Country Journal, Edition #14 - September 13, 2021

4000 COPIES DISTRIBUTED WEEKLY IN THE SOUTHERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL AREA + DAILY JOURNAL & STANTHORPE RECORD

CountryJournal Week commencing 13th September 2021

State champions

Bad news... and good news

Cunningham club won open E-grade at the state polocrosse championships at Wandoan in early September. Teams from Warwick, Cunningham and Clifton clubs from the eastern and southern Darling Downs played in a carnival which attracted 67 teams in all. Warwick won the women’s A-grade competition at the state championships. More results and pics inside.

This year’s 2021 Ariat and Pryde’s EasiFeed Warwick Rodeo and Gold Cup Campdraft is full steam ahead and we will be kicking up the dust till late on the Friday Night with Adam Brand and Saturday night the Wolfe Brothers. The current border closures have caused some disappointment for the event with the APRA National Finals needing to be postponed. But there will still be the full four days of Warwick Rodeo action this year, covering the usual Thursday.

Friday and Saturday night along with Sunday at the iconic Warwick showgrounds. See full story inside.

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An apiary workship in Stanthorpe last week attracted a full house reflecting an upsurge in interest in one of the key components of the human food chain.

“Beekeepers are the unsung heroes of agriculture and horticulture,” the group was told by the main speaker at the event, Kevin Tracy, a queen breeder and producer with Bee Zone Apiaries and a trainer and educator for Foundation Training Australia. See more on the fascinating and essential world of bees on page 4 and 5, inside.

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Country briefs Leafminer found on doorstep Serpentine leafminer (Liriomyza huidobrensis) has been detected in celery, spinach and wombok crops in the Lockyer Valley. Serpentine leafminer poses a serious economic threat to South East Queensland’s horticulture and nursery production plant industries.

It has a wide host range including vegetables, ornamentals and weeds. Its lar-

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SPECIALS

While the expected bumper Southern Downs grains harvest is welcome news, mice numbers in southern Queensland—and progressively north to Central Queensland—are on the rise.

Under the Biosecurity Act 2014, the house mouse is not a prohibited or restricted invasive animal. By law everyone has a general biosecurity obligation to take reasonable and practical steps to minimise the risks. Landholders should be alert, monitor and continue to take appropriate actions to control mice throughout the spring and summer seasons to help reduce impacts. Increasing demand for baits may see a delay in supply.

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Imagine getting an insurance payout for not reaching your annual expected rainfall? It seems an idyllic, yet perhaps expensive solution to modern farming.

Researchers at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) are revolutionising the way farmers engage with the insurance industry as part of the Queensland Government’s Drought and Climate Adaption Program. Listen to the discussion around crop insurance possibilities featuring Kerry Battersby from QFF, Professor Shahbaz Mushtaq and Dr Jarrod Kath from USQ as well as Russell Mehmet from Willis Towers Watson. You can find it here: https://podcasts. apple.com/au/podcast/farming-without-risk-the-new-insurance-possibilities/

COUNTRYJOURNAL

3

No, we don’t have 35 years of water...

There’s Sunwater and there’s the Sun’s water

around 18 months, taking into account the ‘tax’ the sun charges on open-surface water.

In Warwick, the situation is complicated even further, the CEO Dave Burges told councillors who inspected the healthy figures. “If it keeps raining and the dam remains above 15%,” he noted, the dam would last forever...but Sunwater has side deals with irrigators that are unpredictable.

“Irrigators could take it down to 50% next

week,”he remarked, and there would be nothing council could do about it.

Councillors also noted that there are around 18 months of water now stored in the Spring Creek Weir and associated storages at Killarney (a thirsty town, using around 30% more water per capita than Warwick according to the Small Newspaper Company’s calculations), and 24 months at Wallangarra (drawing on Beehive Dam and the Soak). Dalveen, which relies on bores, has close to five years on hand, while Leyburn and Patten (also relying on bores, have 33 and 24 months of supply respectfully). In this case, evaporation, at least directly, has no impact. The figures (notably for Stanthorpe) don’t take account of the fact that water is continuing to seep or pour into the reservoirs, as a result of an unusually wet winter.

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Water in Leslie Dam isn’t ‘in the bank’, the community has been reminded. With the Dam brimming relative to recent history, with the surface bobbing around the healthy 57.4% of capacity, it might be tempting to divide the available water (58,876 megalitres) by the annual consuumption of the city of Warwick (1645 megalitres) and come to the conclusion that there are a good 35 years of water left in the dam even if it doesn’t rain a drip...but sadly, that water is the Sun’s water... and it is Sunwater’s water. To give an estimate of the role evaporation play, it’s interesting to turn to Stanthorpe, where the dam remains brim full (103% of capacity in fact) and carrying a full load of 1,935 available megalitres...which on paper looks like well over four years consumption at the annual rate Stanthorpe ‘drinks’ it: 412.2 megalitres a year. Instead, that water represents only

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Beekeepers: unsung heroes of agriculture KRISTA BJORN It was nearly a full house on Friday at the apiary workshop at Elders in Stanthorpe.

“I had bees,” Marie Ashmore of Dalcouth said, “but my neighbour had hive beetles and didn't tell me and I lost them. I came today because I wanted to learn more about if and when these problems are going to arrive because I never want to lose my bees again.”

The main speaker at the event was Kevin Tracy, a queen breeder and producer with Bee Zone Apiaries and a trainer and educator for Foundation Training Australia.

“I got my first bees in 1974,” Tracy said. “It was a horrible experience because I didn't know anything but I wanted to be cool.”

In spite of a rocky start to beekeeping, Tracy didn't give up. His love for bees only increased as he grew in understanding and experience.

“You gotta love bees!” he said. “They're just fascinating! When I do these things I want people to say, 'I want to know more.'

There's so much that there should never be

a dull moment in your head The Elder’s bee keeping workshop was a hit when you're doing bees.” with local growers. Photos: Krista Bjorn.

Tracy explained that the first step in successful beekeeping is to get maintain for a healthy colony: water and your hive registered nutrition. with Biosecurity “If bees don't have water, they'll stop Queensland. He has doing everything else,” he said. “You must heard from some peo- have a guaranteed water supply. Have Published, Printed, Designed, Owned, Administered....here ple that they're water there before you put bees there or Not London. Not New York. unwilling to do this they'll find the neighbour's swimming because they're afraid pool.”

Main phone number: of inspectors showing As far as nutrition for bees, he explained up on their property that healthy bees are protein dependent 07-4641 7953 to inspect their hives. and require a variety of pollen sources to Head office: 69 Dragon St Warwick “This doesn't hapget the nutrition they need.

