After a hesitant start on Wednesday the market gained momentum leaving most MPG’s 10-20 cents dearer at the close. Thursdays market saw strong support for the better style fine wools, which gained more ground in the last designated superfine sale for the season, while the broader end retreated up to 30 cents in some areas.

The skirting market performed with mixed results. Wools carrying less than 2.0% vegetable matter (vm) and possessing good length and strength results were highly sought after and therefore dearer for the week, faultier lots and those with less favourable results were highly irregular, tending cheaper.

The crossbred market also had varied results. 25.0 to 28.0 micron were generally 10 to 25 cents dearer, however the broader types lost 10-15 cents. The carding market also suffered further corrections this week after a solid start, with all types and descriptions suffering general losses of between 10 and 30 cents, with the Southern region least affected.

46,490 bales are currently rostered for sale week commencing 6th March.

Source AWEX

An application to declare the severe storm at Back Yamma and Cookamidgera late last year as a natural disaster has been approved.

On 13th December 2017 Central West Lachlan Landcare submitted an Agricultural Natural Disaster Assessment application for Back Yamma and Cookamidgera, in consultation with the Central West Local Land Services, to the Department of Primary Industries.

The intention of this assessment was to have the isolated hail incidents and flash flooding that saw many crops and infrastructure significantly impacted in November when they were on the verge of, or had commenced harvest, recognised as a natural disaster.

Due to this event being isolated to the Back Yamma and Cookamidgera areas, many in the surrounding districts did not receive the significant rain and hail events that were experienced in this area.

This declaration is an important step to allowing access, through application, to funding provided by the State Government.

This funding will potentially assist with preparations for 2018 sowing season.

The Department of Primary Industries has

approved the application, which will now allow for submissions from landholders impacted by the event, through the Rural Assistance Authority to access disaster relief loans and transport freight subsidies.

The Natural Disaster Relief Scheme assists primary producers affected by flood/ fire/storm damage or any other declared natural disaster. Assistance under this scheme by its nature is not compensatory therefore applicants need to be in urgent and genuine need of assistance.

Marg Applebee, Coordinator for Central West Lachlan Landcare said the BackYamma and Cookamidgera areas are not  only picturesque, but also have some of the most fertile soils in the Parkes and Forbes Shire areas. “This funding will enable primary producers, some of whom suffered significant crop losses and other infrastructure losses, the ability to seek assistance to address immediate concerns and enable preparation for this year’s sowing season.”

Central West Lachlan Landcare are thankful for the assistance of landholders at a difficult time when harvest had commenced, the State Government through the Central West Local Land Services and Department of Primary Industries, appreciate the support from Member for Orange, Philip Donato and his willingness to meet with landholders to see the impact first hand after the event.

Philip met with affected landholders recently, Cr Neil Westcott and Cr Steven Karaitiana from Parkes and Forbes Shire Councils respectively, Alli Gartrell from the Rural Assistance Authority, President of Parkes and Forbes NSW Farmers, Gavin Tom and Marg Applebee to share the good news of the declaration.

For landholders seeking further details, information may be accessed through the Rural Assistance Authority website at www.raa.nsw.gov.au and are encouraged to contact Marg Applebee on 6862 4914 if assistance is required with applications submissions.

This week’s sale opened on a cautious note with most wools selling at discounted levels, the only notable exception were low mid break lots, which were attracting strong demand under limited volume. Buyer confidence slowly returned as the sale progressed and wools which were previously being overlooked started to attract stronger competition.

The skirting market experienced an up and down week, prices generally fell by 20 – 40 cents on the first selling day, only to recover the losses on the second day, to finish the sale generally unchanged.

The crossbred sector performed with mixed results. The finer and broader end managed to record small gains of 5 – 10 cents, while the bulk of the offering in the 26 to 30 micron range slipped another 10 – 20 cents.

Oddments continued to lack buyer confidence with all types and descriptions discounted further as the market struggled to find a level, leaving the carding indicators to shed another 40 cents on average.

Source AWEX

This week saw buyers keen to secure more volume before the looming recess. Price increases in the merino sector were gradual rather than extreme, as buyers slowly increased their limits. By the close of trade, the market was generally 10-20 cents dearer.

