But not in 2019.

We are tempted to complain and to wonder what 2020 will bring.

If we read some agents' reports from central Victorian stock sales we can see why they appreciated their version of climate variability.

From Stock and Land Market Murmurs: "An increase in demand bolstered prices for cattle throughout Victoria last week following good rainfall across southern Australia.

"The reason given was - like producers throughout parts of South Australia and Victoria, many are taking advantage of demand for heavier, better finished stock and kept what they had on pastures boosted by heavy and consistent spring rain."

Surely our district's turn will come soon and our producers who have battled so hard to retain quality livestock will be rewarded.

THIS year will be remembered for one of our state's worst droughts and as a spring season of horrible bushfires that have so far centred on our North Coast and New England.

Drought years and serious bushfires go hand-in-hand and the army of firefighters have done a great job in helping to save homes and lives.

We all hope for general rains to ease the fire threat as summer may be hot, dry and dangerous.

Politicians from both sides who have spoken too soon must regret their statements as communities that are in trouble need help and support at present and certainly don't want to be preached to.

CONGRATULATIONS to Colleen and Alan Gahan in Bathurst who are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary.

Colleen has always been busy with family and community matters and Alan was regarded as a sheep and wool specialist with Farmers & Graziers, Grazcos and Primac wool companies.

HAPPY 90th birthday to Naomi Smith who now resides at Ilumba Gardens.

For many years Naomi and her husband Jack operated their lovely farm at Evans Plains.

Naomi was one of Bathurst's very best lady tennis players.

REPORTS of the Bourke Weir on the Darling River overflowing last week is a positive sign for people who rely on the river, and hopes are high that the river will flow past Louth.

Much of the Bourke district received around 100mm from storms in the past months and there must be some handy green herbage growing where paddocks have been bare for several years.

WE can expect to see the established Landmark brand start to disappear and be replaced by Nutrien within weeks.

Rural media tells us that Nutrien colours are black, white and green and that the Ruralco and Landmark colours will disappear.

The new company employs about 4000 people in Australia and its services to rural Australia will continue as customers have come to expect.

Some respected names of rural service companies are in the past background of the 2020 ownership and names like Winchcombe Carson, Dalgety, Farmers and Graziers, Grazcos, Wesfarmers and New Zealand Loan all come to mind.

MARNOO-based merino studs Banavie and Charinga offered 50 hogget rams each on Auctions Plus last Tuesday and good sales were made for each stud.

Sales topped at $2300 with some pens of three bringing $1700 ($5100 for the pen).

These studs with Gowandale in similar ownership have been at the forefront of modern, plain-bodied and long-stapled breeding for many years and they quickly trace back to a Collinsville family at Burra, South Australia.

As the stud selling season for cattle and sheep is winding down, I think most studs would have achieved good sales, with Angus bloodlines being popular.

In the sheep section the shedder breeds continue to impress with Australia whites being talked about everywhere.

In the merino corner plain bodies, poll rams and white wool seem to be the current requirements. Horned superfines carry quality reputations.

EARLY notes for Christmas: The pastor will light his candle from the altar candles, the usher will light his candle from the pastor's candle, and the usher will then turn and light every worshipper in the front pew.

THE wool market had another strong week with all merino wools seeing rises of around 50c/kg.

The crossbred wools, however, were stagnant, remaining at last week's levels

The Northern Market Indicator finished the week on 1610c/kg, up 27c/kg.

Although the market finished in the positive it did run out of steam on the second day of selling which could mean next week may start off a little sluggish.

Next week will see 38,497 bales on offer nationwide.

Mark Horsburgh, TWG Landmark

SHE was a good-chested woman who said this had opened many doors for her.

***

GEORGE asked his wife of 30 years what she would like for her birthday.

She said she'd just love to be 10 again, so he hired a jumping castle, face painter and a Barbie doll.

She was surprised and told him: " George, you're hopeless. I meant a size 10."