The Small Newspaper Company

A.C.N. 167 171 217

• Editor: Elizabeth Voneiff editor@thedailyjournal.ink * Sales: Gordon Bratby 0437 417 736 * Sales: Peter Schmidt 0447 105 846 sales@thedailyjournal.ink A little bit of legals While every care is taken to compile this newspaper accurately, we cannot be held responsible for any errors that may occur with advertisements or articles. All submitted content does not necessarily represent the opinions of The Small Newspaper Company or The Country Journal All art and editorial content remains the property of the relevant copyright holder and may not be reproduced without permission. If we have got something wrong, get in touch, and we will print a correction in our next edition...and apologies in advance!

“The best thing you can do for bees is either supplement or plant lots of interesting things,” Tracy said. “If Kevin Tracy, Bee Zone they're not fed well, they won't function well. Nutrition affects their orientation, life span, and other things.” pen,” he assured the This information was particularly interattendees. “To be regesting to the many orchard owners in istered is for your attendance.

Every spring they bring in bees benefit because it to their orchards for a couple of weeks to helps with funding enhance pollination limited by hail nets and and research.” the fact that apple blossoms don't produce Tracy went on to a lot of pollen to attract bees. explain that there are “Beekeepers are the unsung heroes of two vital things a agriculture and horticulture,” Tracy said. beekeeper must

“I got my first bees in 1974. It was a horrible experience because I didn’t know anything but I wanted to be cool”

continued next page..

COUNTRYJOURNAL continued from previous page.. The orchard keepers were intrigued by a presentation at the event by Apis Bloom, an organic wax matrix that is inoculated with bee pheromone to recruit bees to orchard blossoms in spring. Apparently, bees will naturally go to a better source of pollen than fruit trees, but by applying the Apis Bloom mixture to fruit trees for a short window of time, there will be a more even distribution of bee activity throughout the orchard.

Ashmore was thrilled with what she learned at the apiary workshop.

“I wasn't aware how critical nutrition was for bees,” she said. “I'll be better prepared for when my new bees arrive. I grow all my own fruit and vegetables and grapes, so I need all the bees I can get.”

She is excited to put into practice the tips she received, focusing on nutrition, re-queening regularly, managing Local orchardists were able to inspect many of pests and disease the apiary tools available. well, and consistent comb replacement. “I just love the bees,” Ashmore beamed. “I love the changes in the colour and texture of the honey in the seasons. It's just magic! (Beekeeping) isn't a cheap hobby to start, but I think it's a hobby for life.”

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James Lister MP MEMBER FOR SOUTHERN DOWNS

Ph: (07) 4524 7700 e: southern.downs@parliament.qld.gov.au • 9 Victoria St, Stanthorpe ________________ (Mon-Fri) • 56 King St, Warwick_________________________ (Mon-Tue)

Seeking submissions

Hope & Growth

2019 BUSHFIRE COMMEMORATIVE PHOTO EXHIBITION

Through the Hope & Growth themed exhibition, Southern Downs residents are invited to share their bushfire recovery stories by submitting photographs for inclusion in the travelling exhibition that will depict the ‘then and now’ of the 2019 Bushfire event through images reflecting the impacts of the fires at the time and the recovery that has occurred since.

All submissions will go into a Shop Local card prize draw!

HOW TO SUBMIT: recovery@sdrc.qld.gov.au Facebook.com/MySDRC www.sdrc.qld.gov.au/bushfirephotos Submissions close Friday 17 September

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Onions? How do you like them onions?

In December 1958 I was appointed health inspector in Bethnal Green, London.

The Chief Health inspector Frank Shark said ‘Mr Waddle we take it in turns to inspect the Bethnal Green high street on a Sunday. It’s your turn next Sunday: Don’t do anything radical, just turn up, flash your authority and go home’.

So, with simple intention I attended the markets that Sunday morning. My resolve rapidly receded when I saw a man selling onions.

Onions on the footpath, onions on the road, and onions in the gutter. I walked over and said ‘Good morning, public health inspector Bethnal Green and flashed my authority’.

He replied in true Cockney: ‘Good morning gov, how you going then?’

‘Good, except you are contravening the food and drugs act 195. And unless you

desist from this I have to serve a notice on you.’

‘Guvnor, I don’t know what you are talking about?’

Now a little crowd had gathered and were giving me advice such as ‘lock him up Guvnor’, ‘He’s been doing it all day, all week’, ‘Put him in jail’. With Frank Shark’s words ringing in my ears ‘Don’t do anything radical, just turn up, flash your authority and go home’ I thought this is getting out of hand!

I tried again ‘Look friend, you have open food on the footpath, on the road, and in the gutter. In pure contravention of the act’ ‘Open food? What are you talking about, Guvnor’ I replied ‘Look pal’ only to be interrupted by the crowd which was getting restless and calling ‘lock him up Guvnor’, ‘He’s been doing it all day, all week’, ‘Put him in jail’.Over the throng I called ‘Look friend, you have onions displayed less than continued on next page...

COUNTRYJOURNAL continued from previous page...

18inches off the foot way. You have onions on the footpath, onions on the road, even onions in the gutter!’.

‘Onions? … They’re Gladioli bulbs!’

Which of course they were. From then on when every time I walked the Bethnal Green high street, the

Leyburn Sprints gets some COVID sympathy

A request by the Leyburn Sprints committee to have a $1,395.00 for their Temporary Event Permit for this weekend’s sprints event waived has been waved through, despite a recommendation not to create a precedent.

The Sprints was cancelled earlier this year due to COVID uncertainty, as reported in the Daily Journal, but a concerted effort from the committee and volunteers saw the event successfully resucitated in September. That effort was rewarded, despite the event com-

barrow boys used to call out to me ‘Guvnor, how’s your gardens going? You got the flowers in the back and the veggies in the front?’

It was the best introduction an Aussie could have had to the cockneys of London.

Editor’s note: This is a true story as told to Ben Boland by David, a resident of a local aged care home. ing with a signficant outlay of council staff effort, particularly in policing food provision on the weekend.

“It’s a sad time in our society where events are being cancelled,” Cr Marco Gliori noted in supporting the waiver, despite concerns being expressed that this act of mercy might create a precedent with other major events in the calendar. “They have shifted the date and still have enough volunteers and community sentiment to move forward,” he noted. Cr Jo Mcnally concurred. “We’re in uncertain times, but I note that council went above and beyond for Jumpers and Jazz in July event when they had last minute troubles with the rain, so I think it is a relatively small amount to consider.”

What’s organic?

Australia’s $2.5 billion organic industry is keeping up the fight for mandatory truth in labelling laws banning the word “organic” on uncertified goods. Industry experts hope to eventually score a victory in federal parliament next year. Some 56 per cent of Australian shoppers have claimed they deliberately bought organic products last year, so for the industry, the pressure is on to get Canberra to tighten regulatory oversight of what is certified and promoted as chemical-free.

