Issuu

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

CountryJournal Week commencing 29th November 2021

Hamming it up for Xmas

A staple of the Australian Christmas is the Christmas Ham, and so every traditional cook on the Southern Downs will be hoping it isn’t too hot on the big day....especially if that roast ham is marinating and waiting to be baked. Local butchers are curing hams, rolling pork roasts, and ordering in seafood to meet all the festive needs of the community this Christmas season, and as our report inside shows, the demand, like the weather, is turning hot...

Treat for the ears in store

A Berry merry Christmas

Christmas is not just a time of filling up on food treats...there’s also treats for the ears in store. It’s not often you have the chance to enjoy a full blown concert mid-week, but that is exactly what’s in store for music lovers next Wednesday (December 1) on the Granite Belt. The Summit Hall will be the venue for a brilliant night of contemporary and folk music being presented as part of the Festival of Small Halls summer tour featuring Andrea Kirwin, Tullara and popular local duo Nine Year Sister. Sisters Jennie and Emma Wardle will kick off the show at 7pm with their gorgeous pure voices, singing their own compositions. Their star is in the ascendancy - they have released two albums and have (07) 46 619 835 won a number of E warwick@rfsteelbuildings.com.au awards...More inside

A leading Stanthorpe berry producer is expecting plenty of its quality berries to be on retail shelves this summer, as two of its growing locations came online this month. Piñata Farms harvests strawberries and raspberries year-round and Stanthorpe is just about to come on steram according to the company’s MD Gavin Scurr. More inside. Servicing Warwick, Stanthorpe and Beyond Made from Bluescope Australian Steel FULL SERVICE - SLAB, ERECTION & COUNCIL

•Acreage Sheds •Farm Sheds •Garages

(07) 46 619 835 E warwick@rfsteelbuildings.com.au QBCC: 1197750 l NSW: 237076C

2 COUNTRYJOURNAL Wildfire doco out

Country briefs

A new documentary about Australia’s devastating Black Summer drives home exactly what we have to lose if the Australian Government refuses to urgently cut emissions this decade. It can be found on Amazon Prime.

ness or politics, is so important,” Ms Morgain said.

“Three major clothing companies in Australia – Lorna Jane, Myer and The Just Group - have failed to take the basic Major fashion brands in Australia, such step of publishing key information about as Just Jeans, Lorna Jane, Myer and Peter where they manufacture their clothes. Alexander, must be open about how and “It’s particularly disappointing to see where they manufacture their clothes to brands that promote the wellbeing of From Academy and Emmy-award win- help lift the women who make them out women, such as Lorna Jane, failing to be ning Australian filmtransparent about the factories in maker Eva Orner, which their clothes are made. This Burning features Chief supports a culture of secrecy that is Climate Councillor harmful to the wellbeing of all women, Professor Tim Flannery including those who make our clothes, and Climate Councillor and entrenches the massive power and former disparity between brands and garCommissioner, Fire ment workers.” and Rescue NSW Greg Mullins. The film takes a frank and fearless look at the deadly Black Summer bushfires that scorched Australia in 2019-20. More than 450 Australians were killed during Black Summer, either directly by the fires or from the toxic air that covered three of Australia’s major cities for weeks. The fires burnt over 18 million hectares, destroyed 3113 homes and killed 3 billion animals. The documentary will air in 260 countries and was screened at the COP26 in Glasgow.

Emerging rural leaders

Beware shoppers

Sweeping pesticide ban in USA

The United States would ban the use of two classes of insecticides — organophosphates and neonicotinoids — and the herbicide paraquat under a bill unveiled in the Senate last week. More than 100 pesticides would be affected, including chlorpyrifos, recently of poverty, Oxfam has declared ahead of slated by the EPA for termination as an the Black Friday sales and Christmas. agricultural aid. The Center for Food As Australians start their Christmas Safety said the bill was “the most robust shopping in earnest, the international pesticide reform to be proposed since development and human rights organi- the EPA was created in the Nixon era.” sation has released its updated Naughty Organophosphate pesticides have been or Nice list, which congratulates brands linked to learning disorders and can that have made commitments around cause nausea, dizziness, and confusion. living wages and calls out those that can do better.

There is currently an opportunity for those working in an emerging industry on the Southern Downs to apply for the Oxfam Australia Chief Australian Rural Leadership Foundation Executive Lyn Morgain (ARLF) TRAIL Leadership Program . said it was particularly unfortunate that some Applications are now open and close Sunday, 12 December 2021. One indus- brands had failed to make commitments to try participant will be sponsored to ensure the payment of attend the program, valued at $10,450 per position. The program takes emerg- a living wage during the pandemic - a time ing leaders aged 25-39 from different when the industry has sectors, locations and cultural backgrounds on a seven-day challenge-based grown yet many garment workers have lost program to expand their leadership their jobs. skills. Applying a holistic approach to leadership development, the program A living wage means encompasses an outdoor leadership enough money is experience in the mountains outside earned to cover basic Canberra, numerous workshops, panel essentials for a family sessions, and seminars to build and including food, housdevelop leadership capability. ing, healthcare, clothParticipants will: ing, transport, educaExplore adaptive strategies to address tion and some money complex issues and situations; Increase for unexpected events. “Sunlight is the best awareness of the six ARLF leadership practices; Develop an understanding of disinfectant, which is how behaviour impacts on relationships why transparency around issues of with others; Build peer networks for power, whether busifuture collaboration and support.

The Small Newspaper Company Published, Printed, Designed, Owned, Administered....here Not London. Not New York.

Main phone number: 07-4641 7953 Head office: 69 Dragon St Warwick 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!

COUNTRYJOURNAL

Quarterly results indicate restocking, overall Herd restocking is evident in the latest data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. 1.5 million cattle were slaughtered in the September quarter according to ABS data, an increase of 0.3%. Beef production in the same quarter increased a miniscule 0.1% to 480,174 tonnes. The gross value of cattle and calves

increased 9.2% to $3.5 billion. Sheep slaughter increased 12.6% to 1.4 million and mutton by 2.5% to 35,117 tonnes. In the same quarter, lamb slaughter increased 13% to 60 million and lamb meat production increased 8.8% to 142,143 tonnes. The gross value of sheep and lambs slaughtered increased 5.8% to $1.3 billion.

