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Forbes Phoenix

Forbes Cattle Market Report

March 2, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes Cattle Sale

Conducted 29/02/2016

There were 1458 yarded. Quality was good comprising mostly yearlings, a few heavy steers and the usual run of cows. Competition was keen and all classes of cattle remained unchanged or fully firm compared to last week’s sale.

Prime yearling Steers up to 440kgs
292.0c to 330.0c

Prime yearling Heifers up to 440kgs
283.0c to 311.0c

Feeder Steers
300.0c to 336.0c

Heavy Steers over 500kgs
282.0c to 300.0c

Heavy Heifers
256.0c to 280.0c

Cows – 2 score
210.0c to 226.0c

Cows – 3 score
227.0c to 241.0c

Heavy Bulls
to 280.0c

Jemalong Wool Market Report

February 26, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

160225

Healthy Tummies

February 25, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Healthy tummies need plenty of fibre and water and the right balance of good bacteria. Feed the stomach with a healthy diet high in fibre and vegetables and low in fat, simple sugars and processed foods. Stress can really affect the stomach, causing stomach aches, diarrhoea or constipation.

Maintaining healthy digestion and a balance of good bacteria is central to good
health but many factors can throw out this balance. Inner Health Plus is a pro-biotic supplement developed to help maintain a healthy digestive and immune system and improve your general well being.

Adults require 30g of fibre a day and most people only get about half of this. If you are not getting enough fibre in your diet, taking a fibre supplement such as Benefiber will assist with stomach pains or bloating.

Constipation can be caused by lack of fibre or exercise, stress, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or certain medications. Make sure you stay active, have a high fibre diet and drink plenty of water.

Diarrhoea can be caused by stress, tummy bugs, medications, alcohol, caffeine,
food intolerances, IBS or medical conditions. If diarrhoea presents with fever, blood or mucous in the stools, or with risk of dehydration, seek medical advice promptly.

When suffering from diarrhoea, they key for all ages is to keep hydrated with electrolytes which are found in products such as Hydrolyte. For those suffering from reflux, there are a range of products available including over the counter Nexium 24 hour which provides a once daily dose for lasting relief of frequent
heartburn and acid reflux.

Call in to Flannery’s Pharmacy for professional consultation and advice from the team of Pharmacy Nurses and Pharmacists.

Compulsory Third Party / Green Slip Insurance Update

February 25, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

There has been quite a bit of action on the compulsory third-party green slip front of late. Zurich have announced they will no longer write this type of insurance from March 2016 onwards. Their removal from this insurance market is part of their overall transformation plan for Australia and the greater South-East Asia region.

What does this mean for you? With only a limited number of insurance companies now offering Green Slips it means that the market will possibly become less competitive. Zurich were typically very competitive on truck, bus & business motor Green Slips including primary producers seasonal registration.

It will be important for these types of users to source the best cover and pricing options for replacement of their Zurich policies when they fall due over the next 12 months.

Central West Insurance Group can help you source alternative coverage arrangements for your Zurich green slip. Our local staff are able to advise you on the different range of policies including benefits such as at fault
driver protection and CTP gap coverage options.

Come in and see our friendly staff at 74 Rankin Street Forbes for all your insurance needs.

Central West Insurance Group specialise in
• Business Insurance
• Farm / Crop Insurance
• Truck / Machinery Insurance
• Professional Liability
• Home / Landlord / Motor Insurance

For any queries or to get more information on changes to third party insurance, as well as any of the insurances listed above, please pay us a visit at our Rankin Street shop, or visit our website http://www.cwig.com.au/.

Customer Service at the Forefront of Eyewear Specs’ Plans

February 18, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Forbes, there is a new eyewear and optometrist outlet in town. Meet Eyewear Specs, a store that will sell all your needs for glasses and provide two optometrists, which is due to open next week.

Fiona Hayward, an experienced optical dispenser, is the business owner, and said where her business will differ from others is in customer service.
“I want to be available to anybody that needs glasses…it’s not about price, it’s about quality, and we’ll reach out to everybody,” she said.

“Customer service is number one. I want people to feel like this is their local place to shop, that they don’t have to travel away, and I want everyone to think they can come in and get glasses, no matter how much they want to spend.”

Ms Hayward, who is originally from Sydney but has lived in Parkes for the last 10 years, decided to set up business in Forbes because she grew fond of the community and people in it. “We have always loved the quaint town. It [Forbes] is a real country town. It’s so friendly, and it just seemed logical. I’ve
been wanting to do this for a very long time and the opportunity has come up,” she said.

After working for a larger eye care company for the past 25 years, Ms Hayward felt the time was right to branch away and form her own business. Besides optometrist work, she is trained to do anything with a pair of glasses, including fitting frames and lenses.