Federal legislation would require domestic foodstuffs to identify a minimum standard of organic accreditation, bringing the rules in line with long-established organic export requirements. Recent research found almost a third of consumers buying organic products in 2020 believed they had previously been misled by labels on items which were not legitimate.

Also, industry body Australian Organic Limited found lack of trust in labels claiming organic status was a real barrier to buying for 30pc of shoppers who frequently sought out organic goods.

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

In the past week, my wife Margaret and I hired a motorhome for the first time and travelled to the Queensland Club Polocrosse Championships at Wandoan.

It was a great chance when I wasn’t driving to look at a large part of south east Queensland.

You see what other farmers are doing, compare entrances and look at the crops.

My worst memory of the trip was the standard of road surfaces.

There is a sign between Dalby and Chinchilla warning drivers of cracks in the highway and there are plenty of them.

The road from Warwick to Brisbane is in a similar bad state especially between Aratula and Amberley.

Good to see work progressing at the Eight Mile.

I have written previously in columns that the worst piece of road in the area is at Accommodation Creek near Ballandean and it has yet to be fixed.

Both the Federal and State Governments contribute to road works and plenty of money is needed in the next five years on our highways.

My guess is a long period of dry weather and then two wet seasons have had an impact on road conditions.

I returned home with the opinion we have been lucky with the rain, it seemed drier at Kilcoy and Bell than on the Southern Downs.

Both the Federal and State Governments contribute to road works and plenty of money is needed in the next five years on our highways.

You feel like you are floating along the highway with some of the bitumen so uneven, a bit like dancing after they put too much pops on the dance floor.

As for the motorhome, it has potential in the future. Margaret said the Wandoan trip would be one of the only times we have been able to drive a Mercedes Benz.

I can’t back a trailer so would be hopeless with a caravan. I have a few bad memories of the trailer, especially the day I loaded one

The Long Paddock with Gerard Walsh

tonne of fertiliser at Allora and the axle buckled as I was driving home through Cunningham.

As you always do, I called a neighbour who kindly took the fertiliser home so I could then slowly get the empty trailer home. Even one of the tyres was stripped by

overloading the trailer.

I should have only gone with half a tonne but tried to drive with one tonne, silly driver.

I spotted a wind farm near the Bunya Mountains and two massive solar farms on the Warrego Highway last week. You could see there was a lot of mining and power generation in the region.

Crops

There are some magnificent winter crops heading towards harvest, the best each side of Dalby and between Warwick and Toowoomba.

While some crops need 10-20mm rain now, others have grown “too well” and are falling over.

Crops which have fallen over can still be harvested but the harvest is definitely harder.

Crops don’t grow fast enough on our lighter soil at Greymare to fall over, well at least my one barley grain crop in four decades didn’t fall over.

Will have to do a bit of googling as there are crops which look a bit like lucerne but definitely aren’t lucerne or from the winter crop stable of wheat, barley and oats.

I was surprised last week that there wasn’t much crop between Miles and Wandoan, it is very much a cattle

area.

There are lots of small papers like the Daily Journal and Stanthorpe Record in circulation after the move of News Corp more than a year ago to stop print production of 100 mastheads.

One of the most impressive is the Western Downs Town and Country. There is also a new paper in the South Burnett.

Interesting I know five of the seven people who are putting Town and Country out, most worked with me at the Daily News/News Corp.

In my first Face To Face for the Country Journal, Stuart Judd told me he likes travelling in Queensland and he just needs a steak, beer and the local paper in each area.

My wife Margaret is now getting every free or paid paper she sees for me.

Burns career

Congratulations to Travis Burns on a brilliant rugby league career which finished with three seasons playing and coaching at his original senior club Wattles.

I know how keen he was to win a premiership and went so close in 2018 before bowing out in the preliminary final in 2019 and then going down in extra time in the finals loss to Highfields last weekend.

He played 128 NRL games and 83 in Super League in Europe and was on standby for Origin selection at the peak of his career.

Travis was not earmarked for the NRL as a junior and with sheer hard work and determination, he forged a career he should be proud of at the highest level in rugby league.

COUNTRYJOURNAL

$20 billion ag industry insights The CSIRO is gunning for a $20 billion Australian ag industry in the next decade. To reach that goal, it is throwing $150 million into drought, exports, and protein production.

Australia's national science agency this week announced that the agency has three missions which include reducing the impacts of drought by 30 percent, increasing the value of Australian agriculture exports by $10 million and producing and additional $10 billion of high-quality protein products by 2030.

The agency will take a "team Australia" approach and include a number of partners and collaborators to "help Australian agriculture become more resilient, more profitable, and to produce food that is more plentiful and healthier."

Tackling drought-resistant is the first pri-

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can increase the value of its agrifood exports by $10 billion in the next 10 years. The agency is interested in intellectual property issues including isotopic fingerprinting tools that can support proof of origin for products and verify green credentials.

Reducing the cost of meeting export requirements, which can be onerous, through new automated sensors and other technology, is also on the plan.

Future protein is an enormous global quandary and the CSIRO's plan states there is a $10 bilority since drought are predicted to lion opportunity for growers to meet the increase in frequency and severity. world's growing demand. Part of the misInvestigations into new systems of water efficiency, technology, tools, and impact-as- sion is to protect and enlarge existing livestock sources as well as develop new plantsessment will be the focus of the CSIRO's based products through biomanufacturing. mission.

The report also suggests methods of transAfter drought, the CSIRO has identified forming waste products into "high value agrifood exports as a key element of sucfood products". cess. According to the report, Australia

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Is stalking the only hunting?

Contributed by Ben Boland

I have been pondering what makes a hunter? Behind this question is my discomfort about the view that hunters and shooters are separated by the fact only hunters have ‘a level of skill involved in closing with your quarry’. Or in my words ‘only stalking is real hunting’.

I believe such a definition is too narrow.

In the same way as a fly fisherperson arguing ‘fishing must be done with a fly’.

Now fly fishing is an art, a beautiful art, arguably it is the highest form of fishing but to suggest fly fishing is the only form of fishing is a step too far.

I am not simply quibbling over words.

Shooting is the most inclusive sport I know: age, gender and ability (or ‘disability’) are largely irrelevant. Even games such as snooker, innately ‘discriminate’ as mobility, height and reach are significant.

By contrast the best pistol shot at my local range lives with severely compromised mobility due to his military service - but boy can he shoot!

Moreover, his limited mobility means

‘stalking’ is simply not an option. But, he is a gifted hunter. He regularly takes a range of game, with a rifle from a vehicle.

