The game has had many ups and downs and present sheep numbers are only half what they were in the 1980s, and are on a par with sheep totals at the time of World War One. 

During the many drought years in recent times, producers who have stuck firmly with self-replacing woolcutters have been well rewarded by wool, meat and store sheep sales. 

BMA’s Annual Ewe Competitions and Ram Expo, along with successive wether trials, give country people a chance to compare the differing approaches by sheep breeders.

Please don’t overlook our district’s wool industry. Most producers are enjoying good returns and are really positive for future prospects.

The BMA Ewe Competition will be held on properties to Bathurst’s north.

Day costs are dinner at RSL $25; bus and lunch only $25; bus, lunch and dinner $50. Bookings necessary by February 25 to Kirby, 0401 402 351.

Pre-shearing for the wether trial is on March 30 at Vale Creek Wines, 438 Cow Flat Road, Georges Plains. Teams to be on site by 7.30am.

Details from Rob McLeod on 0427 311 973.

THE upcoming retirement sale of cattle from Kevin and Christine Hillsdon’s Westmorland Poll Hereford Stud is set down for Saturday, February 16 at noon at the Llandillo selling complex at The Lagoon. 

Selling agents are Ray White Emms Mooney and Bowyer and Livermore, and I doubt if you’ll find better stud poll herefords.

MANY landholders would be pleased to see that their Local Land Services rates have been waived for 2019 as I hear a lot of complaints regarding LLS and its structure.

To be fair, the present staff lists contain a lot of capable, dedicated workers who have assisted a number of landholders during a run of drought years.

I would agree that the system appears to be top heavy with many strategic planners and a smaller contingent at the coalface, but others control the business now and I can only watch.

WITH many reports of storm damage to farm infrastructure this week, it may be wise to make sure that your farm insurance policies are adequate for your needs.

A lost woolshed or hayshed roof will cost many dollars to replace.

THE recent passing of lifelong resident of Peel, Keppel Palmer, revives memories of a community-minded farmer and grazier.

Keppel and his wife Jackie reared their family at their Peel property and were within months of a golden wedding celebration.

Keppel is remembered as a great supporter of the local school, longtime member of the Peel Hall Trust, a quality tennis player and a valued bulldozer operator for Arthur and Jim Bowie in earlier years.

TWO highly respected ladies of the Bathurst community have also passed away during recent weeks.

Elaine Crofts is remembered for her lifelong work ethic, her mischievous sense of humour, and her outstanding tennis ability.

Alma McAndrew, a member of the Hill family at Perthville, was very much a quiet achiever. With her husband John McAndrew, she was always a great support to those who needed a friend

GOLDEN wedding congratulations to Marie and Daryl Dolbel of Gilmandyke, Rockley.

I thought your celebration photos in the Western Advocate were great, and a feature of many of your family and friends who are longtime stalwarts of country Bathurst.

MOST of the state election cards are now on the table and a clear picture is emerging.

In the defending member’s corner is local member and dual cabinet minister Paul Toole, who enjoys a very comfortable margin and there are probably a few forms left in this member’s cheque book.

Already walking a bit faster is Shooters, Fishers and Farmers candidate Brenden May, who carries some really attractive policy plans but with quite a low profile.

Police prosecutor Beau Riley is a genuine Bathurst local, having attended our high school and being involved in our social and work community.

Noted is his opposition to the planned $2 billion spend on two Sydney sports stadiums. Beau’s Labor campaign for Bathurst could raise many eyebrows and blood pressures.

Saturday, February 9: Oberon Show

Saturday, February 16: Westmorland Poll Hereford dispersal.

Friday, March 1: BMA Maiden Merino Ewe Comp.

Saturday, March 30: Wether Trial Shearing at 438 Cow Flat Rd. Georges Plains.

May 3/4/5: Royal Bathurst Show.

Saturday, August 10: Ram Expo and working dog auction at Bathurst Showground.

BEST style 18.5 micron and finer lots attracted solid buyer support on both Sydney sale days. The premiums paid for these lots added 10c/kg to the Northern Market Indicator, which finished the week on 1970c/kg.

The broader merino types were also in demand, gaining up to 20c/kg for the week.

Crossbred lots were out of favour, with the broader types 40c/kg cheaper

Even though the market was dearer, traders are not operating in the market, leaving it all up to buyers with mill orders.

Traders are saying the volatility in the market at the moment is creating too much risk to trade.

It will be interesting to see where the market goes when volumes drop off dramatically, which will happen over the next couple of months.

Next week will see 37,005 bales on offer nationwide.

SOME people cause happiness wherever they go; some cause happiness whenever they go.

**

AFTER 25 years of disputes and marriage, they were calling it quits.

“I haven’t ever been game to ask, but I will now,” he said. “Four of our kids have red hair, but Thaddeus is black-headed. Before you leave, tell me, who is Thad’s father?”

She looked fiercely as she told him: “He’s yours, Herb.”

**

GEORGE had been 10 years in jail and collected his clothes from the warden.

In a pocket was a shoe repairs docket, so he went to collect them.

He gave the bootmaker the details and was told: “I remember; brown brogues, half sole and heels; they’ll be ready Tuesday, mate.” (Sorry Frank.)