The skirting market experienced similar movement to the fleece, gradual increases rather than dramatic rises, with the main buyer interest focused on wools carrying less than 2.0% vegetable matter or those exhibiting excellent additional measurement results.

The crossbred market defied the other sectors and continued its downward trend. Prices were generally discounted by 10 to 25 cents. Buyers were very selective with their purchases, focusing on the well prepared lots.

The oddment market rose slightly leaving the NR carding indicator 1 cent dearer, while washing lambs were extreme as buyers attempted to purchase them before the small buying window closes for the year.

Source AWEX.

There are a number of elements that add to the risk of fire on harvesting machinery.

Most of these can be monitored, maintained and addressed to avoid fires.

According to Kondinin Group research, dust and trash build-up on the machine and bearing failures account for around half of harvester fires.

Mechanical failures are implicated for one in 12 harvester fires. While static electricity is regularly blamed for starting fires, static discharge does not have sufficient energy to ignite crop dust.

Reducing harvester fires requires minimisation of the fuel and the ignition source with regular clean downs of the machine, particularly in dusty crops and those that have suffered mould and disease. In extreme cases a blow-down every boxful may be required.

Bearing failure is the cause of one in four harvester fires. Buy an infra-red thermometer (around $50) and monitor bearing temperatures, keeping a log of discrepancies.

Some pulse crop plant material can ignite at temperatures as low as 130°C. While this can vary by seasonal conditions, there are plenty of components on a harvester that exceed this.

(Source: GRDC.com.au)

Essential Energy is encouraging residents across regional New South Wales to be prepared for storm season and aware of electrical safety during wild weather events.

Manager Community Relations Northern, David Crough said severe storms could damage homes and the electricity network, causing unplanned power outages for customers. “Traditionally, the storm season occurs from October through to March but it’s never too late to prepare your property for severe weather by removing debris and overgrown vegetation from around the home and clearing gutters,” said David.

“Residents are advised to have a battery powered torch handy, along with candles and waterproof matches, and a list of emergency contact numbers including Essential Energy’s 24-hour 13 20 80 number.”

“It’s also useful to have a portable radio with spare batteries to keep you informed of the situation, non-perishable food, a can opener, some spare clothing and fresh drinking water.”

During a storm, residents are advised to stay indoors, unplug sensitive electronic equipment like televisions and computers, and check social media via mobile phones for updates.

“Take care when walking or driving after a storm as fallen powerlines can be hidden by vegetation or other debris,” said David.

“Stay at least eight metres away from fallen powerlines or any objects in contact with them, always assume they are live and report any network faults to Essential Energy immediately on 13 20 80.”

The grain harvest is getting underway across the region and this means that there will be a lot of extra trucks and agricultural machinery travelling on our local roads.

Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils are reminding drivers to share the road safely this harvest.

“Many road users are unaware of the size of some of these agricultural vehicles and hey can find it confusing or daunting when aced with these vehicles on the road.

“Farmers will be driving tractors, combine harvesters, augers etc. These are slower moving, occupy more of the road and take longer to stop. This usually on roads where car drivers and other vehicles are accustomed to driving at high speeds.

“When approaching an oversize vehicle you should be patient, reduce your speed and wait for a safe opportunity to pass. Start slowing down sooner than you normally would. Give the vehicle a lot of room. Don’t drive right behind the agricultural equipment because the farmer can’t see you,” said Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor.

Please take care this harvest and share the road safely.

For further information please contact Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor on (02) 6861 2364.

The 5 Star Senepol and African Hybrid Bull Sale was held at CQLX Gracemere in Queensland last month. The sale was a huge success for Geoff and Alison Maynard of Mt Eugene Jambin.

A total of 78 out of 80 bulls were sold on auction with the remaining two sold afterwards. The average of the sale was $6,853, with the top of the sale, Lot 25 a purebred Senepol, selling for $16,000 to the Heatley Cattle Co in Northern Queensland.

Clayton and Sarah Maynard from Southern Star Rural, Canowindra had 13 lots for auction at the sale. All lots sold with a top of $6,500. On offer at Southern Star Rural are a variety of purebred Senepol, and crossbred Senepol/Angus (Senegus) and Senepol/ Charolais (Senelais) bulls.

For more information contact Clayton Maynard on 0439 029 204 or email clayton.maynard@southernstarrural.com.au