Gifted? Yes, he typically takes moving deer

with headshots. Moreover, shooting and dare I say hunting is a significant part of his life and provides pleasure, purpose and pride. Not to mention the opportunity to

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MORE PHOTOS AVAILABLE ON WEBSITE

COUNTRYJOURNAL serve, mateship and venison! He knows his target animals and their habits. As a new shooter I have greatly appreciated his time, wisdom and support as I have so much to learn. Which brings me to my next point, if we narrow hunting to stalking we create a barrier for new people learning the basics of hunting.

The second reason I am uncomfortable with ‘stalking is the only hunting’ theory is both conservation and farming both come down the barrel of a gun. Yes, fencing, trapping, baiting and biocontrol (e.g.

Calicivirus virus) are useful. But they all have significant limitations and environmental impacts. Hunting is unique in that it allows clear target selection, not only on a species level but also regarding age, gender and health. Hunting is also the most humane control method - poison and biocontrol are not as quick as a lead injection.

Trapping leaves animals distressed and is time consuming. Fencing has significant impacts on a landscape level on both targets are non-target species (and is expensive to install and maintain). Additionally, many hunters shoot for pleasure rather than pay and participate in assisting farmers in a range of ways. However, I suspect a large proportion (majority?) of

Australian feral animal control is with a firearm from a vehicle.

So, is shooting out of a vehicle hunting?

Unequivocally using a vehicle to shoot from is significantly different from stalking. But, hunting covers a lot of disciplines both in terms of weapon (e.g. knife, bow or gun & perhaps a camera?), prey (bird & mammals) and form. For example, within deer hunting is hounds, ambush and stalking methodologies. Is stalking more challenging than spotlighting? Of course, but bow stalking is typically more challenging than rifle stalking.

I am happy to concede stalking may be the highest form of hunting? Yes, but to say it is the only form is a step too far.

Furthermore, to my mind if hunting must be done on foot: How much is enough walking? While I literally walk from home to stalk rabbits the reality is due to time commitments/geography most Australian hunters could not hunt without a vehicle to get to their hunting ground.

So, while shooting and hunting are not synonymous they are both amazingly inclusive. And while stalking is a ‘high’ (perhaps even the highest?) form of hunting it is not the only form. What is a hunter? A hunter only takes a ‘shot’ when

11

rightly confident of a clean kill. Someone who takes unethical shots is not simply not a hunter but a criminal. Additionally, a hunter is not only someone who carries a massive magnum. Appropriate calibre is essential, but using a canon does not compensate for poor shot placement and may decrease accuracy. With the caveat, if a hunter wants to use a massive magnum, it does not exclude them from being hunters.

Finally, hunters enjoy, cherish and harvest sustainably from and in nature. So, go hunting!

Not what we were hoping

This week you still have COVID vaccination options within a decent drive...Clifford Gardens in Toowoomba has a pop up clinic with a capacity of around 1,300 jabs a day. It’s worth considering as our region has performed fairly poorly. It was hoped that around 10,000 jabs would have been in arms on the Southern Downs bynow, but instead less than 3,500 were admiinstered at the recent centres in Stanthorpe and Warwick.

Register by ringing 134COVID or clicking on www.vaccinebookings.health. qld.gov.au.

AUCTION

SATURDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2021 - Onsite 10.00am LOT 1/172 FREESTONE CREEK ROAD, FREESTONE QLD 4370

REMINDER BRICK RESIDENCE

A/C Estate of the late John Gosen

ON 20 ACRES AUCTION FURNITURE & HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

2679303aaH

Solid 3-bedroom residence on 20 acres just 15 minutes east of Warwick in the fertile Freestone area. Open-plan kitchen and dining area with formal lounge, 3 spacious bedrooms plus a large office. 2 bay lockable shed with concrete slab & steel machinery shed approximately 50’ x 25’ enclosed on 2 sides. 90% cultivation with quality black soils. Excellent north facing outlook.

TODAY

Stuart 0419 677 775 29TH Please AUGUSTcall 2009 ON on SITE 10AM 57 BAGULEY STREET, WARWICK THIS AUCTION IS TO BE FOLLOWED A/C BRUCE MAUNDER.

BY CLEARING SALE

D SOL

STUART BOND REAL ESTATE & AUCTIONEER

WARWICK 46613462 or 0419677775 sbondrealestate@bigpond.com

www.stuartbondrealestate.com.au PAYMENT STRICTLY DAY OF SALE • EFTPOS AVAILABLE • CANTEEN

Stuartbondrealestate & agtrader.com.au PLEASE CALL STUART BOND ON 0419 677 775

12

COUNTRYJOURNAL

Polocrosse results

E-grade final. It is only a month Cunningham club won open E-grade at the since the state polocrosse championships at Wandoan Cunningham club hosted the second in early September. Teams from Warwick, of its two carniCunningham and Clifton clubs from the eastern and southern Darling Downs played vals this season at the Bony in a carnival which attracted 67 teams.

Mountain Cunningham 1 beat Tambo 2 16-14 in the Recreation Club.

The Warwick club in the opening ceremony of the state polocrosse championships at Wandoan on Saturday. Gerard Walsh Warwick won the women’s A-grade competition at the state championships. The season is now over but teams will be Warwick player Cameron Shepherd in possession named in the off season against Tansey in the state polocrosse club cham- for next year’s nationals pionships at Wandoan. Photo Gerard Walsh at Ballarat, a carnival which has been post-

poned for two years due to COVID-19.

Winning teams Open A – Albury Holbrook B – Tambo 1 C – Bauhinia 1 D – Tara 1 E – Cunningham 1 F – Roma 2. G – Wandoan 2 H – Gold Coast 5 A women – Warwick 1 A mixed – Wandoan 1 B mixed – Wandoan 2 A junior – Wandoan B junior – Chinchilla 1

Killarney Real Estate

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

13

Real Estate

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• Both are bitumen roads with good high-profile frontage • Larger level 2851m² block • Power, water sewerage nearby • Zoning is specialised Centre • Map shows underground infrastructure

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• 2 good size built-in bed • Bath, separate shower, vanity & separate toilet • Air-con, open-plan & galley kitchen • Private courtyard, entertaining + rainwater tank • Remote garage with laundry • Close to Golf Club

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50 FITZROY STREET, WARWICK • Heritage Listed on the SDRC Local Heritage, not on the Queensland Heritage Register • Zoning is “Mixed Use” which permits – Residential, Low Impact Industry, Commercial Office, Childcare • Flood Immunity – SDRC requires all new building

work above Q100 flood level • General Development Requirements please contact our office • Land size is 3360m² - home has 13 rooms in total Here’s an opportunity for lovers of grand old homes with original features!!

