EVERY day I hear a long-time farmer or retired agent tell me that 2021 mirrors some of the seasons of 1950 to 1956 and, of course, their arguments are strong.
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In this week's feature photo the pictured water storage was completed in September and overflowed last week, from a catchment area that has not run for many years.
As a schoolboy until 1956 my memories of those years were of lush clover pasture, bogged tractors and machines left in paddocks for months, lots of footrot in sheep across the district and our school bus being bogged on occasions.
Reg Farraway, Bill Blair and Les Hurst were the bus drivers and they were great blokes.
The lessons that were learnt by farmers were to concrete or blue metal as much of stock yards as possible, to keep stock away from low country as much as possible to keep feet hard, to use Merryville, Egelabra or Bundemar for white wool in Merinos.
If history were to repeat itself, the next 22 years should be mostly drought-free with hand feeding of sheep being a rarity. Of course, predictors of long range weather forecast are not seen as dills for no reason, and we can merely hope for good times ahead.
Hoping for heat
AMIDST all the floods and wet days there are reports that some growers to our north-west made big inroads into harvest during six dry days several weeks ago.
A lot of grain must be downgraded and every grower in the Central West must be hoping for some hot, dry days to allow crops to ripen and soils to harden for harvest machinery.
We often hear of recent extreme sunspot activity and a major solar flare that some open-minded scientists believe will greatly influence our weather patterns and electronic communications in the near future.
A speaker from ANU Armidale predicted the flood seasons that we are experiencing at a NSW Farmers meeting in Bathurst several years ago. Those who believed him must be rejoicing.
Quality workmanship
HIS many customers and friends will join with me to thank Steve Bayliss for his many years of quality workmanship as he prepares to close his motorcycle repair business in Alpha Street.
We know Steve as a brilliant mechanic and problem solver and a great friend to a lot of country people.
He intends to cease new bookings within weeks and close his shop doors soon after.
On behalf of your many country clients I say thank you Steve and your family; we're going to miss you.
Country music
LOVERS of country music will be keen to hear Lindsay Butler and supporting artists entertain at the Burraga Hall on Saturday, December 11 with a barbecue at 6pm and showtime at 7pm.
Cost is $25 per adult.
Lindsay Butler is a renowned guitar player. Your family won't be disappointed.
Bookings to Ross 6337 0333.
Three cheers
MY selection for three cheers this week is Jaydem Hadson, the principal of St Philomena's School in LLoyds Road, South Bathurst.
Jaydem manned the pedestrian crossing at the school in rain last week when the usual banner bearer was out of action.
Well done, Mr Hadson, and thanks for the friendly waves.
Council elections
GOOD luck to each candidate who has the fortitude to seek election to their local council this weekend.
We must thank every incumbent in our local government area for the time and effort that they spent on our behalf.
This weekend's elections should set us on a path of progress for our towns, city and surrounding villages and farms.
I hope that the people who want to get things done will attain a working majority in our three LGAs and that those who talk endlessly and achieve little may have more family time at home after election results.
Thinking out loud
- Mount Panorama really is one of the most famous mountains on our planet and perhaps a world class go-kart track on the summit would have been a starting place for champion racing drivers.
- Why is there no election for Narromine Council this weekend? Just nine councillors were needed and nine candidates were nominated. Why are there 68 candidates for nine positions in Bathurst Regional Council?
- Male partners who need a little extra for her Christmas stocking may like to add a magazine, Country Style, November edition, that carries a cover story of Suzy and Richard Miller's lovely dahlia flower farm at Rainham on the Vale Road at Orton Park, south of Bathurst. She'll love you for Christmas, I think. Only $9 at newsagents.
Wool market report
VOLATILITY continued in the wool market in week 21 with a national offering of 36,814 bales.
The first day of sales saw the 18 micron and broader wools finish 10-20ac easier but by Wednesday morning the whole attitude and feeling had changed.
Exporters had new orders flow into their order books and by the end of the day there had been a total reverse in fortunes and most merino fleece indicators were up to 40ac dearer. The whole atmosphere in the sale rooms was very positive and buoyant.
The Eastern Market Indicator finished up 17ac/kg dearer for the week at 1341ac/kg or 1.28 per cent dearer in AUD terms.
Whilst the crossbred indicator is basically unchanged, it is pleasing to see that the lower lines (ie cotts, colour and higher VM types) are now receiving more interest from the trade, whereas up to a month ago some of these lines weren't getting a bid.
After attending the sale last week, one processor's comment was that they still have problems with contamination arriving in bales.
Clothing and hats seem to be the most common. Please keep the clip clean.
There is an estimated offering of 39,058 bales to be offered in week 22 in all centres. Then there will be two sales until the three-week Christmas recess.
Richard Butcher, Nutrien Wool
You have to laugh
GEORGE joined a lap dancing club. A mate asked how the first event went and was told; "A woman spent the evening taking all my money and then left me frustrated. I won't go back; I can do just that at home."
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THE wool cockie was worried because his family feared what might happen to them if he died. After several tough years they are now more worried about what will happen to them if he doesn't die.
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HERB was in an insurance claim dispute. The company refused to pay because they claimed he was drunk and smoking in bed when the mattress caught alight. Herb said: "No sir, the damn bed was already well alight when I got into it."
