In early August 2016 we are experiencing record cattle prices, lamb and mutton are selling at profitable levels and bread and butter wool prices are at quite satisfactory levels. 

Add to this the prospect of a really good spring season and life on the land has a rosy glow. 

To attempt to present both sides of the debate, we must consider that average farm costs have risen by almost one-third during the past 20 years and that rural land prices in our district are at high levels. 

No one can make an accurate estimate of future interest rates or future seasonal conditions, but young farmers need to be aware of the many reasons why mental health and depression were rampant concerns in the very recent past. 

Please look before you leap and don’t leap too high.

NEVER-ENDING climate change has brought us waterlogged paddocks and rivers and streams carrying lots of flowing water into major storages.

Long-term landholders are comparing present conditions to the early 1970s and I’m told that sales of feet-hardening chemicals for sheep and cattle have increased dramatically.

Products such as Formalin and zinc sulphate are regarded as valuable in controlling foot abscess and benign footrot during very wet and muddy conditions.

During the really muddy conditions in the early to mid 1950s and during 1974, livestock producers only yarded their animals when really necessary and shearing operations caused unusual difficulties.

The upside of this wet winter is the immediate prospect of a great spring season.

CONCERNS for the safety of operators of ATV machines have prompted two state governments to offer subsidies to owners of these workhorses to fit rollover protection and for the purchase of rider helmets.

In NSW, these subsidies come to about 33 to 50 per cent of the purchase price.

Users of these machines know how versatile they are, especially as they paddle across boggy paddocks and slippery tracks.

We also realise these vehicles can be absolutely deadly if rolled or overturned as their weight can crush or pin the rider under the machine.

Inquiries regarding the safety gear on offer should be made to your motorcycle agent or NSW Farmers Association.

THE usher at the wedding reception door asked: “Are you a friend of the groom, madam?” She bristled and answered: “Indeed I am not; I’m the bride’s mother.”

He said: “Is it possible for a man to make a fool of himself without knowing it?” His friend answered: “Not if he has a wife.”

She was really annoyed when hubby rolled in from the local at midnight. She yelled: “I could forgive you if it was the first time, but you came home in the same condition on 16th of March 1968.”