LAND •WARWICK - 2851m², high profile Commercial, flat block, power, town water, curb & channel . . . . . . . . . .$427,000 •WARWICK - 1330m², near facilities, power, town water, curb & channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$185,000

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•MARYVALE - 2023m², power nearby, school, bitumen road frontage, VIEW . . . . - SOLD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$85,000

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•LEYBURN - 2965m², power available, close to school, VIEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .- SOLD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$50,000

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•MARYVALE - 3642m², power available, character with gully, VIEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .- Under Contract . . . . . . .$50,000 •HENDON - 3819m², adjoining blocks, 2 deeds, power at road, new home area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$80,000 •PRATTEN - 4047m² (2 available), bitumen road, water & power available . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$90,000

See www.helenharm.com for more listings

0408 457 496

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

The first time I met Jeremy was guised potshots over our bows at 2005, upstairs in the Free Times the Free Times, and I used to shoot office just looking across at the back... The one battle I particularly Post Office tower in Warwick. remember was the 2007-2008 batJeremy was working part time at tle about the plan to throw $7.5 the Daily News at that stage, and million at the split St Mary’s camwas looking for something more. pus in Warwick--$7.5 million to I was looking at our bottom line create lifts so kids wouldn’t have to and realising we couldn’t afford cross the highway. His point was someone of Jeremy’s calibre. I that children’s lives came without a hesitated. Even then, I sensed that price, and should be protected Jeremy might be a handful, and regardless of what cost--the insight the opportunity passed: the Daily I guess that comes from being a News ended up seeing sense; dad. My point was that regardless someone left as I of recall, and they offered “I strongly believe that the Jeremy a step up to part of the reason politics in deputy editor.

Australia is so dull--and why Jeremy was very difmost of us are disengaged ferent to me, the kind from it, switching over to of journalist you see in cooking shows--is because the 1970s movies that our parliaments are filled feature journalists... with professional pollies. never far from a cigaClive, on the other hand, has rette or a beer, practiactually does some stuff, and cal and pragmatic, voters will welcome him as a except about money breath of fresh air to cut (otherwise why would through the stale fart of poliyou become a journaltics. The major parties were ist?) He rose at the quick to laugh at Clive yesDaily to the post of terday, but they will be crapeditor (twice I believe. ping their collective daks Editorships of the because they know Clive Daily News have lead offers a genuine point of difto big things in jourference.” nalism--some big Jeremy Sollars names have passed Daily News, 27 April, 2013 through that seat.

Jeremy was not catching a wave onto some APN/News Corp beach...he was on whether we like it or not, everything has a price. The insight the Southern Downs because he wanted to be here. His kids went of being involved with Fred Hyde’s to school here. He saw the value charity in Bangladesh, where that in small town journalism. He was $7.5 million would have saved hundreds of lives sat in the back of more reporter than editor, more my mind. witness than commentator, although occasionally he would let However, my view of Jeremy rip. shifted when my little empire at the Free Times collapsed. It was Jeremy and I were more ‘eneJeremy who wrote the story that a mies’ than friends. At the Daily subbie fatefully headlined News he used to take little, dis-

“Muurlink Company in Liquidation”...a headline that had nine lives on the internet so anyone Googling me quickly realised I’d gone broke.

Thanks Jeremy. But in fact, I was immensely grateful for the way he handled the story--I remember being struck by the professionalism and sensitivity in how he handled what was for me a humiliating moment.

In Memoriam he brought to the journalism game here. A well aged journalist is like a well-aged whisky; you can’t get that taste after just a year in the barrel.

It is strange that he is gone; but in truth (for me) it was strange that he was here. It was almost So when Jeremy approached me like a magical alternate universe to for a job a second time earlier this have Jeremy working for me. It year, I didn’t make the same mis- brought me pleasure hearing him take twice. I warned him he was banging at his 20th century leaving a secure job and jumping Hewlett Packard keyboard. aboard a ship that was pretty low Knowing Jeremy was here at the Small Newspaper Company oddly in the water... and he said he enough, brought me a sense of believed in what we were doing, closure and peace...and knowing and he wanted to be a part of it.

When a couple of months later, we he isn’t here now is equally oddly started taking on too much water unbearable. to stay afloat, one reason why the He was a sensible and intelligent Daily Journal survived as a twoand logical man, and everyone is day-a-week paper, and the asking how this can be true.

Stanthorpe Record pushed on was When you are in a dark place, and absolutely Jeremy. Elizabeth and I the lights of logic have blown out, knew that someone like Jeremy you fumble around and fail to see was too valuable to the communi- the world as it is the following ty, too rare, to just let go...the morning when the sunlight comes thought of Jeremy drifting off into back in. The dark place is like a a corporate communications job.... dream; it isn’t real, but it feels real We knew we had to keep Jeremy from the inside. And then you working on what he did best. The wake up and you cannot recognise reason we started this whole mad the insides of your own brain from hours or even minutes earlier. project on the Southern Downs We are all on this ship together, was the same reason that losing friends and enemies, and the voyJeremy is a major blow to the age is not always going to be hapcommunity. In all honesty, if a medical doctor, a policeman or a pening under blue skies and full sail. Let’s resolve to give at least a politician goes down, critical as they are, another steps into their nod or maybe a hug to our fellow sailors, a nod that says “I know it’s place...But there is no factory rough, but it’s good to have you on where they make Jeremys....and board.” you can’t go to an autorepairer and ask them to fit a Jeremy Olav Muurlink, publisher, engine under the bonnet of a new Country Journal/Daily Journal/ recruit journalist straight of uni.

Stanthorpe Record He had 20 years under his belt working in this region. And years before that building the basic skills

COUNTRYJOURNAL

15

Rodeo is ON, APRA finals off Everyone loves the Warwick rodeo and heaven knows that this year we all need a good old fashioned hard hitting old school show.

And we will get one, but with a couple of changes.

This year’s 2021 Ariat and Pryde’s EasiFeed Warwick Rodeo and Gold Cup Campdraft is full steam ahead and we will be kicking up the dust till late on the Friday Night with Adam Brand and Saturday night the Wolfe Brothers.

The current border closures have caused some disappointment for the event with the APRA National Finals needing to be postponed. But never fear there will still be FOUR days of WARWICK Rodeo action. The Rodeo will be held Thursday. Friday and Saturday night along with Sunday and will see a full program of Rodeo events.

Queenslanders have notably been getting out and about and supporting the Tourism and Event industry with great attendances and we expect the same here. We are working closely with QHealth to ensure we deliver a Covid Safe event for our patrons

and community. The Society would love for everyone to come along for a huge week of Campdrafting, Rodeo and Live entertainment and can grab tickets online to save time at the gate.

