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.

Two recent studies into the control of worms in working dogs has revealed mixed results. During the Australian Sheep Veterinarians conference recently, Dr David Jenkins from Charles Sturt University, said while farmers have made inroads into the control of parasitic disease in dogs, there’s still more work to be done in the area of parasite prevention.

“The results of these studies, which involved 1,670 dogs, are encouraging in that we’re seeing fewer cases of tapeworm in working sheep dogs. We can attribute this to palatable and relatively inexpensive commercial dry dog food, the inclusion of tapeworm control in parasite prevention products and the increased uptake in worm prevention from farmers. “Many owners are providing their working sheep dogs with a good diet and using a parasite prevention control, which are both critical in preventing worms. This is certainly good news.”

“The not-so good news is that hookworms and whipworms in rural dogs are still common and we need farmers to work with their veterinarian to ensure they are doing all the right things to prevent this type of parasitic infection in their dog,” Dr Jenkins said. According to the studies, dry dog food is the most commonly fed food for rural dogs. Yet despite this, many owners also feed raw meat or raw offal to their dogs, which increases the risk of parasitic infections, especially if owners do not deworm their dogs frequently enough to ensure they are adequately protected.

Due to the nature of living and working on farms, sheep dogs are at an increased risk of parasitic disease. It appears that owners are increasingly aware of the importance of preventing parasite infections and are trying to keep them healthy. In addition to deworming and feeding safe foods this includes keeping a clean area where the dogs are kennelled and providing a pen or similar space with a concrete base for the dog, which allows for easy cleaning.

“It’s essential that owners have all the right information and that they’re acting on it. These studies really point to the fact that an ongoing conversation needs to be happening between farmers and their veterinarian to ensure dogs on farms are best protected against parasitic infections,” he said.