Country Journal, Week #62 - March 14, 2022 by SmallNewspaperCo

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CountryJournal Week commencing 14th March 2022

Bringing home Beautiful flood Young transport star bacon

On guard for signs of encephalitis ELIZABETH VONEIFF, COUNTRY JOURNAL The Southern Downs is an exposure site for Japanese encephalitis and the Department of Agriculture is urging horse owners to take care. A case of Japanese encephalitis has been confirmed in a person who is now hospitalised in Brisbane, according to reports. Japanese encephalitis is a viral zoonotic disease that is spread by mosquitoes. Water birds act as natural reservoirs for the virus, and mosquitos can spread the virus to people, horses, pigs and other animals. It is caused by a flavivirus, Japanese encephalitis virus. In animals, signs of disease are most common in horses and pigs and it is believed that the first case of the condition was found in a piggery in the Southern Downs, although this has not been confirmed. Fortunately for pig growers, the disease is not a food safety concern and commercially produced pork meat and pork product are completely safe to consume.

“It’s quite possible there are cases on the Southern Downs” It is not known how the virus came into mainland Australia. The movement of infected mosquitoes or migratory water birds may have played a part in the virus’ spread. Currently, no restrictions on the movement of horses are in force in Australia. Actions to take if you suspect Japanese encephalitis in your horses Japanese encephalitis is a notifiable disease in Queensland. If you see signs of Japanese encephalitis in horses or don- (07) 46 619 835 keys, immediately E warwick@rfsteelbuildings.com.au contact Biosecurity Queensland on 13 25

23 or phone the all-hours Emergency Animal Disease Watch hotline on 1800 675 888. Signs of Japanese encephalitis in horses Horse owners need to be alert to signs of this disease which may include an elevated temperature; jaundice; lethargy; anorexia; neurological signs which can vary in severity. Signs can include incoordination, difficulty swallowing, impaired vision, and rarely hyperexcitability. “Consult your vet,” said local veterinarian Tias Muurlink. “It’s quite possible there are cases on the Southern Downs.” continued page 4... Servicing Warwick, Stanthorpe and Beyond Made from Bluescope Australian Steel FULL SERVICE - SLAB, ERECTION & COUNCIL

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Farm deaths too high but lower than 2020

Country briefs

Maryvale progress

There were fewer farmers injured or killed on the Southern Downs and across Australia in 2021. AgriFutures reports that on-farm deaths decreased last year by an astonishing 20 percent, thanks to new regulations, research and development, technical improvements and an improved safety culture. This is good news as Australian farms are one of the most dangerous workThe Maryvale Community Shed is looking extra spiffy places. There were 46 on-farm deaths after the addition of their new sign. Photo Krista Bjorn from 1 January to 31 December 2021, compared to 58 in the previous year. 27 fatalities, but six were children 14 and unThe most common cause of death on der, making these two age groups the most farms are tractor, side-by-sides and quad vulnerable. In 2020, there were 36 recorded bikes causing 56 percent of total on farm farm fatalities in the over 45 age group and 8 deaths. Quad bikes decreased in 2020/21 in the 14 years and younger. from 14 to 9 incidents but the number of incidents involving tractors remained stable. Farm workers over the age of 45 suffered

South African fruit plays roulette South African exporters have mostly stopped packing fruit (stonefruit, topfruit, some grapes) for Russia as credit insurers withdraw their cover and some shipping lines (for instance MSC, Ocean Network Express, Hapag Lloyd, Maersk) temporarily halt bookings to and from Russia. There are shipments of South African fruit still underway to Russia with further limited volumes expected to still be shipped to Russia, depending on the availability of vessels, credit and marine insurance and whether food is exempt from sanctions.

Rural health

The Darling Downs Health mobile women’s health clinics are coming to a location near you. The intrepid nurses travel to rural locations to provide free and confidential health clinics. The clinics are a great way to do pap smears, get psychological, family planning and sexual health advice, and answers to menopause questions. Upcoming clinics include 17 March, Stanthorpe Hospital, 4683 3460 and 28 March, Millmerran Hospital, 4695 3111.

