The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) is requesting landholders and harvesting operators in Mid Lachlan Valley Team area to make use of the new Voluntary Grain Harvesting Guide to enable them to determine if it’s safe to harvest. NSW RFS Superintendant Ken Neville said those operating harvesting machinery needed to take a proactive approach to minimise the risk of fire in certain conditions. “Each year, fire fighters attend a number of fires on farms, which have been started as a result of harvesting operations. Many of these fires have the potential to destroy
homes, crops and livelihoods,” Ken said.

“The NSW RFS appreciates the cooperation of farmers on days of heightened fire danger. A few hours of down time lowers the risk of fires breaking out and can prevent a great deal of damage,” he said. “Listening to the concerns of the current broad area cease harvesting requests, this guide was developed in partnership with NSW Farmers and Australian Custom Harvesters to overcome some of the downtime this has caused for local land holders and contractors.

“The Voluntary Grain Harvesting Guide is designed for farmers and contractors to make an informed decision at the local level, based on a set of identified weather conditions.” Ken said using this step by step approach can determine if the current conditions need harvesting operations to stop until the weather is safe to return to the paddock. “The Voluntary Grain Harvesting Guide is easy to use and compact enough to have readily accessible, whether it’s in the
harvester cabin, shed or home.”

You can access and download the guide through the NSW RFS website, with current and forecast fire danger ratings also available at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au

The AWEX-NRI rose 59 cents this week, taking it to 1418 (its highest level since June 2011). The market started off slowly when Melbourne sold in isolation on Tuesday; the small Australian based catalogues were only slightly dearer before a late NZ-catalogue found better support and set the tone for the rest of the week. Wednesday initially jumped 20 cents but quickly gathered momentum to close 40 cents higher for most of the Merino microns. Thursday repeated the pattern with the finer microns again the centre of buyer attention and making further increases of 30 cents.

By the end of the week the finer microns were around 70 cents higher than the previous sale and many of the MPG’s closed at 5-year highs. Merino Skirtings tracked a similar line to the fleece, while crossbreds were mixed, initially gaining ground before a lacklustre finish. Merino Carding types maintained their renewed interest, rising 20 to 50 cents. Next weeks sale is currently estimated at 48,603 bales.

A.A.Blatch has been an icon of the Central West farming community since 1952 and is now operated by third generation owners, Allan and Susannah Blatch. Not only is A.A.Blatch your exclusive supplier of “Black Bearings” from NTN, the world’s finest agricultural ball bearings, it is also your official distributor of Timken-Fafnir and NSK bearings to name a few. If this is not enough, A.A.Blatch is the only place you can buy Tsubaki chain, the world’s number 1 roller chain.

This harvest, for bearings, belts, roller chain, feeder house slat chains, filters, idler pulleys, flame-hardened tooth sprockets, industrial hosing, clutch and much, much more, remember A.A.Blatch has been serving the Central West since 1952. A.A.Blatch has extended opening hours during harvest time from 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 7am to 12pm on Saturdays. Call them on 6862 2666 with any queries.

The NRI maintained its sixteen-month high this week closing at 1375, a level that has only been exceeded on three
selling days in past 5 years (each of which occurred in June 2015, when the NRI peaked at 1399). Despite the significantly larger offering that was put before the trade this week, the market held up well, with only minor adjustments recorded.

Again it was the Best and Spinners styles that received strong competition and recorded solid premiums over other
types in the finer microns. A number of the finer MPG’s maintained their recent 5-year highs, while any odd pockets
of weakness were limited. Merino Skirtings were also well supported in the finer microns, with best types up to 20 cents dearer, while the MC indicator rose 29 cents for the week. However the Crossbred market had another soft week, losing 10-20 cents for most microns.

Next week’s offering extends to over 49,000 bales with sales in Melbourne, Sydney and Fremantle.

