In the public sector we see Keepit and Burrendong dams close to empty and our local dams at Oberon, Carcoar and Chifley are at a stage where great care must be taken by the controlling councils.

The current drought that has built up over many years has changed rural enterprises and practices like direct drilling of crops and pastures, cell or regenerative grazing, and feedlots for cattle and sheep have all found a place in the rural landscape.

Landholders who invested in solar pumps to ensure water supply for livestock and house supply are usually impressed by the simplicity of their operation and hope for long-term reliability.

A LOT of money has been withdrawn from Farm Management Deposit accounts as farmers have battled several mongrel seasons.

Both sides of politics have supported this scheme as it gives a modicum of control to farm tax planning.

Of concern is the existing legislation that means that if a farm owner/partner dies, a portion of their FMD must be added to theirs taxable income in the year that he or she died.

This scenario is not common but should it happen in a good income year, the result would be horrendous for the surviving family.

Again, some accountancy advice should be worthwhile.

LAST week's meeting of Bathurst Regional Council and the Perthville Neighbourhood Group almost reached standing room only with Mayor Graeme Hanger, most of the councillors and senior staffers having a frank exchange of opinions.

The discussion mainly centred on flood mitigation plans and suggestions of sand dredging, but environmental issues from government departments are overriding council's thoughts.

Several councillors and the general manager stated that environmental controls during the last decade have changed the face of flood mitigation schemes.

Of real interest is the impression that the interaction between BRC and its ratepayers seems to have changed from a "them and us" mentality to an outlook of "come on, we're all in this together".

Ideally our state and federal members should work with all concerned to allay the concerns of residents and landholders as they wait for the one-in-500-year flood.

THE clock is ticking for The Land newspaper's Sheep Week across much of NSW and Victoria with a great chance for sheep studs of every breed to show some of their stock to a discerning public.

I believe that stud groups in mid-NSW are included in Sheep Week for the first time this year and our Central Tablelands is bound to feature in displays in Bathurst.

PRODUCERS across the country have every reason to hang in and be positive as they wait for the seasonal wheel to turn.

When it does they see wool at $2500 per bale, cows and calves above $2000, crossbred lambs at $150, merino wethers too valuable to keep and even the humble goat at 920c/kg dressed weight.

Agriculture should be a bright spot in Australia's economy once we return to full dams and green paddocks.

ST Joseph's Perthville will be hosting its version of Australia's biggest morning tea this Friday, May 31 with a 10.30am start.

Proceeds from the event will go to assist those who are impacted by cancer.

Please RSVP to Sr Mary on 0429 186 564.

THIS column is being written before the Federal Election result is decided but regardless of the result we should all realise that we are fortunate to live and work in a great country where democracy rules.

A great example of this was the obvious respect that former prime ministers John Howard and Bob Hawke showed to each other some years after they left public life.

Probably our best two prime ministers, one from each side.

THE week saw large price reductions across all micron price guides in all three centres.

Growers were reluctant to sell at these lower prices and the national pass-in rate climbed to 21.6 per cent.

The limited number of crossbred lots could not sustain the gains of previous weeks with losses of up to 143c.

Quantities reduce again next sale, with 25,637 bales currently rostered.

The Northern Market Indicator lost 52 cents to end week at 1937c/kg clean.

Mark Horsburgh, TWG Landmark

HE asked: "What do you suggest for our 25th wedding anniversary?"

She replied: "How about two minutes silence?"

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THE coach driver called: "We are now passing the biggest hotel in Dublin."

A voice from the back of the bus shouted out: "Why?"

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GEORGE told his mate that he'd discovered that his wife was a terrible liar: "She told me that she was out with Sarah last night, but I was out with Sarah last night."