Many landholders will be interested in Friday’s noxious weeds management field day at O’Connell.
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The aim of the day’s discussion is to help land managers identify and control weeds that occur in our district with particular focus on Chilean needle grass.
The weeds officers from Upper Macquarie County Council will conduct the field day with co-operation from Oberon Council, Central West Councils Alliance and Central Tablelands Local Land Services.
If you need a particular weed identified, please bring it with you.
The day will start at 10.30am and run until about 12.30pm at Hassall Park, O’Connell, just on the Oberon side of the Fish River Bridge.
Inquiries to Jill O’Grady on 0437 766 626 or Gillian Salmon on 6329 8145
Talking safety
MY apologies for being late with details of Farm Safety Week, but attention is drawn to several really important issues that can affect each of us.
Children who grow up on farms are usually aware of dangers, but visiting youngsters need extra care.
City children and yarded livestock are an awkward mix and youngsters on motorbikes can experience unseen problems.
I like to see tractors and farm vehicles backed into sheds and garages.
Older people should remember they have slower reflexes.
Next generation
LOCAL Land Services, the Department of Primary Industries, NSW Farmers and the Bathurst Merino Association are openly discussing strategies to attract a school leaving generation to be trained and involved in agriculture in its many and varied forms.
Borrowing a lot of funds to purchase a property, livestock and farming plant is probably way out of reach for most young people, so long-term leasing could be attractive.
People with trade or tertiary qualifications could have the world as an oyster if they are interested in full-time or contract arrangements with absentee farm owners.
A wise man suggests to me that the time spent attracting a young generation to agriculture would be better spent in convincing the older farmers to exit their industry.
Grass is greener?
FURTHER to the exit issue, If a farm couple of retiring age move to a coastal town for a warmer climate and a peaceful life, will it be a dream retirement?
The wife may have a dope for a mate if Dad doesn’t read, follow football or cricket, horse or dog races, doesn’t play bowls or golf, doesn’t like service clubs, or having a walk round the shops.
Please think carefully before deciding to leave our friends, churches and town that we know and love.
At least we know where all the light switches are at home, and someone might listen if we talk about cattle or sheep.