Pig slaughter saw a slight increase to 1.1% or 1.4 million last quarter with pig meat production increasing to 2.1% or 112,005 tonnes. The gross value of pigs slaughtered decreased 2.4% to $394 million. The chicken market was similar with 176.1 million chickens slaughtered, an increase of 2%. Chicken meat production increased 3% to 342,149 tonnes. The gross value of poultry slaughtered increased 4% to $781 million.

Pacific Labour update that were announced in September, including worker flexibility and greater focus on worker wellbeing, will continue to be developed in 2022 in consultation with industry.

EA SY

Steve Burdette, Executive Officer of Approved Employers of Australia, said this consolidation is the next stage in positioning PALM for future growth. “The government has listened to industry and will work hard to combine the schemes, work through the details, reduce red tape, improve processes and grow these programs,” Mr Burdettte said. “Merging two organisations is a big task, and the implementation details will still need to be worked through between now and April. Mr Burdette said the major changes to the programs

IENDLY BAN FR

NG KI

The federal government this week announced the next stage in the process for reforming the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, in line with their earlier announcement on 14 September about future changes and improvements. The new announcement confirmed that the Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) and Seasonal Worker Program (SWP) would be combined into one program by April 2022, managed under the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. While this is unlikely to impact the access to labour in the 2022 apple and pear harvest season, APAL’s Head of Government Relations and Advocacy Jeremy Griffith said this was a positive sign of the government’s intention to improve the program. “This ties in with announcements made back in September, and it is an ongoing indication of commitment by the government to reforming a significant and successful labour program,” Mr Griffith said.

WARWICK CREDIT UNION

Maddie's Gift Gallery - Stanthorpe Come into the store on December 9th, have a piece of birthday cake, spend $25, and have the chance to win one of the $250 shopping cards being given away by Maddie. There’ll be other Maxwell & Williams and Scanpan giveaways on the day as well.

is celebrating 25 years!!

Christmas gift ideas in store

37 MARYLAND STREET, STANTHORPE

Ph. 4681 2176

7 Day Trading Open Sundays 10-12 Noon

Locals supporting locals. Warwick Credit Union Ltd ABN 98 087 651 116. AFSL and Australian credit licence 240556.

COUNTRYJOURNAL

Alternaria control At last week’s APAL Orchard Walk in Stanthorpe, Stephen Tancred (Front Line Advisor for Queensland) provided an update on management of Alternaria leaf blotch and fruit spot. This fungal diseases can affect apple leaves and fruit from mid-season to late-season, and if severe will lead to leaf drop and a reduction in fruit quality. Including fungicides that target Alternaria in your disease management program now can help to reduce disease severity later in the season. Although first reported in Stanthorpe, Alternaria has now also a problem in every Australian production district particularly when conditions are warm and wet. The disease, unfortunately, is ever-present and therefore early control is important. Not many fungicide options are available. According to a fact sheet produced by

Mr Tancred, the disease usually makes a relatively quiet start in trees in late October to early November and this provides the inoculum for the disease to seriously kick off if weather conditions are right. As the disease establishes growers will notice yellowing and leaves dropping. Large amounts on leaves lead to infection of fruit. A number of fungicides can be used at this time of year including Delan, Pristine, Sercadis, Luna Sensation, Fontelis, Belanty and Polyram. Pink Lady and Gala are the most susceptible varieties.

You’re not alone

We know it's been a tough couple of years and many of us could use a little mental housekeeping to remember what happy is. The shortage of mental health experts in the region and long travel distances for those who live outside the population centres make this a difficult proposition. Luckily, Rural Health Connect is offering free psychology sessions for residents of the Southern Downs and Granite Belt. They have over 80 psychologists with a wide range of skills and interests to work with all age groups. Best of all, people can self-refer for the service through the website www.ruralhealthconnect. com.au. Best of all, Rural Health Connect psychologists are available for sessions over video call or phone call for children, adolescents and adults. Bulk billing is also available and most people qualify for up to 20 sessions a year under Medicare. Rural Health Connects professionals are keen to assist with those suffering from depression, anxiety, eating disorders, trauma, LGBTIQ issues, addiction and a range of other human conditions.

Wedding Expo at Cherrabah Resort on Sunday 5th December

Cherrabah Resort sprawls across 5086 acres, nestled in the hills of Elbow Valley overlooking the picturesque Great Dividing Range. Their incredible team strives on giving couples the ultimate experience, whether that be a casual wedding out in the middle of the paddock or the ultimate elegant wedding. They are available to make it all come true, no matter how big or small. This unique property provides the perfect choice for your special event. Meet local wedding experts who will help you create the event of your dreams. • Wedding Styling • Photography • Decorating • Gifts • Cakes • Marriage celebrant • Floristry • Photo booth Cherrabah Resort looks forward to meeting you this Sunday between 10am and 2pm. Advertorial

COUNTRYJOURNAL

Berry blitz at Pinata A leading Stanthorpe berry producer is expecting plenty of its quality berries to be on retail shelves this summer, as two of its growing locations came online this month. Piñata Farms harvests strawberries and raspberries year-round, and Stanthorpe is about to ramp up. "As far as raspberries go, Stanthorpe (in Southern Queensland) started two weeks ago and Tasmania will start this week," Managing Director Gavin Scurr said. "So, for a couple of weeks, we will have all of our three sites going, until mid-December. While strawberries, started in mid-September at Stanthorpe and finished mid-October in Wamuran, so all of our strawberries will come out of Stanthorpe and will continue until May when we start again here in Wamuran. Again, we expect a reasonable transition from one region to another." Mr Scurr says the Stanthorpe region, in particular, has received plenty of rain and hailstorms so far this season - which comes after being in drought for three years. "In the past six months we have had a lot of rain," he said. "One day about a fortnight ago we got more rain in one day than we did in the whole 2019 calendar year. So, Stanthorpe

