The BMA-sponsored Hi 5 section for hogget merino ewes was won by local grazier Neil Francis’s team of superfine ewes.

Dr Ross Wilson and Jane Thompson took a team of Rural Clinical School medical students from the Bathurst campus of Western Sydney University to carry out blood pressure and glucose tests on a cross-section of showgoers and their efforts and advice were really appreciated.

The organisers of the Burraga Sheep Show deserve congratulations for putting their 59th annual event together and we look forward to the 2019 event.

JODIE and Mal Healey from the Turon Wild Dog Association advise that their spring baiting day will take place on Friday, September 7.

Baits will be free to members if they supply meat at $1.30 for prepared baits.

Orders must go to Alistair by this Friday, phone 0428 444 015 or 6333 2300.

Landholders are aware of the savage toll that foxes and wild dogs are taking on birds, native fauna and household fowls.

This baiting program is certainly a step in the direction of protecting these creatures, as well as productive livestock.

RAIN recordings varied across the Central Tablelands but many falls of 20mm-25mm were reported.

The effects of the rainfall are quite obvious as I write this early on Monday morning. Fresh green shoots have appeared on paddocks that aren’t flogged, but there’s a very long way to go before hand feeding can stop.

But this is a definite start and a welcome lift in farmers’ spirits.

Late August rain can give early spring growth. Pastures across our district have got a  painted-on green colouring and a bit of a pick for sheep is evident.

No-one should get ahead of themselves but we are all hoping that this could be the start of seasonal patterns.

On a positive note, grain-fed crossbred lambs and early suckers are bringing excellent returns. Early shorn merinos have given excellent prices but quantities are down by around 20 per cent with staple soundness lower than in normal seasons.

OF interest is a report from a mental health workshop in north-west NSW that tells of a large attendance and a fair bit of good humour as the facilitator made sure that his core messages were listened to.

Like all good message carriers he emphasised:

PLEASE write these details down and keep in your filing cabinet for reference: All parts for Chinese machinery, bus, ATV, including Sony, SEM, Sunward, Laidong and Yuchai and many others. Phone 08 9452 3695 or 0426 418 748, email parts@wwcm.com.au.

LAST week’s Canberra showdown has given us another prime minister and treasurer and a hope of some stable government in the medium term.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison changed several key portfolios and we can only hope that much of the “politics of hate” will fade into the history books.

Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce has been given the important role of federal drought support spokesman and he may well return to the Cabinet room at some future time.

AFTER last week’s huge rises the wool market retracted this week.

The superfine Merino wools lost around 90c/kg and the fine to medium ,erinos lost 60 to 70c/kg.

The crossbreds, which did not rise to the extent of the merinos the previous week, lost around 15c/kg as the Northern Market Indicator finished the week on 2117c/kg, down 46c/kg.

Although we have seen the market lose ground after last week’s rise, a lack of current and future supply is foremost in the processors’ thoughts which should keep the market around these levels.

Sales next week will see 34,960 bales offered nationwide.

Mark Horsburgh, TWG Landmark

THE doctor asked the lovely lady: “And do you ever wake up with a jerk early in the morning?”

She replied: “Oh, not for some years, doctor. Nowadays I try to be very particular.”

***

AT scripture class, little Eddie was asked if he prayed before dinner each night and he answered “no”.

But Father continued: “You really should pray, Eddie. Why don’t you?”

Eddie said: “I don’t need to, Father. My dad’s new girlfriend is a real good cook.”

***

A CHURCHGOER wonders: “Once children are confirmed they are rarely seen around church again. Would this strategy work with Bathurst’s bats and pigeons?”