position that their neighbours are in as we all have reasons for our approach to serious drought.

Genetics of livestock herds or flocks may be hard to regain when general rains finally arrive as the national sheep flock is at its lowest since World War 1, and many thousands of female cattle are being sent to slaughter every week.

To balance the equation, lamb prices for finished animals are very attractive, wool and mutton prices are close to their best and store cattle and beef prices must bounce when the flood levy banks are tested in Bathurst.

SUPPORT for rural dwellers who are severely affected by the current drought has come from both Oberon and Lithgow councils.

Oberon has lowered its charge for buyers of potable bulk water and now sells it at council cost, while the Lithgow mayor has spoken strongly in support of the farmers and out-of-town dwellers.

The present situation has all of us rattled and these two councils deserve credit for giving support.

BEFORE we leave the dismal drought story, thanks must go to chairman of Bathurst NSW Farmers for the on-property interview that he gave to WIN TV last week.

David McKay outlined the disappointment that we all feel as full blown drought conditions have returned to our Tablelands, just as many were getting back on to their feet after the damage of the millennium drought that dragged on for years.

There has been a push to attract young farmers into the industry and current conditions won’t give much incentive, but low interest rates and prospects of solid markets for rural products may entice some.

Meanwhile, we must be careful not to be overly negative when discussing rural industry as many love the life and dream of being farmers.

THE frantic bidding for merino wool continued this week, pushing prices past last week’s record highs.

All merino categories were 50c-60c/kg dearer and the fine crossbreds followed suit, rising around 30c/kg.

The 28 micron and broader crossbreds lost around 10c/kg.

The northern market indicator reached another record high, finishing the week on 2033c/kg.

It is the broader merinos that have really taken off, rising more than 400c/kg since February while the 17 microns and finer have risen around 130c/kg.

Buyers coming back from China recently are saying demand is still very strong so we should see this market remain some time yet.

Next week will see 31,336 bales on offer nationwide.

Mark Horsburgh, TWG Landmark

A 76-year-old cockie went to a show at a Sydney theatre all by himself.

Midway through the show he was slumped across three seats and security was called.

He was asked to sit up straight, or move, or leave the theatre but only responded with a groan.

Eventually a torch was shone on his face and he was asked: “Tell us, please, where are you from?”

The old cockie gasped: “From the bloody balcony.”

***

DAD was at Bunnings looking for geraniums and was told: “Sorry, sir, we’re out of geraniums but we have some lovely chrysanthemums.”

But dad said: “No, the missus is away for a week and I promised to water the geraniums.”