is pretty wet, but all of our strawberries and raspberries are undercover, so the rain itself hasn't impacted fruit quality. However, the humidity has been up, so it's been harder from a growing perspective to control fungal diseases, but eating quality is still excellent because they are undercover - it's the rain that destroys the quality." The company is also impressed by the sizing of the strawberries this season, which Mr Scurr expects to add to the popularity with consumers - while the Diamond Jubilee raspberry is also expected to be high in demand, as usual, due to its "flavour, sizing and overall eating quality". While Piñata Farms is also gearing up for their busiest time of the year in terms of pineapple production, to meet the spike in demand over summer. "Fruit size is looking positive right through until January, where there may be some smaller fruit coming," Mr Scurr said. "Summer pineapples are always a good eating quality and in the nice warm humid weather they really turn it on from a flavour perspective. It's looking like a solid pineapple harvest for us, but generally, we do try to maintain a steady supply as consumers don't like too

many peaks or troughs. We harvest more pineapples over summer than winter due to the demand and consumers eat more at this time. But we have a solid supply, and have done for the past six months." He does note, however, that it could be a challenging few months ahead with the weather, as several storms and possibly even a cyclone is forecast throughout the summer months for North Queensland. “Overall, the fruit flow is looking positive this year too; some years it can concentrate and jam up, which can give you a lot more fruit for a few weeks, followed by a trough. That's typical of fruit, but it's looking well behaved this year and each of the blocks is following on from one to another, and it looks like it will continue to do so for the next month or so." "There are some 480,000 residents in our fast-growing region but many would be unaware of the significance of farming in the area," he said. "As a family we've seen the growth and development of the region and are proud to play a part in it. It's a privilege to grow premium fruit so close to a major centre."

COUNTRYJOURNAL

400 head shorter this week

CONTRIBUTED BY: ROSS ELLIS MCDOUGALL AND SONS

The total yarding averaged $161.53, $15 per head down week on week. Woodland Farming sold Dorper x lambs Agents this week yarded a smaller package 67.8kg to Thomas Foods for $230, 69.1kg of sheep and lambs for the weekly sale the ram lambs to Warwick Meats for $193, 80kg 985 head falling 400 short of last sale. The stock was of differing quality with some sub- ewe lambs to Thomas Foods for $227, 50kg Xb lambs to Warwick Meats for $190. Tom stantial runs of good export types mixed in & Tracie Cooper sold Dorset x lambs off feed with some light lambs and a few runs of 62kg to Thomas Foods for $225, 53.2kg to mutton and with one major buyer not Ashtons Butchery for $226, 46.6kg to attending the odds were in favour of the Ashtons for $200. Widgeegoera Past Co sold buyers, back to the paddock sales helped Dorset x lambs 66.87kg , 65.6kg 63kg to alleviate this too much. Lambs topped at Thomas Foods for $240. Tony & Julia $241 to average $182.97(Par), hoggets topped at $195 to average $160.67($11down), Simmons sold Dorper x lambs 70kg to Thomas Foods for $240, 50kg to Ashtons ewes topped at $170 to average Butchery for $210. Oakley Past Co sold $104.38($14down), wethers topped at $156 Dorper lambs 50kg to Ashtons Butchery for to average $138.08 ($3down), lamb rams $215, 43.3kg to Elliots Butchery for $186, topped at $214 to average $181.41($21up).

‘Post-pone’ bad for bees AgriFutures reports that Australia’s postal delays are tragic for the bee-keeping industry. Australia’s parcels are being delayed by weeks at a time. This is

Tony & Lynne Duncan sold Dorperram lambs 45kg to Uniplaza Meats for $181, 45kg lambs to GR Prime for $195. JCD Past sold Dorper wether lambs 49.5kg to Ashtons Butchery for $215, ewe lambs 52.5kg to Uniplaza Meats for $220 Warrick Ryan sold Dorper lambs 60kg to Thomas Foods for $241, 50kg to Grants Quality Meats for $220. Darryl Polzin sold Dorper x lambs 37.5kg to Highchester Meats for $162. Darcy & Melissa Filmer sold Dorper x sucker lambs 43.3kg to GR Prime for $174, 40kg to Grants Quality Meats for $180 and Leslie Lamb for $177. Phil Sissman sold Dorset lambs 50kg to Warwick Meats for $200, 70kg hoggets to restockers for $178, Xb ewes to restockers for $80, Merino ewes to Thomas Foods for $100.

causing significant issues for queen breeders and beekeepers, with queens sometimes being delivered dead or in poor condition. Postage delays are of particular concern because queens that spend too long at the wrong temperature can result in >50% of the semen stored in the queen’s spermatheca dying. As a result, the queen may have a reduced lifespan or her colony can have difficulty thriving. As a result of this crisis some breeders are not operating this year. With less breeders operating it will make it more difficult for beekeepers to requeen their colonies particularly off the back of a difficult few seasons. Many breeders are still operating, though some are only supplying to customers who can pickup to avoid posting queens. It’s worth noting that locally raised queens are typically advantageous to a hive due to adaptation to local conditions, pests and diseases, so beekeepers should consider sourcing queens from local breeders, if possible. Of course, this might be easiest for beekeepers in Queensland and northern NSW, given the majority of queen production occurs in those regions. For breeders and beekeepers that do need to use postage, best practice is to transport queen honey bees by post is only to post Express Post ideally on the Monday morning or Monday afternoon run in approved packaging, labelling and health certificates attached as required.

Christmas A wonderful time of the year

COUNTRYJOURNAL

Put some caramel sauce on that please

There’s nothing quite like a loaf of coffee cake bread baking in the oven to fill the entire house with the cosy, warming fragrances of cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and fresh bread. A thick slice is delicious served warm with a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce, cold with a generous smear of salted butter, or toasted the next morning for a decadent start to the day. Although it’s shaped like a loaf of bread and slices just like one, coffee cake bread has no yeast so it’s quick and easy to bake for afternoon tea or a leisurely Saturday brunch. It lasts well too, for the yogurt in the dough keeps it moist and fresh as long as you keep it well-wrapped. Coffee Cake Bread Dough: The dough for coffee cake bread is more like a thick batter, so there’s no need for rising, kneading, or proofing. It can be mixed up in less than 15 minutes and within an hour you’ll have a beautiful, fragrant loaf cooling on the counter. I like to use a mix of white flour and whole wheat flour for this bread. The

white flour keeps it light and tender while the whole wheat flour gives an earthy texture and delicate nutty flavour that pairs well with the spices. Although this coffee cake bread has a ribbon of streusel through it, I like to add more spicy goodness by incorporating cinnamon and nutmeg into the batter. I also add a generous amount of vanilla extract to ensure this cake is as fragrant and warming as it can be.