The two optometrists will job-share, with one working the first half of the week, while the other works the second half of the week. “I’m a trained optical dispenser… I choose the right pair of glasses and lenses for people, I can make lenses up to fit the frames. I’m the technical person,” she said.

When speaking about her new business’ future, she said she was in Forbes to stay. “This is my life. I love it. I’m so passionate about what I do. I couldn’t think of doing anything else. I’ll be staying here,” she said.

Social Puppies

February 18, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

It’s important to socialise puppies, as it helps them grow into well adjusted adults and in general reduces aggressive behavior. This results in a more rewarding, relationship between owner and dog.

When we refer to socialisation we mean exposing your dog to new and different environments, developing new relationships with different people and other animals. Owners may find it more beneficial to take their dogs to different parks, introduce different toys, walk different routes, visit friends in their own homes and expose their dog to different animals, different people,
different noises and different smells, after the puppy is covered by their vaccinations.

With dogs it is believed that the critical time for socialisation is between 3-16
weeks of age. A good breeder will initially start the socialisation process very early on by handling the puppies and providing a stimulating, fun environment. Puppies that lack socialisation may be slower learners, less able to socialise and have increased anxiety when they are moved to their new
homes and forever family at around 8 weeks of age.

It’s important to continue the socialisation process after this move to the new
family. However, your puppies vaccination does not cover them until they are at least 14 weeks of age, you should not let your puppy roam outside your own yard.

Forbes Vet Clinic offers puppy preschool, for puppies between the ages of 8-16
weeks, providing a safe controlled environment for puppies, where they can socialise with other puppies and people. Puppy preschool runs on Sunday evenings and consists of a four week program. Bookings are essential as places are limited. Please phone Forbes Vet Clinic on 6852 1775.

House For Sale

February 18, 2016 by Maggi Barnard

Roylance House Ad_190216

Are you looking for a home with nothing to be done? Do you need space for the kids of all ages?

This is the home for you. It is the perfect family home, to suit all ages. It is set on three and a half acres, perfectly positioned to enjoy rural living but only minutes from town. It is an entertainers dream with 3 entertaining areas and salt water in ground pool, to cool down in the hot summer.

There are five well sized bedrooms, four with built ins and ensuite to main. The fifth bedroom could be made into an office or teens retreat with own entrance. The large main bathroom boasts a corner spa to enjoy after a long day at work.

Large well designed kitchen and main living area. The kitchen boasts a double wall oven and a large area to cook up a feast. Heating and cooling is not an issue in the home. Winter is covered with Under Slab floor heating, reverse cycle air conditioning and a large wood fire in the main living area.

In summer you will be kept comfortable with reverse cycle ducted air conditioning. The kids will be sorted with their own lounge/rumpus room and a cubby house in the large back yard which is secure and fenced off.

With the inside taken care of, the outside also has lots to offer. There is a two car garage with internal access at the front of the home. Around the back is every man’s dream- a six car garage with workshop space, and three phase power- perfect to make a man’s cave!

The outside has had the hard work done for you, with established trees and gardens that are self-maintained, with the trees on dripper systems. The house sits on two acres and one and a half acres out the back is fenced off to run a few cattle or sheep.

With a 5kw solar system connected to house, power bills won’t be a headache.
NBN Wireless has been installed and the property utilises a Bio Septic System.
This property has everything you could want for and nothing to be done, except move in and make yourself a home.

Shop in Forbes this Christmas!

November 26, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

Document5

There are so many great reasons to do your Christmas shopping in Forbes this year! Did you know that spending money in your home town helps to boost the local economy? When you support your local businesses, you are supporting the people and entrepreneurs of Forbes. There are items in Forbes that you likely won’t find anywhere else – quirky, one-off gifts and unique handmade by local crafters.

When you shop locally, you are helping build in your community and keep those small, independent businesses alive and kicking. Shopping locally gives you the chance to help keep the community unique as well as supporting good jobs that hire local people. When you shop locally, you actually reduce your environmental impact and invest in your town. It’s quite likely you’ll get better service because local businesses generally take more time to get to know their customers!

But there is an even better reason to shop locally in Forbes this Christmas. Once again this year the Forbes Business
Chamber will host the Find It In Forbes This Christmas promotion and festival in 2015, and this year is set to be bigger and better than ever before! This year, shoppers can be rewarded for shopping locally in Forbes by making a
purchase from any of the 33 participating businesses. This will put you into the draw to win in a total of over $15,000 worth of prizes! All you have to do is spend $10 to receive your tickets into the draw to win from the prize pool, with the prizes being drawn throughout December.

The first draw of the promotion will take place during this year’s Christmas Festival, which will be held on Saturday 5 December. The Christmas Festival will run from 9am until 2pm and there will be plenty of great activities and amusements for the whole family this year, including live entertainment by Cath Adams, a local singer and previous contestant on The Voice. The fun doesn’t stop there! Enjoy dance performances by local dancers as well as a visit from Santa, fun rides for the kids, plenty of amazing market stalls and of course the traditional wheelbarrow races that are always a crowd favourite. This year, the races are being sponsored by Acheson’s Home Timber and Hardware.

