This week’s market recorded increases for the third consecutive series, with main buyer interest in the 18.5 micron and coarser range. The first day of trade saw the NRI gain 60 cents, while the second day was more subdued, with only mar-ginal increases recorded. By the close of the week, the NRI had regained 65 cents, to close at 1635.

In the last three weeks, the NRI has bounced back 257 cents (69% of what it had lost since the mid-year recess). Sell-ers were keen to accept the increased prices, resulting in a national passed in rate of only 7.6%. However, it is worth noting that the fleece market softened to-ward the end of the series, with the West-ern region recording falls of 30-70 cents on the final day.

Skirtings followed a similar path to the fleece, with strong competition helping to push prices up by 40-70 cents.

Next week’s national offering has in-creased considerably as a result of the price rises, currently there are 40,999 bales rostered nationally.

Source: AWEX

Grower John Pattison, Takada Farming, Marrar with GRDC Northern Panel member Bruce Watson from Parkes.

The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) recently conducted a four-day tour through the Central West and southern NSW to gain ‘on the ground’ insight into the current challenges and opportunities facing grain growers.

GRDC Northern Panel Chair John Minogue said the tour had an important advisory and strategic role in helping to guide ongoing and future research investment.

“While many growers and advisers are battling drought conditions most are positive about the long-term future of the grains industry and value the role research plays in ensuring profitability.”

Issues raised by growers, advisers and end-users included: an increased interest in trials with livestock components; why a successful pulse crop is critical for NSW; the impact of increasing biologicals on soil health; future research capacity; heat and drought tolerant crops, particularly triticale and oats; improving the skills of graduate level agronomists; the carbon economy and what it will mean for grain growers; long season canola options; and what’s next in the barley breeding program.

Australians are urged to work with their community, neighbours and friends to prepare for another tough bushfire season.

Minister for Natural Disaster and Emergency Management David Littleproud said all parts of Australia were vulnerable because of dry conditions and people shouldn’t be complacent.

NSW authorities have brought forward the Bushfire Danger Period in 12 Local Government Areas two months early because of drought and above average winter temperatures. “Last August we saw homes destroyed in NSW; and again in North Queensland in November when the fire danger rating reached Catastrophic for the first time. Bushfires can strike at any time and we’ve got to be prepared,” the Minister said.

“The Coalition Government has committed more than $6.2 million on the next generation Australian Fire Danger Rating System so we have more accurate and local fire risk messaging.”

“All Australians, especially those in highrisk areas, should have fire plans in place well ahead of time to make sure they and their families are safe. Also when people know their neighbours it saves lives and helps during the recovery.”

“People wanting more information, including on how to plan and prepare, should contact their local fire service.”

Red Cross has tools and resources to help people prepare for disasters, available at www.redcross.org.au

This week’s market continued to decline; however, the losses were not as extreme. By the close of trade the NRI had lost 17 cents to finish at 1521.

Buyers continued to seek out the better style lots, resulting in minimal change for those types. Non-mulesed wool continued to attract strong competition, maintaining a healthy premium over similarly specified wools (as much as 200 cents clean for selected lots). However lesser style wools and those with poor additional measurements, lacked the same demand resulting in general losses of 50- 80 cents.

Oddments also suffered losses this week, with all types and descriptions generally falling by 80-120 cents. Crossbreds were the only sector to record increases, with 26 to 28 micron generally gaining 25-40 cents (it was these gains that prevented the NRI from recording a larger fall).

Despite the general reductions, more sellers were willing to accept the current level, as the national passed in rate reduced to 16.1% (compared to 35.3% the previous week).

Source: AWEX