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News wrap The news this week on the Southern Downs ranged from harvest festivals on the south end of the shire to celebrations of heavy horses in the north end. Sadly, the body of missing Warwick man Troy Hearnden (pictured) was found in the Condamine River this week by a Brisbane dive team. It appears that Mr Hearnden was washed from Victoria Street in his VW Golf during the night. Japanese encephalitis has been detected in the region, either in a piggery in the Southern Downs or near Goondiwindi or both, depending on which State government department you ask. Either way, veterinarian Tias Muurlink says to watch your horses for signs of the disease. The Council, which voted to rid itself

COUNTRYJOURNAL

The Daily Journal Australia's Smallest Daily Newspaper

of the highly unpopular IPEC pest scheme last year has been stripped of the prestigious Froggatt Award for the first time in the award’s 19-year history. Australia’s Invasive Species Council, which bestowed and stripped the SDRC of the award said that they were “really impressed” with the IPEC policy and that the implementation of it was successful in reducing invasive species in this shire. An insider who spoke to us says bollocks to that. The scheme was unpopular enough to motivate 700 farmers to march in Freestone, it was extremely expensive and time consuming for Council, was not effective and little real adoption of the scheme...and our publisher’s analysis suggests that widespread ‘support’ for the scheme might have been a little overstated... IPEC was implemented in 2017 after Council officers developed it. Under the scheme, a levy was charged to landholders who didn’t meet their invasive pest control obligations.

StanthorpeRecord BORDER COUNTRY EXPRESS

In other news, Mayor Vic Pennisi is spearheading an appeal to bring fresh fruit, vegetables, fodder and bottled water to the flooded-out folks in the Northern Rivers part of New South Wales. During the regular meeting of Council last week, our politicians agreed that the Southern Downs was treated generously by those same communities which are now doing it tough. If you have fruit, vegetables of fodder that you can spare for the appeal, please contact Council as soon as possible. The debate around urban encroachment into rural areas continued in Council this week with attention focused on a piece of rural property in Stanthorpe. The owners of the rural block wished to add another house but not leave the required 60 metre setback from the adjoining rural property. Councillors were divided on the issue with several suggesting leniency due to a rail line at the back of the property, whilst other stood firm on maintaining the 60-metre buffer. After voting, the landowners will be forced to maintain the required buffer with the Mayor commenting that it is a “complicated problem” for Council.

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Remain on guard for encephalitis continued from front page... Many cases in horses are subclinical, meaning they are infected but show no signs of disease. Most clinical disease is mild, however more severe encephalitis can occur which may be fatal. Donkey owners should be aware that the disease has been reported in donkeys overseas. Horses are known to be a ‘dead end host’. They do not carry a blood infection that will reinfect mosquitoes. The best way to prevent the disease is

to help your horses avoid mosquito bites. Rugging and hooding horses with a lightweight summer rug and fly mask can help protect animals and, where available, stabling horses between dusk and dawn may also be beneficial. If the horse allows, apply a safe insect repellent. To apply the repellent to the horse’s face and ears, spray it onto a cloth and rub it on, avoiding around and above the eyes. Consult your local veterinarian for further advice.