Shane Iker, chairman of APRA, shared his disappointment.

“Whilst we’re devastated by the postponement of our 2021 Ariat APRA National Finals Rodeo, we know the Australian Professional Rodeo Association and the Warwick Show & Rodeo Society will collab-

orate to deliver a hugely successful full championship points rodeo, on what would have been Finals weekend.”

He said that in recent months there have been record entries at APRA rodeos and competition within the sport is at a peak, so the spectacle and entertainment of the Warwick Rodeo and Campdraft will provide for the Southern Downs and live stream subscribers will be spectacular.

“Queensland events are going strong, people are getting-out and supporting regional areas safely and responsibly in compliance with COVID regulations – so this year will be a great opportunity for the family to enjoy a weekend at the famous Warwick Rodeo.”

A spokesperson for the Council urged people to “continue to flock to the Southern Downs for the Warwick Rodeo and Gold Cup Campdraft.” Council promises to work with the rodeo committee to ensure the event continues to proceed.

AUCTION

HUGE SATURDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER 2021 - 9am COLLECTION SALE SATURDAY 9TH OCTOBER 2021 - 9am At 256 LYNDHURST LANE, WARWICK

REMINDER

Over 5000 Items TO BE HELD OVER 2 BIG DAYS!

•Oil Bottles, Tins, Racks, Cans, Stands, Signs, Fuel Bowsers

AUCTION FURNITURE &

•500 Rabbit, 100 Dog & Animal Traps, Imperial Collectors Figures •100+ Bells, Old Tricycles, Scooters, Tin Car, Steel Wheels •Cast Iron Pots, Boilers, Saucepans, Kettles, Camp Ovens, Fountains 2679303aaH

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS •Enamel Cannister Sets, Jugs, Billy’s, Saucepans, Basins, •Blacksmith Anvils, Vices, Swage Block, Forges, Tools Stone Ware

TODAY

•Tobacco Cutter, Corn Cracker, Shellers, Chaff Cutter 29TH AUGUST 2009 ON SITE 10AM

57 BAGULEY STREET, •Pack Saddles, Dray, Haynes &WARWICK Collars & Shearing Gear A/C BRUCE MAUNDER.

•MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS TOO NUMEROUS TO MENTION

S

OLD

STUART BOND REAL ESTATE & AUCTIONEER

WARWICK 46613462 or 0419677775 sbondrealestate@bigpond.com

For Photos Visit - www.stuartbondrealestate.com.au

PAYMENT STRICTLY DAY OF SALE • EFTPOS AVAILABLE • CANTEEN

Stuartbondrealestate & agtrader.com.au PLEASE CALL STUART BOND ON 0419 677 775

16

COUNTRYJOURNAL

COUNTRYJOURNAL

More sheep than lambs Contributed by Ross Ellis McDougall & Sons

Stillwater Past Co sold Dorper x lambs 48.1kg to Eversons for $213 Shelly F/T sold Dorper lambs off feed 44.6kg to Highchester Meats for $199, 51kg Merino Agents yarded 1351 head to the market today with the market fully firm to a shade lambs to Thomas Foods for $180, wethers easier influenced by a larger percentage of to Whites Trading for $134 Sandy & Brian Morris sold Dorper lambs 50kg to Eversons sheep compared to lambs. Top lambs returned $248 to average $184.32($7down), for $212, 35kg ram lambs to GR Prime for $146 Greg Rathmell sold Dorper x lambs hoggets topped at $199 to average $183.32(par), ewes topped at $194 to aver- 47.1kg to Leslie Lamb for $217 Reg Cooke sold Dorper x lambs 51.3kg to Ashtons age $133.63($7down), wethers topped at Butchery for $228, 44.8kg to Leslie Lamb $210 to average $159.97($20down), lamb for $210, 35.7kg to Jock Young for $171, rams topped at $200 to average 40kg to Whites Trading for $160 $163.43($9up), ewe lambs topped at $255 to average $207.48($22up). The sale aver- Condamine Crushing sold 52.2kg Xbred lambs to Eversons aged $177.61 which was $8 down on last for $222, 50.7kg to week's sale. The yarding was tilted more towards the light feed on and replacement Elliots Butchery for types. The better processing weight lambs $218, 49kg lambs & hoggets to Eversons M O R E E still attracted good competition. for $201 and $178, Tony & Lynne Duncan sold Dorper x ewe A V F E L ram hoggets and lambs 90kg to Thomas Foods for $225, rams to Whites E I N O A ewes to Thomas Foods for $180 Trading for $176 Jim Jim Cooper sold Dorper x lambs 48.75kg L O C D B Judd sold Dorper x to Tonys Supa Meats & Eversons for $213, ewes to Thomas L O N T S 45.7kg to Jock Young for $196, 60kg ram Foods for $188, ewe lambs to Eversons for $190, 50kg hoggets S I N H O and lamb units to to Uniplaza Meats for $182

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restockers for $260 Von Souvlis sold Dorper x lambs 44.2kg to Eversons for $180, ram lambs to Eversons for $156 Evelyn Hughes sold Dorset x lambs 42.3kg to GR Prime for $143, 37.5kg to restockers for $129, 32.5kg hoggets to Uniplaza Meats for $130 Gary O'Rourke sold Suffolk x lambs off shears 37.5kg to Uniplaza Meats for $164, shorn Merino wethers to Thomas Foods for $135, to Highchester Meats for $150 Wegner F/T sold Dorper suckers 37.5kg to restockers for $173, 28.3kg to restockers for $150, ewes to Thomas Foods for $175, rams to Whites Trading for $150

