Cheers for the top year

AND that’s a wrap.

Now that our last edition of the Rural Weekly has been put to bed, on behalf of our team I would like to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

May the summer rainfall be plentiful in your patch!

As a rural journalist, reporting on all things agriculture, 2017 was a year full of twists and turns.

The backpacker tax was introduced, Cyclone Debbie wreaked havoc and we saw even more record-breaking sales in the stud cattle industry.

We did our very best to tell the stories of country folk living right across the country.

This included chatting to contract musterers in remote parts of the Pilbara, to calling new stud breeders in Victoria, all the while keeping our online presence rolling with any breaking news or developments.

Since starting my role with

Rural Weekly I have argued for a branded helicopter or light aircraft, one that could whisk me, or another one of our journalists (I guess I would have to share), away to the far corners of the country to gather these stories.

Imagine the aerial photos we would capture!

While the chopper remains just my dream, in the interim most of my work is done from my desk.

We rely on the generosity of rural people who are willing to share their time and their tales, and take a few snaps and send them in to us.

Agriculture is the driving force of rural and regional communities, and we’re keen to tackle whatever 2018 throws up.

As always, we are eager to know what you would like to read in your Rural Weekly. Feel free to send your suggestions to andrea.davy@ ruralweekly.com.au.

Rural Weekly will return on Friday, January 12.