Streusel: Traditional coffee cake often has a streusel topping, but I thought a ribbon of streusel through the coffee cake bread would be even nicer. Rather than making the streusel with just butter, white sugar, and cinnamon, I switched to dark brown sugar and added more ground nutmeg and a generous handful of finely chopped walnuts. If walnuts aren’t your thing, you could easily substitute chopped almonds, hazelnuts, or cashews. Baking: While most breads are baked to perfection in 30-40 minutes, this coffee cake bread requires nearly an hour to ensure it’s baked all the way through. You can bake it in a well-greased loaf pan, or line it with baking paper so it’s easy to remove to the cooling rack. Topping: Although coffee cake bread can stand on its own feet, it’s made even nicer with a special topping. You could keep things simple with softened butter, whipped cream, or ice cream, or you could make things extra fancy with a homemade sauce or syrup. For this recipe I made a creamy caramel sauce that paired rather nicely with the nuts and spices.

you n e h w 0 0 5 $ WIN

L A C O L P O H S s a m t s i r h C this 5 EASY STEPS TO WIN

1. Grab a Warwick & Surrounds gift card online or at a load-up store.

2. Load it up with any amount.

The Warwick & Surrounds Shop Local Gift Card launches in over 40 stores this month, making it easier than ever to support local businesses. And we’re celebrating with a $500 giveaway!

3. Register the card online before 17 December 2021 to enter the $500 giveaway.

4. Now, GIFT THE CARD! (or keep it for yourself).

5. Swipe and spend at nearly 50 stores in the Warwick & Surrounds area.

For more information and for participating stores, visit whyleavetown.com/programs/warwick

DID YOU KNOW? The Stanthorpe & Granite Belt Shop Local Gift Card has been around since 2019! away *Not included in give

Southern Downs R E G I ONA L COUNC I L

This initiative is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

COUNTRYJOURNAL

Christmas Trading Hours Fri 24th Dec Christmas Eve Sat 25th Dec Christmas Day Sun 26th Dec Boxing Day Mon 27th Dec Tue 28th Dec Wed 29th Dec Thu 30th Dec Fri 31st Dec New Year’s Eve Sat 1st Jan New Year’s Day Sun 2nd Jan

Palmerin Street Health Centre Pharmacy Palmerin Street Health Centre Pharmacy Palmerin Street Health Centre Pharmacy Palmerin Street Health Centre Pharmacy Palmerin Street Health Centre Pharmacy Palmerin Street Health Centre Pharmacy Palmerin Street Health Centre Pharmacy Palmerin Street Health Centre Pharmacy Palmerin Street Health Centre Pharmacy Palmerin Street Health Centre Pharmacy Palmerin Street Health Centre Pharmacy

8am-5:30pm 8am-6pm Closed Closed 8.30am-12.30pm Closed 8.30am-12.30pm Closed 8.30am-12.30pm Closed 8am-5.30pm 8am-6.30pm 8am-5.30pm 8am-6.30pm 8am-5.30pm 8am-6.30pm 8.30am-11.30am Closed 8.30am-12.30pm Closed 8.30am-11.30am Closed

Here to help. Every day.

We oﬀer longer opening hours and more opening days, so you can always ﬁnd help at one of our friendly, locally owned pharmacies. Mon 3rd Jan

106 Palmerin St 53 Wood St Here to help. Every day. 4661 1944 4667 0692

29.95

157 Palmerin St, Warwick Phone 4661 1092

Don’t be disappointed - Order your Christmas Fruit Platters NOW!!!

“Freshness is our focus”

Open Mon-Fri 7am-6pm; Sat 8am-4pm; Closed Sun

Phone 4661 9871

GraciousGiving ning

& di Coffee

i r F o t n o M n e Op 7am - 2.30pm and weekends

OPEN LATE FOR XMAS TRADING ~ FREE GIFT WRAPPING ~ Teacher Gifts For all Xmas needs and last minute gifts

24 MARYLAND ST, STANTHORPE t: 07 4681 4700 • m: 0408 700 717 e: graciousgiving@hotmail.com

7am - 1.30pm We

David & Amanda Smith

are practis ing COVID -19 Safety!

Reservations are essential to avoid disappointment Bookings preferred via Facebook or phone in advance

Cnr Palmerin & Fitzroy Sts, Warwick

4667 1746

LARGE quantities

ROSE CITY SHOPPINGWORLD (OPP. COLES)

106 Palmerin St 53 Wood St 4661 1944 4667 0692 www.warwickfriendlysociety.com.au

Follow our Facebook + Instagram pages for news and updates on what’s happening in store!

Small to 4XL in Adult sizes only

ROSE CITY FRUITS

Wewww.warwickfriendlysociety.com.au oﬀer longer opening hours and more opening days, so you can always ﬁnd help at one of our friendly, locally owned pharmacies.

The

NRL SUPPORTER SHORTS

FREE WI-FI

(07) 4681 1653

m: 0427 735 038 e: jsimotorcycles@bigpond.com

SERVICING ALL: • ATV’s • Dirt Bikes • Road Bikes • Small Engines • Chainsaws • Mowers • Parts & Accessories

INDUSTRIAL ESTATE 2, 4 GOURLAS CT, STANTHORPE

COUNTRYJOURNAL

Christmas meat, Christmas treat Every cook on the Southern Downs hopes it won’t be 40 degrees on Christmas Day. Especially if that roast ham is marinating and waiting to be baked. Local butchers are curing hams, rolling pork roasts, and ordering in seafood to meet all the festive needs of the community this Christmas season. “There seems to be a lot of orders going through,” Allora Butchery owner Aaron Bietheer said. “I think everyone's looking for good, Australian meat and that's good to see. Everyone's supporting Australian-made.” From turkeys and fresh chooks to seafood and barbecue, no matter which butcher you visit on the Southern Downs, you’ll find a wide variety of ideas for your holiday feasts. "People are pretty traditional in wanting that big feed,” Bietheer said. “There's such a broad mix of people. There's no such thing as the same anymore. Everyone does their own niche things in how they celebrate the Christmas season.” Some folks can’t imagine the holidays without roast ham, turkey, or pork and all the