Summer is upon us but you wouldn’t know it with the cool changes that are still coming through. The good thing the wet Spring has done is give a controlled flow of livestock into our markets. Both cattle and sheep sales have only seen one week with excessive numbers that had an adverse effect on prices.

Sheep and lambs have been able to hold reasonable rates as numbers have been on the lower side of the averages for this time of year. We have also seen the wet Spring hold off the grass seed issues this time of year. The good finish to Spring has enabled many producers to continue to sell off lambs prior to be shorn. The question that has been put out there is “How will this extended selling season affect our numbers of shorn lambs for later in the year or early 2017?” Traditionally by this time we have seen a dramatic drop off in rates due to dryness and numbers. Earlier in the year the forward contract rates for this time were approximately $1.00/kg below current rates.

There are many factors currently affecting where our market is and where it may go. For what it is worth, I believe lower numbers will continue to keep a firm market with only slight changes dependent on weather and supply numbers. Cattle have seen our local numbers starting to come back as our market has eased. The market is still well above average rates. I attended a meeting in Sydney with Richard Norton, CEO of MLA. It was interesting to hear his views on where our cattle market is heading. In his opinion, the global market has signs of oversupply and price pressure but we are insulated slightly by the current low Australian herd numbers. Our current market possibly could see up to a 20% correction. It sounds like a big fall but we would still be at very good levels.

It must be said that store markets for lambs, ewes and cattle are still very strong and this may have the effect of limiting numbers as our best young replacement stock are so hard to purchase. In conclusion, I believe we can see price corrections and still have a good year ahead for livestock.

By Geoff Rice

As grain harvest begins across the cropping districts of NSW, Essential Energy is reminding machinery operators to remain vigilant when working near overhead powerlines and power poles. Harvest machinery should be kept at least 3m clear from the electricity network to ensure the safety of agricultural workers. If your machinery does contact the electricity network, stay in the cabin and call Essential Energy immediately on 13 20 80.

The MAN’GO 12 aerial work platform is a new concept in platforms, combining the benefits of both articulated and telescopic platforms. Originally designed for rental operators, it’s also perfectly suited to professionals who need to get people up to 12m in height for construction applications as wells as industry professionals.

Compact and suited for all-terrain, it can easily navigate congested work sites and tight storage spaces. Once collapsed, its small chassis allows for easy storage, and with simple controls and upkeep, it also gives you performance levels that will impress your operators. Easily transportable equipment really is an asset for day-to-day operations, and we know how well that translates into productivity and effectiveness for your trade.

Whether it’s the generous number of slinging points, a more compact size or the ability to fit multiple machines onto a single trailer platform, our units are designed to make everyday operations easier for you. Compactness is a vital concept. If you have to deal with narrow aisles, areas with tight dimensions or low door thresholds, then the sizes of a machine will prove essential to you. And if storing the machine looks to be an issue, you can rest assured with its retracted dimensions.

Visit Sincock LVM in Parkes today to see this platform up close, or contact Bruce Cobb on 6862 5011 for more information.

The bushfire season is upon us and after a very wet winter it is vital to ensure your property is adequately prepared and protected. When bushfires threaten, you can protect your home if it has been well prepared. You can set up a fire protection system that will give you the best chance of defending your property. However, lives are more important and you should consider your family circumstances before deciding on your own survival plan.

Essential requirements include a property that is defendable in a bushfire, an adequate water supply and a quality, high performance fire pump. The Aussie Fire Chief, sold at Top Town Traders in Parkes, is the world’s best portable
fire pump.

A key aspect of getting the best out of the pump is regular maintenance to ensure the pump will perform as required.
You need to check the engine oil level, ensure the air and oil filters are clean, flush out stale fuel and ensure the engine starts easily. You also need to check the condition of the suction and delivery hoses and ensure the pump is primed. A pump that sucks air won’t prime.

Check for leaks and replace seals if necessary. Check suction filter on supply hose if fitted. The most important point is to make sure everyone knows how to operate the system and use a fire pump. Contact Top Town Traders for more information.