COUNTRYJOURNAL

Pulse worth checking BEN BOLAND STAFF WRITER I confess that I thought the news that the state government has invested $1 million over three years into pulse research referred to health care. Of course, it is the seed crop. ‘Pulse’ is Latin for seed and pulses are grain legumes of which the major type grown in the Southern Downs are mung beans. Elsewhere in Australia, growers harvest chickpeas, broad beans and field peas. “The Southern Downs is blessed with resourceful and resilient farmers,” Councillor Stephen Tancred told the Country Journal. “Pulse crops like chickpeas and lentils are specialist crops that require skill and good seasons but can be very profitable if all the planets align. There are not big areas of these crops grown in our region but farmers do occasionally fill strategic grain rotations with pulses.” Growers are aware legumes are plants which have a symbiotic relationship with bacteria which allows them to fix nitrogen in the soil. Pulses not only produce seeds for both human and animal consumption they are critical to crop rotation and leave the ground better than when they were planted. While pulses have been a significant crop in Asia, Africa and Europe for several thousand years they are relatively new to Australian agriculture and thus there have been significant knowledge gaps for Queensland producers, particularly around storage and pests. Pests in storage are a significant issue as Queensland has a quickly increasing and already multimillion-dollar pulse industry. Queensland research and development of the detailed guide to pulse storage and pest management is welcome. ‘The Pulse Storage Best Management Practice Guide’ (available at www.daf.qld.gov.au) has taken researchers three years of hard work including exhaustive research as well as laboratory and field trials. Indeed, the scope of this project has meant it has been a collaboration between DAF scientists, producers and industry partners. “It’s great that DAF supports our growers with good publications,” said Cr Tancred. The significance of this collaboration is perhaps best highlighted in two ways. Firstly, pulses are a major export earner for Australia (almost $2 billion each year) of which Queensland grew $264 worth last year, in chick peas and mung beans. As with everything, quality is critical and in terms of pulses, storage can result in top quality

products or stockfeed. Indeed, million on establishing effective pest managehistorically, losses during ment for the storage of pulses is not simply storage have been significant. critical but a great investment. Mentioning The new guide helps growers weevils may leave some people continued by providing information on next page... the best practices regarding hygiene, and pest management through aeration and phosphine fumigation MEMBER FOR SOUTHERN DOWNS to ensure a great crop at harvest is still a great crop when sold. In addition there is welcome news that India, a major importer of Australian pulses, has announced they are removing their tariffs. The second reason this new guide is so significant is simply feeding the earth’s population, as pulses generally and Queensland pulses specifically are a key source of protein for many people particularly across Asia, the Subcontinent and Middle East. In fact, 90 percent of Queensland pulses are exported. e: southern.downs@parliament.qld.gov.au DAF’s project leader principal research scientist Dr Manoj Nayak told the Country • 9 Victoria St, Stanthorpe (Mon-Fri) Journal ‘Australia’s competitive edge is • 56 King St, Warwick (Mon-Tue) our clean and green product for which we have a great reputation globally. This reputation is maintained by WARWICK our no live insect CREDIT UNION export policy’. Not only does being pest free differentiate Australian Pulse exports it is critical to the high prices our product commands. For Refer a new home loan customer for example, a tonne purchases, investments, building or of insect fee mung beans is worth reﬁnancing twelve hundred 0.25% discount & $0 application fee dollars, a contaminated tonne is applies to the Essential Plus Home Loan! worth only $250. This is because the main pest species Bruchids (a weevil native to Africa but now endemic in Australia), can make a whole silo of pulses unsuitable for marketing in just a few months. Indeed, Bruchids, which Lending criteria, fees and charges and terms and conditions apply. Full terms and conditions have driven the available at wcu.com.au. Minimum loan amount of $150,000. The referrer must be an existing customer of the Warwick Credit Union (WCU). The ‘friend’ must be a new home loan customer. need for the new You cannot ‘refer yourself’ to WCU. $500 payments only made in relation to approved and funded home loans and are made at the settlement of the loan. Maximum of $1,000 paid per eligible guide and explain loan. Eligible new home loan applications must be submitted by 30/04/2022 and must be why spending $1 approved by 31/05/2022 and drawndown by 31/07/2022. Not valid in conjunction with any other

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It all started with a massive clap of thunder on Sunday afternoon and then all hell broke loose on our farm. One moment we were sitting quietly in the lounge room sipping coffee and reading, and the next our house was shaking from the violence of the wind, huge tree branches went flying past the windows, and rain and hail fell in sheets so heavy we couldn’t even see our driveway. The power went out, gutters overflowed, and the already saturated ground turned into a gigantic mud puddle. To put it mildly, our farm got hammered. Thankfully, amazingly, there was no major damage to farm infrastructure apart from one broken drain pipe and a few minor scratches on our car that was nearly buried in fallen tree branches. Our animals came through just fine by huddling in their sheds and huts, though our new puppy Jemima has decided that thunder is no longer welcome and must be barked at most furiously. The trees though, well, they took a beating. One fell across the drive, others were broken, and nearly all of them