changed. My dad used to do them. We've been smoking ham for 60-plus years.” Rose City Premium Meats owner Paul Carey agreed, saying, “They're still very traditional with the hams and plenty of roast pork.” He said his customers like his ham because he uses a long, slow curing process. “You've got to give them hams time to cure,” he said. “You can't rush a ham. It's a process and it can't be rushed. Christmas is coming fast, but we're ready for them. The orders Lyndal Nolan holds a massive ham from Rose are coming in nice and steady.” City Premium Meats. Photo: Krista Bjorn. Within the week, Rose City Premium Meats will have their side dishes to go with it, while others hams on display so customers can easily couldn’t be bothered to turn on the oven and choose the size they need for the gathering would much prefer cold prawns, bugs, and they’re planning for. oysters or a simple barbecue of sausages and All the butchers encourage customers to chops. place their Christmas orders in advance, “Ham is still number one,” W. Carey & Sons preferably at least a week before Christmas. Quality Meats owner Wayne Carey said. “We've never run out, but we've been very ““It's stayed the same. People still have got to close,” Wayne Carey said. “So it does pay to have a ham for Christmas. We do ham the order ahead to avoid disappointment.” old traditional way. Our recipe hasn't

Stanthorpe

Music & Arts Festival Saturday 4 December 2021 2pm - 10pm Weeroona Park, Stanthorpe Back to back high quality music from across the region Roving Performers ~ Open Art Space ~ Drawing Comp Artist Exhibitions ~ Workshops ~ Puppet Show GB wine & beer bar ~ Food ~ Chai tent

Stanthorpe

C Ce elle eb brra attiin ng g hhiig gh hq quua alliitty y PERFORMANCE

MUSIC

9AM - 2pm

ART

Adults: $20 13 - 17yrs: $10 12yrs & under: Free * Price includes all workshops!

Shop Local For more info, program & ticket sales:

www.stanthorpefestival.com

4 december 2021

COUNTRYJOURNAL

CHERRABAH Christmas Markets

Great Christmas Gift Ideas! CHECK THESE OUT -

• Home Brew Breweries • Kit Beer • Craft Beer Pouches • Grain Malt • Yeast and Hops PLUS HARDWARE SUCH AS -

• Kegging Equipment • Kegging Parts • CO2 Gas Refills We are the Southern Downs Specialty Home Brew Store! Contact us today to secure your spot! reception@cherrabah.com.au or Phone (07) 4667 9177

4/57 GRAFTON ST, WARWICK - Ph 4661 8048

Coorey’s Clothing Pre-Christmas Sale

BEAUTIFUL RANGE OF LADIES’ CHRISTMAS WEAR • Ladies’ Short Sleeve & 3/4 Sleeve Blouses in all Cotton & Florals. Sizes 8-24 • Ladies’ 3/4 Fashion Slacks - Plain colours, easy care. Sizes 8-24 • Ladies’ Plain & Floral Easy Care Skirts. Sizes 10-24 • Ladies’ All Cotton Sleeveless Dresses. Sizes M-XXL ___ $35 • Ladies’ Full Range of Sleepwear in Cotton & Poly Cotton. Pyjamas, Sleeveless Nighties & Short Sleeve Nighties, and Brunch Coats. Sizes 10-26 • Men’s Levi Jeans - Includes Regular Fit & Stretch Denim • Men’s Short Sleeve Drill Work Shirts____________ $29.95 Long Sleeve ________________________ $34.95

Christmas Gift Ideas from Downs Guns & Ammo Was $79

Now $69 Various Gun Cleaning Kits on Special

Shop at “COOREY’S the KING of BARGAINS” ACROSS THE ROAD FROM THE POST OFFICE

Was $69

113 Palmerin Street, Warwick - Phone 4661 1276

Great Gift Idea!

Now $59 MaxGuard 40 inch Shotgun Case

Aries 53 inch Extra Wide Gun Case

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE!

299

WAS $339

Weber Baby Q1000 BBQ At home, camping or at the beach, the Baby Q gives you total flexibility.

OLSENS HARDWARE

PH 4661 3900

48 Fitzroy St, Warwick

Shop 1/57 Grafton St, Warwick

Ph. (07) 4661 4222; Mobile 0414 372 867 downsgunsandammo@gmail.com

Order your Christmas Hams - Chickens - Prawns and BBQ Meats now to avoid disappointment

R. & P. Bell Butchers

84A Pratten Street, Warwick - Phone (07) 4661 1737

Free Delivery in Town Area

COUNTRYJOURNAL

Summit of festivities CONTRIBUTED BY JANEL HUNT FESTIVAL OF SMALL HALLS

It’s not often you have the chance to enjoy a full blown concert mid-week, but that is exactly what’s in store for music lovers on Wednesday (December 1) on the Granite Belt. The Summit Hall will be the venue for a brilliant night of contemporary and folk music being presented as part of the Festival of Small Halls summer tour featuring Andrea Kirwin, Tullara and popular local duo Nine Year Sister. Sisters Jennie and Emma Wardle will kick off the show at 7pm with their gorgeous pure voices, singing their own compositions. Their star is in the ascendancy - they have released two albums and have won a number of awards including first place in the Noosa FM 21 Summers Songwriting Contest, 2020 Illawarra Folk Festival songwriting contest, South East Queensland Busking Championships and this year’s Open Space Imagineers Song Competition. Touring acts Andrea Kirwin and Tullara,

Tullara fits the folk/roots genre but sometimes flirts with soft rock for a very individual sound. She has performed at multiple festivals and has released two albums. All artists will have their recorded work on display and sale. The Summit Hall, on Granite Belt Drive, is home to the production of Boomerang Bags, and there will be a stall selling their upcycled products. Look no further for stocking fillers or small gifts for friends! The Summit Primary School will offer pre-event food and soft The Nine Year Sister Band will be performing drinks from 6pm at the front of the hall. at The Summit Hall on December 1. Photo Sweet treats and hot drinks will be available for sale during the interval, so supplied. bring your money! of Nambour and Townsville respectively, Tickets can be bought from Gracious will bring their own magic to the show. Giving and online at festivalofsmallhalls. Andrea is a seasoned performer and has com. The cost is $20 per person (children recorded five albums. Her Australian-Fijian are free if accompanied by an adult). background has helped sculpt her special Tickets may be available at the door, sound as she brings an island/soul vibe to depending on audience number restricher performance. tions. The music will start at 7pm.