The heats for the wheelbarrow races will kick off at 9:30am. If you need sign up forms, you can find them at Bown’s Sportspower or Anytime Fitness in Forbes. The winner in first place for the wheelbarrow races will win $500 worth of Why Leave Town Gift Cards, with the winner of second place receiving a $100 Bunnings gift card.

The first round of prizes will also be drawn starting at 10:15am. The prizes drawn on the Saturday will include two nights of accommodation at Greentrees Guest House in Orange for two people. This fantastic prize also includes a full buffet breakfast to enjoy, as well as a Woolerina scarf valued at a total of $650! The other prizes to be drawn are two $500 Why Leave Town Gift Cards, which can be used at any of the participating business.

The prize giving doesn’t stop there! More prize draws will take place on Saturday 12 December and Saturday 19 December. On December 12, entrants in the competition could be the lucky winner of a Smeg FAB10 bar fridge valued at $3190 from Greenhomes Australia! Two more $500 Why Leave Town Gift Cards are also up for
grabs.

On the following weekend of December 19, the lucky prize winners could receive a three month membership at Anytime Fitness in Forbes, which is valued at $269. This is also one of the last chances to win one of two $500 Why Leave Town Gift Cards. This year, the 2015 Major Prize Draw will be taking place on Christmas Eve, Thursday 24 December. Starting at 2pm, one lucky winner in this draw will be taking home a whopping $10,000 worth of Why Leave Town Gift Cards, and if you aren’t going to be in Forbes at that time, don’t stress because the winner does not have to be present for the draw.

The Find It In Forbes promotion has been running for a number of years and began as a way to encourage shoppers to spend in Forbes. “The cards reward people for coming to Forbes and encourages them to come back,” says Jess Dawes, Admin Marketing and Events Coordinator at Forbes Business Chamber. “The idea is that the money from the
cards enhances businesses because they keep the money in the community.”

The Forbes Business Chamber would like to thank all of the generous sponsors of this year’s promotion, especially their major sponsors who are Greenhomes Australia, John Davis Mazda, The Forbes Phoenix, Forbes Shire Council, Knights Cranes and the Forbes Advocate. When you head out to do your Christmas shopping in the coming weeks, remember to shop locally in Forbes to support our local businesses and to be in the running to win some of these incredible prizes.

Encourage local prosperity, invest in the community, buy local first and Find it in Forbes this Christmas!

Health Smart

August 20, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

Sorting it Out With Psychology Experts
It is natural to experience high points and low points throughout life but when there is a build-up of anxiety, stress, depression and otherwise, it is important to seek support. Dr Jamie Cox has worked as a consulting Psychologist
in a private Parkes practise for more than 10 years. His academic career in psychological research and university teaching lends confidence and comfort towards his skills and experience.

He also has expertise regarding accurate diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of personal issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety disorders, mood and motivation difficulties, stress management, loss and grief, phobias, behavioural health management and ADHD. Dr Cox can also offer assistance to school students suffering performance anxiety prior to exam periods like the HSC. To make an appointment or find out more information about the services Dr Cox provides, phone 6863 5013.

New Face at Western NSW Primary Health Network
Dr Tim Smyth, MBBS, LLB, MBA has been appointed to the position of Independent Chair of the Company Western NSW Primary Health Network (WPHN). With a deep understanding of government, public administration and compliance, and degrees in medicine, law and business administration, Dr Smyth is a widely experienced Board Director with extensive strategic and operational experience across all levels of the health system.

“Tim has a strong understanding of the Australian health care system and its structures, funding and relationships, and has a keen interest in Aboriginal Health throughout his career,” said Interim WPHN Chair Saranne Cooke.
“I am excited by the opportunity to work with a great team at Western NSW PGN and with GPs, allied health and Aboriginal health workers, health service and community partners to strengthen primary health care services
in Western NSW,” Dr Smyth said.

Donating Life
If you know anyone who has needed an organ transplant or replacement tissue, you will recognise the importance of raising awareness to promote organ and tissue donation. There is never a better time than right now to have the conversation that could possible save somebody’s life. “Family discussion around donation decisions is vital,” says Donation Specialist Sonia Braithwaite. “The majority of families say that having discussed and knowing the donation
decision of their loved one made it much easier to support donation proceeding if that is their wish.”