Krista’s patch....

had branches torn off and scattered across the farmyard into a waist high obstacle course that makes getting from the house to the gate something akin to an Olympic sport. Our lovely fruit trees that were covered with apples, quinces, and pomegranates now only have a few stragglers that somehow hung on for dear life. We’ll be able to salvage the ones the chooks didn’t nab, but I must admit, it’s a bit heart breaking to see the orchards so ravaged. We have started the clean-up process but the ground is still too muddy to drive on, that’s black soil for you,

so the rest will have to wait until the land dries out. Until then, we’re giving thanks that no one was hurt, the power was only out for 24 hours, and, on the bright side, we’re not still in drought.

Pulse worth checking... continued from previous page.... saying, “But we know about weevil control from wheat and barley.” Certainly, there has been significant research by DAF and others into effective storage of wheat and barley which has yielded great results. However, as different pests attack pulses new research was critical to underpin the new guide. Furthermore, the pulse storage guide shows farmers how to effectively store pulses in a very clean, safe and cheap way. Which is significant as Bruchids start attacking pulses before they are harvested.

Pulse Research in the Southern Downs

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Not only are pulses grown in the Southern Downs we are also the location of the renowned Australian Mung Bean Improvement team. Specifically, the Hermitage Research Facility in Warwick is responsiNightly Specials ble for the breeding of all the current varieties of Mung bean grown Sunday to Thursday commercially in Queensland. Additionally, the Hermitage team are involved with improving chickpeas as well as the new pulse, the Pigeon Pea. The Pigeon Pea is an exciting new crop which originated in India 133 Palmerin St, Warwick - 4661 1922 and has potential for both high value export as well as value adding, www.condaminesportsclub.com.au including jobs, in Queensland. “The region is also very appreciative of SUPPORTING SPORTS IN OUR COMMUNITY the great research and development done at the Hermitage Research Station,” commented Cr Tancred.

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Pigcasso- art challenge for Southern Downs pigs Leonie Fuge, Country Journal Whilst a Southern Downs pig who went to market might bring home the bacon at around 415 cents per kg, one 200 kg South African piggy, without going to market, has just brought home a whopping $28,000 with more bacon to come. Pigcasso the pig, named for her extraordinary creativity and fascination for paintbrushes, is producing artwork that has been snapped up by art collectors around the world and is fetching anywhere from $5000 to her latest record-breaking animal art sale of $28,000. In comparison to the local pig trade, Pigcasso is showing that a pig may be worth more than its pork in salt. Local pig farmers seeking a bigger cut of the bacon pie, maybe considering setting up

an art corner in their pigpen, however local Southern Downs veterinarian Tias Muurlink is not convinced that Pigcasso is actually “creating art” and was more likely “play-

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Commodities report: cereals up ELIZBETH VONEIFF, EDITOR Wheat futures again jumped the most allowed in Chicago trading this week, and corn and soybeans surged as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues. According to media reports, Russia has increased its shelling in Ukraine even as foreign ministers from the countries are scheduled to meet. A third round of talks between the countries is set to begin in the next few days. Cease-fires were announced to allow civilians to leave Ukraine’s major cities, including the capital of Kyiv. This is the third attempt at a cease-fire to allow civilians to leave wartorn areas. Russia is the world’s largest exporter of the grain while Ukraine ranks third, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Australia is the second-biggest exporter of wheat and the U.S. is the fourth largest, USDA data show. Ports in Ukraine are shut due to the

attacks, and Russia already has taken over several cities where shipping facilities are located. Few countries are buying Russian wheat. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, or FAO, said in a report Friday that its food-price index hit a record 140.7 points in February, up almost 4% month-to-month and 21% year-over-year. Cereal prices were up 3% from January and about 15% from February 2021. World wheat prices rose by 2.1%. “In February, prices of all major cereals increased from their respective values” in January, the FAO said. Rising wheat prices “largely reflected new global supply uncertainties amidst disruptions in the Black Sea region that could potentially hinder exports from Ukraine and the Rus-

sian Federation, two major wheat exporters.” Wheat for May delivery jumped 85¢ to $12.94 a bushel overnight on the Chicago Board of Trade, while Kansas City futures were up 85¢ to $12.99½ a bushel. Corn futures for May delivery surged 22¢ to $7.76¼ a bushel. Soybean futures for May delivery rose 35¾¢ to $16.96½ a bushel. Soymeal was up $8.70 to $469.10 a short ton and soybean oil futures gained 2.18¢ to 74.98¢ a pound.