Around the halls: Leyburn Contributed by: Mary Hamblin, Leyburn The Leyburn Branch of QCWA was formed in 1924. The members could see an urgent need for a community centre in the area and by 1926 had started raising funds to build a hall. Some fund raising efforts in those early years were a dance with admission charges of 2/6 (25c) gents and 1/5 (15c) ladies. This netted a profit of 12 pounds and 8 shillings ($24.80). A cup and saucer afternoon was another fund raising event as well as Bring and Buy stalls. A dance at the Ellangowan woolshed netted a profit of 67 pounds ($134.00). Much discussion took place as to the best means of investing the money in hand. It was finally decided that 80 pounds ($160.00) be taken out of the branch account and put into a conversion loan at the QN Bank Clifton, to hold the bond. By 1928, the erection of a hall was about to become a reality. That so much was accomplished in those first years, speaks volumes for the enthusiasm and money raising efforts necessary to embark on the project. The original block of land purchased extended to the corner where the shop now stands. The piece of land cost 25 pounds ($50.00), and to go ahead with the building, a loan of 300 pounds was secured, and this amount plus six

hall over 93 years. In 1952, a cooking range which had been used at the Leyburn Air Force base during WW2, was donated and an extension was added to the supper room to accommodate this. This range was used until a few years ago and creates much interest for locals and visitors. Several offers have been made to purchase the stove, but members wish to retain this piece of Leyburn's history. In 1954, the building was enlarged to its pounds interest was repaid in a year. present size and in 1963 electricity was conIn 1936, two tennis courts were laid down nected, with a septic system installed in the beside the hall and provided exercise and early 1970s. A playgroup was formed by the entertainment. branch in 1974 and a playground erected In later years the tennis courts were trans- behind the hall, with town water connected in ferred as a gift to the town tennis club. The 1980. Current members are most grateful to hall was used extensively during World War 2 Southern Downs Regional Council, Gambling when the Air Force was stationed in Leyburn, Community Benefit Fund and Macintyre Wind for dances, balls, card evenings and other Farms for grants received in recent years for entertainment for the Air Force personnel. In continued improvements. These include vinyl more recent years its main use has been for floor covering in the supper room and kitchen, meetings, wedding receptions, birthday parinstallation of fans, heaters and more recently ties, bingo and other social functions. air conditioning, replacement of the original For the past 12 months, we have held roof, an entry ramp for the disabled, installamonthly Country Music days which have tion of a modern kitchen, electrical upgrading, boosted our finances, and members are most a new stage curtain, replacement of tables and grateful to Ken and Shirley Mellow for organ- chairs and the most recent addition of solar ising these days and the band and singers who panels. provided entertainment. Many improvements have been made to the

COUNTRYJOURNAL

What would I have done differently if I was starting to farm again at our property at Greymare? My first decision would have been with Gerard Walsh to follow my gut feeling and insist one using bigger poly pipe from our windmill to the tank on top of the Australia. One pump wore out and you hill. wouldn’t believe it, the South East The one inch pipe corroded up from the Queensland representative for the compamineral in the bore and lost a lot of presny lives west of Clifton. sure over time. First truck I know the Warwick plumber we were In my first year or two home from boardusing was trying to save us money but ing school and on the farm, we used a carsometimes spending a bit more money ryall on our TEA 20 Ferguson tractor to first up can help in the long run. cart hay and the like and then I bought a At one stage, I bought a second hand KB2 International Truck from Jack Lane pumpjack with a Lister engine to run the who had a machinery yard on a block of pump but should have accepted advise land west of the Stockyard Hotel. then there were other ways to pump water I am not 100 per cent sure if it was the when the windmill wore out. truck or a calf branding cradle but the The biggest problem from then on was price was $100 and I offered Jack $80 and lack of water in the bore. he took it. We in fact had the well re-slabbed once I then drove off thinking what would before finally putting in a bore. have happened if I had offered him $60. The best decision we made later was use I advertised in the Daily News and a dam for our main farm water supply and Chronicle for most of our machinery putting a solar system pump at the dam. requirements and the ads worked well. There weren’t too many similar solar sysEnded up buying a Fiat 615 Tractor from tems in Queensland at the time and we Ainsworth Motors in Chinchilla and it had a few teething problems which were served us well for 15 years or so. discussed with the supplier from Western

The Long Paddock

COME SEE US

ENROL NOW

Remember the salesman drove the tractor out to a paddock which had been used to grow melons to demonstrate the Fiat in action, yes, it is Chinchilla where the melon festival has been held down the years. It did trade in a Fordson Major to buy the Fiat. We started off with a 20hp tractor and then bought three bigger tractors before we hit 100hp with a Chamberlain 4090. The Chamberlain has a cab which was what I really wanted as it can be pretty cold ploughing at night even in the summer, Most of our cultivation at the farm was from 1971 to 1991 and when I started work in sport at the Daily News we only grew about three crops of oats in the next three decades which included a lot of droughts. If I had my time over again, I would have bought a bigger tractor earlier as time driving a small tractor means extra cost as time means money. Sounds like next winter could be a good one to start planting oats again as going on the rain in the past fortnight and what is forecast to come there is likely to be a lot of subsoil moisture for a winter fodder crop.

Places still available in Prep and Year 7

admin@warwickcc.qld.edu.au

P. 4527 4800 KNOWN BY NAME

VALUED & INSPIRED

A Prep to Year 12 College

warwickcc.qld.edu.au /wccslade CHALLENGED TO SUCCEED

Helen Harm Real Estate

HANDY TO HOSPITAL

L SO

$ 250,000 GREAT INVESTOR • 3 bed, cupboards • Formal lounge living • Woodfire + air-con • Separate toilet & laundry • Shower – no bath • Kitchen - electric stove & oven • Dining adjacent to kitchen • Fenced 731m² yard – 1 car + garden shed • Close to schools & facilities

$ 275,000 • Air-con reno 4 bed, built-ins • Good kitchen/dining • Big lounge living • Hallway storage • Shower over bath, separate toilet, laundry downstairs • Fenced 647m² yard, new colorbond shed • Front deck with shade-sail • On city bus route, close to schools & shops

L SO

INVESTORS: Rent appraisal at $290 per week

POPULAR ESTATE

L SO

INVESTORS: Rents at $280 per week

$ 335,000 “ROSALIND” - A GRAND LADY • Brick 4 built-in bed home • Ceiling fans in all bedrooms • Lounge media off entry hall • Open-plan tiled living has air-con • Kitchen has electric appliances, bench space & pantry • Bath has separate shower, bath, separate toilet • Laundry nook in single lock-up garage • North-facing u/cover entertaining • 833m² fenced yard

INVESTORS: Renting at $345 per week

INVESTOR ON BIG BLOCK

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!!