Pencilhead solutions

WARWICK SALEYARDS

George & Fuhrmann, Warwick

VENDOR DESCRIPTION - Cents/KG/WEIGHT/$TOTAL BULLS R & J Breen, Goomburra, Brangus Bull, 340.0/835/2,839 G Ruhle, Clifton, Limousin Bull, 330.0/880/2.904 COWS RD & CE Hughes, Freestone, Brangus Cow, 353.2/730/2,578 MA Benn, Dalveen, Charbray x Cow, 348.0/590/2,053 J, J & M Patane, Severnlea, Angus Cows, 345.2/593/2,045 BULLOCKS B Eastwell, Pilton, Santa Bullocks, (0t), 408.2/623/2,541 EXPORT HEIFERS R & K Cope, Texas, Droughtmaster Heifers, (6t) 367.2/549/2,015 Peterson Partnership, Old Koreelah, Hereford Heifer, (6t) 351.2/530/1,861 P Byrne, Warwick, Angus/Hereford Heifer, (6t) 345.2/595/2,054 HEAVY FEEDER STEERS DI & EE Mauch, Yangan, Angus Steers, (0-2t), 541.2/458/2,476 Beebo Pastoral Co, Texas Charolais/Angus Steer, (0t) 480.0/480/2,304 N & L Simpson, Elbow Valley Angus/Angus x Steers, (0-2t)478.2/517/2,476 DOMESTIC FEEDER STEERS D Vaughan, Danderoo, Angus Steers, 578.2/348/2,014 Beebo Pastoral Co, Texas, Angus x Steers, 568.2/373/2,121 B Donnelly, Warwick, Angus Steers, 560.2/320/1,792 FEEDER HEIFERS R Clarkson, Warwick, Angus Heifer, 490.2/365/1,789 F & M Roche, Maryvale, Angus x Heifers, 490.2/355/1,740 GD & AE Fearby, Texas Limousin x Heifers, 488.2/374/1,826 YEARLINGS B & M Hardacre, Tannymorel, Limousin Steer, 498.2/390/1,942 M & S McMahon, Warwick, Angus x Steer, 490.0/460/2,254 A Sparksman, Allora, Angus Heifers, 440.0/396/1,742 WEANER STEERS Beebo Pastoral Co., Texas, Angus Steers, 720.2/210/1,512 Beebo Pastoral Co., Texas, Angus Steers, 646.2/278/1,795 C & J Erbacher, East Greenmount, Charolais x Steers, 638.2/215/1,372 Rockland Grazing, Warwick, Angus Steers, 630.2/222/1,402 WEANER HEIFERS G & D Roche, Maryvale, Angus Heifers, 542.2/285/1,545 F & M Roche, Maryvale, Angus Heifers, 530.2/304/1,609 C & J Erbacher, East Greenmount, Droughtmaster Heifers, 514.2/220/1,131

O U N D E S

A X L E N T

Q P O P O U

G U R T R D

R B I H M Y

Mariana Trench Wordfind: Hidden Phrase: “More people have been to

D R T O C E A N S D O N

K B O T H A V I G H U A

P E T T A S N C O E S T

E E H O R K E A R T H R

R U X M S N E A G U R E

O E N E H V I D E O S N

the moon than have explored the Mariana Trench.”

Spot the 5 Differences: 1. Extra tooth

P B S K R H E F E M I T

L E E E N T M O L T E N

E L M O R O E O D O A C

R O C K S V W D T A O H

H W D E S C E N D E D R

2. Fin lower 3. Part of tail missing 4. Line under eye missing 5. Missing spike on

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

A healthy respect for Jeremy

BY WORKMATE GERARD WALSH Jeremy Sollars was an outstanding writer and top citizen who made his mark on the Southern Downs.

When he moved with his family from Brisbane to Freestone, he soon showed he was keen to be involved in a rural community.

At one stage, he feedlotted a few cattle on grain and enjoyed the adrenaline rush of a sale.

He first worked for the Daily News as Saturday reporter and later became chief of staff and then editor.

Jeremy loved the news hound side of his role as he wrote in-depth stories on many facets of country life.

He believed in the importance of media keeping a watchful eye on all facets of government and enjoyed covering local government on the Southern Downs.

Jeremy had a special interest in real estate and politics and wrote many stories on developments which could boost the economy if they went ahead. Jeremy always covered both sides of the issue.

In Brisbane, he was in the media section of Brisbane City Council. I recall him talking about the time Jim Soorley was mayor (19912003).

Once you got to know Jeremy, it was easy to see he was much more comfortable at the media table at a council meeting rather than trying to steer media coverage to suit the government of the day.

He enjoyed following many of the issues which keep bubbling along like the Southern Downs Regional Council decision to upgrade the current saleyards rather than build a new Warwick Saleyards at a greenfield site.

After breaking the news on the first day, he was keen to go in-depth in future editions so readers understood the facts behind the news.

He had many close friends across the community and enjoyed a chat with workmates and readers at the Daily Journal office after he joined the team this year.

I am happy to be one of those friends and

when he was at an opposition paper, it was still nice to catch him at a show, sports event or function.

You didn’t feel like you were in opposition to each other.

It was like old times again when we were both taking photos at this year’s Killarney Show.

Jeremy liked nothing better than an election at local, State or Federal level. We certainly had a common “love” of politics.

The loss of Jeremy is being felt most of all

Jeremy spoke fondly of his four children and was a regular at Saturday morning junior football (soccer) when the children were playing.

For a time, he was an office bearer of the Warwick District Football Association and took all the team photos in a voluntary capacity during one season.

He did more than his fair share of voluntary work for football and was also involved in Collegians junior rugby league when family played in the Warwick and

by his family but also many associates and a long list of friends. He was always chatty and I recall both of us at a Daily News Social Club night at Bestbrook.

He was admired by workmates and journalists from all sections of the media, he was given a lot of his story leads by friends in the community. Many careers that went to great heights started when Jeremy was their editor and mentor at the Daily News.

Those who faced Jeremy’s in-depth questioning still had a healthy respect for the man who took investigative reporting in Warwick to a new level.

If I saw a real estate sign on some industrial land, Jeremy was keen to know and follow it up to keep readers updated on the local news.

Many readers looked forward to Jeremy’s articles and it was a bit like old times for me when he started at the Daily Journal earlier this year.

District Junior Rugby League competition.

Jeremy also talked to me about events at Freestone and I remember him at a church anniversary at Greymare.

He was keen to talk about his children, their successes and endeavours and in one of my last conversations with him, he told me he was a grandfather and proud of it.

I am happy to saw I had an opportunity to work with Jeremy and will remember him as a close friend and someone who played his part across the whole Southern Downs community.

He will be missed.

Photo shows the front window of the Daily Journal at 69 Dragon Street, Warwick, with tributes donated and written by readers. The Daily Journal will be holding a memorial gathering for Jeremy’s colleagues and friends hopefully next week-more details in the Daily Journal and online.

FACE TO FACE with gerard walsh Continued on from last week...

GW: How did you go with the tennis commentating?

RH: GW: Where did you commentate rugby league?

RH: I started at the Warwick Showgrounds and then commentated on games at Father Ranger Oval. I also commentated at Goondiwindi, Allora, Pittsworth and Stanthorpe.

GW: Did they put the ball behind the lock’s foot in scrums in your day?

RH: No. There would be a penalty if they put the ball in the second row in those days, the ball had to be hooked out of the scrum by the hooker.

GW: Who were some of the refs?

RH: Jack Casey was an international referee who travelled for Golden Fleece fuel. Trevor Mulcahy worked on the railway and was one of the refs in that era.

GW: What about the halfbacks?

RH: Les Lane was one of the best halfbacks I have seen.

He was quick around the scrum and would get the ball to his backline and then double around to make an extra man.