03MH024Tue_CJ_Fon

Beautiful, beautiful...flood

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COUNTRYJOURNAL GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

DOWN 2 Name the part of a felled tree

that is left in the ground (5)

connects the foot with the leg (5) 4 What are brochures also known as (8)

18 19

Adds All Ash Coal Dye

25 26

5 Name the southernmost of

17 Name a former contrivance

18 What, in earlier days,

14 15

the five Great Lakes (4) Which term describes financial matters in general (6) When one concurs, one does what (6) A jetty is also known as a what (4) What is one of the supports of a stair rail (8) To be doing nothing, is to be what (4)

E-QUATIONS 7

CLUES: Bat eyelids (5) Greek letter, D (5) Lettuce (3) Progressing (7) Rock (5) Sea bird (3) Small amount (3) Stringed instrument (5) Unfeeling (7) Unity (3)

5 10

ACROSS 1 Render speechless 5 Water carrier 6 Individuals 7 Dry run 1

DOWN 1 Opportunity 2 Pitch 3 Applies 4 Cosy home 3

5 B

14 10 20

E E G I K L

A A B C C D

BIYWORD QUICK THINK ACROSS: 1 Stun, 5 Hose,

Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

038

L L N N O O

O R S S T U

SOLUTIONS

038 B L O I N G N E K

QUICK THINK

C A L L O U S

B:2, G:4, N:7, O:5, Q:14, W:10, Y:20

038

Build it yourself using the clues and each of the twenty-four letters once only to form ten words: five across and five down. A key word (bold clue) builds on the letter set in the grid.

038

Old Rag Ray Yard

BIYWORD

are shown in the right-hand cells. Create remaining values using clues in centre cells.

SUDOKU

Good Gym Lay May Net

Different animals have different kinds of colour vision. Some birds and bees see a wider ‘super-colour’ spectrum than humans. Sea lions and dolphins can detect patterns in light, but not colours. Snakes can see infrared and reindeer see ultraviolet .

E-QUATIONS

Y E A S H T

CURIO

was the dole called (6) 20 What is a small glass vessel for liquids (5) 21 Name an Australian female professional tennis sensation, Jelena ... (5) 23 What is an authoritative decree, sanction, or order (4)

048 Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using Letters A toclues Z haveina centre number cells. value. Some

Y÷W Q-W O+B W÷B N+N B×O O×G

Era Far Fig Fled Garden

for calculating (6)

Letters have a number value

B G N O Q W Y

L A Y D D E

Find the following words in the grid. They may be read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.

3 Which aggregate joint

6 7 SUDOKU

G A R D E N

No. 737

M A O A L L

Solution CROSSWORD

Y O R C F O

E A R I R E

F A N I N G S S R S C O E S A E O L I S M D L M P E D E H O R I C K S A I E L I C S

G E L F I G

M B A O N I F S T G E R

038

I S R A E L T N E G U R K H A M L F A P P E A L I E E T G A R R I S B E B A I L I F C I I F U S E L A S F T

184 -038

which SW Asian republic (6) What is an alternative term for wages (8) Name a member of a warlike Rajput people, living in Nepal (6) What are wall or ceiling paintings called (8) A request to the umpire to call a batsman out, is a what (6) What is an occlusion of a blood vessel by undissolved material (8) What is a body of troops stationed in a fortified place (8) To obstruct or hinder, is to do what (6) Which officers are employed by sheriffs to serve writs, etc (8) What are feats of magic or legerdemain (6) What is the body of an aircraft known as (8) Which term describes surviving memorials of things past (6)