$ 265,000 WESTSIDE TOWNHOUSE Potential to subdivide 1325m² lot •1960’s timber 3 built-in bed home •Window air-cons in lounge, main bed •Lounge media off entry hall •Open-plan tiled living has aircon •Kitchen has slow combustion+elec . appliances, bench space & pantry •Bath has shower over bath, separate toilet •Laundry utility, ramp to yard •Close to private schools, golf course & sports fields

INVESTORS:- Rent is $300 per week

COMMERCIAL PREMISES

WE HAVE NO VACANCIES!! PLEASE CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE A RENTAL AVAILABLE

$ 585,000

Currently running Angus cattle • 100 .7 ha fenced to paddocks • Infratructure - igloos used for piggery 10 yrs ago • Site office - 2 bed, shower, open-plan, air-con, woodfire • Electric kitchen, dining & living • Sandy loam scrub soil and rich loam along Turners Creek • Dams and creek frontage Avoid COVID escape populated areas

53 FITZROY STREET, WARWICK www.helenharm.com

$ 395,000 ALLORA - Business situated in main street • 2 Showrooms • 2 Offices • Storage • Staff amenities – kitchen, bathroom & laundry • Solar System – leased with income • Parking off back street entry • Rainwater tank in fenced backyard on 1019m²

PRESS Call …Helen Harm Real Estate 4661 3663

RURAL LIFESTYLE WITH INCOME

$ 300,000 UPSTAIRS: • 3 bed, built-ins, air-con • Main is ensuite • Bath, separate shower, toilet DOWNSTAIRS: • Open-plan, kitchen/dining/living • Laundry & 3rd toilet • Storage room • Fenced 252m² yard • Single remote garage • On city bus route, close to schools & shops

INVESTORS: Renting at $275 per week

STOP URGENT!! WE NEED RENTAL PROPERTY IN GOOD REPAIR

$ 375,000

INVESTORS: Rent as separate facilities

LAND • WARWICK - 2851m², high profile Commercial, flat block, power, town water, curb & channel . . . . $427,000 • WARWICK - 1170m², new estate, bitumen frontage, power, views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $145,000 • WARWICK - 25930m², High profile, 2 street frontage, Zoned specialised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2,210,000 • LEYBURN - 2023m², level block, town water available, power, bitumen frontage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $75,000 • PRATTEN - 4047m² (2 available), bitumen road, water & power available . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $90,000 • PRATTEN – 2 .023 Ha, level block, dam, 2 street frontage, RURAL - UNDER CONTRACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . $125,000

See www.helenharm.com for more listings

0408 457 496

COUNTRYJOURNAL

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE CROSSWORD

DOWN 2 Name another term

for a mistake (5) 3 The works of which German operatic composer included Orpheus and Eurydice, Christoph ... (5) 4 What is the art and training of a horse in obedience, deportment etc (8)

9 10 11

12 13

18 19

Arc Arms Ask Ate

24 25 26

5 Which cricket term describes

17 Name the largest river

18 What do we call a large

7 12 14 15

Can Cat Eat Elf

male kangaroo (6)

20 Which term applies

to tests (5)

21 What is a daily record of

one’s experiences (5)

23 Name a renowned Australian

bushranger Ben ... (4)

CLUES: Cast ballots (5) Church council (5) Completed (3) Ladies (5) Negative prefix (3) Parliamentarian (7) Saveloy (sl.) (3) Spiced sausages (7) Synthetic fibre (5) Unused (3)

K:16, L:3, M:12, N:1, P:8, T:2, U:24 K

Seed Sky Sour

026

DOWN 1 Head honcho 2 Biblical preposition 3 Flower stalk 4 Wish 2

I L N N N N

A A D D E E

O O O R S S

S S T V W Y

SOLUTIONS

BIYWORD

ACROSS 1 Scrub 5 Aware of 6 Footfall 7 A few

026

QUICK THINK Solve the crossword. Each answer has four letters.

150-026

026

Faster Fed Guard Key

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.

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

SUDOKU

Y D E F G G

BIYWORD

E-QUATIONS

036 Some values are in the right hand cells. Create remaining values using Letters A to Z have a number value. Some clues in centre cells.

R E L Y U C

In 10th century Persia, the Grand Vizier Abdul Kassem Ismael so loved his private library that he kept it close, even while travelling. A caravan of 400 camels, almost 1.5km long, carried the precious 117,000 volumes. And the camels were trained to walk in alphabetical order!

Letters have a number value

P×T N+T U-M K÷K U÷L L-N L×P

U E K S A A

CURIO

in the world (6)

E-QUATIONS 7

K L M N P T U

O S T C R N

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

a set of six bowls (4) Who are employed to tend horses (6) Name the capital of Turkey (6) What is a supporter or an associate (4) Name the well-known NZ operatic soprano Dame Kiri ... (2,6) Which metallic element has the symbol Fe (4)

S M R A D R

5 6 7 SUDOKU

CROSSWORD

F A S T E R

O E V E A R

G A E R E N D O K C O M A S M R E S I A N R O G E N D A X I V A T A R M R S S A Y S

R T E A K A O N A A W A

026

B E G G E D R L R G R O U S E O C S D R A K E S L A L G D A Y B R E M O C A B O C H Z M A C O L E S L N R L

10 11 13

QUICK THINK ACROSS: 1 Bush, 5 Onto, 6 Step, 7 Some. DOWN: 1 Boss, 2 Unto, 3 Stem, 4 Hope.

to have done what (6) What is an epithet of respect prefixed to the name of a member of the clergy (8) Which colloquial term implies that something is very good (6) What are malignant tumours (8) What are male ducks called (6) Name a bore whose shaft penetrates an aquifer, and in which the water level rises above ground by hydrostatic pressure (8) What is an alternative term for dawn (8) What is a program or list of things to be done, discussed, etc (6) Which precious stone is of convex hemispherical form (8) What describes the incarnation of a god (6) Name a dressed salad of finely sliced white cabbage (8) What are examinations of mineral ores to determine their constituents (6)