GW: What about a beer at the end of the day or game.

RH: I had a beer at knockoff time at the Parkview, Globe, Langham, Mayfair or Grand.

After Sunday games, I would take a tape of the game to the pubs where the players gathered so they could hear what I had said about them.

GW: What was your biggest mistake in the commentary box?

RH: I once added two points for a field goal when it should have only been one. A field goal at one time was worth two points. I corrected my mistake. As I was commentating on the footy, fans were listening to the commentary at the game on their car radios.

COUNTRYJOURNAL

Robin & Margaret Hine

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GW: What and he had about your premises ready coaching? for us. But we stayed in RH: I coached Warwick. junior rugby league with GW: What North Stars, about retirewe were undement Margaret? feated one seaMH: We havson. North en’t thought Stars later about it. became RH: Four Collegians junyears ago, I iors. was booked in GW: What to Princess were some of Alexandra staff for drinking on the job. the catering roles?

Hospital and my Warwick One later apologised and MH: We would cater at doctor said I was 80 years of started working for us again.

Brisbane City Hall, a Miss age and had to retire. We did GW: Did you ever think of Australia wedding at Moree, retire from catering but still moving from Warwick? the wedding of now retired run our Café. Our doctor MH: We did a lot of jobs at Australian netball captain Dalby, Roma and Mitchell and whispered to me that he Laura Geitz. knew I hadn’t totally retired the Mayor of Dalby once as he asked.

We catered 12 or 13 times in asked us to move to Dalby the open air at the top of Isla Gorge with everyone wearing evening gowns and black ties.

There was a National Pork Fair at Kingaroy where we met Queensland Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen and his wife Flo. GW: What were some of the local functions?

MH: We catered for 11-15 Schoch Road, Rosenthal Heights Allora Apex functions each year at Two only 1.5 acre (6050m2) Rural, North facing blocks Goomburra Hall. We with views to the Great Dividing Range. Kerb, town just wanted to be the water, driveways across the verge, underground power all quiet achievers. provided. AVAILABLE NOW. RH: We once had a man come to us for a $ PRICE: (incl GST) price on a function and he never said anything else and returned just before the date and we ONLY TWO had been booked elseBLOCKS LEFT where.

That was when we brought in a $200 booking fee and it was deducted from the bill.

Often people who made the bookings just booked us up for the next year with the Call or email Kelvin Hutchinson same $200.

GW: What about PH. 0407 733 836 l kelvin@visioninaction.net drinking on the job?

More details - www.realestate.com.au Reference No: 202706266 RH: I once sacked two

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Summit Estate RARE RURAL LAND SALE – ROSENTHAL HEIGHTS, QLD

220,000

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COUNTRYJOURNAL

Wool on a wobble this week

Contributed by Bruce McLeish, Elders

The Australian wool market continued to wobble about last week and perhaps the dreaded yo-yo effect is returning, where the market tends to bounce up and then down, from week to week. The previous auction period had seen greasy wool supply constricted to such a point that it pushed prices higher, even in the current subdued demand environment. Then last week we saw the market more or less continue its zag downward, pushed further down by a stronger local currency, although again the extreme shortage of some wool types saw prices start to increase later in the week. Overall the market closed down by 18 cents in local currency terms as a stronger local currency shaved off some of the cream off the top. Given that last week’s price levels are more than 50%, or nearly $5 higher than 12 months ago, when the despair of Covid was pummelling the market, current prices are actually pretty good. In US Dollar terms the market was virtually unchanged, with only 4 cents being trimmed off the market indicator. The self-regulation of the market has worked a treat, with growers withdrawing supply in a time of reduced demand to halt the fall in prices.

Now that the supply and demand is apparently in balance, people will rightly ask “where to from here”. The Italian concerns have been active in recent weeks, albeit working remotely from the beach, but they have now returned to the office, and are making their presence felt even more so. They do have a bit of ground to make up, after their covid induced absence last season, hence their increase in activity now. The Indian mills disappeared when the market started to wob-

ble, as they are wont to do, but have re-emerged again now to play an important part. Chinese players have been sitting back waiting for retail signals, which are still forthcoming, but as a whole they seem to have decided that the market has probably gone as low as it will go, so buying activity from the traders has increased again. The previous couple of weeks saw only the larger top making mills picking up wool consistently, but now everyone has put at least a toe back in the water.

So, the outcome for next week, with around 37,000 bales on offer, and no South African offering, should again be a more positive tone.

It is the uncertainty of the current economic and political backdrop which has seen many buyers holding back in recent weeks, as well as the normal cyclical trend. The supply chain disruption is ongoing, and last week was brought to light with the release of German factory activity falling to its lowest level in six months as a result. Although a PMI reading of 62.6 was still registered in the HIS Markit survey, and anything above a reading of 50 indicates growth, nevertheless a 3% drop is significant and largely due to the slowness of getting raw materials into a factory. Chinese PMIs also missed the mark, but not due to the supply chain bottle necks. Their lower figures in the non-manufacturing sector were directly attributed to the Covid19 Delta variant resurgence, where the lockdowns, and threat of lockdowns slowed activity. Also weighing on the nerves of Chinese consumers is the current death spiral of the second largest property developer in China. According to a report by CNN, Evergrande is in dire straits and has

warned it may default on its substantial debts. Its share price on the Hong Kong exchange is down 72% this year, but it is the flow on effects to other share prices which matter to the average Chinese consumer. Already technology stocks and the private education sector have been whacked with a large stick, and potentially more industries may come under the government spotlight in the lead up to the National Congress in 2022. The Chinese stock market, where a large proportion of citizens invest their savings is already down significantly this year, which has the retail sector slightly concerned as they enter a strategic sales period.

So, as always, there is a caveat to the normal cycle kicking back in, and wool prices climbing again after the usual spring dip. In this case the dip has been minimal, compared to the previous two years, and odds on we will still see a recovery in prices as we get closer to Christmas. But, the Chinese domestic market has been the saviour for the finished goods market over the past 12 months, and it is perhaps feeling a little unwell at present. The current wool prices as mentioned are pretty good, at least for merino and fine crossbreds, and those who need to sell now for cashflow reasons or risk management preferences are receiving a reasonable return for their endeavours. As the processing cycle moves on, new demand will inevitably emerge and we can feed more supply onto the market, whilst maintaining current prices – or even increasing them providing the currency doesn’t head back to 80 USC. Generating that new demand, on top of the cyclical increase is where the benefits in price really flow, and now that the world is slowly opening up again after Covid, the conversations can restart. A lot of marketing campaigns have been on pause, given the lack of foot traffic and customer interaction, but in places other than Sydney and Melbourne shoppers are out and about again.

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