So many times during the past four decades we've seen a bobtail spring with a reasonable start that has faded into dust.

I hope that the serious cold change of last weekend didn't cause too many stock losses and that flock owners who are trying to get early shearing done haven't lost too much time.

All livestock hate going into muddy, smelly stock yards and so do their owners.

While on the subject of snowflakes, why not Google "Snow Crystals" to see and read about this wonder of nature.

Please read these articles and then think, did all this just occur naturally or must there be a Creator?

None of us want to preach or sound too holy, but maybe a really good snowstorm will make us ponder.

To be very practical, why not obtain a map of the creeks and streams that flow into the Campbells River and Bathurst's water supply.

To follow the Gilmandyke Creek and Peppers Creek and all the little streams that flow to the Chifley Dam is an exercise that every student should carry out at school; likewise, the beautiful Oberon Dam on the Fish River with its great supply of freshwater fish.

OTHER RECENT RURAL NOTEBOOK COLUMNS:

EVERY landholder in the Central Tablelands has a story about badly bogged vehicles and most of the tales are of "in my neighbour's paddock".

In many instances, there are several vehicles and a tractor in trouble and a backhoe or excavator with long chains will be needed.

These machines come with a significant cost and freighting a big machine will incur at least $500 plus time on the job.

The quaintly named Snatch Strap is basically an industrial quality elastic strap and the rebound quality of elastic gives a great surge to the bogged machines.

A lot of us have used one of these straps, but the best exponent that I know is Matt Byrnes and his advice is valuable.

AUSTRALIAN Wool Innovation is really feeling the 40 per cent year-on-year drop in wool auction values and has terminated the jobs of at least 40 of its full-time staffers.

Add to this a $60 per head drop in values of trade lambs and we see the effect of COVID economic controls on much of the rural sector.

Meanwhile, mutton and beef markets are really strong and every breeding animal, including goats, is bringing excellent prices.

The very promising spring will keep most farmers' heads up high and values for rural real estate have never been higher.

THE Classings Classic ram auction for carefully selected elite woolled rams will go ahead at the Murray Bridge, South Australia racecourse on Monday, September 7 with about 80 young rams on offer.

To many merino breeders, this sale is now at the top rung of offerings for dual purpose sheep with the very best wools on the very best skins and frames.

Of particular interest are twin rams that have near identical Australian Sheep Breeding Values and I hope that the buyer has enough up his sleeve to buy his twin as these two have been together since conception.

They are offered on behalf of Pimbena Stud, Wirrulla, SA.

REPORTS from ram auctions in South Australia show two of the leading dual purpose merino studs showing the way.

Glenlea Park at Bordertown sold 163 of 163 rams offered, with a top of $20,000 and average of $2960.

Ridgway Advance at Pinnaroo sold 128 of 160 offered, topping at $12,300 and averaging $2472.

These sheep are the proof of the sheep skin scientists who told us 40 years ago that "when you get the skin right the wool quality will follow".

I checked a young merino ram from Glenwood stud at Wellington recently: 8.2kg; 150mm; 18.2 mic from 38 weeks growth.

He's a wide bodied ram just two years old and has a real "told you so" look in his eye.

LAST Sunday's Dubbo trot meeting bought us a breakthrough first win for Thirsty Sportsman - named after one of Bathurst's favourite sports identities, the late Tony Colley.

I thought Thirsty Sportsman won nicely, going away after one of Jason Turnbull's best drives.

At a race meeting in a much warmer climate in Albion Park, Queensland, the Bathurst two-year-old He's Sweet won a Group One for two-year-olds for owners John Boserio, Ken Plunkett and Craig Lusby.

The pacer has had a busy first season with about 13 starts and he looked extra well in the winning photos.

The three owners also glowed in the photos.

Monday, August 31: Bathurst Merino Association AGM, Bridge Hotel, Perthville, 7pm sharp.

Thursday, September 3: Millah Murrah Bull Sale on property.

Wednesday, September 9: Winyar Merinos auction at Canowindra.

Wednesday, September 23: Bella Lana Ram Sale at Dripstone.

THE wool market suffered further losses this week across all sectors.

Merino types lost between 50 and 70c/kg, while the crossbred wools lost around 60c/kg.

The Northern Market Indicator finished the week on 991c/kg.

The uncertainty in the market and the lack of firm orders is keeping foreign and local traders out of the market, reducing competition.

Chinese top makes are operating, but at reduced rates.

Pass-in rates were again high, with 26 per cent not reaching grower expectations, which is adding to the ever-increasing wool stockpile.

Next week will see 22,346 bales on offer.

GEORGE told his doctor that he was a hopeless kleptomaniac and often pinched stuff from shops.

His doctor prescribed some pills and added: "If they don't work for you, I'd like a 70 inch HD television and an iPhone."

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THEY tell me that when school teachers caned kids for playing up, we grew up with a psychological condition called "Respect for others".

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I'M now 79. I've survived lead paint, rusty playgrounds, secondhand smoke, toy guns, no seatbelts, no helmets, drinking from a hose, and if I didn't eat what my mum cooked then I didn't eat.