E-QUATIONS K:16, L:3, M:12, N:1, P:8, T:2, U:24

MINI WORD FIND

Y D E F G G

ACROSS 1 To have sought alms is

725

MINI WORD FIND F S O U R A M S E E S R T K L T A C S Y E D R A U R R N A C

COUNTRYJOURNAL

Mystery of the mung bean The curious case of the mouldy mungbean is a mystery no longer thanks to plant pathologist Lisa Kelly from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. Ms. Kelly has ‘bean’ on the case to unlock the mystery of the fungal disease that’s been present in Australian mungbean crops for at least 60 years,” Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said. “We thought only one pathogen caused the powdery mildew until our Plant Pathologist confirmed a second culprit lurking in the pad-

docks of mungbean and black gram in Australia." Scientists have long known about the pathogen Podosphaera xanthii, but Ms. Kelly’s discovery of a second, Erysiphe vignae sp. nov has the potential to unlock new solutions for the $100 million dollar Australian mungbean industry. “It was surprising to find that mungbean is infected by two very different species of powdery mildew and that one was an undescribed species which we got to name ourselves,” Ms. Kelly said. “This might help

explain why powdery mildew is worse in some areas and seasons than others and scientists around the world who work on mungbean will be able to see whether the newly-discovered Erysiphe vignae also infects crops outside of Australia. Now that we know which species are causing the disease in Australia, we can develop strategies that will target these pathogens to better control the disease.” Host resistance and host range testing is currently underway, with results expected next year. KRISTA BJORN

MULTI-VENDOR CLEARING SALE Stuart Bond Real Estate & Auctioneer

Sat 11th December 2021 - Onsite 9am (Gates open from 7am) 450 Mt Marshall Clintonvale Road, Glengallan

REMINDER

15KM NORTH OF WARWICK - 10KM SOUTH OF ALLORA

AUCTION FURNITURE &

Outside Vendors Welcome - Genuine Items Only All items to be delivered to site by 8th December 2021

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

2679303aaH

Tractors, Farm Machinery, Rabbit & Dog Traps, Blacksmith Gear, Antiques, Collectables, General Equipment & much much more

TODAY

29TH AUGUST 2009 ON SITE 10AM

Photos of items updated on website daily - www.stuartbondrealestate.com.au

57 BAGULEY STREET, WARWICK For more information, A/C BRUCE MAUNDER. please contact Stuart Bond on 0419 677 775

OLD

STUART BOND REAL ESTATE & AUCTIONEER

WARWICK 46613462 or 0419677775 sbondrealestate@bigpond.com

Pencilhead solutions F N O D D I A T A S T E

A I I I N M P L M M R U

S E R V C P P K E B H R

T D E S H R O C F E O O

U N P E T O I P A C W P

T S L V D V N L U A N E

P M A R K E T S C L C C

R H I H O H E R H C A C

Chocolate Milk Wordfind: Hidden Phrase: “A survey found some people believed chocolate milk came from brown cows.”

V N Y I Y C D E A I C R

K O E S B O E T N U A E

E M B T I L M U G M O D

Y E B O T C F R E S H I

S P E R T A I N S U O T

F O L Y E A I A R G N O

O E L E R T N A N A E W

Spot the Five Differences: 1. Straw in glass moved 2. Circle missing from bottle 3. Cow missing horns 4. Choco changed to choko 5. Straw missing

U A D D I N G Y O R Y S

COUNTRYJOURNAL

Currency gyrations on wool market Contributed by: Bruce McLeish, Elders

Not a lot of change to the overall wool market indicators last week, with the EMI closing 5 cents higher in local currency terms, but a decrease in price of 9 cents in US Dollar terms, and 11 cents higher in Euro terms as currencies moved in all sorts of different directions. The US Dollar is getting stronger as markets anticipate higher interest rates shortly in the USA, and lower iron ore prices, and a more stubborn (or perhaps insightful) Reserve Bank here is pushing the Aussie Dollar down. Similarly, in Europe, the Euro is weakening against the USD making calculating wool prices a little more challenging than usual. Apart from the currency induced gyrations, the wool market is a pretty ‘ho hum’ sort of affair at present. Things are certainly moving along nicely with more than 90% of the offering being sold, volumes are up substantially on last year, as are prices, and wools are gradually coming out of hold stocks onto the market. But, there is no real spark or urgency about the trade at present.

Perhaps the exporters and processors are a little jaded as the calendar year draws to a close. With only 4 weeks of selling remaining until the Christmas Recess things seem to be a little slower and more subdued than normal. There is obviously no issue with Chinese quota this year, and the shipping cut-off was potentially last week, given the abhorrent state of sea-borne transport issues at present. The European market has been going hell-for-leather recently, and whilst there will probably be a last-minute flurry from them for the remaining superfine lots up until February, most of the Italian and German processors are just looking in cupboards, and under beds for any prompt stock of tops or yarn that they have missed. The few remaining combing mills in Europe have bulging order books, and delays of processing are more likely than not. Those buying tops or yarn from China have a list of scheduled shipments as long as your arm, and getting longer as moving a container from Shanghai to La Spezia or Hamburg still takes close to 3 times the normal, pre-covid transfer and 6 times the cost.

Mills in China who can, have a large export order business and are reticent to book too much more, for fear of overloading their fragile production schedule. Export business for Chinese early stage processors is seen as reliable, but cash flow restrictive, as well as quality restrictive – compared to the domestic market where they can often turn over cheaper, lower quality product for quick cash. Along with the faltering electricity lottery still plaguing some sections of the processing chain, labour shortages mean that many mills in China are not able to operate at anything like full capacity. Owners lament that the younger generation do not want to work night shift, or are reluctant to turn up regularly at the factory. When alternative employment opportunities are available, pushing trolleys or cans of wool around a noisy, dusty carding room is perhaps not the first choice for a millennial, despite how character building the baby-boomer generation thinks it could be. Coupled with a fairly lack-lustre domestic retail environment in China, the labour and energy issues make for a subdued appetite for greasy wool.