AS the financial year winds down we hear evidence of a profitable 2017-2018 for agriculture; solid purchasing orders, sound markets for most primary products and strong confidence for the coming year.
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So what are the risks for farming businesses?
* Long-term weather forecasts are dubious, with little confidence in expected patterns.
* Survival of meat processors if red meat products remain at current levels much longer.
* Interest rate rises both here and abroad.
* The constant “sleeper”: an outbreak of an imported exotic disease.
All businesses must monitor the risks and get on with their operation.
Stressing out
PRODUCERS across much of the state are looking for clouds as an old-fashioned dry winter has set in.
Some talk of re-sowing fodder crops has been heard and “catch crops” that were sown early with no fallow are showing serious moisture stress.
Lightly stocked properties have 100 per cent ground cover and paddocks that aren’t being flogged are keeping sheep flocks in forward condition.
They’ll be missed
RESIDENTS across the district were saddened by the fatal crash of a local aerial agriculture operator while at work in the Upper Turon area.
Also, the recent death of Philomena Reedy of Napoleon Reef took away a member of one of our district’s long-time families.
Philomena and her late husband Gordon were involved in Bathurst’s business and rural scene for all of their married life, and Philomena remained very active on the family farm until her sudden death.
She will be greatly missed by her many friends.
Moral to story
TANGALOOMA Resort, Moreton Island, Queensland provides a workplace chart that makes several strong points.
In 2005, the resort used 30 quad bikes for its 8000 patrons and had 130 accidents for the year; 30 riders required first-aid, there were three serious crashes requiring helicopter rescue and 90 rollovers caused 60 injuries.
After fitting rollbars and using mandatory helmets in 2016, 25,000 patrons used 300 quad bikes and had 130 accidents; two patrons required first-aid, no helicopter rescues were needed and 90 rollovers caused no injuries.
Please read these figures again as they really tell us a story.
Laugh lines
SHE said: “Oh doctor, I’m so worried about my son; every day he makes mud pies.” Doctor assured her that all of us once made mud pies and that he’ll stop as he gets older. She replied: “I doubt that, doctor, and so does his wife.”
Sign in a barber’s shop: Don’t worry about losing your hair; think of it as gaining face.