Only around 1% of people die in hospital in the specific circumstances where organ donation is possible. However, many more people can become eye and tissue donors as tissues can be donated up to 24 hours after death regardless of where the death occurred. “While the possibility of organ donation is quite small, one organ and tissue donor can transform the lives of 10 or more people,” Ms Braithwaite said. People can register their decision on the Australian Organ Donor Registry. For more information visit www.donatelife.gov.au

Rural Round Up

August 13, 2015 by Maggi Barnard

Pre and Post Emergent Weed Control

It is so great to see that pre-emergent sprays have worked particularly well in many situations this year. Those who had a robust pre-emergent plan are now reaping the rewards having had very little weed competition to date. This not only maintains yield potential for the crop, but also reduces pressure on post emergent sprays with lower
weed populations to control.

With the current wet conditions and the frosty conditions beforehand, it has been a challenging period to get in the paddock for post emergent spraying. It sometimes feels like a no win situation – you can’t spray because there are frosty conditions prevailing, then wet weather hampers traffic on paddocks once the frosts clear out. In situations where a post emergent spray is required, a reduction in efficacy may occur due to the size of the weeds and crop canopy closure following the weather related delays. In addition, if a decision is made to spray during frosty conditions, efficacy again, may be compromised.

Where weeds get through a spray or a decision is made not to spray, a strategy to capture their seed set should be considered and put in place before harvest. Crops should be monitored over the coming weeks to determine the level of escaped weeds. In these situations, particularly where ryegrass is present, preventing seed from returning to the seed bank is paramount.

An effective and common way of doing this is through narrow windrow burning. This practice is gaining momentum in the district with excellent results observed where done properly. Should you be concerned about herbicide susceptibility of these weed populations and would like to have them tested, make a note to collect weed seed from these paddocks/areas just prior to harvest. Seed can then be sent away for testing over the summer period.
There are many options out there for a range of crops and weeds as well as desired outcomes.

If you have any questions on the subject, or you would like to discuss your options for any given situation such as these, consult with one of the Agronomists at AgriWest today. Contact 6851 4200 for more information or to start your consultation.

Around the Markets

The cattle market has been rising slowly, week to week over the Central West. Paul Breen of KMWL Forbes said that cattle for domestic kill for supermarkets made up to $3.50 per kg at Forbes on Monday 10, with the bull market exceeding $3 per kg, which is a record high.

“The new season lamb market has ranged from $95 to $165 – this is for light weight suckers, up to 50kg,” Paul said. “The mutton market remains strong at between $3.50 and $3.80 per kg. Old lambs also brought good prices, ranging from $5.20 to $6.00 kg.” “This past week saw heavy yardings in both Dubbo with over 50,000 and Forbes in
excess of 40,000 and these numbers look set to continue well into the spring. Mostly these are new season lambs with the balance of old lambs. There is a lack of numbers in the south, including South Australia, and Victoria
and this lack of yardings has helped to contribute to the good prices at a local level and will keep this market high in the coming weeks.”

KMWL conducted the Moongenilla Angus Bull Sale on Friday 7 August with a total clearance of all bulls, averaging over $6,000 per bull, which is an overall reflection of the cattle market as well. Upcoming sales include the Poll Dorset Ram Sale at Ridgehaven, Cudal (on property) on Thursday September 10th as well as the Devanah
& Waroona Murray Grey Sale on property on Friday 18th September. More details can be obtained by calling the
KMWL office in Forbes on 02 6852 3355.

Winyar Merino Sale

Just out of Canowindra on the Mandurama Road, the Winyar Merino and Poll Merino Stud sale will be held on property on Wednesday September 9th. Inspections are welcome from 10 am and the auction will commence at 1 pm. The Winyar rams are known for their high performance figures, for genetic gain and to enhance the breed on values. They also produce soft handling wools with great bloom, heavy cutting 19.0 micron average. For more information call Allan Dawson on 02 6344 1653.

Beating a Path to China

Delaying China Australia Free Trade Agreement (CHAFTA) could kneecap Australian farmers. It has taken over 10 years for the free trade deal to be finalised with China. “This is a deal to eliminate taxes on Australian exports to China,” Angus Taylor, Federal Member for Hume said. “It is time for Australian farmers to reap the benefits, and it is time for the Free Trade Agreement to enter into force and for the tariffs to be removed.”

“If by some chance CHAFTA stalled, there’d be plenty of countries around the world ready to supply beef, sheep meat, butter, cheese and wine to China. Everybody is beating a path to China’s door.”

Ready for spring

With Spring just around the corner, now is the time to ensure that all of your machinery is serviced and ready to go for spring spraying, hay making and of course, harvest. McClintocks at Forbes has a range of Case tractors and harvesters ready for you to have a look at. In addition, their sales of the Krone baler continue to grow. Call in
and see them on the Newell Highway, just out of Forbes. If you are looking for a new cab ute then why not consider one of the great outback deals from Orange Motor Group, your dealer for Isuzu in the Forbes area. Starting at $25,990 driveaway, this is a special offer until stock runs out.

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