Numbers were down with a lot of studs being in COVID lockdown areas and many would-be spectators staying away from places where they see a risk.

So many events are being cancelled that stud operators are obviously pleased to find a venue to display some of their sale stock.

Results of flock classes at the Ram Expo:

TURON Wild Dog Association will carry out its spring baiting program on Friday, September 3.

All baits must be ordered by August 30.

Order forms can be downloaded from the association's website, filled in and returned by email to boxhill6@gmail.com or mark.simpson@lls.nsw.gov.au.

Times and dates for bait pick up will be included in Rural Notebook next Thursday.

RECENT RURAL NOTEBOOK COLUMNS:

THE sudden COVID lockdown has caused many changes in our way of life with family get-togethers and organised functions coming to a halt.

Sales of property and livestock will go ahead and results will probably be comparable to the former open cry auction system as most of us are used to trading online.

Computerised dealing reminds me of the value of people who talk straight, stick to handshake deals, respect their elders, teachers, bosses and clergy.

That might not sound politically correct, but it is the way that our systems were built and the way our parents and ancestors formed our personalities and values.

We will all miss the social contacts that won't be available this week, but the business of farming must still go on and all the normal jobs will be done by farmers and their families and staffers, all with a smile on their faces.

If we believe that we are put on this earth to help others, we can appreciate every hour of every day.

Nearly every organisation, club or member group is struggling for full-time members and the lack of interest in religion's beliefs is terribly obvious.

The generation before us "breasted bigger rivers when floods were at their height" and gave us memories and respect for how they raised their families and businesses in spite of many setbacks.

So it's our turn to put our heads down, don't blame the politicians, don't listen to the talkback radio and make sure that we do our very best for our families and friends.

ALL the signs of the coming spring are now obvious with lots of wattle trees being in full bloom in warmer country towards Canowindra, excellent blossom on some yellow box on granite soils close to Bathurst and plenty of growth on fodder crops and pastures.

With the early pasture growth comes the risk of virulent footrot and pulpy kidney in sheep and lambs, and the costly and heartbreaking prospect of grass tetany in lactating cows.

There would be a grateful horde of cattle breeders who would really appreciate a half-day workshop on the approach of landholders to this problem.

In former years of high risk of grass tetany, producers put out Beefmaster magnesium blocks and a slurry of Causmag, lime and salt to try to combat the problem.

Senior Local Land Services vet Bruce Watt has been a great resource to breeders over the years and many have found his advice on grass tetany to be invaluable.

Please don't hesitate to ask Bruce for advice before your problem increases in severity.

THERE are currently a lot of jobs available in the farm sector and some of them will lead to permanent positions that are higher up the ladder.

Casual and part-time jobs will involve plenty of hard work and pay offers will vary from frugal to attractive (depending on the employer).

A full-time job as a stationhand in our district outlines an interesting job with a spread of responsibilities with stock and machinery.

It also involves stock work without the use of dogs in a laneway system.

While some producers don't want working dogs on their place and others discuss the use of mustering drones, others will bid many thousands of dollars for a good working dog.

HE told a friend that he was now a professional author.

"Sounds great," friend said. "Have you sold anything yet?"

Our author replied: "Oh, certainly. The TV, car and house."

***

EIGHT men and a woman were rescued from a mountain peak and were clinging to a long rope, hung from a helicopter.

The load was too heavy and shouted instructions were for several people to be martyrs and let go of the rope to save others.

All the men were silent and hung on.

The woman said she was needed for family, nursing and beloved husband.

All the men were so impressed that every one of them clapped his hands in appreciation. Problem solved.

FOLLOWING a buoyant close to sale two, and after a three-week recess, week six of the Australian wool market opened with a major retracing.

The Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) closed four per cent cheaper and, even with the Australian dollar being two per cent weaker against the US dollar, the market was 5.15pc cheaper in US dollar terms.

This radical downward movement took many industry pundits by surprise.

Chinese demand was poor relative to the pre-recess sentiment and surprising as we had received reports of good wool top and yarn sales during the break.

It was also a surprising result because of reports of supply of wool in the pipeline being low.

Looking at the buying figures, it was noticeable that some Chinese first stage wool processors were also very quiet in the sale room.

Italy, India and the Czech Republic once again supported the market, as they had prior to the break.

Most affected were the finer wools with greater than two per cent VM present in the wool; this included fleece pieces and belly wools.

These types were 80-150ac cheaper, with the five per cent-plus VM types up to 300ac cheaper than prior to the break.

There were 49,181 bales offered for sale Australia-wide, but at the end of the week, there had been a total of 33.2pc passed in.

At one point in Sydney, 50pc of all Merino descriptions were being passed in.

Early estimates for week seven show an estimated offering of 38,000 after early withdrawals of 8000 bales.