A Flinders Island buyer has spiked the sheep market at the recent Temora first-cross ewe sale paying $192 a head for 172 first-cross ewes that were May-June 2008 drop and August shorn. This price is believed to be an Australian record. This sale gave some confidence ahead of a massive yarding of 46,000 sheep at the opening Riverina store sheep at Hay. Even with the current seasonal conditions the large numbers of sheep at the sale still surprised local agents. Many producers have decided to sell stock early in order to conserve valuable fodder. Most lines were expected to present in very forward condition due to an earlier autumn break and mild winter weather in the region.

Rural scholarships

With Australia’s rural sector at a turning point, the University of Sydney will offer 25 scholarships for degrees in sustainable natural and agricultural systems to rural and regional New South Wales residents. Each $10,000 scholarship will cover tuition fees for a degree in a course with a focus on sustainability. There is huge financial pressure on people in regional and rural NSW with the on-going drought and government policy direction. Farmers now have to consider food security, water security and carbon emissions as part of their business proposition. The current economic climate puts studying in Sydney beyond the reach of many rural students and the University of Sydney scholarships affirm a commitment to sustainability as the way ahead for all Australia.

Feral pig and goat control

The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will be conducting the latest stage of its strategic pest animal control program, concentrating on feral goats and pigs within nineteen of the region’s reserves. NPWS Regional Operations Coordinator Jason Neville said the aerial control program will reduce the impacts of pest goats and pigs on native wildlife and vegetation within the parks and reserves. The pest program will result in some temporary closures of the reserves from September 21 until October 2.