E-QUATIONS B:2, G:4, N:7, O:5, Q:14, W:10, Y:20

MINI WORD FIND

Y E A S H T

ACROSS 1 Jerusalem is the capital of

737

MINI WORD FIND G Y M G L E O A A A L R O R Y F C A D D I F L E D G O L N E

COUNTRYJOURNAL

Slash or bash

KRISTA BJORN, COUNTRY JOURNAL

Billy and Eunice Payne have been waiting since December for Council to slash a large stretch of towering weeds along White Street in Pratten. “I never thought they’d let it get like this,” 90-year-old Mr Payne said. “It’s six feet high. It’s shocking, a disgrace to the Council. ” 83-year-old Mrs Payne contacted Council before Christmas asking them to slash the unsightly weeds along the main street of Pratten to make it tidy and beautiful for the holidays. Although they were told it would happen, it didn’t. Since then, Mrs Payne has phoned Council three or four times, each time receiving a promise that the slashing would take place, each time being disappointed. “We don’t want this here,” Mrs Payne said, looking in dismay at cobbler’s pegs taller than her. “We might be pensioners, but we pay our rates and we’re not second class citizens. It’s now so thick and high I would doubt if a contractor could get a slasher through it.” The weed-infested stretch of road ruins the view of two of Pratten’s historic build-

ings, the 111 year old home built by Mr Payne’s grandfather, Jim Payne, and the 80-year-old hardware store he ran for years. “That’s my old grandfather that reared me,” Mr Payne said with a fond smile. “He was a blacksmith, wheelwright, shearer, and a fantastic tradesman. He taught me lots of things. In this house there’s not one nail, it’s all mortar and tenon.” Mr and Mrs Payne have been married for 65 years, spending the last twenty in Mr Payne’s childhood home at the corner of White and Ross Streets. They hope that soon their view will be of grass and trees instead of 6-foot high weeds. “It just makes you feel like they don’t care about us out here,” Mr Payne said. “They like our rates but they don’t want to do anything for it.” A Council spokesperson said that weather has hampered plans to return to Pratten for slashing. “Council completed slashing in Pratten in November/December last year,” they said. “Further

programmed works have experienced delays due to weather events. Slashing crews are expected to be in the area in the next month, weather permitting.” Photo shows Billy and Eunice Payne standing between their property and the main street of Pratten, hoping that the ugly stretch of weeds will soon be slashed by Council.

Young Person Transport Award Former Alloran Luke Cannon was all smiles after taking out the Young Person in Transport Award for 2022. “Congratulations to Luke Cannon of Frasers Livestock Transport,” a spokesperson for Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of Queensland (LRTAQ) said. “Luke is one of five very impressive finalists - each of which is a credit to their business and our industry. Congratulations to each of these young men on their well-deserved recognition for their dedication to rural transport.” Luke began working with Frasers Livestock Transport in 2014 in the welding and maintenance section of the Warwick workshop, L I G H T S T I but is now a Fleet Operations – Saleyards Logistics officer. P H E D E M A N “His personal character and O S H R A F E V integrity were immediately P T C E R T A I evident from the way in which he conducted himself, carrying out U Y E B O U T S duties to direction as well as disL L A M C E R S playing early ability to self-start,” LRTAQ said. A E O I T E R W Luke graduated from the workR R S I K R O E shop to progress into driving, firstly, single trailer articulated P U C A M R L U vehicles, then B Doubles, B Triples and Road Trains. M X E M C M L V LRTAQ explained that this on-the-road experience gave him valuE P I T C H S R able insight to overall operations and held him in good stead when he moved to an Operations role for Frasers in 2021. S D A L V A R I “Luke is a true industry all-rounder,” LRTAQ said, “and displays a Hidden Phrase: “The phrase was willingness to go above and beyond each and every day and to be a inspired by Muhammad Ali.” part of the industry he loves.” Spot the Five Differences: Former Allora local, Luke Cannon of Frasers Livestock Transport smiles, after taking out the Young Person in Transport Award for 1. Top of hair missing quaff 2022. Photo by Livestock and Rural Transporters Association of 2. Eyebrow changed Queensland.

Pencilhead solutions N D E N W D N D H I U A

T P R K E I E B W D M T

R S C E N E S A O E B I

O O S S G O P Y R O L O

D U R U A R W I K N E N

U N I A G E C N A A E S

C D N V E A I B U I L D

3. Cheekbone lower Black Boxer: 4. Mouth open (no teeth) 5. Moustache changed size Copyright: Auspac Media.

E S G E N L V O I C E I

Surprisingly solid

COUNTRYJOURNAL

NO ONE TO TURN TO?

CONTRIBUTED BY: BRUCE MCLEISH, ELDERS

In another solid performance the Australian wool market defied the pervasive gloominess hanging over world trade and managed to sell 44,000 of the 50,000 bales offered this week. The market was a little softer in local currency terms as the Aussie Dollar rode the commodities wave and closed the week above .73 USD. In USD terms the market was 5 cents stronger, but with the value of the Euro plummeting, buyers over there, already hesitant about making further purchases, saw prices increase by 17 Euro cents overall. Superfine merino types experienced some adjustments in price, particularly in the South to line up with their Northern counterparts, and also a return to normality after the series of designated superfine specialty sales over the past few weeks. Those lots with sustainable certification and/or non-mulesed declarations continued to receive significant premiums on lesser quality wools. Interestingly the price increase in South Africa for sustainable certification lots was less than the increase for ‘normal’ wools. Not a huge difference, but perhaps the bubble of these types is beginning to deflate, or at least subside slightly as demand is closer to becoming satisfied. Medium merino wools across Australia were softer as buyers took the opportunity to pick and choose across the large offering and downstream processors in general paused to reflect on current world events. The knitwear sector is still performing quite well, even though feedback from the current retail season is not brilliant, those in the primary and secondary processing stage are certainly optimistic enough at this point to keep things moving. Crossbred wools performed remarkably well given the large selection, as usual at this time of year, perhaps buoyed by the continued rise of the New Zealand crossbred market – not that Australian crossbred growers have been forced to endure the depths of low prices that the Kiwi growers saw over the past couple of years. One of the biggest challenges for exporters and traders over the past week has been the currency market. One would think with the doom and gloom being generated by the Ukrainian war the flight to safety would see the value of the US Dollar jump, and ‘risky’ currencies like the AUD tumble. Whilst the Russian Rouble followed the play book and plummeted by more than 40%, the Aussie actually rose after an early stumble. It was eventually up more than a full cent across the week against the USD, but it is still 5 cents lower than at the same time last year, which is something to be thankful for – as an exporter. The war in Ukraine is having isolated effects on the global wool trade, most of which are not visible here in Australia yet. Some European companies have taken the position to cease all business transactions with Russia, so some business deals cannot be consummated. Transporting goods from Europe to Russia has become much more expensive with limited options now available on top of the huge increase in the oil and therefore fuel costs, leading to a doubling of freight costs. Sanctions are beginning to bite, making the business cash flows slower and uncertainty about the future increases. No doubt China will seek to keep business channels with Russia open – at this stage anyway, but the mood across Europe is becoming more pessimistic. The greatest risk to the wool industry remains the consumer confidence within Europe. The longer the war drags on, and the higher energy costs go, the more draining the whole situation becomes. A speedy resolution looks unlikely at this stage, but springtime will hopefully bring with it a brighter outlook.

IS SOMEONE IN YOUR FAMILY TAKING DRUGS OR ALCOHOL? Help is at Hand Through Stepping Stones The Stepping Stones Program is the “Winner of a National Drug and Alcohol Award for Excellence” “The course was a lifesaver! It provided skills for me to survive. It opened up new ways of seeing and dealing with myself and the drug user. It was a great relief and support to be with others” - Joan (name changed for confidentiality)

There are no rights – no wrongs you don’t have to do it alone! Learn new skills to help cope better and survive the journey intact WHEN: Friday & Saturday 25th & 26th March

and 8th & 9th April

TIME: 9.30am – 4pm VENUE: Warwick Uniting Church, Guy St, Warwick

Bookings are Essential

Phone Anna on 0490 536 931 for more information and to register